"...this way Mr.Malhotra.."the organiser gestured Manik and Nandini to proceed. "..I am extremely sorry for the confusion..but the thing is we thought.."and all of a sudden the organiser stopped talking as he realise what he was about to say and most importantly to whom.

But of course Manik and Nandini both caught the gist. Though Nandini didn't say anything but Manik couldn't control his annoyance. "..that I will be accompanying Alia and Nyonika Malhotra.."

The organiser though didn't say anything but simply lowered his eyes which proved that indeed Manik and Nandini's thoughts were on right direction.

"Mr.Vashist I would request that from next time before making assumptions kindly contact my team..that would save you the trouble and my precious time which I lost due to this mis arrangement..."Manik's words literally choked him so he mumbled "..I am extremely sorry Mr.Malhotra..this won't be repeated next time..I apologise for the inconvenience. Please forgive us this one time.."

"First and last time.."Manik pointed which made Mr.Vashist gasp audibly. However when Manik didn't say anything he moved away and gestured them to take the seat which was opposite to the seats taken by Nyonika and Alia who were looking at Manik and Nandini with eyes filled with irritation and anger.

But unfortunately they can't do anything as it was already too humiliating for them that as soon as Manik came to know about the arrangements he literally ordered to get his seat changed. Not only that he brought someone else as his date for tonight. To top it all he didn't even bothered to acknowledge their presence in the event.

No matter how pissed they were they can't go and confront Manik about it because they were just to scared to say or do anything that would make them face Manik's wrath that too publicly.

So they both chose to kept quiet.

Nandini on the other hand could feel all the eyes on her. However she could easily differentiate the shooting daggers of Alia and Nyonika's gaze from the rest of them. Had it been any other scenario Nandini would have really felt uncomfortable but with Manik next to his side Nandini was ready to face anything that was about to come her way tonight.

She knew the world would talk about her. And even tomorrow morning the entire newspaper would be filled with gossip and fake articles which wouldn't take a second to raise finger at Nandini's character.

But still Nandini was here because she knew she wasn't wrong. And most importantly she trusted Manik.

Yes she did.

She knew that no matter how rude and difficult Manik was for the rest of the world. For her he had only been a saviour. Someone who had kept her priorities..her comfort zone over his professional commitments.

And that was more than enough for her to stand by him without the fear of what being and not being said about her anymore.

Though deep down Nandini was scared because of the blind trust that she was showing towards Manik but somehow that fear wasn't enough to change Nandini's course of action..which was to leave Manik's side.

So here she was..

..with Manik sitting next to her..

..and every single pair of eyes on her..

..while she accompanied Manik to this fashion show.

Honestly Nandini had seen a loads of fashion shows on television.

She had numerous time seen picture perfect Supermodels walking down the ramp in the most stylish outfit ever.

But watching it live was a different experience altogether. She was surprised that something that looks so superficial on television..in reality so much of hard work goes into making it surreal.

She was highly impressed..not only because of picture perfect models that were walking down the ramp but also because of the arrangements that were made to give the show a classy yet Morden look.

Much to her surprise she founded herself admiring some of the clothes that the models were wearing.

Even Manik could sense Nandini's excitement. So he got her more involved and he was surprised by Nandini's opinion which was quite similar to his own view.

Though Manik had attended these kinds of events before but today it was really different.

Because maybe for the first time in his life he was enjoying himself.

Of course the credit goes to the person sitting next to him..

..Nandini.

Well that's exactly what happens when someone is in company of beloved..time just flew by.

..just like it happened with Manik and Nandini.

They enjoyed it so much that they didn't even realise when the show ended.

They both got up and applauded when finally the show stopper walked the ramp with the designer and the show officially ended.

As soon as the show ended Aryaman appeared out of nowhere startling Nandini for a moment but when she realised that Aryaman nodded at Manik she knew something was up.

Manik's face fall too and he grimaced that really got Nandini worried.

Manik nodded back and leaned low so that he could whisper in Nandini's ears "..we need to go Nandini..apparently we have one more show to get over with.."

Nandini frowned as she didn't understood what Manik meant. But before she could ask anything Manik gestured her to move behind Aryaman.

Aryaman made ways for them so that none of the paparazzi or any unwanted people should come close to them.

Soon he led them to the hallway and opened the door of the same green room where Manik and Nandini were waiting before the starting of the show.

But of course as soon as soon Nandini entered the room all her confusion evaporated as her eyes fell on Nyonika and Alia who were waiting for them.

As soon as Manik and Nandini entered the room Alia covered the distance between them in few strides and started to glared at them with accusatory glances.

Though Nyonika tried to stop her but Alia was just too angry so she started yelling "How can you do this to me Manik..how could you humiliate me and your mother like that.."

Her words were enough to fan the flames of rage inside Manik's heart but somehow he controlled it because he didn't wanted to strangle Alia in front of Nandini. So he asked calmly. "Alia..I have no idea..what you are referring to.."

"Really Manik.."Alia raised her eyebrows. "..you really don't know.."

"Absolutely not..I have no idea..what you are talking about.."Manik shrugged casually.

That did it for Alia. She lost it completely.
"..what is she doing here.."Alia first looked at Nandini with disgust then shifting her gaze back at Manik she scowled. "..you were supposed to be my date remember.."

However..even her words were Manik's undoing. He lost control over his cool as well.
"..really Alia.."he raised his eyebrows and reminded her "..in that case let me remind you something that you were supposed to stay 1000 miles away from me and my people Miss.Alia Saxena..as per the trespassing orders..have you forgotten that.."Manik's words choked Alia.

"What happened.."Manik raised his eyebrows. "..please don't tell me you got confused all over again..and once again you started with all your hallucinations..that restraining order was for someone else.."Manik pointed out. "..because my dear.,it wasn't..you are supposed to stay away from me and my people Ms.Saxena..if you don't want to end up behind bars.."

Alia gulped as Manik mercilessly reminded him about the restraining orders which silent him for a while. However this time Nyonika spoke. "..Manik..don't be so harsh on her...she just did a mistake.."

But before she could finish Manik spoke "..and who asked your advice Nyonika.."he raised his eyebrows. "..I didn't remember asking you..so kindly keep your mouth shut...okay.."

"..Manik..you can't speak to me like that.."though Nyonika tried too hard but unfortunately she failed miserably to maintain the pretence of being offended. "..I am your MOTHER.."

"Yes.."Manik agreed shocking Nyonika beyond measures "..unfortunately you are..and that's a fact...I can't change.."Manik said disapprovingly. "..however I can change one thing..and that is..."he pointed at her "..whether you stay my mother or not..whether I chose to keep you in my life or not.."

Nyonika kept mum as Manik finally said the word out loud. "..and I choose not to have any connection with you anymore.."

"..so just get out.."Manik pointed towards the door.

Nyonika though wanted to say so many things but somehow Manik's rage stopped her. And without uttering another word she just walked out from there.

"Nandini..let's go.."saying this Manik was about to leave but unfortunately Alia's trance was broken. Since she couldn't say anything to Manik so she chose a weak target..

..Nandini.

..at least that's what Alia thought..

..of course she had no idea whom she was messing with so that's why she did the biggest blunder of night...

..she raised her hand of Nandini.

..actually tried to raise her hand by calling Nandini the  following things..

"..you gold digging w*ore..how f*cking you dare to date Manik..he is Mine..he.."but before she could finish her sentence or slap Nandini..something happened that literally shook Alia to the core.

THWAK!!!

It took a second for Alia to register that not only hand was stopped in mid air but she just got slapped tightly right across her face..

..by NANDINI.

"You bi*ch..how dare.."once again before Alia could finish Nandini slapped her right across her face..

..again.

THWAK!!!

"Just Shut Up.."Nandini's words took everyone in the room by surprise. "..I have enough of your nonsense..but not anymore.."Nandini pointed at Alia "..don't you dare open your mouth because this time I will end up breaking your mouth..and trust me..no one..not even the best plastic surgeons across the globe would be able to fix your face just like your pathetic heart..so just shut up.."

Alia froze and so did Manik.

..but of course due to other reasons.

"Next time if you even dare to utter a single word against me or Manik Sir..I swear I will show you what horror actually means..and now..you should leave before I end up breaking your delicate bones Miss.Saxena."Nandini jerked her hand away with such force that Alia had to take few steps back to keep herself in balance. "..because unlike Manik Sir..I don't have that much patience and most importantly courteousness.."

"..and yes being a woman I can easily slap you hard across your face if you even for once dared to even thought of harming me because like Manik Sir....I am not at all a gentleman who doesn't raise hand at filthy mouth gold digger woman like you..because you are a woman.."

"..so before I loose my temper and show you my real colours..just get lost.."Nandini's words literally drained the colour of Alia's face while it made Manik's face beam with joy and pride.

"Out.."Nandini yelled and this time without even uttering a word Alia literally ran away from there.

Nandini turned around only to find Manik smiling which confused her. "What.."

"Nothing.."Manik raised his hand in surrender. "..Nothing at all.."

Nandini rolled her eyes as she realised that indeed he was teasing her. "..Manik Sir..can we please leave.."

"Of course..lets go.."Manik gestured "..because I can never dare to cross your path..that's for sure.."

"Good for you.."even Nandini was shocked when she said those words out loud but she somehow chose not to show it off so she simply walked away..

..of course with Manik tagged behind who was once again fallen in love with this fierce Nandini.

————————————————————————