"..thank you for dropping me home Aryaman.."Nandini whispered as soon as she got out of the car. "..I am sorry to cause you inconvenience at this hour.."

"No need to thank me Ms.Murthy.."Aryaman shut the door behind her. "..I am just doing my duty.."

"My name is Nandini.."she pointed out. "..you can call me by my name..Aryaman.."

"I don't think that would be appropriate Ms.Murthy.."Aryaman's voice was soft yet professional. "..I don't think Manik Sir would approve.."

"He doesn't need to know...it will be our little secret.."Nandini added. "..from now on you will call me only Nandini..Ms.Murthy makes me sound like a 50 year old teacher when I am barely 21..so please for my peace of mind..call me Nandini..and if you are worried because of Manik..then call me Ms.Murthy in front of him..okay.."

"Fine.."Aryaman smiled "..Nandini.."

"..see that sound much better.."Nandini smiled back too. "..thank you once again and good night.."saying this she turned around to get inside her house but before she could do so Aryaman spoke something that literally halt her feet.

"Manik Sir isn't a bad person..Nandini.."

Nandini turned to look at Aryaman with a shocked expression etched face while he continued.

"..He loves you like he had never loved any one before..that's why he is scared to loose you..too scared actually.."

"In fact right now he is leaving in constant fear that he might end up doing something because of which he would end up loosing you forever..and trust me when I say this Nandini..this thought is more than enough to scare the living daylight out of him.."

"..which in turn makes him do such acts that in eyes of any layman would seem completely ridiculous and outraged..but as for Manik Sir...those acts are completely justified.."

"..I know that I am no one to interfere in your and Manik Sir's personal matter..but Nandini..still I would like to say this one thing to you.."

"Please don't ever leave him.."

"He needs you.."

"..just as much as you need him.."

"I know you already know this as you have accepted him knowing the hardship that you have to face as you have chosen to fallen in love with him...that too without any regret..which in my eyes makes you the most strongest woman in the world.."

"..indeed a perfect match for Manik Sir.."

"Manik Sir loves you..that's true but never ever for a second consider your love for Manik Sir weak.."

"You both are equals.."

"..in every way possible.."

"..always remember that.."

When Nandini didn't say anything Aryaman spoke. "I am sorry for being so blunt..I didn't mean to.."but before he could finish Nandini spoke.

"You don't have to be sorry Aryaman..in fact thank you for your words..honestly...I really needed to hear it.." her smile was genuine which relieved Aryaman beyond measures. "..your welcome Nandini..thank you for your time..good night.."

"Good night Aryaman.."Nandini smiled once again in order to reassure him that his words would stay only between them and their conversation was the beginning of a new camaraderie between them.

Aryaman nodded just once before he got back into the car and drove away.

Nandini sighed and closed her eyes. "Why are you so difficult Manik..what am I going to do with you.."

Opening her eyes she looked at her phone..which had no calls or text..from Manik.

Though she expected it but she was still hurt.

Nandini knew she was at fault but she also knew that she wasn't completely at fault as well.

She was stumped beyond measures when Manik asked her to move in with him.

Was he crazy..

..had he completely lost his mind.

How can he even ask her something like this let alone expecting her to agree almost instantly.

Yes..

..she agreed she should have handled it calmly but at that point of time she was totally freaking out..

..that's why she straight away denied saying that she wasn't ready for it..and according to her neither was he.

Things were moving too fast.

Yes..she agreed that she slept with him..and yes..she doesn't at all regret it..

..but moving in together..that was just too much for her to handle at the moment.

Though she won't lie..she had hoped that one day she would move in with him..but that was the talk of distant future..

...right now they both were just in the initial stage of their relationship..

..they need to work on several aspects before they eventually chose to take such a big step.

And on top of that what would she say to her chacha-chachi. The thought of explaining the truth to them was too traumatically horrific for her to even consider.

She was still confused as he knew that how important her family was for her...so how can he even not consider this important aspect--her family--before jumping the gun and deciding all of this on his own without
even bothering to ask her.

She knew she was correct..

..however she also knew this wasn't the answer Manik was expecting that's why he simply stomped out of the villa without even bothering to look or say anything to her.

But Manik being Manik couldn't leave his Nandini without a way out..

..that's why when 10 minutes later she stood at the threshold of the villa wondering how she will reach home..

..she found Aryaman zooming into the scene with a car.

On asking where Manik was Aryaman simply stated that Manik asked him to drop her safely at her house as he has some important business to take care off.

Nandini sighed once again as she shook her head. "Aiyappaa..why am I getting this feeling that this guy is about to do something that will only make me freak out even more.."

"Nandu..."

She turned to find her chacha on the entrance "..what took you so long beta.."

Nandini smiled as she walked and stood in front of him. "..there was some important work I was finishing up Chachu..sorry for being late.."

"Arey..it's okay beta..don't be.."Chacha ji caressed her hair. "..you are actually on right time..come I want you to meet someone.."

"Who..chacha.."Nandini frowned as she stepped inside the house while her chacha closed the door behind her. "..a guinea pig..who will be tasting your chachi's innovative dishes.."

"What.."Nandini smiled. "Who is it.."

Before her chacha could reply they both heard Shanno's voice. "Arey Nandu..you are home too..". She rushed towards Nandini only to held her hand. "..come..I want you to meet someone..".

"Who..Chachi.." now even Nandini was curious. She has never seen Shanno so excited. "For that you need to come with me.."Shanno literally dragged Nandini with her making both her and chacha ji smile.
"I am sure even you would like him.."

"..bada hi sona munda hai.."

They all entered the kitchen area where Nandini saw a guy who was sitting on the dining table with his back facing them.

"Beta..did you like it.."Shanno enquired.

However Nandini froze when she heard a familiar voice that literally sent shockwaves down her spine.

"Wow...chachi..these Manchurian paratha's are awesome..can I get some more.."

Shanno's smile grew wider while chachaji was now stumped at his statement however Nandini's feet jammed at her place as she whispered in an inaudible voice..

"..Manik.."

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