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After Nandini ran out of Manik's Penthouse, she returned home, showered and got ready as Navya came to pick her up for their Saturday brunch as promised.

They had come to their favourite restaurant and have already given their order , and now at the present they were just sitting at their table in silence waiting for their food.

"So, spill it, what happened? " Navya started as the waitress set down two glasses of raspberry lemonade.

"What is that supposed to mean, nothing happened?" Nandini said as she took a sip of her lemonade, trying to act like everything was perfectly normal as always.

"Really, Nandini. Who are you you trying to fool... Me!?, I'm not stupid. The all time blabbering, talkative Queen is sitting quietly today,so it definitely means that something did happen or more correctly who happened? " Navya said as she pointed it out.

" Nothing happened with Manik."

Nandini gasped and covered her mouth as soon as she realised what she has said in the flow of the conversation... Heat of the moment, and now Navya won't leave her alone until and unless she extracts each and every details.

"ohhhh! So something really did happened, today morning... Huh!" Navya said teasingly with an eyebrow raised and when she saw Nandini opened her mouth to say something she interrupted her by continuing speaking, "And don't even try to deny it Nandu dear, its pointless now you know, as it wasn't me who took his name I was toh talking about maybe you had one of your silly fights with your brother or one of your cousins, Manik's name did not even come to my mind, it was you yourself who mentioned him. " and finished it with a wide smirk knowing that she had won, now Nandini has no way of escaping from her.

"Shut up, okay you won... I'll tell you happy now. " Nandini mumbled while blushing.

Navya laughed, watching Nandini looked down at the table in shyness.

'Oooo!! First blushing and now shy, and knowing Manik something really interesting must have happened between the two... Oh God I can't handle this suspense anymore, I can't wait anymore. I have to know about it now. 'Navya thought and was going to tell Nandini to hurry up and start talking, but was stopped when the waitress came back and started serving their food on the table.

Both Navya and Nandini thanked her and started eating.

After taking the first bite Nandini finally started telling her about today's morning incident... And finished her tale telling by saying, "and before I left, He said that he is not interested in any other girls as he has his eyes on someone special at the moment who is driving him crazy."

"What really he said that? did he tell you who is that special someone is?", as soon as Navya asked that particular question, Nandini's face was on fire, she looked so adorable while blushing so heavily and started looking everywhere in the restaurant except Navya's eyes.

On the other side, looking at her expression and the way she was behaving. Navya got to know who that special someone is, now she just wanted to hear it out loud directly from Nandini's mouth.

Navya was actually quite shocked and surprised after hearing about all this, she knew that there was an attraction between the two and that Nandini has a crush or have come to like him even if she tries to deny it every time and argues with him all the time they meet, but she never thought that Manik would be the first one to come out with his feelings like this and directly confess it to her... Actually scratch that, of course Manik will be the first one among the two to confess. He is a straight forward guy who never liked to go around in circles unnecessarily wasting time... Its just that Navya didn't expect him to say this so soon, so early... That particular point is the reason which left her shocked, astonished, surprised.

"From your expression, I guess you know the answer huh, who is it? Navya asked again for confirmation purpose only, as she already knew who the person is.

" ME. "Nandini replied softly.

Navya smiled happily for her two friends, according to her they make the perfect cutest couple, so she will fully support them, but before Nandini and Manik can take the next step forward, she has to make sure about one thing.

" So what did you say to him after that?" Navya questioned Nandini.

"I ran away from there, I was completely caught off guard by him and suddenly became nervous not knowing what to say to him at that particular moment, so I stupidly stuttered while saying goodbye and left the place hurriedly. I don't know what Manik would be thinking about me right now, leaving him like that after he indirectly confessed by saying all those sweet heartwarming words... Aiyappaaa I am such an idiot stupid girl. "

" Actually it's a good thing that you didn't say anything to him. "Navya said making Nandini stop all her actions and look at Navya in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Nandini asked.

"Nandu you are my bestest friend /sister and I will always look out for for you and have your back just like how you do for me... That's why before making any kind of decisions I want you to be aware of the consequences you might have to face in the future if you get involved with Manik. "Navya said seriously.

"What are you talking about and Why are you suddenly acting so seriously like this?, I thought you would be jumping in joy and happiness after hearing this, as you are the one who is always talking about Manik and trying to make me confess that I like him and all, I thought you wanted us to be together. " Nandini asked with a confused look on her face.

"I'm just being a protective friend, that's all. " Navya replied as she put her fork down.

Nandini paused for a minute.

"What are you protecting me from?" Nandini asked as she took a sip from her lemonade.

"Manik!" Navya answered as she directly looked her in the eyes.

"What, Why?" Nandini asked as she stopped eating.

"Because as you know he comes from a very famous, powerful, rich family, they have got many rivals and enemies after them. And in the future their enemies may go after you and harm you just to get revenge, back at Manik and his family. That's why I don't want you to rush into anything without having no idea of what you are actually getting into." Navya replied back very calmly and thought 'it's not the complete truth as it's not my place to tell her about Manik's secret, Manik is the one who should tell her everything , but as her best friend I can at least warn her about the possible dangers she might face like this without giving away the full truth secret. '

Nandini listened to Navya's each and every word carefully and she understood why Navya was behaving like this. She was just worried about her safety and wellbeing and at that moment Nandini felt truly blessed to have a person like Navya as her best friend, who cared and loved her and her family so much.

Same goes for Navya too to have a friend /sister like Nandini, they both were lucky to have each other in their lives.

There was silence for few minutes between them after that, and they both started eating the rest of their food.

While eating Nandini kept on thinking about Navya's words and started remembering all the different moments she has shared with Manik... Even if he was a big flirt, arrogant, rude, completely full of himself, he wasn't a bad person from heart... she couldn't ignore and forget about all the little sweet things he has done for her till now and also how he safely guided her through the crowd while protecting her from everyone out of the club the night they first met and every time she was around him or wrapped in his arms, she always felt so safe like no evil can touch her ever. And at that very moment she knew what her answer will be.

"Manik will protect me." Nandini said as she ate a spoonful of noodles.

"wh-" Navya started but was stopped again when the waitress came to the table.

"How is the food?" The waitress asked.

"Good," was Navya's reply.

The waitress smiled and asked, "will there be any dessert for you two?"

Navya was about to say 'no' when Nandini said, "Yes. A Chocolate cake will be nice."

The waitress smiled and said, "Okay, it will be out in fifteen minutes Mam."

"What were you saying? " Nandini asked as the waitress left.

Navya thought for a few seconds before saying, "What if Manik can't protect you all the time, then what? "

Nandini paused for a minute. She stopped eating to think.

"Manik will definitely protect me and if by any chance he couldn't , then he sure as hell will get the person back... whoever hurt me. " Nandini said with confidence in her voice.

Navya smiled at her reply. She was so happy that her friend has finally found her special someone... 'Even though they have only met a couple of weeks ago and he is a dangerous man... Oops sorry demon. I guess you can't help who your heart falls for. I mean I fell in love with a joker, foodie pervert afterall ' Navya thought amusingly at the last part.

After they were done eating the waitress picked up their dinner plates and brought out their dessert and for the rest of the brunch they talked about college, latest fashion and trends, family, and boys.

"But I'm really sad about one thing. " Nandini said as she took a bite out of their cake.

"About what? " Navya asked as she took the last sip of her raspberry lemonade.

"There is this guy who asked me out on Friday after volleyball practice, and I said yes and now I have to cancel that. " Nandini whined and continued, " it will be horrible to go out with him when Manik has kinda admitted that he likes me and I don't want the guy to get killed because Manik is jealous... As you mentioned once that he is kinda possessive. " Nandini said before she took a sip of her water.

"Oh you are absolutely true about that Nandu but let me correct one thing about what you said... Its not kinda but he is a hell of a possessive person. " Navya said with a snicker, making Nandini groan a bit and roll her eyes.

After they finished their cake the waitress took the plate and gave them their bill which Navya paid for.

Then Navya dropped Nandini back home. But before Nandini could get out of her car She said, " I will support any decision that you make, whenever you make it... Take your time and decide carefully. I just want you to be safe and happy."

"Okay. Thanks for your support Navu. Love you, Bye. " Nandini said.

"Love you too. I'll call you later tonight, bye. " Navya responded as she waited for Nandini to enter her house before driving off to the library to return her book.

Navya smiled lightly already knowing what her decision will be.

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How was today's chapter? few words for it... Was it boring, Sorry there was no Manan today but the next one will be filled with Manan moments.

Bye,

Love you all,

Ria❤️