Nandini-" Manik has to cook Dosa with chutney, also mumma's favorite idly sambar for us and Appa will help him in that! Isn't it great! " As soon as she said this she heard 2 people shouting on top of their voice.

.

.

Manik/ Nitish-" WHAT !!!COOKING??? WITH HIM. NO WAYS!!!"

Nandini raised her eyebrow in challenging manner-" Yes ways, Manik you promised me that you will do anything for my forgiveness. So I want you to do this. Earlier I had thought something else but now looking at you two fighting I have changed my mind. Cook together and this will also help you both to at least behave properly with each other. Appa now even you are a part of punishment so both the handsome chefs the kitchen is all yours. Amma, come let's watch TV till then these 2 will do their work." She waved at them and held Gauri's hand who was controlling herself to not to burst out laughing.

Bot the mother daughter duo went in the living room to enjoy their Sunday while Manik and Nitish made a puppy face looking at their ladies and then turned towards each other only for Nitish to make a weird face while Manik to smile at him nervously.

KITCHEN

Manik stood by a corner looking at Nitish who was looking around the kitchen like a lost kid. Nitish had never been a great cook, he only knew basics of cooking so right now he didn't know what to do.

While Manik knew how to cook but never in his life he cooked South Indian dishes and now here the love of his life has given him punishment to do something he never did with the person who according to him despise him.

It's a punishment for a reason Malhotra!

And now only his conscience was remaining to mock. He thought.

*Manik stop sulking and start cooking and please don't do any thing wrong in front of your would be father-in-law nahi toh apne hi pyar ko kisi aur ka hote hue dekhna padega.*

Manik gave himself a pep talk.

Manik-" Uncle, should we start? I think we should first start with the filling of dosa." He asked him politely. Anyone who knew Manik would be shocked to see him talking being a little intimidated, but this was him when he was in front of Nitish. Always trying to put on his best of behavior all for his Nandini.

Nitish looked at him suspiciously and asked-" Do you know how to make it?"

Manik -" Yes, I know cooking but only punjabi dishes and a bit of Chinese as it's Nandini's favorite." He said while Nitish looked at him a bit impressed but didn't show it on his face.

Nitish-" Nandini loves south Indian more than those Chinese dishes. Now how will we make this masala dosa, and idly sambar? I think we have the batter with us in the fridge but what about the filling?" He sat on the stool near the counter giving Manik a 'what next' look.

Manik-" Google !!! Uncle we can google it. Wait let me search." He took out his phone while Nitish scooted closer to him to see. They both searched for the recipe and then looked at each other.

Nitish-" You start making I will tell you what to do next after all I only need to help you, the punishment is yours." He sat on the stool while Manik huffed in annoyance but didn't say anything.

Nitish was smirking enjoying the look on Manik's face this was his chance to test him as well as to take revenge from him to steal his wife as well as daughter's attention.

"Okay Manik, first you need to boil potatoes." Nitish commanded and Manik like a sincere child followed his command.

Keeping the potatoes to boil he looked at Nitish with 'What's next' look.

"Ahem... Chop the onions"

Manik took two onions from the pantry and started chopping it.

Nitish was scrolling down his mobile to see how to make sambar when he heard someone sniffing.

"Manik, we have just started and you started crying." He mocked at him while Manik lifted his head sniffing hard

Manik-" I'm not crying sir, it's just these onions." He lifted the knife and the half cut onion. Nitish cleared his throat and came back with a bowl of cold water, he dropped all the half cut onions in that and rinsed it once.

Nitish-" Well this is the technic I use to do back when I lived in PG and use to cook. Come on let's chop it now, you won't shed tears now." He smiled remembering his college days and Manik looked at him chopping some onions showing him and asking him to do the same.

They were almost done with the sambar and had made the filling for the dosa too. Nitish looked at Manik who was right now fully exhausted with all the running around the kitchen and cooking. Now was the time to make dosa. Manik was about to pour the batter on the pan when again Nitish stopped him. 

Nitish-" Hey not like this, first we need to see if the pan is at moderate temperature or not, and for that you need to sprinkle some water so that it can be cooled down. See, like this you see the bubbles coming now just clean the pan with this cloth and now pour the batter." He showed him by pouring the batter. Manik was looking at him like he was doing some science experiment with full concentration and excitement. 

Nitish-" What? Why are you staring me like that? You should make it not me. Now put some oil on the sides. How the hell you say that you know cooking." He poked Manik with his elbow and the later smiled doing the same. 

Nandini and Gauri were hiding outside looking at the duo making dosa and being happy to see them atleast working together and helping each other. As soon as the two saw that they were almost done with the entire thing they ran away before being caught. 

Soon they were done making everything and Nitish  ordering Manik to plate everything and bring outside went out to call the ladies to the table. 

******************

D3 DANCE ACADEMY

Shivansh came to Ruhi's dance academy as she had called him which was something surprising for him as it was him who use to go to her always. He reached her studio and asked about her.

Shivansh-" Ruhanika Malhotra, can you let me know where can I find her?" he asked a girl

Girl-" She is in her rehearsal hall on the 3rd floor. The last room on that floor." I heard the receptionist say that. Well Ruhi is the co-owner of this Dance academy which has been built up by her team D3. It's a beautiful academy which teaches dance to all age group and every dance form.

Ruhi was in the rehearsal hall practicing her new routine for the upcoming event. She was dressed in a beautiful red dress and busy in her dance world forgetting everything. Shivansh was standing outside watching her through the glass wall with his face adoring a smile looking at his love dancing. But that smile suddenly vanished as he saw a guy who came towards her and lifted her by her bare waist. They were dancing much closely for Shivansh's disliking. He couldn't hear the song as the hall was soundproof but looking at them dancing clearly stated that it was a slow romantic dance.

Shivansh* How dare this chimpanzee dance with my Ruhi? Okay fine dance theek hai maybe he is a member but why is he staring at her like she is his fav. candy. I will surely break his bones today* He thought all this and marched towards the door and entered.

Shiv-" Ruhi."

Ruhi and the guy stopped because of the sound, well Shivansh literally banged the door open and then called for her which startled both of them. Ruhanika switched the music off and while the guy stood confused looking at the new visitor.

Ruhi-" Shivansh, you came quite early, and don't you have any manners to not disturb someone while they are working?" She sarcastically replied. Well one thing you should know about Ruhanika is 'NEVER DISTURB HER WHILE SHE IS DANCING'

Shiv-" Well you should look at the time first Ruhi, I'm on time its 12 pm. Its you who was busy dancing with this ...." He was about to say chimpanzee but stopped and left his sentence incomplete though his face said it all.

Ruhi- "Ohh, I didn't realise it's already 12. Swayam we will continue this afterwards. Well most of the routine is done and the rest of it we will do it tomorrow?" She asked him to which Shivansh made a face. She was talking so politely with him while with him its always rude.

Swayam- "Yaa that's not an issue, I will see you tomorrow then, Bye." He side hugged her and smiled while shifting his hair locks from his front a bit and left the hall collecting his duffle bag.

As soon as Swayam left Ruhi turned towards Shivansh whose face was as hard as a stone.

Ruhi-" Shivansh? Shivansh where are you lost?" She looked at him with an eyebrow up and patting his shoulder.

Shiv-" Haan... No nowhere. Who was he and what were you two practicing? I mean what for?" He was trying to maintain his calm. He was hell possessive for her specially infront of boys but then he couldn't show it directly.

Ruhi-" He is my team member Swayam Shekhawat. And tujhe kyun batau what for we were preparing?" She moved towards the table and grabbed a water bottle while Shivansh just made a face.

Shivansh * Shivansh calm down buddy you can't show your possessiveness to Ruhi now. She doesn't know your feelings. If now I will ask her anything she will kick me out right away. But I need to find out about that guy.* 

He took a deep breath and smiled at Ruhi 

Shiv-" Okay, why did you call me? Everything is fine right?"

Ruhi-" Umm.. That is what I want to know that is everything fine? Yesterday both my brothers celebrated rakhi just the way we use to do. After all these years how did this magic happened? Or should I ask who made this happen?" She asked him directly taking him off guard while Shivansh looked at her with wide eyes but then smiled nervously.

SHiv-" How would I know this Ruhi and what do you mean by... who made it possible? Ask your brothers only... that how did they came suddenly. Actually what is the need to even ask they celebrated the day with you just like you wanted so its okay na." He did shutter in between trying to maintain a neutral face but the Ruhanika' s stares did no good for him. 

Ruhi-" Do you think I'm a fool who won't understand that what is happening around me? My brothers may be the best in business world but they are worst than kids when it comes to mending relation or talking with family. They will never initiate anything from their end untill someone makes them understand." She moved past him and took a seat while Shivansh looked at her. 

Shiv-" Oh well you are right those two are idiots in case of family matters. But why are you telling me all this." He rubbed the back of his neck giving her a side look.

Ruhi-" Because I saw you that day hiding behind my room door and listening to my talks with Dadda. I know you would have talked with Bhaiyu and Maan Bhai about this. You made them understand because of which I celebrated the day with both of them. Thank you so much for doing this for me." She gave him her real smile while her eyes were teary. Shivansh though was happy to see her smile panicked seeing her tears. He went near and wiped them off gently with his tumbs while Ruhi looked at him still smiling. 

Shiv-" I did what was right for all 3 of you. And I didn't force them but just showed them a mirror as to what wrong they were doing from so long. At the end it is them who made it special for you Ruhi by setting their differences aside. No need to thank me because even I want my buddies happiness which resides in them being together." Ruhi nodded her head holding Shivansh's hands which were resting on her face. 

Ruhi-" I hope that they work on mending their relation also, this project is my last hope of bringing my brothers back together." 

*********************

At the table

Manik was standing at a side after serving both the ladies along with Nitish. They were looking like those Masterchef contestants who were waiting for the judgement. Manik had never been this scared and nervous even in his first office meeting.

Nandini-" Amma, Yeh toh ekdum waisa nahi hai jaisa hamne socha tha. It tastes soo...." She made a face looking at Gauri who was having a thoughtful expression having another bite. Manik and Nitish looked at eachother. Now Manik was biting his nail in nervousness. 

Nitish-" Why what is wrong in this? Manik made the exact same way as it was shown in the videos. I also helped him so what is not right?" He first time ever defended Manik which he himself didn't realised then but it brought a smile on Manik's face. 

Nandini- "Aree Appa it is beyond our expectation. We had thought that you both will make a complete mess but this is so delicious. Like just the way Amma makes and the dosa is so crispy and filling I just can't express." She had one more bite of dosa smiling at both of them. 

Gauri-" True that, idli is so soft and spongy and the coconut chutney too good. Manu beta, you did a fab job." She smiled and fed him a bite standing up while he was jumping up and down in happiness. 

Nitish-" Ohh hello, I helped him that is the reason he could pass it and see I didn't even get a bite." He huffed in annoyance manik Gauri laugh when Nandini side hugged him and fed him her dosa. 

Manik-" So my Highness am I forgiven now?" Manik bowed royally keeping his right hand on his chest." 

Nandini-" Ofcourse you are forgiven Manik and I'm so happy that now whenever I will wish to have south indian food I will ring you up to cook for me." She said making him go in shock. 

With this all the 4 of them enjoyed their meal with some fun and leg pulling.

**************************

ArMan Co. 

Arjun was working on his laptop with full concentration when Aarohi knocked at his door. 

Aarohi-" Sir, I have gone through the file and have made these pointers as well." Arjun took the file back and went through it while his face had an impressed look. 

Arjun-" Good job Miss Aarohi, its perfect and I can see that you did a detailed analysis on this. Good going. Anything else you need to say?" He looked up to see Aarohi smiling ear to ear hearing her praise and cleared her throat looking at him.

Aarohi-" Thank you sir. Sir, I had a talk with Nandini Murthy Manik Malhotra's PA and we had decided to have a meeting regarding the project tomorrow in our office. Should I fix it sir or give them some other date?" She asked Arjun who stopped abruptly and went into thinking mode. After some minutes he composed himself. 

Arjun-" Yes, you.. you can fix it for tomorrow make it in the afternoon after lunch. And you may leave now." 

Aarohi-" Sure sir." She gave Arjun a look. Well his face said that he was a bit disturbed after knowing about this meet but why? She chose to remain silent and went off.

Arjun's POV 

Tomorrow we will again have a meeting in the same conference room, the last meeting of ours in ArMan was a disaster 5 years ago. Should I shift the meeting to his office or let this thing go the way it is going? In all these years we had met a lot of times for a lot of meeting but as competitors but tomorrow again we will be working as a team and that too in the same conference room which has seen our fight. Why am I feeling uneasy about it? Ughhhh... Arjun relax, just relax nothing will happen. You need to be professional now just keep yourself calm and concentrate only on the meeting. This project is really important for the company and we will have to work together. Let the things go how they are going. Relax.

***************************

Aarohi was walking back home and it was already 7. It took a lot of time to wrap everything today as she had to prepare things for tomorrow's meeting and now to top it all her scooty was also not with her. 

"Taxi!!! Taxi!!!.... Arggghhhh why don't these taxi stop when a person needs it. I am walking like this from 10 mins and still no sign of any bus or taxi." This was the third taxi which zoomed off without stopping making her completely frustrated. She again started walking trying to find some vehicle or bus. 

Taxi!!!! Stoppp Stop!!" She stopped a vehicle but when it came closer it was a private car and not a cab.

"Umm.. sorry sorry , from far I felt it's a cab, excuse me. You may leave." She excused herself and started looking back when the window of the car opened and a creepy looking guy put signaled her to get it.

Guy-" It's ok beautiful, aaja tujhe chod dunga main jahan jaana hai. Ek baar baith toh." He gave a flirty smile opening the passengers seat while Aarohi snapped her head towards him and held the door with one hand giving him a lopsided smile and....

BANG!!!!!! 

Aarohi-" Jahannum (Hell) main jaana hai, chalega kya??? Yaa bole toh police station leke jaau tujhe." She closed the door of the car loudly glaring at him and snapped him hard. The guy inside shook a little hearing her loud voice. 

Aarohi-" Nikal!! nikal yahan se nahi toh abhi batati hoon main kitni beautiful hoon aur kitni dangerous. Raat ko akeli ladki dekhi nahi ki shuru ho jaate ho." She kicked the car hard and picked a stone from the side of the road aiming at the car when the guy zoomed off being completely frightened seeing the angry girl. 

Aarohi-" THINK OF YOUR MOTHER OR SISTER BEFORE ASKING ANY GIRL LIKE THIS. SAALE TUJHE JAAN SE MAAR DUNGI. GIRLS ARE NOT WEAK." She was huffing now in anger and started walking again still holding the stone in her hand. 

Suddenly she heard someone honking behind her which made her more irritated. 

*What the hell is this person's problem I'm walking on the footpath then why is he honking. Does he want to drive on the footpath or what? Wait, is it again some creep trying to grab my attention by doing this? These dirty fellows won't understand, let me show who Aarohi Sharma is.*

With this she turned around to see a car flashing its headlight and honking again. Aarohi threw walked soem steps back and threw the stone on the car halting the car that instance. 

"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!!!!" the person driving the car came out of the car and his voice made Aarohi widen her eyes and palm her mouth. 

Aarohi-" Arjun Sir... not you again." 

Arjun-" What enmity you have with my car Miss Aarohi that you always throw something or the other. This time I don't think I did anything to you." He looked at the small dent on his bonnet and then at Aarohi who was now holding her both ears.

Aarohi-" I... I'm so sorry sir, I didn't mean to harm your car but then I thought you are some creep who is after me just like the other one and I just did it in self defense. It's not my fault that you were continuously honking behind me." She looked up giving her best puppy face which always worked on her Dadda. 

Arjun-" I saw you on the road and that is why I honked so that you stop, I also called you but you didn't listen. Why the hell are you roaming on the road this late night. Wait... who was behind you before?" 

Aarohi-" I'm not roaming on the road, I'm searching for a cab as my scooty has gone for servicing. And after walking for so long not a single cab or taxi stopped but an idiot stopped giving me lift who was going to do anything but drop me home. Huhh, I also showed him who I am." She blew some air on her hands and then dusted them toegther giving him a 'I'm so brave look'. 

Arjun-" Come and sit inside, you won't get any cab or bus now even if you stand for a whole night here. There is a strike of buses and autos which started in the afternoon. It's already late and definitely not safe for ladies." He motioned her to sit inside but she hesitated. 

Aarohi-" No it's ok sir, I'm trying to call my Dadda, he will come to pick me up. Thanks for your concern but I will manage." she was already being guilty of throwing stone at his car and now taking lift from your boss was not good. 

Arjun-" Aarohi, sit in the car right now." His final tone made her huff in annoyance and making her loose a heartbeat when he called her only Aarohi. She walked towards the car and Arjun opened the passengers seat for her making her give him a small smile and then he jogged back to his side and Aarohi gave him her address. 

Soon they were outside Sharma house and Arjun stopped the car. 

Aarohi-" Thank you so much sir for dropping me home and sorry for that dent. I really didn't mean to do this." She thanked as well as apologized making him look at her. 

Arjun-" Not bad Miss Aarohi you are using the two precious words together for me, I'm flattered. Well I will let you go for this dent as it was unintentional and also you were trying to just save yourself. But yes from next time if you don't have your scooty with you then you can inform the receptionist and she will inform the cab service of our company to drop you home. We have a special transportation service for female employees who pick and drop them if needed." He smiled a little informing her about this which she was completely oblivious of till now. She nodded her head in apreciation and bid him bye. 

Aarohi-" Sir would you like to come inside and have some coffee?" 

arjun-" No it's fine, it's too late and you better go inside your parents would be worrying about you. See tomorrow on time Miss Aarohi we have a meeting and you should not be late." He winked at her and zoomed off making her shocked. 

Aarohi* Did he just taunted me on me being late always?* 

* He also winked at you sweetheart, how can you forget that* Her conscions snapped at her and also giving dreamy looks

*****************************

2 girls hiding behind a sofa. 

Sorry!!! sorry sorryyyyy... We know we are veryyyyyyyyyy veryyyyyyy late. And you all can do whatever you can with us other than killing us. I mean if you will kill us then who will write the update? 

The thing is something or the other made us occupied, from exams to admissions to a lot of stuff and we couldn't complete the full chapter. 

But see, your update is here, Hope all of you love this update and leave me and Ami. 

So how was the chapter??

MaNan???

RuAnsh???

ArjOhi???

Nitish and Manik ki partnership for cooking? They finally made the dishes without blowing up the kitchen yaar.

We will meet you with the next chapter, till then keep loving the story and keep sharing with your friends. 

Your writer duo, 

Neha and Amaya SpillThe_Wit