Manik Malhotra the man who was known for his attitude had got a smile on his face just by seeing a girl's carefree laughter. Yes she did matter to him but the problem was that she herself had not realised it by then. Now that he knew was he actually in a mindset to accept that fact. The girl who was just an employ to him from so long had not made a place in his heart. The very next day, Nandini was again late for work but Manik didn't even say a word to her.
Nandini: Sorry sir.
Manik: Ms. Moorthy breakfast in 20 minutes. And we have a practice session today in the evening.. Manage the time urself and inform the others.
Nandini: OK sir..
And another same day started but it was not exactly like the other days as Manik was not the same person with Nandini anymore. Nandini did notice the change in him but she was too busy to think about it all day until finally they were at Cabir's place and they all got inside to practise.
Nandini moved to the kitchen and found Cabir's mom working in there.
Nandini: Ma'am can i plz help u..
Cabir's mom: Oh Nandini come in na.. How r u??
Nandini: I m gud... thank u for asking Ma'am.
Cabir's Mom: Seeing u free after a really long time. Manik does keep u really busy. Not a good boss right.
Nandini: No no ma'am he is good. In fact I think i m lucky to hv a boss like him.
Cabir's mom smiled at it while Nandini started helping her in stuff. And thought,
Nandini: Yes i really am lucky to hv him as a boss. At least from the past few days, i hv really noticed a change in him.
After sometime they got ready with something to eat and Cabir's Mom said,
Cabir Mom: Come I'll serve it let's eat in the garden.
Nandini hesitated a bit and then said,
Nandini: ohk Ma'am... First let me take it for Fab5!!Till then u eat, I'll join u soon.
Cabir's Mom smiled at her and Nandini started serving some pasta in the bowl for Fab5.
Inside the practise room, Fab5 were on fire... They were just too good. Nandini waited outside the door for their peice to finish and then knocked. Cabir opened up the door and Nandini said,
Nandini: Sorry for the interruption... I have got something to eat.
Mukti: Thank u Nandini, u r a saviour. My stomach was actually shouting for food.
Nandini smiled at her and kept the food on the table.
Nandini turned towards Manik and said,
Nandini: Sir there was a call for u from Dadi... I thought u would like to call her back.
She gave the phone to Manik who took it gladly and walked out towards the balcony. Nandini simply left the room.
Later that day, Manik and Nandini had reached back home and Nandini's duty hours were over. It was around 10:30 when Manik moved towards his rooms window looking up at the stars, still enjoying the beauty. He looked down towards the garden and noticed Nandini sitting on the bench, right in front of the outhouse. He could see a few office files kept by her side, while she was writing something really excitedly in a sheet of paper.
He couldn't stop himself and walked downstairs. He went out towards the garden & saw that she was still there. And again he was just overwhelmed by her cuteness. With her hair tied up in a bun, wearing a cute long pink Tshirt and worn out jean shorts, she looked so simple yet so cute. Her papers on her lap as she wrote, legs folded up on the bench and the pen's cap in between her lips.
He acted as if he was out for a casual walk and went closer towards her.
Manik: Umhmn..
Nandini got startled listening to the voice and looked up.
Manik: Ms. Moorthy!!
Nandini: Sir...
Nandini got up from the bench and kept the papers on the bench.
Manik:Doing something important??
Nandini: No sir... just like that
Nandini whispered and look down.
Manik: Relax its not your duty hours.
Manik said and Nandini looked up at him in shock. He pointed at the bench and asked,
Manik: May I??
Nandini: Huh.. Sure!! I mean yes sir why not...
Nandini immediately picked up the files as Manik sat down. Nandini stood at her place as it is when Manik said,
Manik: Ms. Moorthy sit down... It's Ohk!!
Nandini sat next to him leaving a little distance in between. This time her legs down and her posture a lot more sophisticated.
Manik: So what was it that u were writing.
Nandini: nothing sir...
Manik: Ms. Moorthy!!
Nandini: I was just making a list of a few old Hindi songs.
Manik: Old Hindi songs.... U like old songs??
Nandini: No I was making a list for Dadi's birthday. She loves old songs.
Manik: ohh good. I m also thinking to throw a grand surprise party for her. U might even play those songs there.
Nandini: NOO!!!
Manik: what??
Manik asked surprised by her sudden reaction. Nandini composed herself and said slowly.
Nandini: Nothing... I m sorry sir!! I m really sorry.... I will definately play these songs in the party.
Manik: Ms. moorthy no for what??
Nandini: Nothing sir really...
Manik: Nandini speak up it's an order.
It was the first time ever in the two years
that Manik had called her by her name. Though she was irritated by his inappropriate timing of seeing her but listening her name from him she forgot everything. She looked down somewhere on the grass and said in a slow voice,
Nandini: Sir I know I have no right to say on this and so I am apologizing for it in the beginning itself, but.... But do u actually think that you can give happiness your grandmother but throwing her a grand party filled with your friends and business partners or Associates?? How do you expect a person to be happy surrounded by people whom she hardly knows??
Manik: Ms. Moorthy what do u mean?? The party is going to be for her only.
Nandini: Yes, but no one invited will actually be there to wish her a long and healthy life. They'll be there just bcoz its The Manik Malhotra's party. It will just end up being a high class social event.
Manik heard her and thought about what she was saying. Nandini could see her words making sense to him so she slowly continued,
Nandini: Sir these elders, our parents they are very different people. No amount of facilities u provide them compares to just half an hour that u spend with them. A cup of tea made by u will show them ur care n love. They r hungry for ur love. I hv seen how much u love Dadi, but now it's ur turn to see how just a simply display of affection gives her tremendous happiness.
Nandini turned towards him and found him staring at her with a sweet smile on his face.
Nandini: Sir!!
Manik: hmn...
Manik got off the bench and said
Manik: Ohk Ms. Moorthy.... Let me give u a chance. Think about it tonight and tomorrow morning the first thing i want after reaching office is ur idea. If u succeed in convincing me then i promise u that this year Dadi's birthday will be celebrated ur way.
Nandini got up listening to him and asked,
Nandini: Really!! U'll do that??
Manik: yeah I'm really interested if u can give me any better ideas, all i want is her happiness.
Nandini: Yey!!!
Nandini shouted in excitement and hugged him tight. Manik was taken aback by her sudden affection and was about to fall when he held the bench from one hand and rested his other hand on Nandini's back. Nandini realised her position and got back a little.... Not exactly willing to face Manik.
Nandini: I'm really sorry sir.. I really am.
Manik: It's ohk Ms. Moorthy... Relax!!!
Nandini: I think I should call it a day now... I'll definately get back to you on this tmrw mrng sir!!!
Manik: I'll be waiting...