Part 10.

After the dance everyone have their food. Manik Dhruv and Cabir went to bring the food plates to their partners. Nandini got up from her seat and went to the powder room inside the house to get herself checked.

The person who came with Soha went behind her. He looked for her inside but she was coming out from the other door. He saw her and followed her faster to catch her.

"Excuse me..." he called her. Nandini was about to step out on the backyard when she turned.

"Yes..." she asked.

That person came in front of her and gave her a smile.
"I think I've seen you somewhere... but I couldn't recollect where.." he said.
Nandini was surprised and shocked with his bluntness. Because she didn't know who he was.

"I'm very sorry I didn't know you. And I don't think I met you before...maybe you are mistaken with someone...." she took two steps out of the door to come out in the open.

"You are Nandini right..." he asked. As Soha already told her name.

Nandini got another surprise that he knows her name. She didn't saw him coming with Soha. She turned around and tried to look over for Manik and her group. She can see Manik and the other boys taking the food for them in the other direction.

"I'm Harshad. And I'm hundred percent sure I met you somewhere... maybe in a party or some club..." he was not leaving her.

Nandini gets irritated by his frankness. She wanted to go away from him.
"I don't think so mister. Because I don't go to clubs or parties. And I don't think I met you anywhere. Now if you'll excuse me my friends are waiting for me.." she noticed that Manik was looking for her and Soha came close to him and grabbed the plate from his hands.

She said something in Manik's ears that he lift his face to look in Nandini's direction. His facial expressions changed and got tense. It was only a few feet distance in between them. And by the look of his face, Nandini can feel that he didn't like this Harshad talking to her.

She stalked faster to them. Soha kept her plate on the table and tried to cuddle with Manik. She grabbed his arms and turned him around. Manik's eyes were glued in Nandini.

When Manik bring the food to the table Nandini wasn't there. But from nowhere Soha appeared and grabbed the plate from his hands.

"Awe... Manik so sweet of you. How you take care of your friends and family. Thanks a lot for the food..." she started taking a bite. Manik didn't liked her bluntness and grabbing the food like that.

"Where's Nandini..." He asked. "And by the way Soha that food is for Nandini... not for you.."

Soha didn't give a care what he's saying, instead she point in to the direction where Nandini was.

"I think Nandini has found a friend here. Awe Look she is giving such a sweet smile to that guy...". Soha smiled evilly instigating the monster inside him.

"I think that guys came with you, right Soha..." Melanie asked her.

Soha pretends like she didn't know him. But then she changed her expressions and said.

"Oh yeah, it's Harshad. I think Nandini knows him. Look how she is talking to him like they were friends from before..." She's trying all her best to trigger Manik's anger or tick him to be mad on Nandini.

"uh uh.... Nandini didn't know him. She is telling Harshad that. I can read her lips from here..." Cabir interfered seeing Manik's mood starting to go off.

"And Soha how do you expect Nandini to be friends with Harshad. He such a.... I don't even want to say it out loud. And Nandini is not that type..."

Navya appreciated Cabir's favoring Nandini. Because she knows Nandini doesn't know Harshad from any angle.

Manik saw Nandini marching towards him. He puts his hands in his pockets and stands there until she reached.

"Hey..." Nandini said nervously softly coming closer to Manik.
Before Manik can say anything Navya got up and asked.
"Who was that guys you were talking too.."

"I don't know him... he was trying to be friendly with me when I wasn't even interested in talking to him..." all the while Nandini was talking Manik's gaze wasn't leaving her.

"I thought he was your friend, the way you are smiling and talking to him..." Soha didn't leave any chance to make Nandini involved with Harshad.

Nandini was baffled and confused by Soha's comments and behavior. She couldn't understand what she should do at this situation.

"No Soha, he is not my friend.." Nandini started to get angry. She said gritting her teeth.

Trying to get the situation under control Manik understands what's happening here. He turned to Nandini and ask.
"Do you want to eat something..."

"I'm not that hungry..." her appetite has gone already.

"Awe Manik you got me food. Why don't you share it with me..."Soha purposely offered her plate.

"No thanks Soha.. I m not hungry... but I will get something to drink for me. Nandini do you want to come with me to get a drink.." he wanted to get away out from Soha's not so good behavior.

Nandini nodded. She too wants a way out. But she was a little nervous. How to talk and and what to say to Manik about Harshad.

They started strolling towards the food counter. Manik was brushing her hands with his fingers. That's passing a current through her veins. They took their own time to cover the distance which is only few feet away.

He was trying to make her calm down. They didn't talk. When they reach the bar counter. She asked a soft drink and he asked for soda.

"I don't know him..." all of a sudden she felt a need to clear herself.

"I know that... I trust you..." he gave a warm smile to her. He held her hands in his and pressed it.
"You don't have to give any clarifications..." he assured her again.

Nandini got overwhelmed by his words. He trust her without any explanations. She decided right at that moment that she will be revealing her true identity as soon as possible.

They got their drinks and stands by a bush and chatted a little.

Navya and Aliya took a sigh of relief seeing Nandini back to normal again.

Aliya whispers in Navya's ear hiding from everyone.
"I don't like this Soha girl. We should ask Nandini to be careful with her..."
"Yeah you are right.." Navya answers her back.

At the end of the event everyone left happily. Except Soha. Who couldn't see Manik not being mad or furious on Nandini.

But the thing that Harshad told her makes her happy again.
"She is a very easy chic to be with. Just bring her somewhere far away one more time. Than your Manik will be yours in no time..." and that was it for Soha. She cheerfully left the place with a huge smile preparing for her next move.

......,.........

Manik lay on his bed lost in Nandini's beautiful images and thoughts that was floating in front of his eyes.

Just being around her made him want to kiss the girl, to touch her to make love with her. He loved the feeling that she too responded to his touches and his closeness equally. It felt so good to take care of her, protect her and be near her when she was not in her senses.

It's surreal that in just few days he came so close to her. But they hadn't gotten close enough to share the bed yet. Where they can tell their secrets , cuddle the nights in each other's arms he didn't know that if he could see her in anyone else's arms. The mere thought of her being with someone else's arms made his insides tight.

He can't see her with anyone. Period. He smiled at his own thoughts and fell asleep with her dreams.

In Nandini's house after giving all the explanations to her mother and making her satisfied,
she came in her room was laying on her bed and lost in Manik's thoughts, thinking about the previous events. She felt protected when Manik is around. She like the way he cared for her.

Well of course she could take care of herself, but on some level she wanted to feel that manly power around her.

It's so weird that the way her thoughts are going in the direction.... she is afraid that she will fall for him. Real bad. Without even revealing her real identity to him.
Buried in Manik's thoughts she didn't know when she fell asleep.

................

The next day, meeting with Nandini Mathur was setup in the millennium park. The three girls went together to meet her so that she won't dominate Nandini with her attitude.

To their surprise the girl who was showing attitude to Nandini on the phone is before time waiting for her.

She was wearing a casual t shirt and jeans pants carrying her purse on her shoulder pacing near a bench.

Nandini Murthy Navya and Aliya cane near her. Nandini Murthy recognized the real Nandini Mathur as she already saw her in the bathroom of Malhotra fashion house.

She came close to her whose back was facing Nandini Murthy and said.
"Nandini Mathur..."

The girl turned around and looked at her with a quizzical look.

"I'm Nandini Murthy.. I met you a week ago in the bathroom of Malhotra fashion house where you forgot your file..."

"And you used my file thoroughly stealing it..." Nandini Mathur snapped at her.

Nandini got embarrassed by her remarks. But the truth is different. She was about to tell her that when Navya came in the middle.

"Excuse me... what do you mean by stealing. She didn't steal your stuff... it accidentally landed in her hands and before she knew it she got the job with your name ...," Navya couldn't see her cousin getting bashed or interrogated in front of her.

Nandini Mathur was baffled by Navya's sudden outburst. But Nandini Murthy stopped Navya.

"Navya, let me talk...." she signaled Aliya to take Navya. She turned to Nandini Mathur and said.
"Listen, it so happened that I came out of the bathroom to return your file to you but, things happened so fast that I didn't know how I got the job with your name..." and she explained her everything.

How the job was already allotted to Nandini Mathur because she was Mr. Malhotra's friends daughter. How the interviews was canceled. And when she went to the reception to drop the file on the reception desk.... how they think her as Ms Nandini Mathur.

"I was in desperate need of a job so I took the opportunity. Because I think that I'm eligible for the job too..." Nandini concluded.

Nandini Mathur was listening to her very carefully. After she heard the whole story she was quiet for a while.

Aliya studied her and out of desperation and curiosity she asked.
"So Ms Mathur. Why are you so quiet. What will you do now. Will you still go and reveal the truth to your father or Mr. Malhotra or anyone else..." Aliya's eyes has an interestingly curious look.

Nandini Mathur looked at all of them.
"I can understand what you went through. Don't worry! I won't tell anything to anyone, but..." she stopped and looked at Nandini.
"This is such a matter, where you can't hide yourself behind my identity for long. You have to go and tell the truth yourself..." she took a pause and continued.

"Anyways, I'm not gonna help you in anything. If your identity is revealed and someone caught you then don't think that I'm coming to save you... I will clearly deny, and tell everyone that you stole my identity..." she said.

Nandini Murthy got worried by her words. She didn't know what to do now. Though she was planning to tell the truth herself to Manik. But now when she thinks of it.... it seems like a huge deal to her.

"Listen to me missy..." Navya's words caught her attention.
"You think that you are not at fault here. Don't forget that your father didn't know that you are not working at the Malhotra fashion house yet. If you give us any attitude and hard time than we will go and tell all the truth to your father too..." Navya was all over her.

Nandini Mathur get the shock now. She frowns.
"How do you know that my father didn't know that about me not working there..." she didn't know what to say.

"It's obvious that you didn't say anything to your father. Because if you did than your father wouldn't be knowing it from Mr. Malhotra that they liked your work, isn't it..." she is caught.

"How do you know all the details of me and my father..." she didn't tell anything to anyone about not working and also the conversation that happened between her and father Mr. Mathur.

"Ms Nandini Mathur. You are still a student in the game you are playing with my cousin   I know what your kind of girls are. So don't mess with us. If you say anything to anyone,  than we will be the first to come to your father and tell him that you have something going on with a guy and you are involved with him. And you are not interested in the job...." as usual Navya fixed a story on the spot.

Nandini and Aliya was just gawking at her and thinking What's she doing.

But the target hit the spot. It seems like Ms Nandini Mathur IS involved with a guy and she was shocked again.

"Please don't say anything to my dad... otherwise he will lock me up in the house and not let me meet him. I really love this guy and I can't live without him... you can play this game of yours until you want..." she cried.
"I won't say anything to anyone.." she looks at Nandini with a request.

Nandini didn't understand what's happening here. But she was really impressed with Navya's intelligence. How she made up a story and succeeded in her plan.

"Don't worry I will find a way and tell the truth myself. And you will be free of any threat..." she said.

"It's you who should be under threat. But things turned around and I got in trouble. But, doesn't matter. I will save myself first and try to keep a quiet lipped until I can..." Nandini Mathur thought of something.

"By the way I saw that the junior Mr. Malhotra is a real handsome dude. Anyone with a sane mind will definitely fall for him. I'm sure you won't be spared at all..."

Nandini blushed hearing her comments. The intimate moments came rushing in her minds. Her heart rate started to raced faster.

Navya noticed and changed the topic.
"My sister is worried for her job. She don't have time to play or think about other things right now..."

The message has been passed to Nandini Mathur that they will for sure tell the truth and free her form this mess.

After Nandini Mathur left the girls started taking a stroll to the parking lot. Nandini was curious to know how Navya knew about Nandini Mathur's boyfriend.

"Navya how did you know about her boyfriend and her life details.." she asked.

Navya laughed. "When you told us about her and the meeting... I did a research on her on the Facebook. I didn't know her face. But when I typed her name I found some close and intimate pics of a boy and a girl. I thought maybe she is her and her boyfriend. So I just shoot the arrow in the air and it hits the target...." Navya gave a high five to Nandini.

Then Nandini stopped in her tracks. She held both Navya's and Aliya's arm.
"Girls without you both what would I've done. You both are my solid pillar of strength. Thank you so much..." she pulled them in a bare hug by holding their waist.

"Silly girl. That's what we are for. To be there for each other..." Aliya too joined the hug.

Navya separated and asked. "Have you decided how and when will you say the truth about yourself...".

This is the part where Nandini's energy and her self confidence gets drained. She couldn't build up herself to tell the truth to Manik. Thinking about it her eyes got moist.

"I don't know guys. I really don't know. With the speed we are getting closer to each other. I'm getting so very nervous to say anything to him..." she sniffed and wiped off a tear drop that falls on her cheek.

"I'm afraid that I'm falling for him. I don't know what this feeling is. But I love spending time with him. I want to be near him. And what if I tell him the truth and he just fires me and he didn't wanted to see my face again. Ever...." she has a point. Her tears started falling.

Both Navya and Aliya felt her pain. They know what mess she has got herself into.
"Don't worry sweetie. Everything will be fine. We will find a way...". Aliya console her rubbing her back.

...........

In Malhotra house it was a pleasant Sunday. As Mukti is back for the break and Dhruv is as usual bothering Manik in the name of Nandini. But not before granny Arun, and Nyonika makes a fuss about Dhruv's bruises and Mukti going to Manik's house first.

They know that these brothers and little sister is inseparable. Whatever the adults of the house says, they will not get bothered and be with each other eventually.

The person who is the most happiest right now is granny. She feels proud that she is successful in pouring all the love and affection in the hearts of her grandkids. Definitely her weight has been raised to couple of pounds by seeing her grandchildren together having fun. Plus her son and not so favorite daughter in law is also present. What more can she want. Her eyes ultimately looked up to thanks her lord for this pleasant and happy time.

As per Arun's hobby an old Indian classic song is playing in the background.

Aye dil laaya hai bahaar apnon ka pyar kya kehna
Milein hum chhalak utha khushi ka khumaar kya kehna
Khile khile chehron se aaj ghar hai mera gule gulzaar kya kehna
Khile khile chehron se aaj ghar hai mera gule gulzaar kya kehna

Aye dil laaya hai bahaar apnon ka pyar kya kehna
Milein hum chhalak utha khushi ka khumaar kya kehna

"You know granny... Bhai is seeing someone...." Mukti's voice broke her trance.

"Mukti..." Manik glared her with fake angry eyes.

"Ah... you spilled the beans. I wanted to tell her first..." Dhruv whine like a crybaby.

"Really now... my beautiful grandson is taking interest in someone and I'm the last person to know... that's not fair.. who is that fortunate girl." Granny asked interestingly.

"It's nothing like that granny... they just want to tease you and bother me..." Manik was not ready to discuss his life here. Especially his love life.

"Is it that Mathur's girl we are talking about.. Arun already talked about the proposal of hers right..." granny asked remembering the proposal of Arun.

"Ahem ahem... proposal and all... oh hooo... so the matters has come this far..." Mukti makes a face. She moved closer to Manik on the couch and whispered.
"Do you want me to tell what I witnessed in your penthouse Bhai..."

Arun is having fun hearing his children bickering with each other in a fun way.

Hum tum yoon hi milte rahein mehfil yoon hi sajti rahe
Bas pyaar ki yehi ek dhun har subah shaam bajti rahe
Gale mein mehekte rahein pyaar bhari baahon ke haar kya kehn

Khile khile chehron se aaj ghar hai mera gule gulzaar kya kehna

Aye dil laaya hai bahaar apnon ka pyar kya kehna
Milein hum chhalak utha khushi ka khumaar kya kehna
Khile khile chehron se aaj ghar hai mera gule gulzaar kya kehna
Khile khile chehron se aaj ghar hai mera gule gulzaar kya kehna.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

"It's nothing like that... Mukti. And will you guys stop discussing my life all the time... quit it..." Manik gets irritated.

"Why Bhai... when you get settled than it will be Chote's turn and then mine. Right granny..." Mukti winked at granny not getting bothered by her brothers brawl.

"By the way I wanted to talk to you about something. Come with me..." without hearing anything else he got up and asked Mukti to follow her. Dhruv followed them too.

When they were alone in the living room Manik turned to Mukti and asked with a serious looking face.

"Who was that guy who came to pick you up."

Mukti was excepting this interrogation.
"He is my colleague. Dr Abhimanyu... and a very good friend of mine..." she didn't give any more details.

"Only a friend or more than a friend..." Manik has always given his baby sister the liberty to do what she feels like doing. He has taken care of her more than Arun and Nyonika. He wanted to make sure that she is in good hands.

"Bhai... I still have one more year left for my residency. And after that I have rotations. Long way to go.
So I didn't decided yet. And to make your brain relax let me tell you one thing. Abhimanyu is a very nice person. He is serious about his carrier. He is studying to become an anesthesiologist..." Mukti clarified.

"I'm just worried for you. I trust you with your decisions, but it's my duty to know everything and make sure that you won't get hurt..." he walked to her and hugged her.

"Awe... I love you Bhai... for always being a big brother plus a friend to me..." she gave him a big bare hug.

"You guys are leaving me. Me too needs a hug..." Dhruv cried like a baby again. Manik gestures him by his palm to come near them. He walked and took both Manik and Mukti in his arms.

Nyonika was watching them from the doorway. She didn't like the way they bond. But she has no choice. She can't separate them as it's a very tight bond.

.........

It's a new week and everything new started. Nandini became the secretary for Mr. Manik Malhotra and she became the assistant designer for Melanie.

Both Manik and Nandini shared a very warm smile when they meet on Monday at the Malhotra fashion house.

After keeping up with all the appointments of Manik, Melanie kept Nandini busy for doing the designs for Mrs Rose Williams. Because Mrs Williams needed the designs asap.

The day went by very fast. Nandini didn't get time to go and tell her truth to Manik. And Manik didn't get time to get closer to Nandini.

Two more days went by with the same busy schedule. Manik is to finalize the accessories for the new fashion line he was working on. He took Dhruv and asked his opinion on the new accessories and his take on the latest fashion trend.

Another thing happened in this week. Mrs Nyonika Malhotra paid a visit at Malhotra fashion house. To see what this Nandini Mathur is. Why her son and daughter is he'll bend to make Manik involved to her.

She met Nandini at the reception desk before Manik's office. She was about to go in the office when Nandini stopped her.

"Excuse me ma'am. Who do you want to meet..." she asked Nyonika very softly.

"I'm going to meet Manik..." Nyonika gave a quizzical look to her. She understands that this might be Nandini. She wanted to keep an upper hand on her. So she started dominating.
"And who do you think you are to stop me. Where is Kathy. Why is she not on her desk. And what are you doing in her place..."

Nandini startled. But she composed herself and replied.
"I'm Nandini. Mr. Manik Malhotra's acting secretary. Kathy is on leave for her wedding. And it's my duty to ask anyone who is entering Mr. Malhotra's office without any permission.." she was keeping her temper under control. Who is this lady who is trying to dominate her.

"Oh so you think I need your permission to go anywhere in my own office... I don't think so..." Nyonika shifted in her place and showed her dominance more.
"I can go wherever I want whenever I want. I don't need you or anyone to tell me what to do...".

Soha who just enters the department comes close to them.
"Mrs Malhotra. How are you. What's going on..." she said in a very sweet voice to gain her attention.

Nandini somewhat understands that she is Mrs Malhotra but like in wife of Mr. Senior Malhotra or mother of Mr junior Malhotra.

"This new girl is stopping me from going into Manik's office. Huh, how dare she..." Nyonika was huffing with anger.

"Ms Nandini she is Mrs Nyonika Malhotra. Owners wife. I think you should apologize to her for insulting her..." Soha is enjoying the insult Nandini is facing here. Nandini baffled by the sudden introduction of the lady.

Nandini was about to open her mouth to say sorry, when they got interrupted.

"What's going on here..." Manik's voice turned everyone's attention. He came out hearing the noise.
"Nyonika what are you doing here..." he asked with a questioning look.

Nandini was confused. Why is he calling his mother by her name.

"You should've called..." he didn't liked her coming to his office like that.

"Why? Can't I come to your office. Am I not allowed?" She crossed questions him.

Manik didn't wanted to create more scene here so he just cut it short.
"Come into my office we will talk inside..." he said and turned to Nandini.
"And by the way, this is ms Nandini Mathur. Mathur uncles daughter. And Nandini this Nyonika. Mrs Nyonika Malhotra..." that's the only introduction he gave.

"Can you send some coffee please.." he didn't hear her answer or didn't let her talk any further to Mrs. Malhotra.

She nodded.
Soha smirked at her uneasiness.

Inside his office Manik went off on Nyonika.
"Firstly, you know very well that Kathy is off for a week. And secondly, Nandini didn't know you. So you have no right to harass her by your attitude..." his back was towards Nyonika so she can't see how mad he is.

"Nandini, I see. She is Nandini. No ms Mathur or ms Nandini. Just Nandini..." Nyonika is also very stubborn. She don't leave any chance to trigger him and make him upset.

"What do you want Nyonika... why are you here..." he knew that Nyonika didn't have any reason to come here. Because she is not involved with any of Manik's deals or his department. She just came to create a scene.

"I just came to see this girl. Who has won my children's heart. I want to know how she is... is she good for you or not..." his instincts were right.

Manik was pissed by her involvement. He flared his nose and fisted his hands. But he controlled himself. He turned to her and took his seat.
"Nyonika, I'm asking you very politely. Don't interfere in me and my brother and sisters relationship. And do not get yourself involved in my personal life. I'm telling you again. Do not..." his voice was very firm and solid.

Right then they heard a knock in the door. Nandini came in with a tray of coffee and cookies.

"Coffee..." she whispered.

"Thank you Nandini... but Mrs Malhotra is leaving..." Manik stood up from his chair and moved towards Nyonika. Without anymore words he hold her chair.
Nyonika got up and took her bag. She didn't liked the way Manik treated her. But she wasn't expecting anything else. She gave a fake smile and left the room.

Nandini looked at him. He seems to be not in a good mood. He was standing there with his hands still in a fist. His face is not happy.
She kept the tray she was holding still on the table and took slow steps towards him. She touched his shoulder. He came out of the trance.

His facial expressions changed into a softer one. He smiled at her.
"Are you ok..." she asked.
He gave her a surprise by holding her by her shoulders. And pulled her for a hug. He hugged her or its like a crushing hug.

It feels like he is afraid of loosing her and that's why he is saving her by giving her a bone crushing hug.

Her mouth opened with a shock. But she didn't show it. She moved her hands on his back and rubbed him.

His muscles relaxed which seems to be tensed. He loosened his hold on her but still stands like that. He buried his face in her neck inhaling her sweet strawberry scent and lots in it.

After a few minutes he relaxed and released her but still had the hold on her shoulders.

"Are you ok.." she asked again.

He nodded his head and smiled. But didn't talk.

She smiled too. He left her. She grabbed the tray and left the room without further talk. She didn't wanted to disturb him asking more questions. She knew something was bothering him. And she knew that he will tell her about it later. When the time comes.

.................

They have been very busy with the work almost the whole week and didn't notice that Soha the famous model of Malhotra fashion house is planning something fishy for Nandini Murthy.

She came to Manik's office one day in the middle of the week and said.
"Manik..." he was busy on the phone confirming the Venue for the Fashion show.

He finishes talking on the phone and lift up his head with annoyance.
"How many times have I told you to knock before you come in Soha..."

She ignored his annoyance and said.
"Oh common Manik. Take is chill. I'm very happy today..." she walked around his desk and came closer to him.

"What is it Soha? And please be in your limits. We are in my office..." he went behind his chair to keep a distance between them.

"I know. This is your office. I have to be in my limits. That's why I've arranged something so that I don't have to be in my limits... I can be near you without any restrictions...". Soha grinned.

"What do you mean.." he didn't like Soha's intensions.

"Nothing serious. It's my birthday this coming weekend. So I've arranged a party at my farm house outside the city limits..." she said excitedly.

"But your birthday went by like six months ago..." Manik remembers her birthday and said.

"Yeah. This is my after six month birthday. And there's nothing harm in celebrating a six month birthday. Isn't it..."

Manik hides his smile at her childishness by turning his head side ways. Sometimes He felt pity on her thinking. But as he always says that Soha is the lead model for his fashion house. And she is in demand. So he will bare with her for couple of more years until she looses her charm.

"As you wish Soha. But you know we are so close to our new venture launch. We are very busy. How can we take out time for this things..." Manik is not interested in this party.

"That's why it's on Saturday. We will have fun, stayed there for the night and we will be back in Sunday. Then we can carry on our works from Monday...."

"Staying for the night. Are you serious... no way I'm gonna waste my day..." he freaked. He was planning to take out Nandini for a date. And with this party on hand how can he do that.

"But our whole staff will be there. If you want to work or discuss business than you can do it there too..." she cuts him off.

"What... really...." he wanted to make sure if Nandini is invited too.

"Yeah I just invited everyone. And all are coming..." Soha knew who Manik was referring. And she didn't liked it. But she has planned a whole lot of programs for the weekend. And she will not afford to keep Manik away from it.

Manik still wanted to confirm about Nandini. He buzzed his intercom to call Nandini.

She came in with her notepad.
"Yes sir..." she asked.
Manik was fidgeting with his hands and moving his file here and there. He didn't know how to ask her.

Suddenly the door opened and Melanie enters in her usual style barging into the office.

"Manik are you going to Soha's party this weekend. She invited all of us..." she blabbers as usual without looking who is in the office. When she noticed Nandini and Soha is here too she said.
"Oh, Soha is here. And Nandini too. Nandini are you coming to her party. I'm sure she invited you too..."

Manik's unanswered question was about to be answered.
"Yes... she asked me too. But I don't think I can come for a night out. Because..." she couldn't complete. She didn't know how to give any excuse.

"But why babe?? Does that so called mother of yours will not give permission. I can ask her. She knows me..." Melanie remembers the lady who happened to be Nandini's real mother but they didn't know about it.

Manik was holding his breath to know a yes as an answer.

" I will try. But I can't commit..." Nandini said.

"Oh common Nandini. Don't be a spoiled sport. Please don't ruin the fun..." Soha said. Because if she don't come than the whole plan will be ruined.

She thought for a while and said.
"Ok I will come..,"

Manik let out the breath he was holding. He felt relief. He was planning to ask her out for an official date.
Now he can sneak her out from Soha's party and take her on a date. And make her his official girlfriend. Then he can be open with her any way he wants.

Hola friends.

Here is the new part of the story.

I think by the response of you all for this story
You guys don't like it that much.
Just let me know if you don't like it I will stop writing it.

But this is just the start of the story.
It's going to be more interesting later.
As the story progresses.

There's a lot going to happen.

Still if you are not interested in reading it then I will not waste time in writing it.

Because I can see that the views is so many and the comments and votes are so less.

So readers please vote and say something.
If you like it or not.

Take care and stay blessed.
And always keep smiling.

CIAO.