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He grabbed her by her wrist and held her near the door.
Cabir and Navya were out already.

"You didn't answer my question.."Manik asked with a serious face.

She gets nervous being this close to him again. She looked here and there to hide her nervousness.

'How can I answer him... that I liked kissing... that I don't regret.... that he is a very good kisser... damn... how can we discuss such intimate moments in a public place... I don't even know that we even discuss these things...' she didn't understand what to say.

"We don't have all the time in the world... Cabir and your friend can come back in finding us missing..."he gets restless by her silence.

"I think..." she cleared her throat and bending her head down she said very softly.
"I think we should stop kissing each other like that..."

"But why... don't you like it..." he asked going closer making her more uncomfortable. They were already standing in the foyer of the restaurant where any costumer can come anytime.

"We don't know each other... we just met couple of days ago... we should at least give ourselves time to know each other..." she said without any hesitation.

"You are right... how about we introduces ourselves and start afresh... as friends..." he asked with a smile.

"I'm working in your office... you are my boss... we can't be friends..." she said looking outside where Navya and Cabir were standing.

"You are being stubborn now..." he said getting mad.

"I'm being logical..." she answered him back in the same way.

"Ok... let's do this... we will be boss and employee in the office... other than that... outside the office we will be friends... now it will not be a problem for you...." Manik didn't wanted to give up the opportunity to be friends with her.

She didn't answer.
"So I'm Manik Malhotra, nice to meet you..." he forwards his hand.

"I'm Nandini Mu...."

"Manik what happened let's go dude..."
Nandini was about to say she's Nandini Murthy... and Manik was about to shake Nandini's hand when Cabir interrupted them opening the entrance door.

"What timing..." Manik said gritting his teeth.

Nandini felt relaxed and let a out a sigh of relief.
'Thank you lord...' she thought what was she about to do.

"Yeah yeah let's go..." he said taking his hand back.

They came out and waited for the valet to bring the cars. 

"Nandini, I'm taking the car with me.....now that your boss and his partner is here... it shouldn't be a problem for them to give you a lift to the company.... I'll pick you up after work..." Navya said when she came out with Manik.

"We will be waiting for you Ms Navya..." instead of Nandini Cabir answered. Navya ignored him completely.

"But Navya..." Nandini was already very nervous being with Manik. And Cabir will be on other hand, she don't know how he will react.

"It won't be a problem for us Ms. Nandini. We are going to the same place..." Manik also added.

"Bye Nandini... I'll see you in the evening.." taking the car keys from the valet she's is gone from there before Nandini protest more.

Cabir asked the valet to bring the car.
Nandini was fidgeting with her fingers. Manik can see that. Cabir noticed it too.

"Ms. Nandini... you don't think we are gonna eat you right..." Nandini looked at Cabir. .
"Relax... it's just a 10 minute ride..." Cabir said.

Cabir took the driving seat as usual and Manik sat beside him.
Nandini went for the back seat.

....

In front of the Malhotra fashion house.. Manik stepped out of the car and opened the door for Nandini like a true gentleman. Nandini stepped out.

Right at that moment, Soha came out of the building and got the shock of her life.

"This is the new girl.... what is she doing with Manik in his car... I have to know this..." she thought and came to them.
"Hi Manik... what's up... where are you guys coming from..." she kept her hand on Manik's shoulder.

"We went for lunch... " that's all he said. He carefully removed her hand from his shoulder.

Soha's facial expressions change into a bitter one.

"Wow Ms Nandini... you just join the fashion house today and you are doing lunch with the boss... what a connection girl... hats off..." she taunted Nandini sarcastically.

Nandini shifted in her place and turned red due to embarrassment. Before she says anything Manik came in the middle and said.

"It was just a coincident Soha... we happened to be at the same time. Ms Nandini came to the same restaurant with her friend where I went with Cabir..."

And it was indeed a coincident.

Soha didn't like at all that Manik is taking Nandini's side and clearing her position.

"Really... what a coincidence... it happens very rare right that in this big downtown of Chicago... you guys happened to be in the same restaurant... wow..." Soha didn't stop taunting.

"Anyways... Manik can you come with me... I have something to discuss with you..." she held Manik's arm and dragged him inside the building.

Manik went along with her to avoid more misunderstandings.

Cabir turned to Nandini and said.
"Don't mind her... she is like that... always trying to put her nose where it doesn't belong..."

Nandini nodded. But she got effected by Soha's comments.

.........

After a while,  Manik and Cabir was seated opposite each other in Manik's office. Cabir was constantly looking at Manik and trying to figure out what's going in his head.

Seeing him quiet for so long Manik asked him.
"Cabir, why are you staring at me like that..."

"Trying to figure out..."
"What..."
"What's running behind that smart brain of yours..." Cabir makes his eyes squinty.

"And why did you have to read my mind..." Manik kept his elbows on the table and leaned on it.

Cabir didn't answer but he said
"so you wanted to make friends with Ms. Nandini..."

"Who said so... there's no such thing..." Manik stumbled his elbows and sat straight.

"Oh common Manik... who are you kidding... you were trying to shake hands with her when I entered..." Cabir said.

'And you ruined the moment...' Manik thought.

Manik was trying to figure out how to answer Cabir.... But as they say saved by the bell, Manik was saved by the knock on the door before he says anything. He took a breath of relief.

"Come in..." Manik said.

"Sorry to disturb you sir..." it was Kathy.
"It's ok Kathy... anything important.." Manik gave a victory smile to Cabir.

"I came to remind you about my wedding..." Kathy said.

"Yeah I remember... it's this weekend right..." Manik asked.

"Yes sir... and Cabir sir you are coming too right..." she asked turning to Cabir.

"Yeah sure why not... you invited the whole staff right..." Cabir asked.

She nodded her head.

"Did  you invited Ms. Nandini... she is also part of the staff now..." Cabir asked.

"I was about to invite her today sir..." Kathy said not liking the fact that everyone in the office is giving importance to Nandini.

"And one more thing Mr. Malhotra... do you still want Ms Nandini to come to your house for preparing the breakfast or shall I arrange someone else..."

"What the...' Manik thought giving himself a virtual tap on his forehead.
'Now Cabir will have another reason to hype up...' he thought.

Cabir looked at Manik raising an eyebrow with a questioning look.

"It's ok Kathy... let her come... don't change anything.." Manik replied avoiding the eye contact with Cabir.

"Ok sir..." Kathy left.

"Wow... like really wow Manik... so much is going on in your life and you didn't share anything with me..." he gave a dramatic look at him.

"And what's with the cooking thing" Cabir asked.

"Nothing important..." and Manik explained about everything to him.

"Ohhhh.... tou baat yahan tak pahunch gayi.... I see I see..." Cabir thought aloud.

"What... what did you say..." Manik didn't know good Hindi so he got confused.

"Nothing serious Manik it's nothing serious..." Cabir teased Manik in the same way and said
" now I know... you are hiding things from me... ok ok..." Cabir totally became a drama king.

"Cabir be serious dude... I don't know what you are talking about..." Manik said.

Cabir got up from his chair with a serious look on his face.
"Ok Manik... either you tell me what's going on in between you and Ms Nandini or our friendship is done..." he said suddenly with a serious attitude.

"What... are you serious.."
"Yes I am serious..."
Manik really became tensed with Cabir's behavior.

"There's nothing going on Cabir... trust me....I wanted to be friends with her but that chance was ruined because of you..." he tried to convince Cabir.

"Ok..." Cabir's mood change into a relaxed one.
"If there's nothing going on then don't worry I will make something happen..." Cabir said.

"What do you mean..." Manik asked worried.

"Just wait and watch...hahaha..." Cabir said with creepy face and gave a very big laugh before leaving the office.

..........

In the evening both Manik and Dhruv entered the Malhotra house at the same time.

They were welcomed by the old music of Indian songs again.
"The old Indian classics... it means dad is making the dinner tonight..." Dhruv said.

Granny was also helping Arun in the kitchen.
"Good evening granny...." Manik went and hugged her.

In the background there's an Indian old song playing in the speakers.

Zindagi ek safar hai suhana
Yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana
Arey o leiyo leiyo, oleiyo leiyo
Oleiyo leiyo, oleiyo leiyo
Oleiyo leiyo, oleiyo leiyo

"Hello my handsome grandsons...." granny's face turned cheerful. They gave a kiss on granny's cheek.

"Boys... what's up... how's it going..." Arun asked.
Both Manik and Dhruv gave a hug to  their dad.

"Never better..." Manik said.

"Of course... and I think I know the reason..." Dhruv teased him.

"What do you mean Dhruv... did something happened..????" Granny asked.

"Nothing granny... can I not be happy..." Manik gave a glare to Dhruv.

"Of course why not sweetheart.. you can be happy..." granny said.

Chand taaron se chalna hai aage
Asmaanon se badna hai aage
Pichhe reh jayega yeh zamana
Yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana
Zindagi ek safar hai suhana
Yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana

"Boys there's still time for dinner... you guys can chill for sometime..." Arun said.

"Bhai let's play a hand on pool
Until the dinner is ready...it's been a long time..." Dhruv walked to the basement door. Manik followed him.

Granny felt happy seeing the bond in between the brothers.

When they were gone granny turned to Arun and said
"Did you see that Arun... the love and the bond in between them..."

"Yes maa.... I can see that.... I'm proud of my sons... and I will make sure that they will stay like this for the rest of their lives..." Arun replied.

"I don't think that's gonna happen if you take retirement so early..." she said.

Nyonika was coming into the kitchen but halted hearing her mother-in-law's words.

Her curiosity level rises hearing granny.

"What do you mean maa..." Arun asked.

"That wife of yours will not like it when you take retirement and the whole responsibility comes on Manik's shoulders..."

"Maa don't talk like that..." Arun said.

"No I'm telling you the truth... first of all she don't like Manik.. secondly if you take retirement then she will start hating him... coz Dhruv is still immature and couldn't handle the business yet... you need to think very carefully before you do anything...". Granny explained him.

"Maa... listen to me..." Arun came and sat beside her putting an arm on her shoulder.
"I won't let any such thing happen... I will not let any misunderstanding or any conflict come in between my sons... don't worry too much about them... " he took a deep breath.

Nyonika was flaring her nose standing outside the kitchen hearing their conversation.

"Anyways... Manik is planning something very big for Dhruv... it's a top secret... even I don't know the details.... but it's for Dhruv's betterment..." Arun said.

"I know my Manik... he loves his brother and sister too much... and I will make sure that these three will stay together forever...," granny said with a proud full face.

"Count me in too maa... I will make sure of that too..." Arun gave his ok.

Nyonika didn't like the planning they are doing for her children. She already started thinking to not make their plan successful.

Haste gate jahan se guzar
Duniya ki tu parvah na kar
Muskuraate hue din bitana
Yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana
Haan zindagi ek safar hai suhana
Yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana

Down in the basement Manik and Dhruv started a game of pool. In their basement they have almost all the indoor games.

A ping pong table was settled in one corner. A pool table was adjusted on the other corner. And some other small games which will keep these brothers and sister entertained when they want to spend time together.

"Did you talk to Mukti... when is she coming..." Manik asked striking the cue ball.

"Yes I talked to her last weeken... I think she will be getting a week off after her rounds... she will be coming for Kathy's wedding too..." Dhruv was holding his pool stick and waiting for his turn.

"You know she will be the first doctor in Malhotra family.... that too a gynecologist... unlike some people who do not give interest in their career...." Manik indirectly taunted Dhruv remembering the morning incident and hit another ball which landed in the pocket.

"Oh common bhai... I was just teasing... you know I wasn't serious.. I already saw that shine in your eyes and the way you were looking at her..." Dhruv  is not getting a chance to play his turn.

"No Dhruv... it's  nothing like that... but besides the point... you were in the office and you have to be in certain limits...." Manik hit another shot.

The main reason of Dhruv to bring Manik here in the basement is to make Manik win. As he will feel better again making Dhruv lose.  Manik was keeping this  anger in his heart because of the morning situation. And Dhruv wanted Manik to clear his heart.

"Take it easy bhai... nothing serious..." as Dhruv said that.. Manik hits another shot. And the rest of the balls where in the pockets.

"Damn bhai... you beat me again... now you have to play another round... I'm gonna beat you this time..." Manik smiled at his comment.

"You bet..." Manik said with a wide smile on his face.
They started another round.

"Boys dinner is ready..." Arun called them from the stairs.

"Oh no..." Dhruv  got disappointed.

"Better luck next time little bro..." Manik patted his back and they both went upstairs to join them.

.........

Nandini was sitting in her backyard with a glass of ice tea after finishing her dinner. She was thinking how will she come out of the mess she has created for herself.

Her heart started to have feelings for Manik and she didn't wanted to quit or leave from her new job. But she can't work under false identity. She is in a very big mess.

Navya and Aliya came with their glasses of iced tea too.

"Why are you so sad sister... what's cooking in your mind..." Aliya said sitting on a chair beside her.

"I'm thinking about the same thing... how will I come out of this mess..." Nandini was looking at the sky and said.

"There's nothing to worry about dear...I'm sure you will find a way... and it will be better for you... but I heard that your boss is very hot..." Aliya said excitingly.

" I'm sure Navya gave you this information..." Nandini glared at Navya.

"It's the fact... and I felt that he was taking interest in you too...." Navya teased her.

Nandini didn't wanted to tell all the details to them yet. She is too confused to explain to them.

"It's nothing like that... he is thinking that I'm his father's friends daughter... that's why he was being formal and nice with me..." Nandini said.

And that's partially the fact too as per Nandini's thinking.

"Maybe that's the case... but still the way he was looking at you during lunch time... there's something different about it..." Navya said.

"Navya... now don't go on making conclusions... leave the topic..." Nandini was getting embarrassed and didn't wanted to exaggerate the talk.

"Ok ok... if that's what you says..." Navya kept quiet.

"Don't worry honey... everything will be alright..." Aliya's positive behavior always keeps Nandini calm.

.......

The next morning Nandini woke up around five am and got fresh. She didn't take Navya's car today because Navya needed her car more that her. Now that she knows, she has to go to Manik's penthouse first and then to the company she took a cab there.

After paying the cab she entered the building. She was welcomed by George's smile.

"Good morning ms N... I hope you don't mind me calling you Ms N.." George greeted her with a happy face.

"Good morning George... how are you this morning... and of course I don't mind you calling me N... its fine with me.." Nandini's answered.

George walked with her to the elevator and said.
"It's not easy for me to call your name..." he pressed the elevator button and turned to wait.

"Mr Malhotra is in his suite today.. he didn't went to the gym.. do you want me to accompany you till the pent house..." George knows almost most of the information about the residents.

"It's ok George I can manage..." Nandini said as she entered the elevator.

"See you later Ms N..." George waved his hand when the elevator closed.

"Ohh so he's in his house today... how will I work and make the breakfast... of he's around... oh my sweet lord let him be asleep till I'm done with my work..." she talked to herself and make a prayer.

The elevator door opens with a ding sound. She stepped outside and went near the entrance door to buzz the door bell. Her gaze went on the door handle and noticed that it's slightly open.

She pushed the door and it opened. She went inside taking very slow and soundless steps.
She walked towards the kitchen and saw that he was not around.

"Ohh thank you Aiyyappa... I'll finish my work quickly and leave from here within no time." She kept her purse on the counter and took out her phone to check the menu for this morning.

It was French toast with scrambled eggs, fruits bowl, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

"Wow... nice... it will be easy today..." She took out the eggs and fruits from the refrigerator. She was about to cut the oranges to make the juice when she heard the splash sound from somewhere. Her senses got alert. She checked around to see that from the glass windows she can see there's an indoor swimming pool and he just dived into it.

Her attention diverted to him and his chiseled body. His wet and sculpted body was looking ethereal in the water. From the glass windows she can see clearly how he is swimming and moving through the water. But then he disappeared in the water again.

'Nandini.... very wrong... very very wrong...' a voice from inside her head screamed to bring her back to this world.

'I know but... it's too difficult to concentrate on the work when he is around you...like a Greek God without anything on him...' she talked to herself.

She bring herself back to the real world and started making his breakfast. She was cutting the oranges into halves.

"Hey"

She jumped with surprise suddenly hearing his voice so close to her and she dropped the knife from her hands.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to startle you..." he said putting his hands on her shoulders.

She didn't turn. He make her turn to face him.

"It's ok..." she whispered but her breath stuck in her throat, Her cheeks got hot looking at the view in front of her. He was half naked with just a towel wrapped around his waist hanging lower. His body is wet and water dripping from his hair and making him sexy as hell.

She gulped down her own saliva to. bring herself back from the dream world.

"How are you doing..." he asked, he is so close to her that his breath fanned on her face.

She turned back away from him to bring her concentration back on the stove.

"I'm doing good , making the ...breakfast.. " she said.

"Great....I can see that.." he came up behind her resting his hands on the counter on both the sides of her without touching her.

But the heat coming off him was making her lose her senses. She was trying hard to concentrate on what she's doing. To ignore his closeness,  but not working.

"Smells good... can you make it for two..." he asked.

"Huh..." she said.
"Make it for two..." he said leaning in more to her and gave a kiss on her cheek.

She closed her eyes feeling his hot lips on her cheek. She hold the counter top tight that her fingers turned white.

His body was pressed against hers from the back and sending shivers all the way down to her spine. Her insides melt by his touch. His lips were still on her cheeks.

'Oh Aiyyappa... why does he do that... we make a deal yesterday that we will not kiss each other... but now... he is still doing it..' Nandini is not able to understand what should she do. How should she react.

"I know we talked yesterday about this... but.... I can't help it... your fruity smell pulled me towards you... and I can't resist kissing you..." his very husky voice was very close to her ears.

"But I didn't kiss you here..." he touched her lips with his index finger.

Her heart skipped a beat by his closeness already but she didn't leave the counter top. Her eyes became wide.

He smiled at her uneasiness and the effect he is leaving on her.

"I'll be right back..." he walked back and away from her.

He was smiling with mischief all the way on her behavior. But he couldn't help touching her.

Coming inside his room he took out his clothes and was smiling to himself.
"Gawd.... I don't know what's happening to me... I make a deal with her yesterday that I'm not going to kiss her... but I broke it today... why am I so attracted towards her...." he talks to himself and got ready.

'I was never like this... breaking all the rules... and going off the record to be close to her...' he thought.

He can smell good food from the kitchen.

When he came down the table was already set for two. Nandini was cleaning the kitchen.

Manik went to the table and took a sip from the freshly squeezed orange juice. He looked around and saw her wiping her hands dry after the cleaning.

"Done with all the work..." he asked her.
"Yes..." she answered.

"Ok let's eat now... common..." he said sliding his chair open and also opening a chair for her.

She got surprised.
"Meee..." she asked.
"Yes you... let's eat breakfast together... I'm sure you didn't have your breakfast this early..." he said gesturing her to the chair.

"Actually..." Nandini doesn't know what to say.

She sat on the table...
"Thanks for offering me..." she said.

"You are a good cook... I really enjoyed the breakfast yesterday and even today... it's simple and it's delicious... thanks..." he said.

"It's my pleasure... " she didn't say more.

After finishing their food she started to clean the table.

"Leave the dishes... the house keeping will do it.... we have to leave... it's already 8:30.... let's go...." he said.

Nandini grabbed her purse and walked with him to the door. He kept a hand at her back. She got shock again.

She thought he can't keeps his hands to himself. That touch, he has to show it to her.

They came out and he pressed the elevator button.

When they came out he asked.
"Do you have a ride..."
"No.. I'll take a cab..." she hesitated.
"Are you kidding me... we are going to the same place and you want to take a cab... I won't allow you..."

Right at that moment Cabir came with his BMW...

"Good morning people..." he said.
"I think the morning is very pleasant today..." he studied both Manik and Nandini and passed a comment.

"Good morning Cabir..." both of them wished him.

"Cabir do you mind if Ms Nandini joined us.... she is also going to the same place..." Manik asked.

"Why would I mind... common Nandini hop on... we are going to the same place..." Cabir answered.

Manik opened the back door for her and she get in.

"Thank you so much for the ride..." she said.

"It's our pleasure..." he said.

"Let's do one thing... until you are cooking for Manik every morning you can come with us to the office... what say Manik..." Cabir offers a deal.

At this time Cabir sounds the best friend anyone can ever have. Manik smiled and said.

"Yeah why not... we will go together...."

When they reached the office building there was Soha again getting out of her car. She saw again Nandini getting out of Manik's car.

"Not again..." she fumes with anger.
"This girl is getting closer to Manik day after day... l have to do something..." she thought with a very angry face.

End of part 5

Hello my friends.
How are you all.

Thank you so much for liking and voting on my new story.

It's more than 6 thousand views
And almost 700 votes on just 4 parts and a prologue.

I'm really very thankful to all of you.
I hope you will vote in future too.

And please drop some comments too whether you like it or not.
Which part you like it and which part you don't.

All the criticism is also welcomed.

So guys please vote and comment.

Thank you all.
Take care and stay blessed.
And always keep smiling.

Love you all.