Part 7

The husky dawn breaks into a beautiful morning and the bright sun rays were spread across the shore of the ocean. Everywhere you see is a vast seashore and bright blue Lake Michigans water and white sand spreading the serenity early this morning.

The boat came to a halt near the shore. Peter and Desserie  set the breakfast on the deck of the boat and called them to have it.

Manik pulled the chair for her and she settled herself on it. Manik walked around and sat in his chair.
It's a very new gesture for Nandini. She didn't went outside of the city to have breakfast with anyone before other then Navya and Aliya. But they always goes to IHOP or any local breakfast places. Not on the deck of a boat, and definitely not on sailing water.

She was awed by the serene  atmosphere of the early morning and also the beauty and pureness of the lakes clear water that's standing still.

When she takes a look at the breakfast her face fell open. It looks like a full fledge breakfast from a hi fi hotel.
The table was set with a clean white table cloth and nice crockery in sky blue color matching with the color of the sky, was arranged on it.

Freshly squeezed orange juice in crystal glasses, with French toast filled with cream cheese, scrambled eggs on the side. And also the chorizo sausages that's the delight.

In the sweet corner is the Deserrie's famous French crepe with strawberry filling and whipped cream and a cherry on top. And some fresh cut fruits in a bowl for both of them.

By the look of it Nandini's stomach started to growl. She diverts her gaze here and there. Manik watched her facial expressions and enjoyed the view. She looks more glowing then ever in the morning sun rays.

"What happened you don't like it..." he asked.

"What, no, no.." she hesitated "actually this is the first time I'm going out with someone else other than Navya and Aliya for breakfast... on a boat " she tucked her hair behind her ear with hesitation and glanced at her.  "Thank you.."

"It's my pleasure... now shall we start... if it becomes cold than it won't taste good..." he said serving her the food.

They eat in silence enjoying the delicious food away from home. Manik was watching Nandini's expressions hiding from her. He likes the way she is enjoying the food.

"I failed to understand... if you don't mind can I ask you something..." suddenly Manik asked her.

She lift her head from the food in a questioning way.

"Just now you said that you never went out to eat outside other than your friends... why is it so... doesn't you father takes you with him out to eat... I'm sure Mathur uncle is not that strict or backward minded to take his daughter with him..." he said in one go that Nandini was dumbfounded by his views about her so called falsely registered father. She couldn't say anything. She didn't know what to say.

Manik was moved by her behavior. He regrets asking such a personal question. But still he was curious to know.
"Did I hurt you by asking such a personal question. If you don't want to answer it's ok... let it be...". He said.

Nandini has to cover herself now. She came up with another lie. "Actually I spend most of my childhood and young age with my friends and..." she cleared her throat again. "And with my nannies.. so this is the reason...." she left the sentence in the middle and took a sip of her juice to prevent herself from talking further.

Manik felt bad about her. She didn't have her mother so she never knew what a mothers love is same like him.
'We both need each other's company to fill that hollow in our lives.' He thought.

He dejected the topic and stand up finishing his food. She did the same.

"Let's go and explore this place. Dhruv said it's very beautiful from inside." Manik said looking around.

"Dhruv showed you this place?  " she asked in a surprise.

"Yeah, I know what you are thinking.. that how come Dhruv knows about this lovely place away from city limits. He is a very lively person. He loves to enjoy life. And his choice of places is crazy...". He answered talking some beautiful words about his brother.

Nandini felt happy hearing him talking about his brother.

"But I don't think I can manage walking in these shoes along the shore or in the woods.." she  said showing her heel shoes..

"I think that can be arranged..." he hold his hand and took her inside the boat house. There's a full furnished house underneath the boat. With a full kitchen, an eating area, a sitting area. When she passed further there's two doors opening to the bedrooms. He walked inside the bed room and opened a closet.
It has shoes of different designs that were arranged in a decent manner.

"Here are some shoes.. you can use whichever fits you." He said.

He wanted to shower a lot on her. But he held his desires and his wishes to himself for now.

She chose a flat back slippers with a strap in the back. When she wore it... her height automatically gone down. Suddenly she looks short. She got nervous seeing herself in the mirror beside him. He looks like a giant and she looks like a short figure. 

"You look perfect..." he said as if he read her mind. She smiled at him too.

"Even I have to change my shoes. I didn't plan on doing this. It just so spontaneous for me too..." he said and grabbed a converse from the closet.

They came out of the boat house and he called Peter.

"Peter we are going to explore around. Will be back in an hour or too... you can take rest if you want.." he said and they jumped down the boat.

They were walking quietly without any conversation.

Nandini felt very comfortable walking with him. This is very new to her. Spending time with Manik. The guy who stole her first kiss. Not really stole but who kissed her for the first time. He already started making way into her heart. She is very impressed by his approach of offering his friendship.

A small line of smile appeared on her lips. She hide it from him. The way he pampered her today for the breakfast no one have ever done any such thing to her in her life.

She wanted to tell him about herself. She opened her mouth to talk about herself but something else came out.

"If you don't mind can I ask you something.." she asked hesitantly.

He took her hand in his and entwined his fingers with her. "Why would I mind... you can ask anything.." he said trying to make her more comfortable.

She felt a shiver by his touch. But she didn't pull her back hand.

"Who else do you have in your family other than Dhruv..."she said but regretted asking such a personal question.

By the sudden cold that passed through her hand he understands that she is nervous.
"Don't be nervous. It ok to ask someone about their family. This is how we know each other..."
"I have a dad, a grandmother and a little sister..." he continued.
"The shoes you are wearing is my sisters. I'm happy it fits you perfectly..."

"And mom..." she asked and again regrets asking.
He took a deep breath and answered. "She is no more. When I was very young maybe five or six years old she passed away."

"I'm so sorry to hear that.." she said and gave a squeeze to his hand.

"I have passed that phase of life... now my ganny is like my mom... she takes care of me and my every need.." his voice is very down.

She didn't asked anything else.

They walked hand in hand silently along the shore line on the wet and dry white sand. There's no sound other than the waves that's coming and smashing on the shore.

Both of them were enjoying each other's company.

Manik gave a pull to her hand and she moved closer to him by that pull.
He looked on his sideways to take a glance at her. She was blushing red  in the bright morning sunshine. He liked that glow on her face.

They walked almost half an hour when they heard noise, noises of people.

"I think there are people here.." Manik said looking around.

"Yeah maybe people came for camping or something else..." Nandini also said. She was opening up slowly with him.
They followed the voices and went in the direction.

They see a board with CAMPING written on it and there's also ARCHERY written on a different board.

"You were right Nandini it is a camping ground..." Manik walked still holding her hand in his. They gave each other a smile.

There were few families camping in the ground with tents and cars. They were preparing food with the children playing.

As soon as Those people saw Manik and Nandini they walked near them and greeted them.

"Good morning to you too people. We were just passing by. We will not keep you guys stuck with us. You guys carry on..." Manik said. "I was just wondering that it's archery written over there. Is there really archery here..." he asked.

A man in his thirties with a very muscular built came forward and said. "Yes. There's archery a little away from here. If you are interested then I can show you the way." He offers his help.

"We all love archery that's why we choose this camp. Me and my brothers are from down south. Texas. We were looking for something wild with a family activities too so we selected this place...". As they walked ahead further deeper into the woods to go to the designated place both Manik and Nandini followed him.

There came an open space wide with a huge ground arranged for an archery competition.

"Wow this is very interesting... I didn't imagined that this is for a competition purposes..." Manik was amazed seeing the area. He turned to Nandini and asked. " do you know how to shoot arrows..."

Nandini startled by his question.
"No... I never tried it before..."

The mans brothers also followed him here.

"If you don't mind can we try it... I will pay for whatever the charges is.," Manik said.

"No problem dude...this will be fun. Why don't we do a competition. Who ever shoots three straight shots will be the winner and the loser will pay for the lunch. We have a small restaurant nearby..." the man said.

"But sorry to say, who owns this place...and I didn't get your name.." Manik asked giving a smile to him.

"Oh yeah. I'm Tyler. This is my brothers Evan and Thomas. Nice to meet you man... this place is ours. All three of us owns it  we are part owners...." he forwards his hand to shake with Manik's. He took out his visiting card from his wallet and gave it to Manik. Manik studied it and got satisfied before taking any chance.

"I'm Manik... and this is my friend Nandini... nice to meet you too dude..." Manik also introduced themselves.

Nandini looked up at him that he introduced her as his friend.

"So ready guys..." Tyler asked.

"One minute one minute..." Nandini stopped them.
He tucked at Manik's arm and left him speechless. His heart stands still when she held on to his arm. She pulled him away and bend him closer to her.

"I don't know ABC about archery. If you keep me in the competition then you will definitely lose..." she whispered in his ear her breath was fanning on his neck and ear. It gives a tingling sensation to him. Words are lost from his throat.

She gave a pull to his arm.
"Hmm... it's ok I will talk to them and we will take some trails shots first." He whispers back.

They straightened themselves and Manik explained the others about Nandini's dilemma. As this is a fun play, they were ok with whatever Manik had planned about the trails.

Manik take Nandini towards the position and make her adjustments.
She stands behind the placement and wears the glasses to protect the eyes. She puts on the gloves as per Manik's instructions.

She took the bow in her left hand but her hand couldn't adjust the bow as it the first time for her.

Manik came behind her and encircled her with his broad hands and lift the bow in his left hand steadily. His body is got connected to hers.

His front was stuck with her back fitting perfectly with his sculpted fixture.

Her breath got stuck in her mouth. She stopped breathing. Her hands got stilled feeling him this close to her.

"Breath Nandini breath.... how will you handle the bow and how will you shot the arrow if you can't breath... " his voice was very hoarse when he whispered on her ear. His whole body was hovering over her.

She let out a deep sigh, the breath that was stuck in her throat is out.
Manik holds her right hand and lift the arrow.

He positioned the bow to the eyes level and fixed the arrow in the middle of the bow.

All the time his fingers were entwined with Nandini's fingers. Making the aim he pulled the string with the arrow holding Nandini's fingers and very smoothly he released the string. The arrow hits straight into the middle.

"Bullseye..." shouted Tyler.

Nandini closed her eyes while Manik released the string. As soon as she heard the shouts she opened her eyes.

The arrow was shot right in the middle of the board.

Manik framed his hands around Nandini's waist the same way he was holding her and lift her up.
"Wow we did it in the first shot... we could make a good team...". He screamed.

"What a pairing man... you guys will win it... you both can kill us...." this time Tyler's brother Evan said.

Both Manik and Nandini felt embarrassed. But they continued with the trails. Until Nandini knows how to shot the arrow.

Manik won the game with shooting three straight arrows on a bullseye. Nandini hit two. And all the three brothers hit three straight arrows together. So Nandini was the one who lost the game. But as Manik knows that Nandini is just an employee in his office so he makes a deal with them. That he will pay for the lunch.

But Nandini didn't agree with him. They all walked to the small restaurant which consists of only two rooms. One is the kitchen and the other is the dinning. Only one male chef. Nandini got an idea.

"Excuse me please..." when all of them got her attention she said.
"As I'm the one who has to pay for the lunch. How about I cook for you. This way I will feel comfortable that I did the lunch for you all..."

Manik understands what she's trying to do. But he brought her here not to make her cook. She make breakfast for him every morning. He wanted to give her a break.

"But..." Manik was about to say something when Tyler interrupted.

"That's a very good idea... and we all can help you if you need it..." he said. Nandini felt relieved. She looked around to check the pantry. She see enough ingredients to cook what she has in mind.

Manik came forward and offer his help too. "I can help you make salad. I make very good salad..." he grinned.

She smiled shyly and passed the salads ingredients to him. He started cutting the vegetables.

She gathered all the things she needed and started her work. Good thing was her culinary skills is always handy when she needed it.

Within an hour she make a full big bowl of spaghetti and meat balls with fries for the children. Manik prepared a big bowl of  chicken salad. Chicken was already cooked before.

The food was enough to feed at least five families.
They settled down on the dining table where only the family of the three brothers were there. Manik and Nandini was two extra.

Everyone enjoyed the meal and praised Nandini's cooking skills. They all have fun.

When done. Tyler came forward and extended his hand.

"Very nice to meet you two. You should think about taking your friendship to another level. The compatibility you both have is something very beautiful..." he said.

"I never thought that we will meet some beautiful people on our camping trip...it was really fun..". He concluded.

Manik and Nandini was dumbfounded by his openness. Nandini was looking elsewhere to avoid Manik's eyes.

"Same here man... we have a lot of fun too... I just came here to have a chill time and explore the place... I never thought that we will meet some wonderful people... very nice to meet you all... you guys enjoy the rest of your trip... we will take your leave..". He meet everyone and shakes their hands.

And left from there.

Walking back to the boat was also fun. Now that Nandini opened up a lot with him she can talk easily with him.

"Where did you learn how to cook such delicious food...." he asked holding her hand again. Her hands is soft and warm under his touch.

She liked it to be holding her hands in his.

"I took a semester of culinary class in high school and also take extra cooking classes in summers. Cooking is something I like to do in my free time... it feels like stress reliever for me...." she said excitedly. One of her personal hobby which only she knows. Because she never showed her talent to Navya and Aliya too.

As they being the laziest girls, they will put the responsibility on her shoulders.

They passed the woods and crossed the shoreline. The sun was full on bloom. It's almost afternoon. As soon as they came near the boat both of their phones started buzzing and dinging.

"I guess there was no network inside.. that's why our phones started buzzing non stop now...." Manik took out the phone with his left hand not leaving Nandini's hand.

He got two messages and couple of missed calls from Kathy. Asking him about his whereabouts and informing him about the arrival of French delegates.

A message from Cabir. Teasing him about his day out with Nandini.
"I don't know how he figures things out..." he murmured to himself.

Another text from Soha asking him where he is.

Nandini got a missed call from both Navya and Aliya. And also a missed call from her mom. Surprisingly.
"Why did she call me..." she too murmurs herself.

They climbed the boat. Manik asked Peter to take them back. The engine started and the boat is back on sailing on the clear water.

Nandini realizes that she did have fun today. She enjoyed Manik's company today. And she wanted to have this again. As if reading her mind he said.

"I have a great one today. I enjoyed a lot... I think after a really long time I have this much fun... how about you..." he turned to her leaning his back on the railing. He folded his hands on his chest and puts his one leg on the other. He looks very handsome in that pose. Exactly like a male model.

She gulps down her own saliva to avoid the urge to touch him. He is taking her breath away by standing there in that pose.

"I have fun today too. I think I really enjoyed this trip... and also.... I mean... I enjoyed your... umm..." she hesitated a lot before admitting.
"I enjoyed your company too..."

His face grew wider for a huge smile. He came near her. Held her shoulders in his hands.

"I'm glad you enjoyed Nandini... I'm really very happy..." he Couldn't stopped himself from kissing her forehead.

She didn't stop him. She likes it. The way their bond is progressing. She likes it. The way she felt his soft and thin lips felt on her forehead. She likes it a lot.

Now that she felt his touch she realized that She missed his kisses

"I want to be your friend..." suddenly she said and makes him shocked. He kept quiet for few seconds to intake the fact.

He pulled her into a bear hug. She didn't expected so fast. But she didn't fight against it. He wrapped his hands around her waist and hugged her tight.

"Oh Nandini, you don't imagine how happy you make me just now... I'm so happy... first you gave your trust to me... and now your are giving your friendship to me.... I'm so happy..." he turned around in a circle.
Nandini smiled and hugged him back.

"I'm glad too that we are taking this.. whatever we call it.. friendship or bond or whatever we name it. We are taking it slow. One step at a time...." she said resting her head on his chest.

"Let's introduce ourselves properly now.." he pulled her away to his arms length and forward his hand. "Hey, I'm Manik Malhotra. Will you be my friend..." he asked.

She hold his hand and said. " yes. I will be your friend. I'm Nandini mu..." Manik's phone started ringing.

Nandini's heart started racing faster. She felt cold and frozen in her place.
'Again interrupted.. why Aiyyappa... what are you planning for me... this is the second it happens... first Dhruv and now Manik... why am I not able to tell the truth about myself..' she thought and her eyes got moist.

Manik got Kathy's call. He was busy talking to her. When he came back. He said again.
"So where were we...yeah you were introducing yourself.."

"Yes. I'm Nandini... I'm very happy to be your friend..." she said confidently.

"Only Nandini.." he asked.
"Yes... I want you to know me as me only Nandini. Without my last name. I want to make my own identity... without my fathers name attached to it... so will you still be my friend knowing me as, just Nandini..." now this is the actual challenging question to Manik.

To her surprise Manik's answer shocked her and surprised her.
"Yes I want to still make you my friend... I want you as you without any last name attached. And I have full confidence on you that, you will definitely make your own identity one day...". He shook her hand making her happy.

She felt a little guilty for hiding her true identity again. His openness is making her more guilty. But this time she make a fair deal. She introduced herself as her. At least for now she can concentrate on the work and her life. The rest she will deal later.

.......

When Nandini was stepping out of Manik's car from the front passengers seat she was again caught by none other than Soha. Manik was holding the door for her that makes Soha mad. Very mad. She was exiting the building when her eyes fell on Nandini.

"It's her again. Now where she was coming from with Manik. It going over the limit..." she blabbers to herself. She took out her phone and dialed someone's number.

" I told you already she is going out of line... we have to do something about her..." she listens to the opposite person.

"Ok ok I'll take the first step... if it works than I don't need your help... but if she don't back off than I need your help in doing my thing..." Soha said very cunningly and hanged up the phone.

..........

"So how was the day out with your lady love..." Cabir dropped his comments as soon as he sat on the chair in Manik's office.

Manik shot a glance at him. They didn't gat a chance to talk about it since morning and now it's almost evening.

"What... don't think that if you don't tell me and I will not know... I knew everything..." Cabir replied with a crooked smile.

Manik gave him the same smile and said "I have never underestimated your talent of spying on me..." his tone has sarcasm in it. But Cabir never took it seriously.

"Whatever you say dude, you don't want to indulge your small mini hang out with your lady love to me.  I will not force you. As far as you have fun and your train is picking up the speed... that's what matters."

Manik turned away from him and said "she is not my lady love..."

"Umm hmm.... if that's what you believe and if that's what makes you happy...". Cabir got up to leave.

"where are you going..," Manik asked.

"To eat something.. you forget about your partner cum friend. I didn't eat anything, so I'm going to eat.."

"I'm sorry bro... let's go I will give you company..." Manik too got up from his chair.

"No it's ok... you stay... you have to prepare for the meeting with our French delegates. I'll grab something and be right back." He said and left the room.

Manik smiled on himself thinking about the time he spend with Nandini. It's the first time they spend time together as friends in a friendly Manner.

He wanted to explore his relationship with her as a friend and know her more better.

.........

"Miss Nandini, I think you need to come downstairs. There's a woman here claiming herself as your mother.." receptionist's voice echoed in Nandini's ear.

"What..." she screamed. Then she looked at her surroundings. Everyone was looking at her. She mouthed a sorry to all and walked fast towards the elevator.

"Can you please make her sit in the lounge I'll be right there..." she hanged up the phone and dialed Navya's number.

Navya picked up. Before she says hello Nandini said. "Navya you have to come to my office ASAP... I think Amma is here..." she is panicked as heck.

"What... wo wo wo... hold on hold on... how come aunty Annie is there how did she know the place...." Navya said. 

"ALIYA..." they both said in unison.

"Listen I'm going down... please be here I can't handle mom alone..." Nandini pleaded.

"Don't worry... I'm gonna be there as fast as I can..." Navya hanged up after making her feel better.

When Nandini went downstairs she looked around. She found her mother and her aunt both sitting on the couch in the lounge with Melanie chitchatting.

Her heart sanked in the deepest bottom of the bottom.

'Oh know... what the... aunty Sumi is also here. I don't know what's gonna happen... I don't know what they told Melanie and I don't know how they reacted...' she blabbers to herself and walked faster to them.

"Nandini, sweetheart come here... look who I have met... this beautiful lady says that she is your mother.. and this is your aunt..." Melanie's voice has a bit of joking in it. She didn't sound surprised or shocked. Her face is all smiley.

She came near Nandini and whispered in her ear. "Who are this ladies... why are they here... and why is she saying that she is your mother. I think your mother......." she left the sentence.

"Mel... I will explain you everything later... please let me handle them first..." she requested. Melanie blinked her eyes and let her go.

"I'll wait for you.. go ahead.." Melanie stands a little away and talked to the receptionist.

"Amma. Aunty... what are you guys doing here..." Nandini got mad on them.

Nandini's mother was not at all in a complexity. Rather she is proud that she came to see her daughters company and felt proud on Nandini that she is working in a big office.

On the other hand Sumita is feeling guilty that they barged in to Nandini's work place.

"Aunty at least you should have stopped her. You know this is my office. You just can't come and barges in here.." Nandini sound so upset.

"It's not my fault honey.. Annie didn't listen to anyone when your father and your grandmother gave instructions to her. Your Amms called and asked her to go check on you so she, without thinking anything just came looking for you..." Sumita explained the reason of their uninvited visit.

Nandini's mother got irritated and got mad. "So what if we came. I wanted to see my daughters office. What's so wrong in it. Why does anyone have problem with it... and that lady she act as if she doesn't believe me..." she was talking Loudly that anyone can here in the vicinity.

Right than Navya entered.
"Navya.. thank Goodness you are here. Melanie she is Navya my very good friend. She will explain you everything I will take them outside.." Nandini introduced Navya to Melanie.

"Hello Navya... I liked them. They are so lovely ladies... but I don't understand. She is saying that she is Nandini's..."

"Actually Melanie..." Navya cuts her off. "The one in a ponytail is my mom.. and the other lady is her sister. We are like a family to Nandini. My aunt, she treats Nandini as her own daughter. That's why she is saying that... everyone always gets confused..." Navya smiled falsely and gave some explanation, which is kind of true.

"Ohhh... why are you letting them go... at least ask some refreshments... Nandini..." she called her.

Nandini turned back from the door.

"Let them stay..." she asked the reception to brink coffee and some refreshments.

They all sat on the couch and chit chat in spite of Nandini being uncomfortable with their presence.

Navya very beautifully handled the situation. Because Nandini was very nervous and not able to talk properly. Navya makes sure that her mom and Nandini's mom didn't reveal anything which is not wanted.

Both the ladies were impressed with Melanie and her hospitality. They also makes her their friend. Melanie also somewhat liked them.

After sometime they took the leave and Nandini went to drop them near Navya's car.

As Navya was about to exit the entrance Cabir came out of the elevator and caught her.

"Miss Navya... is that you..." Navya stopped in her track.

'Not again..' she grumbled.

"How are you.. what are you doing here..." he asked.

Navya looked here and there to check if her mom and her aunt is out of sight.

"I'm asking you... why are you ignoring me..." he asked again.

"Because I don't want to answer.." she answered rudely.

"What's up with your attitude?? today I will not let you go unless you clear this. What's you problem?? Why do you always tried to run away?? Are you scared of something??? Are you afraid of someone?? Why do you ignore me every time I want to talk??"  Cabir showers her with a list of questions.

"Omg. So many questions.. calm down Mr. Cabir. What makes you think that I'm sacred of anything or anyone. I'm not for your information. And I don't like people like you who follow girls like... like some kind of... I don't even want to say it..." she jerked away the thought.
"And secondly. I think I already cleared it before that I'm not interested in you. Period. Why do you have a problem to understand simple English..." she said irritatingly.

"Ok now you listen to me Miss Navya... whether you are interested in me or not... but hear me very carefully... I'm very much interested in you... I want to be friends with you and I will make sure that you will be my friend. And I don't think there's anything wrong in it. I'm a handsome man and I have every right to choose whom ever I want. And I chose you... if you have a problem with that than keep it to yourself..."

Hearing Cabir's out burst Navya's mouth fell open. But she recovered herself and said "you wish.."

"Oh I will definitely wish this..." Cabir snapped at her again. Navya stumped her feet on the ground and stepped out of the building.

Cabir smiled a victory smile. "I know Navya there's something not right with you. I will find out what it is and I will earn your trust so that you open up with me...".

........

Arun is in a very happy mood. He was holding Nyonika's hand and swaying with her all over the hall. Manik and Dhruv entered and saw them dancing together.
Granny was sitting in the couch resting her face on her palm watching her son and daughter- in -law dancing to the old Indian songs.

Re Hai..
La La La La La La La La La La La La La Lah..

Hmmm He Hee
(Mere Saamne Waali Khidki Mein
Ek Chaand Ka Tukda Rehta Hai) -2
Afsos Ye Hai Ke Vo Hamse
Kuchh Ukhda Ukhda Rehta Hai
Mere Saamne Waali Khidki Mein
Ek Chaand Ka Tukda Rehta Hai

"Good evening everyone... what's the good news that mom and dad is dancing..." Dhruv went to granny and kissed her on her cheek.
Granny gave a wide smile to him and Manik who came behind Dhruv and hugged granny.

Jis Roz Se Dekha Hai Usko
Ham Shamaa Jalaana Bhool Gaye
Dil Thaam Ke Aise Baithe Hain
Kahin Aana Jaana Bhool Gaye
Ab Aath Pahar In Aankhon Mein
Vo Chanchal Mukhda Rehta Hai
Mere Saamne Waali Khidki Mein
Ek Chaand Ka Tukda Rehta Hai

"I don't know honey... your dad is in a very happy mood and has something to tell us and he is just checking my patience not spilling it out..." granny frowns and said.

"What's it dad?" Manik said sitting beside granny on the couch.

(Barsaat Bhi Aakar Chali Gayi
Baadal Bhi Garaj Kar Baras Gaye) -2
Par Uski Ek Jhalak Ko Ham
Ai Husn Ke Maalik Taras Gaye
Kab Pyaas Bujhegi Aankhon Ki
Din Raat Ye Dukhda Rehta Hai
Mere Saamne Waali Khidki Mein
Ek Chaand Ka Tukda Rehta Hai
Afsos Ye Hai Ke Vo Hamse
Kuchh Ukhda Ukhda Rehta Hai
Mere Saamne Waali Khidki Mein
Ek Chaand Ka Tukda Rehta Hai

Lip syncing Arun was making Nyonika swirl holding her index finger  in his fingers. Nyonika laughed at him.

"Arun, common leave me... what will they think... in this age you are acting like a teenager..." Nyonika was hiding her embarrassment in front of her son and Manik because she can see his awkwardness in his face.

Though she likes to hurt Manik, but she didn't want to make Dhruv upset. Become he loves his brother a lot and he cares for Manik's feelings very much.

"No no mom carry on... we will not mind... what say bhai..." Dhruv said teasingly. Manik gave a crooked smile to them and kept quiet.

"Ok now enough Arun... stop this childish behavior come over and say what you have in mind...who is this that come in front of your window ...." granny was getting irritated with Arun's act and also she noticed the annoyance on Manik's face.

Arun left Nyonika and sat on the couch opposite them. He wiped off his sweat with a tissue and cleaned his face dry.

"It's not my window maa, it's  Manik's window. " he looked at Manik and continued. " I have a very happy news to share with you all..." Arun said with excitement.
"I've selected a girl for Manik...".

"A girl as in marriage..." before anyone could react Dhruv asked.

"Yes as in marriage..." Arun replied.
Granny clapped her hands with happiness.
"Really Arun, are you telling the truth..." granny asked with a huge smile on his face.
No one was looking at Manik and seeing his reaction.

Nyonika was studying Manik's uneasiness and was feeling happy that at least this topic is happening in front of her. Otherwise her mother-in-law will not consider her important enough to share any news regarding Manik, her favorite grandson.

Suddenly Manik reacted.
"What.... no no no no..... this is not happening... I'm not gonna settled for an arranged marriage.... I would rather you don't interfere in my marriage or looking for a girl,.,," he stands up and went to get a glass of water.

Arun looked at Manik and came near him.
"First hear what I have to say... then take your decision...". He said.

"No dad... how can you even think that I'm gonna get married to a girl who I didn't see or who I didn't know.. I can't I just can't...". Manik took a sip of water and looked elsewhere.

"Who said you didn't know the girl... of course you met her and you know her..." Arun hold him by his elbow and drag him to the couch.
"Sit..." he make him sit by granny.
"I met her yesterday in office... I liked her.... and I think she is perfect for her...". Arun continued.

"Oh common dad... stop building up the suspense... say it out already..." Dhruv interrupted.

"It's Nandini, Mathur's girl.... I like her... she looks very fine to me for Manik...". As soon as Arun revealed Nandini's name Manik choked on the water he was drinking.

"Are you alright sweetheart... breath..." granny rubbed his back bending down at him.

"Oh that beautiful doll of a girl.... I like her too..." Dhruv said looking at Manik trying to see his reaction on this name. But before anyone can say anything he said.
"Of course for bhai... I like her for bhai... she is the first girl that I think can suit Bhai's personality... and she is so innocent..." Dhruv added his input to make the conversation more solid.

Granny and Nyonika was listening to them not knowing what's happening here.

"And I think bhai likes her too..." Dhruv meddled again pushing Manik to speak his heart out. Manik is Manik after all. He can't just let his guards down.

"Shut up Dhruv... there's no such thing like that... and dad... i just met her a week ago... I don't know anything about her... I can't just go and marry her...." Manik was feeling uneasy finds his feelings displayed in front of his family.

"Who said you have to go and get married to her tomorrow... if you are really interested than we can meet with her family... we can discuss this matter and you carry on with knowing her..." Arun really likes Nandini in just one meeting.

"How can you decide about a person only in one meeting dad... you met her for once and you are saying that she is suitable for me... we are living in 21st century dad for goodness sake dad... there's no such thing as arranged marriage in this time and generation.... I don't think that's even possible..." Manik is hell bent to prove his point.

"Ok ok relax..." granny said noticing that the conversation was directing into a argument.
"Let's do one thing... she is here working in the office... you take your time in knowing her.. if you think that she is not compatible with you than we won't even talk about this matter..." she looked at Arun and signaled him to be quiet.
"But, if you think that she can be a girl who you want to spend your lifetime with than we will talk further... okay..."

Manik was very uncomfortable talking about his personal life so openly. He is not use to it. He didn't wanted to argue with the only close family he has. That too, When he knows that they are right. He do have feelings for her. He is not ready to accept it yet.

He stand up and walked into the kitchen. Dhruv followed him too.

When they left granny turned to Arun.
"Arun you met her yesterday and you are telling it now... why didn't you at least tell me before... you know Manik's nature... he is not a person who likes to discuss his personal life so open... you should have thought about it..."

"But maa.... I was not talking openly in the public... we are all family here..." Arun wanted to continue but granny interrupted him again.

"You know what I'm talking about..." she gave a sting gaze to Nyonika.

Arun understand what she meant. Nyonika flares her nose and said.
"I will like it if Manik gets settled... after all he is the older son of this house... when he is done than we can think about Dhruv and Mukti.... otherwise my children's turn will not come in this life time..." her words has all the sarcasm and taunts in it which is not went unnoticed by Arun and granny.

'I have to meet this girl who has confused Manik and who has won my Dhruv's approval too...' Nyonika thought.

......

"Bhai wait...." Dhruv stopped him in the middle of the kitchen.

Manik stopped but didn't turned around.
"Why did you rejected the offer right away... I know you like her you knew it too... and you had a very good time today with her... still you don't want to consider it.." Dhruv's voice was very humble and concerning.

Manik grabbed a cherry tomatoes from the salad and tossed it in his mouth to get away from talking further. Dhruv noticed it and smirked.
"I know what you are doing bhai... you are trying to avoid the conversation...".

"Dhruv, right now I don't want to talk about it... I have a lot on mind... leave it..." Manik said irritatingly.

"Ok... I will not talk about it.. but please tell me that you will think about it..." Dhruv insisted. He really like Nandini as his friend and now if   this relationship gets fixed than as his sister- in - law.

Manik looked at him for a second and turned to grab a carrot piece and tossed it in his mouth.

"Umm... tasty salad..." he said.
"Bhai please... don't divert the topic..." Dhruv's is a very patience guy when it comes to Manik and his well being. He loves his brother more than anything in this world.

"What's in it for you Dhruv..." Manik folded his hands on his chest and watched his younger brother with an interesting face like an authoritative brother demanding an answer.

"Everything bhai... since you met her I've  seen an unexplained happiness and glow on your face which I have never seen before... I want it to be there always. I want you to be like this bhai... happy all the time...." Dhruv said the unexpected. Manik's posture relaxed from an authoritative brother to a loving brother seeing the concern in Dhruv's eyes for himself.

He pulled him in a hug.

"Stupid..." he murmured on Dhruv's shoulder.
"So you will think about it..." Dhruv asked not leaving any chance.

"Okay..." Manik replied patting his back a little harder playfully.

This brothers love was witnessed by granny who was coming into the kitchen to take out dinner. When she sees both the brothers have a very warm conversation. She halted in the passage and watched them. Her eyes were moist seeing them.
Suddenly she looked up to the ceiling or the Devine force up there and prayed.

"Oh wahe guruji... keep my children like this always and save them from all evil eyes...". She closed her eyes then she entered the kitchen.

She didn't see that Nyonika was also standing there behind her. She didn't see the whole scene but she saw enough to know the bonding of the brothers. She didn't like the way both of them were hugging each other. She turned very angry.

"This Manik is overpowering my son... I have to figure out something before things get out of hands" she murmured herself.

..........
Nandini was holding her tea and looking up in the clear night summer sky and was watching the glowing stars.

"What happened... did you tell him..." Navya asked Nandini as soon as they settled on the deck holding their cold drinks in their hands.

They didn't get to talk all day today because of their busy schedules. And half of the day Nandini's phone was out of signal.

"No guys... I couldn't. I didn't get a chance. But I have to tell you something...." she makes a pretzel out of her legs and turned to them.
"He took me out for breakfast... in a boat..." her face lit up by thinking about the morning.

"Really... in a boat, how romantic.." as usual Aliya went into her romantic mode. "I'm telling you girls this dude is falling in love with our doll... mark my words.." Aliya side hugged Nandini.

"Wait Aliya... stop your dreaming..." Navya stoped and got serious. "Are you telling me that he took you away on the boat for a breakfast date..." Navya's eyes were wide.

"Umm hmm..."
"You and him alone..."
"Yes. I mean there's a person who was taking care of the boat and his wife making breakfast. Other than that there was no one else..." Nandini explained.

"See told ya... he is definitely falling for her.." Aliya replied her eyes being right.

Nandini told them about their explorations of the place. And how they spend the time together with the camping people.

Nandini is lost in her dream world when Navya and Aliya looked at her and exchange glances with each other. As if they know that she is falling for him too.

"Nandini sweetheart... where are you lost..." Aliya asked.

She took a deep breath and said. "Guys I liked it when we spend time together... I liked it a lot.. but.." she stopped and looked at them with moist eyes.

"But.." both Navya and Aliya asked together.

"But I couldn't tell the reality to him... I don't know someone or something always gets in the way and stopped me... what should I do.... I want to tell him the truth about me... I don't want to lose him..." she started sobbing covering her face in her palms.

Navya and Aliya hugged her from the side and they sobbed with her too.

"Relax sweetheart... calm down... we will think something... we will find a way..." Aliya consoled her rubbing her back.

"Don't worry Nandini... we will find a solution..." Navya too added.

Right then Navya's mom Sumi peaked from the door.

"Navya did you go and meet Aryaman next door. He just came this afternoon... he came to meet me and asking about you..." she asked.

"No mom... I didn't... I saw the lights open in the house but it didn't have time. I'll meet him tomorrow..." Navya answers.

"Ok girls go to bed you all have job tomorrow..." saying this she left from there.

Navya and Nandini turned to Aliya with a squinting eyes and pretending to be angry with her.

"What? What did I do..." Aliya was a very clean soul. She really got scared.

"Why did you gave the address of Nandini's office to mom and aunt Annie..." Navya said.

"Why what happened.."

Navya explained the whole ordeal to her.
"Omg... I didn't imagine that they will take such a step.. they were just asking me as if they were so happy to know about her job in a big firm... and ask me which one. So I have her the name and address. That's it..." Aliya explained still surprised by her own dumbness.

"Anyways... be very careful from next time. Because you know what situation Nandu is in..." Navya said.

Aliya nodded her head like an obedient girl.

......

Somewhere else in Chicago in Mathurs house.

The real Nandini Mathur is having dinner with her father Mr. Mathur.

"You know sweetheart.. Arun Malhotra called me to give the progress about you..." Mr. Mathur said.

"Who Arun Malhotra dad..." she wasn't aware of what her dad is talking about.

"Arun Malhotra... your boss's boss. I mean the CEO of Malhotra fashion house where you work..."

She choked on her soup when she heard about the work. She didn't inform her dad yet about her not working. Her dad doesn't know that she didn't even gave the interview.

"Are you ok honey... take it easy..." he forwards his hand and rubbed her back.

"Yes dad I'm fine..." she said.
'I'm not working in that fashion house... than how come... I have to find out..' she thinks.
"What else did he say dad..." she asked trying to get more information.

"That they are really impressed with your work..."

'Ohh... there's something fishy...I have to go find out...for sure..' she gave a smile to her dad.

End of part 7

Hello people how are you all.
I'm so sorry That I'm late.

But I gave you a very masaledaar and long update to compensate it.

So tell me guys how do you like it.
Everything is in it right. Adventure drama and some curiosity.

Not a lot of romance. But it's getting there. They will have their cozy and romantic moments in coming updates.

So start commenting and click the vote star.

Thank you all so much for your support. I appreciate everyone of you.

Well,
Take care and stay blessed.
And always keep smiling.

Love you all.