Part 8

It's a beautiful summer morning for Nandini yet again. She was lying on her bed and was thinking about the previous day's events.

It was really an exciting day. A day well spend with Manik. She likes his company. It felt so perfect and well balanced.

'Well, its another day of adventure. Let's see what it holds for me today..' she thought and check her phone for time.

There's a text message from Manik.
'Meet me at office at 8 am sharp we have a meeting at 9'

She got up and went into the washroom to get fresh.

......

As soon as she entered the office her breath hitched in her throat
When she met his gaze. She always gets mum when she sees him. She came in and closed the door behind her.

"Good morning sir..." she said with a slow voice. He got up and walked near her. She was wearing a collared up blue crop top that ends half way to her stomach and off white color dress pants. It's showing off her belly button that's making Manik crazy.

"Good morning.."

His dad's Arun Malhotra's words ringed in his ears.

"I found a girl for Manik... it's Nandini Mathur..." as soon as he though about it a sensation ran through his body.

'Really now... early this morning... I'm thinking of getting married to her... what is wrong with me...' he thought.

His fierce and intense eyes held her gaze that makes her stopped breathing altogether. Nothing about this man is average.

His sharp and hard features, and a toughness that explains his business like posture that he carry everywhere. She was constantly watching him. He was wearing his ash gray suit with a white collared shirt and a matching gray tie.

"Ms. Nandini, are you alright.." his deep and strong voice called her name and brought her back to the earth.

He was right in front of her when she calmed herself down. He touched her cheek with his palm and caresses her. She pressed her cheek into his plan unknowingly and closed her eyes. To feel his touch.
What all that's happening is very alien to her. She went with the flow not stopping him.

Yesterday she fought with her thoughts and controls herself all day. Resisted him all day long.

But today.
There's definitely something wrong. It has to do something with this office atmosphere. She couldn't resist him. Neither he could resist touching her.

He wanted to kiss her right now right here, but he didn't wanted to ruin the friendship he make yesterday. He wanted to explore and experience that relationship which has all the flavors in it.

But the way she is responding to his touch is making very difficult for him to resist her.

He slid his other arm around her waist. She was lost in his touch that she didn't realize  he came so close to her.

The door was at the back of her and she was pressed in between his strong body and the hardwood door behind her. She closed her eyes.

Her stomach felt an unknow feeling when she felt his  warm breath on her face. She didn't dare to open her eyes. The tension in between them is rising.

He smiled that slow and dangerous smile that could kill anyone right now.

"Open your eyes Nandini..." his voice was hoarse.
She opened it with difficulty. She found his face only mere inches away from her.

She could feel his hard muscled body so near her.

"Trust me Nandini, I'm fighting and resisting too hard to not do anything stupid to ruin our friendship..." he touched his forehead to hers and closed his eyes. His voice was husky.

"I..." she tried to say something.. "I'm sorry..." she don't know what she wants to say... the proximity is not letting her do or say anything.

He at last not able to take away the urge to kiss her, he dragged his mouth down to her cheek and kissed her there.

She closed her eyes to his touch again. Suddenly she felt relief feeling him on her face.
Automatically her hand raised to cup his cheek. She was amazed. Her reaction to Manik's touch was way out of proportion.

And Manik takes that as a cue. He moved his lips towards the edge of her lips and kissed her. Then he captured her mouth with his in a soft gentle touch. Resisting all he can, not to make the kiss passionate.
But Nandini couldn't resist anymore. She cupped his face with both of her hands and responded to the kiss.

"Jesus Nandini, you makes it so difficult for me to resist you..." he groaned the words against her lips.

His one hand traveled in her hair and the other pulled her waist holding her hard against him. Pressed thigh to thigh chest to br***t the heat arises and gave way to the sleeping desires.

Nothing matters to her right now except the kiss. Her surroundings faded to her. Her knees was ready to wobble. To avoid falling she holds his suit collar with one hand and trail her fingers in his hair.

His mouth becomes hungry on her, for her. He powered her back against the door before she lost her balance.
He rested one arm above her head on the door caging her still kissing her.
She moaned his name because she couldn't help herself.
He glide his fingers under her small top that ended in half way to her stomach.

She felt cold and warm fingers on her stomach. He cupped his waist with his one hand and bored his finger tips to her skin. She shivers. Her gut twisted and tightened by his fingers.

Her breath was uneven with his powerful kiss. She felt the urge to take a breather. He lifted his head slowly and rested his forehead against her.

He felt like he lost the battle of his will power against his desires. Her eyes were closed too. He touched her cheek with his knuckles and trailed it.

"I'm..." he breathed. "Sorry for not able to resist and control myself... But I will never be sorry for kissing you.. this is the most beautiful thing for me."he pulled himself a little from her and looked at her.
Her eyes still closed. Lips swollen. Cheeks flushed. Hair disoriented.

He smiled at the image in front of her. He fell in love with this beautiful and innocent girl standing in front of her. Giving herself to him without thinking about the consequences.

"Open you eyes Nandini.." she opens her eyes dazed and dizzy by his extremely passionate kiss.
She felt embarrassed by his constant strong gaze on her. She bend her lashes on her cheek.

"Say something.." the roughness and the hoarseness of his voice effects her so much the she didn't look up. She was completely gone case. She was dizzily wondering how can she not resist him.

How his kiss and his proximity makes her forget the whole world. She couldn't expected herself to stand there with her wobbly feet. She was ready to fall if she was not supported by his collar where her hand is still instilled on to. She never did this kind of act before. Never felt this urge to kiss someone so bad.

She removed her hand slowly from his collar and looked up at him.
"I... "
"I don't know what to say.." she hesitated. She knew she also plays a big part in participating whatever just happened.

He stepped back a little more.
"I can't.." he cupped her face in his hands lifting it up, he bend to her level.
"What are you doing to me... I wasn't like this. I never lose control on myself... I never crossed my line with anyone...." he pressed his forehead against her.

"Jeez Nandini, I'm loosing my sanity when you are in front of me... I have to run a business and here I am kissing you like anything.." he was frustrated. Because he couldn't concentrate when she is around. He has to be ready for the meeting that's going to happen in less than an hour.
Early this morning he couldn't just resist himself from going near her and kissing her.

She can understand his dilemma. Because she is going through the same. She was happy that they took the step towards friendship yesterday but, this is nothing close to friendship, this is way beyond any friendship.

He left her face and walked towards the table and rest his palms flat on it.

"I'll go get your coffee..." grabbing the opportunity she ran out of the office.
She ran straight to the cafe to warm his caramel macchiato that she brought with her on the way here.
She also warmed up the croissants, blue berry muffins that she got it from starbucks and arrange it in a tray.

She stood like that for a couple of minutes and adjusted herself.
"Nandini, now is not the time to sulk... be brave... and face the fact that you are attracted to him... his personality, his aura... his everything... you don't know what this feeling is... so till you find out what it is just concentrate on your work...". She said to herself confidently. Picking up the tray she went back to his office.

She opens it with a push by her shoulder and walked in.
He was resting his head in his hands. He lift up when he heard her come in.

When she saw him all her confidence was flew away from the window. His messy hair. His little crumbly collar makes him more vulnerable and sexy and very irresistible.

She diverts her mind and looked in the tray.
"Ahem..." she clears her throat.
"If you can please freshen up yourself so that you can eat something and prepare for the meeting... we have only 10 minutes to spare then we can discuss about the meeting...." she didn't looked at him. She started making a plate for him.

Right than there was a knock on the door. Manik got up and went into the restroom without saying anything. Nandini opened the door and saw Melanie standing there.

"Ah... good morning sunshine... what's up... what did you do to your face... it glows like a star..." she walked in the room and checked around. Not finding Manik.
"Where's your Prince Charming.." she teased Nandini.

Nandini's face turned beetroot red. "He's in the restroom..." Nandini didn't deny what Melanie said about Manik being her Prince Charming. Melanie smiled at herself seeing Nandini's cherry red face.

'Hmm... good going guys... so it came till here...nice...' Melanie thought.

Manik came out with a fresh face and a fresh look. Nandini took a sigh of relief. He is back to normal.

"Good morning Mel. What's up..." he asked  with a  cheerful face and gave a kiss on her cheek.

"I'm good thank you... what about you... you look fresh as an apple.. and you have breakfast here... My stomach started growling seeing this..." she said with a hungry face. 

"Help yourself.. I'm sure we all can have it and discuss about the meeting..." Manik took a glance at Nandini and grabbed the croissant from the plate with a napkin.

Nandini is ignoring him altogether. Which is good for now. For both of them.

"Yea now spill it... what's the big fuss about this meeting that you texted me in the night and disturbed my sweet sleep..." Melanie started her rant again.

Manik finished his croissants in three bytes. "Ok firstly, Ms. Nandini, Kathy is gonna be on leave from today to the next whole week because of her wedding tomorrow..... so you will be my acting PA or secretary or whatever you call it...."

Nandini mouth fell open hearing him.
"Secondly, in less than an hour we will be receiving an old couple. They wanted to make some designer gowns from our fashion house. So they will be joining us..."

Looking at Melanie who is busy eating her blueberry muffin Manik said.
"Melanie Mrs Williams the lady who is going to join us she is very impressed with your designs. She wanted a very unique designers gown from you..."

Melanie wiped off her face and grabbed the coffee cup from the tray.
"No froblemo baby... I will be right on... but how many they need..." she asked.

"That we will know when we meet them..." Manik turned his glance to Nandini and said.
"Ms Nandini can you receive our guest and take them to the meeting room. I will be right their with Mel.."

"Yes sir..." she took the tray and leave the room without looking at him.

He took a deep breath and scooted back in his chair. Melanie noticed the the tension between them.
"What's goin' on..." she asked raising an eyebrow to him.

"Nothing much... getting ready for the meeting.." he didn't answered fair.

"You know I'm not talking about that... I mean what's going on in between you too love birds..." she grinned and get excited.

"Nothing like that Mel... and we are not love birds. It's the tension of the meeting. And Kathy is not here too. I was just concerned that how will the things run. Kathy is up to date in everything. Will Nandini be able to handle it..." he looks genuinely concerned.

"Don't worry.."Melanie got up from her seat and walked around. She hugged him from the back in a sisterly way.

"We all are here... we will guide her and help her.." she said and gave a pat on his back.
"Get ready and concentrate on the meeting. We will take one step at a time..." she said and walked with him outside the office.

..........

Nandini came out of the office and her gaze fell on the girl standing near her desk. She thought that she's seen her somewhere.

Where?

"Excuse me... who are you and what are you doing here?"  Nandini asked.

" I'm Nandini... Nandini Mathur..,"
She  said and Nandini's eyes shot open with a shocker.

It clicked Nandini's mind that this is the real Nandini Mathur she met in the washroom a week ago... and by mistake she got her file.

She never thought that she will ever come face to face with the real Nandini Mathur. She is stunned seeing her here.

Manik came out at that instant.
"Who is this..." he asked.

"She is my friend..." Nandini said before Nandini Mathur answered.
"She came to visit me... and see my new job...".

"Ok but Nandini we are very busy right now. Ask your friend to wait at the reception so that we can get over with the meeting first...." Manik said very politely.

"Yes sir..." she answered. When Manik walked away the girl turned to Nandini and got mad.

"Who are you and what are you doing here with my name and my job..." the real Nandini Mathur asked her.

"Aaa, Ms Nandini.." Manik turned back and called.

"Yes sir..." both the girl's answered together.

Manik got confused now.

To cover up the scene Nandini said.
"Actually we both share the same name. That's why... shee..."  Nandini tried to adjust.

"That's a very interesting coincidence..." Manik said with a surprising look.
"By the way I'm referring to you Ms Nandini," he looked at Nandini Murthy. "Can you get your designs and bring it into the meeting room..."

"Yes, I mean yes sir. I will bring it..." she replied.

He gave a smile and leave from there murmuring "weird.." to himself.

"Please can you wait in the waiting room... I will explain to you everything... please..." Nandini Murthy requested her.

"Your excuse better be good otherwise I will file a complaint of stealing the identity. You can be charged with felony of fraud in working with a fake identity... so you better be there and explain me..." Nandini's Mathur gave a tantrum to her and went from there.

Nandini Murthy didn't understand what to do. Right now she don't have time to even think or deal about Nandini Mathur.

She grabbed her file with designs and ran towards the meeting room.

She set up her file and get back into the cafe to order some coffee and refreshments for the guest.

.........

It's 9am already. An old couple in their sixties came out from the elevator. As  Nandini saw them she greeted them and took them to the meeting room.

Manik and Melanie also came out from the other elevator and followed them.
They did the formalities of meet and greet.

After settling down and introducing themselves Mrs. Williams is the one who started the conversation. She is a very sophisticated lady with a very high taste in dresses.

"I'm Rose Williams... the reason we wanted to meet you people is because I wanted to make a gown for the ceremony of renewing of my wedding vows...." she said very excitingly.

"It's our thirty fifth wedding anniversary so we planned to renew our vows on that day again..." Mr Williams added seeing her wife's excitement.

"Well congratulations both of you... we will do our top most level to create whatever you wanted..." Manik said.
"As you already met my designer Ms Melanie... you can discuss with her and ask whatever you want..."

"Oh call me Mel or Melanie sweetheart..." she turned to Mrs Williams.
"I will be at your service to create you the best designers gown anyone has ever seen.... you will look the most beautiful girl in this whole planet..." Melanie knows how to impress a client.

All the time Rose was observing Nandini, who was quiet and sitting following everyone.

"And what is this sweet girl capable of..." Mrs Williams asked.

Before Manik can answer Melanie said.
"She is my assistant... she will be helping me in designing your gown...".

"I have a question Mrs Williams... if you don't mind.." Manik asked.

His phone buzzed for a text message. He ignored it.
"Is it only your gown we are making or you want to make dresses for the ladies in your house too... we can offer best deals if you allow us to work with you..." he said.
"I will talk to my daughters and daughter in laws if they want your fashion house to made it for them... I will let you know as soon as possible..." she replied with a smiley face.

"When do you want to see the designs so that we can start working in it.." this time Melanie asked.

"I can see it now if you have time..." Mrs Williams said.
"Why not Mrs Williams... we can arranged that... but you have to walk to my office to see that..." Melanie said getting up.

"Call me Rose sweetie... and of course I can come with you... David can accompany me won't you David..." she asked her husband.

"Yes why not..." both of them got up from their places and followed Melanie.

"Manik I'm taking them to show the designs. If Nandini is free she can come and join us..." Melanie said.

"Yea Mel... I will send her in few minutes... you carry on..," he said and turned towards Nandini.

When they exited the meeting room he asked her.
"Will you handle this project... Melanie can design Rose's gown. But if we get the whole family... can you help Mel...".

This is the first chance for Nandini to prove herself as a designer. She is actually going to use her talents and show them that she is really a good designer.

"Yes sir... I'm ready... I can do it if I got this opportunity..". She said confidently.

"We also have to be ready for the launch of our new venture. It's coming in the end of August. Only few weeks are left for it..." Manik is making her responsible more for the company and getting her involved in all matters.

He is trying his level best to trust her. Because it's very difficult for Manik to trust someone. He is a very insecure person. So it's not easy for him to trust anything easily.

Circumstances and situation happens that he can't just trust everyone or anyone.

"Are you sure..." he makes her think about it once more.

"Yes sir I'm sure...". She replied. Manik's phone buzzed again.

Taking out the phone he said.
"You can join them and show your talent.

She walked out of the room happily.

.........

Manik looked at the phone. There's a missed call and two messages from Dhruv.

He check the message. It says.
"In ER. Cook county hospital"

"What..." his voice echoed in the empty room when he screamed.

He called Dhruv immediately.
Dhruv picked up. But before he said hello. Manik shouted.

"What happened? Why are you in the ER..". His heartbeat accelerated..

"Relax bhai.. I'm ok.. I'm fine.. nothing serious.."

"Than why are you in the ER." Manik is very concerned for him now.

"Last night in the pub a small incident happened... these guys were misbehaving  with a girl. She was just getting something to eat. You know bhai I can't see any girl being treated bad. So I jumped and saved the girl. In return I got a gift of black eyes broken lip and some fractured ribs..." Dhruv laughed.

"The same girl brought me to the hospital. It happens that this girl works here in cook county as a nurse. I was unconscious when she brought me here. When I woke up it was morning..."

"Are you crazy... you have too many injuries and you are saying small incident... why do you have to involve yourself in others matters... idiot..." Manik is worried like hell now.
"I'm coming..." he was about to hang up.
"Bhai bhai bhai bhai... wait.."
"Whaaat..." his frustration and helplessness and also his love and concern for his little brother came out in a scream.

"Don't tell anything to granny and dad and also mom... please.." he requested.

"Why.."

"Because I'm not in a mood to hear any lectures... and granny will be worried like anything... so please.. pretty please.... with a cherry on top..." hearing Dhruv's voice like a small baby Manik's face cracked into a smile.

"Stupid,.. ok I'm coming.." Manik hang up and went to Melanie's department.

The Williams were already leaving after going throughout the designs. They decided that they will try out some gowns next week and also they will bring the other girls from the family.

Manik told Mel about Dhruv. Melanie worried.
"How is he now... is he fine..." she asked.
"I don't know yet... by the voice of his he looks ok to me but I will know when I get there...". Manik said with worried face.

Melanie came and gave a hug to him.
"He will be fine... don't worry..." Melanie said patting his back.

Nandini was watching Manik's love and concern for his brother. She really was impressed with him seeing like this.

"I'm going now to see him. If you need me just buzz ok..." Manik said pulling himself out of Melanie's arms.

"You don't get worked up about here... I will manage.." she said.

Manik was walking to the elevator and Nandini followed him in.

She looked at his questioning gaze.
"I'm going to check on my friend that came to meet me..."  she said as if answering his question.

The were descending down the elevator when all of a sudden Manik asked her.
"Do you want to come with me... er.... to see Dhruv... you said you are his friend..." he don't know why he asked that question. Maybe he wanted her company. Or maybe he wanted her to be by his side.

She too didn't understand why he asked him to accompany him. She wanted to go to see Dhruv, but she don't know how to ask him.

"Yes I want to, if you don't have any problem..." she answered hesitantly.

"I wouldn't asked if I have a problem.." he said.

They came out of the elevator. Nandini looked out for the girl. She was not there.

The receptionist came and gave a small paper to her. "A girl gave this for you." He said.

She looked at the paper. There was a message written on it.

'I've to leave. Call me at this number within a day. If you do not come up with a reasonable explanation you know what I will do.' N

she folded the paper and looked for her purse. She forgot it in her cabin.
"I forgot my purse..." she said looking at Manik.

"No problem... we will be back in an hour or so... you are here with me.. if anything happens than I will handle..," he assured her genuinely.

She smiled. They walked out. Again it was witnesses by Soha.

She gritted her teeth and glared at them. She fisted her hands so tight that her knuckles became white.

She saw them sitting in the car and leaving with Cabir driving. Manik already informed Cabir about Dhruv's accident.

"Now that's not tolerable at all.." she said to herself and called someone.

"I'm executing my plan tonight... I can't wait anymore... if I need any help I will call you..". And she hangs up the phone.

........

In the ER, Manik checked with the reception for Dhruv. They gave the information.

He was in the recovery room. Manik walked in and and saw Dhruv relaxing in a sitting position with his eyes closed his head resting on the back of the hospital bed. The side of his lower lip is maroonish color. His left eye is swollen and blackened. His ribs is not seen because he was wearing a hospital shirt.

Dhruv opened his eyes hearing the door open.
"Bhai..." he said.

"Shut up.. just shut up.." he said with a fake anger and walked near him. Nandini followed him too.

Manik walked near him and grabbed him for a big bear hug. Like a big brother. Like trying to protect him from all the dangers.

"Can't you just stay away from trouble... why do you have to jump into the middle of the chaos.." he gave a light pat on his head.

"Ouch.." Dhruv squeal.

"I'm ok bhai... I'm really fine... and what do you mean. If you see any girl in trouble will you keep quiet... no right... so how do you expect me to...." he gave his explanations.

Manik hide his moist eyes from everyone and looked at Dhruv. But it was not unnoticed by Nandini.
She saw a different and emotional side of Manik today. He really loves his brother a lot. It can be seen in his worry some face all the drive here. He didn't say anything or talked about anything all the way.

"You are fine right... is it hurting still..." he asked Dhruv in a very lovable way checking his face and shoulders.

"No bhai... I'm perfectly fine... they gave me painkillers and they already gave me the discharge few minutes ago..." Dhruv assured him.  
Cabir who was standing near the door he entered and said.

"Ok now enough of this brotherly love. Dhruv get up from the bed. Be a man. Stop sulking like a girl... I'm gonna finish up the formalities and then we will leave..."

"Hello to you too bro... what's up... I'm fine, nothing major... still all the bones are intact.." Dhruv said taking Cabir's hand ina brotherly shake.

Even Cabir got worried about him but he didn't want to get emotional and add more drama.

"So ready to leave..." he asked.

"Mr. Malhotra... you have to sign some of these papers. It will cover all the cost because you have medical insurance..." everyone turned to the voice of the girl that entered the room.

She looked up and got surprised.
"Oh... I didn't know you have company..." she said giving a shy smile to all.

"Aliya..." Nandini's mouth open to see her friend here working. She knows that Aliya works here but. She never expected her to be here at this time.

"You were working for the early morning shift again...". Nandini asked.

"They call me in the night. They were shot of nursing staff in the ER again... what are you doing here..." she asked.

"This is my boss. Mr. Manik Malhotra and he is Dhruv. His brother...." she pointed towards Manik and Dhruv.
"And this is Cabir...". And turning towards Aliya she said "and this is my friend Aliya."

"Hello everyone... I'm Aliya, Mr. Malhotra's nurse for the day..." Aliya said with a wide smile.

"Bhai, she is the one I saved..." Dhruv shot a glance at Aliya.

"Yes. I'm so thankful to you Mr. Malhotra. I don't know from where these bunch of boys came from and started misbehaving with me. I mean I was getting something to eat..." Aliya like always. She started her ranting.

"Oh my God Aliya are you ok.. anything happened to you.." hearing her Nandini gave a hug to her.

"Wow... like really... I'm the one who got busted here and you are asking her how she is... no fair gorgeous..." Dhruv makes a pouty face teasing her.

Nandini felt embarrassed. By the way he called her gorgeous in front of Manik and also in the presence of every one.

"No actually I was waiting for my turn..." she shied away from Manik's strong gaze on her.

"How are you Dhruv.." she asked.

"Now that you asked I'm  gonna be perfectly fine..." he gave a mischievous grin to her. Making sure that Manik sees that.

"Umm... Dhruv I think you need to get changed. We will leave in few minutes..." Manik gritted his teeth and bend towards Dhruv.

"Dhruv stop flirting with her.."

"It's so much fun to see you possessive about her bhai... I love it..." Dhruv replied teasingly.

"Anyways... Ms. Aliya. Stop calling me Mr. Malhotra... it feels like I became my dad or bhai... I don't want to be. I have a very nice name. Call me Dhruv please....". Dhruv switched the topic suddenly to Aliya.

Aliya gave a happy grin again.
"Then you too call me Aliya without Ms." She said.

"Done deal.." Dhruv gave a thumbs up.

Manik and Nandini came out of the room. Cabir went to the reception to finish of the paperwork. Dhruv and Aliya was left alone in the room.

"Seriously, Mr. Mal... I mean Dhruv... because of me you got in trouble.. I'm so sorry for that ...and  I don't know how to thank you.." she was very guilty on her behalf.

"There's one way to thank me..." he said.
She looked at him.
"You can accompany me in a wedding... it's a couples theme for the party... and it's tomorrow..." he asked.

Aliya didn't say anything. She was thinking about something.

"You didn't answer." He asked again.

"Ok.. I will come... but... I don't have a car.." she answered hesitantly.

"No problem... I will pick you up from your house..." he said but he realized that will Manik allow him to drive.

"Do you think you should drive in this condition.." she said as if reading his mind.

"You don't worry about that part. I will manage something.. just give me your phone number... I will let you know when I will pick you up..." he said very excitingly. He gave a miss call to her.

"Got it.." she said seeing his number on her phone.

........

Outside at the reception desk. Cabir was doing the formalities when he heard a familiar voice.

"Can you please call Aliya the nurse... I have something to give her...".

Cabir looked up to see Navya standing with a bag in her hand.

"Well well well... look who is here... what a pleasant surprise..." his mood became jovial all of a sudden.

"You... are you following me???." she said loudly.

"I can say the same thing... because I was the first one here... before you...". He answer back the same way.

She turned her around and stand without saying anything else.

He gave the pen back to the receptionist and came near her.
"Why don't you accept that destiny is playing its role to make us meet again and again... you can't deny it.." he said softly.

"It's just a mere coincidence... it has nothing to do with destiny..." she answered rudely.

Manik and Nandini came at that time.
"Navya what are you doing here..." Nandini asked her and gave a hug to her.

"I came to see Aliya... she called me and told me about last night.. and I brought her lunch... she left at 3 in the morning..." Navya answered.
"By the way where's your phone she called you, I called you no response madam..." Navya said making a face.

"I was very busy since morning and I forgot my phone in the office and my purse..." she said looking at Manik.

"What are YOU doing here..." Navya asked.

Nandini explained everything to her.

"Oh... how is your brother doing Mr. Malhotra...". Navya asked after hearing the whole story.

"I'm doing perfectly alright... thanks for asking Ms. Gorgeous's friend..." Dhruv said coming from the back with Aliya.

"But I have to tell you one thing gorgeous... your friends are beautiful and lovely as you... very caring and concerning..." Dhruv's point was towards Aliya.

But Manik got jealous again. Nandini felt embarrassed every time Dhruv called her gorgeous in front of Manik. She knows he gets bothered by it.

She didn't know what kind of a bond these brothers share, but she is sure that Manik doesn't like it.

"Ready Dhruv.. I think we should leave..." Manik was still gritting his teeth.

"Yes bhai... but I think my car is in the parking... last night Aliya brought me here in my car...". Dhruv said avoiding his sting glare.

"Cabir will bring it... I have to drop Nandini to the office and then I will take you home..." Manik looked at Nandini to see if she is ok with the plan.

"No no no bhai, I'm not going home in this condition... I'm going to your penthouse. You know how mom and ganny will react seeing me like this... right now this much drama is more than enough for me... and I need sleep..." Dhruv whines like a small baby. Manik always give up on his whining.

"Ok ok... stop crying... I'll take you to the penthouse..." Manik smiled at his childishness. Nandini smiled at both of them enjoying their brotherly love.

When Manik Nandini and Dhruv left. Only Aliya and Cabir and Navya was remaining. Aliya went inside after she received a call.

"I want to ask you out..." suddenly Cabir asked Navya. Her mouth fell open and eyes popped out.

Unbelievable! She thought. Shaking her head.

"Why are you acting  like you saw ghost. I didn't asked you to give me a million dollar. I just want to spend some time with you. One of our employee is getting married tomorrow and it's a couples theme. I don't have any girlfriend or any female to bring her with me so I want you with me..." he said confidently without any hesitation.

"What makes you think that I will accept your offer..." Navya was still in a surprise mode.

"I know you will accept it..." he again said confidently.

She scoffs in disbelief. "You live a very delusional life.."

"No I live a very real life... and I know that you will accept my offer..." same confidence again. "You know why..." he gave her a look.
"Because... no man or boy has approached you with a genuine heart and clear feelings until now like I do. And you know deep down in your heart that I'm a good guy..." he was very serious when he said it.
"And I'm genuinely interested in making you my friend...".

He take out his visiting card and he hold her hand in his. Opening her palm he put his card on it and closed her fist.
"This is my card. My cell phone number is written on it... if you text me then I will think that you accepted my offer..." without hearing her answer he left from there.

Navya was dumbfounded by his act. She couldn't say anything or react anymore.

She kept the card in her purse and left from there with frustration.

........

Manik left Nandini at the office and went with Dhruv.

It's Friday, all the employees left on time. Nandini was still working. Melanie told her to check a dress for herself for Kathy's wedding.

After wrapping up her work she went to the clothes department. Her phone buzzed. It's Navya.

"Hey Navya what's up.." Nandini said in a cheerful voice.

"I'm good. Aliya is also here. We are on speaker. We came back home. I wasn't in a mood to wait for you. Can you manage with a cab..". Navya said.

"Yeah yeah sure. I'm checking some dresses for the wedding tomorrow." Nandini replied.

"Gurlll.... he is hot. Your boss... oooo" Aliya interrupted their talk. "How can you both not get effected by such hotness around you..."

"I work here Aliya.. I don't come to drool on hot men.." Nandini's mind was saying something else though and her tongue is speaking something different. The morning kiss flash in front of her eye and gave her a shiver.

"Ok ok listen.. about that wedding tomorrow. Dhruv asked me to accompany him to that...." Aliya said.

"Whaaat.... really..." both Navya and Nandini screamed.

"Sshh... sshh... someone can hear..." Aliya quiets them. "Yea, he said that he wanted to spend time with me..." Aliya shied.

"Really Aliya... but I must say Dhruv is a very nice guy." Nandini was thinking about Manik all of a sudden.

"Guys, umm... I have something to tell..." slowly Navya also spilled the words she was holding since Cabir asked her out.

"I was also invited for this wedding.."she said.

"By who..." both Nandini and Aliya asked together.

"Promise me you girls will not make fun of me or make a big deal out of it.." she asked.

"Why would we Navya. Now say it.." Nandini couldn't hold any longer.

"It was Cabir who invited me... he is after me for sometime now... even though I'm rejecting his offer he is just not backing up...." Navya said and narrated them about their encounters.
"But I don't want to go and prove him right..." Navya tried to stop them from thinking anything further.

"Why not... he is a good guy as far as I know. It will be fun guys. Just imagine all three of us will be attending the wedding together. With who does matter. But it will be fun. Common guys think about it.." as always Aliya went into her dreamland.

"How did you know..., and anyways, I'm still thinking..." Navya said again.

"Let me grab a dress from here and I will meet you guys in an hour. Then we will decide. What to do..." Nandini said. They said ok and hanged up the phone.

Nandini didn't see that it's already late and the office staff is almost gone. She heard something fall outside in Mel's office.

"Who's there.." Nandini's ears stood up with cautions.
She checked her phone for the time. It was already 7 in the evening.

"So much time has passed. I didn't even noticed." She said to herself. She came out in Melanie's office and didn't see anyone. She walked towards elevator. She didn't noticed that two eyes were watching her every move.

Soha was standing there gritting her teeth and fisting her hands. As soon as she walked to the elevator Soha ran to the recreational room.

Nandini felt someone ran behind her. Goosebumps crawls onto her skin. She looked behind and didn't see anyone. She got scared.
She pressed the elevator button and waited.

"I should leave now. Why did I stay for so long..." she murmurs to herself.

As the elevators door open she stepped inside and pressed the number.

The door closed and suddenly the lights went off and the elevator stopped.

"What..oh my God... " Nandini panicked. She started screaming all of a sudden.

"Help.... anyone there.... Open the door...someone there..." her voice choked in her throat.
"Please... help... who is there.." sweat beads covers her forehead.

"G..God, someone..."she bang the elevator door. Her phone slipped from her hands.

"Mr.. Malhotra.. someone.. plea..." she started crying.

Her breath is getting heavier by the second. She hold her throat with her hand.

"I can't bre... breath.. Manik.." she said very softly as her voice is getting gone.

Her head became heavier. Dizziness was covering her. Her gaze was being blurry.

She banged on the door again helplessly. Her body is giving up on her. She couldn't help it. As her body was being dragged by her helplessness. She fall slowly on the ground. Her oxygen level was dropping.

"Someone... help..." she whispered to herself in an almost not so loud voice.

Her head fall on the floor of the elevator and her hand lay beside like a lifeless part of her body. She closed her eyes still hoping for the elevator lights open and someone comes to rescue her. And everything went blank.

........

"Navya it's been more than an hour.. why didn't she come yet..." Aliya as always got worried for Nandini.

"I don't know.. maybe she stopped by some store to get something... let's call her...". They called her. The ringing was going through but no one was picking up.

They call again. Twice. Thrice. And many more times. It's ringing and ringing.

"I'm scared now... what if something happens..." Aliya's voice was filled with fear.

"God forbid.. nothing is gonna happen.." Navya calmed her down.

"What if aunty Annie comes and ask about Nandini.. then what will we say.." Aliya's mind is working in all the direction.
"Let's call the office.. so you have the number..." Aliya ask again.

"No we always talked on her cell phone. There wasn't the need to get her office number..." Navya said.

"What will we do now Navya... I'm getting all the negative vibes.. we don't have her boss's number too...". Aliya is worried like hell.

Navya started pacing the room. She has the number of Cabir. But she is very hesitant to call him. She didn't wanted to give him any kind of hope that when she was in need, she called him. She was still in the edge to gave Cabir a call. For the sake of her cousin.

"Wait a minute.. Dhruv gave me his number... he is Manik's brother. We can ask him to talk to his brother..." Aliya is hopeful now. Navya got saved by the good memory of Aliya.

Aliya searched her phone and called Dhruv.

..... in Manik's pent house. Manik was thinking.
"I should have gone to the office. I should checked on Nandini. This was her first time closing. I don't know how she managed...".

Then he remembers the kiss they shared in the morning.
"Gawd this girl will make me crazy. Why is she so irresistible. I'm drawn to her like a moth to the flame.." he smiled at himself.

The phone started ringing. He looked here and there. It's not his phone its Dhruv's.

Dhruv left his phone in Manik's living room and went to sleep in one of Manik's spare bedroom. He wanted to sleep peacefully without any disturbance.

Manik ignored hearing the ring. He didn't wanted to get involved in his affairs. The phone stopped ringing.

Manik thanked God it stopped. But it started ringing again.

Manik got up from the couch and grabbed it. He saw a number flashing. He didn't know who it is. He was about to cut it. But he pressed the talk button instead.

"Hello... hello... Mr Malhotra... I mean Dhruv... are you there..." a panicked voice is heard.

Manik took the phone to his ear.
"Hello... who is this..." he asked.

"I'm Aliya. The nurse who took care of you today in the hospital..,". She said.

"Oh Aliya... actually I'm Manik here. Dhruv is sleeping. Can you call back later..." Manik smiled at Dhruv's nature. Who give number to anyone.

"Manik, I'm glad I caught you. Actually it's Nandini. She didn't come home yet. I thought maybe you knew were she is..." Aliya spoke like a mature person.

"What do you mean she didn't come home yet..She should be home by now. Let me check. If I can find her in the office..," Manik thought of something.

"By the way how do you know that she is not home.."

Aliya looked at Navya as the phone is on speaker. They didn't gave a thought in their worry that what will they say to him when he asked any such thing. Because he didn't know the reality of Nandini yet.

"Actually, Navya usually picks her up. Today she didn't, so we called her to make sure that she's home. She didn't pick her phone.."

"We called her phone so many times. She is not picking up... so we called her house... I mean her home but... they said... I mean she hasn't reached yet..." she hesitantly make up a story that's kind of believable.

"Ok just give me 15 minutes. I'll call you as soon as I know something..." he gave her his number so that she can give a miss call to him.

Manik hangs up the phone and rushed towards the door grabbing his car keys from the bowl.

He was worried now.
"Maahn... I should've taken a look in the office in the evening for her.."
"Damn... how come I be so stupid. She was afterall a new employee.." he was going berserk with worrying for her.

He took out the car and came on the main road. He speeds and drives recklessly on the lakeshore drive. Thankfully he wasn't caught by any cops for speeding. Within no time he was in front of the building. He threw the keys to the valet and ran inside. He called Cabir and gave him the information about Nandini.

He saw the receptionist.

"Is Ms. Nandini in there..." he asked the receptionist as he walked with him to the elevator. He was worried and panicked.

He pressed the button to his floor. It was not showing any light.

"What happened to this elevator. Why is it not working..." his fear elevated.

"I don't know sir.." he said

"What do you mean you don't know go and check the electric department of the building..." he yelled at him. As the receptionist was going Manik called him again.

"No wait.. let's go check upstairs first. I have to find Nandini. That's more important..." they took the other elevator and went to his floor.

He checked Nandini at her desk. She was not there. He checked everywhere.  There's no sign of Nandini. He went to the clothing department taking the elevator again. She wasn't there either.

"I'll call her..." he could hear the phone ringing from far far away. Manik circled himself to catch the sound. He couldn't figure it out from where it's coming. As the building is quite no on was there. He followed the sound of the phone ring and walked to it.

As he was getting closer he was walking near the elevator. He stopped in front of the elevator and saw there's no Nandini. The phone ring died off.

He called again. The phone ringing was coming from the elevator. He pressed the button. But the elevator is not working.

"How will this open... open it I'll call 911..." Manik understands that Nandini is stuck in the elevator and she could maybe got an attack again. He remembers that she is afraid of closed and dark rooms.

"Oh my lord.... I have to open this as fast as I can..." Manik murmurs to himself. He tried to open the door grabbing a screwdriver from the tool box he brought from the necessities room.

He already called 911 and told them that someone might be stuck in the elevator.

The receptionist ran to the recreational  room of Manik's department. Every company handles their own amenities for them own department. He went inside and checked the whole thing. He saw that one of the elevator handle is shut off. He turned it open by lifting it. The elevator started working.

Here Manik pressed the button and the door opens.

Nandini was lying on the floor of the elevator like a lifeless doll.

Manik felt his blood drained out of him. He found himself dazed seeing her like that.

"Oh God, Nandini...." he caught hold of himself and dashed towards her.

He crouched near her and cupped her face in his palms.
"Nandini Nandini honey wake up..," he gave few pats on her cheek.

"Sir the elevator's handle has been turned off...." the receptionist said as soon as he came back.

"I'll deal with that later... can you get me some water. " Manik said in a very hasty voice.

Receptionist ran to get the water. From the other elevator the paramedics  arrived.

"What's going on..." an on call doctor came forward and start examining Nandini.

Manik lift her and brought Nandini outside the elevator and they settled her on the stretcher that they brought with them.

"She is claustrophobic... she got stuck  in the elevator..." Manik explained the doctor who pulled out the oxygen mask from the package and put into Nandini's face.

They increased the level of the oxygen.
"She felt suffocated, due to the pressure in her blood she lost consciousness.. she'll be fine in few minutes... but she will feel dizzy... is there someone who can take her home,., or we can take her to the ER....because she can't go on her own...".

"Without giving another thought he said. "I'm taking her home..."

"Ok... than I don't think there's a need for her to go to the ER.." doctor said getting up... " we can wait till she regains her consciousness. I will give her a shot that can help her balance her energy.." he said and prepared a shot.

They waited for ten more minutes until she regain her consciousness after the shot.

In the mean while Cabir came there too.

Manik gave him the number of Aliya to assure them that Nandini was alright. She is still unconscious. Manik also told him that he is taking her home. So they don't have to be worried about her anymore.

She couldn't stabilize where she is. She opens her eyes and only saw Manik sitting by her side. She wanted to get up. But she felt dizzy.

"Hey..." Manik holds her hand and pressed it.
"How are you feeling..". He asked with a warm smile on his face.

She gave a light smile.
"Well I think she is fine now... she needs rest... Ms. We just want to make sure that you can stand on your feet..." the doctor was doing his duty.

Manik helps her got up from the stretcher. He hold her waist with his arm and his another arm held her hand.

She was still feeling dizzy.
"I know you will feel a little dizzy. If you want you can come to the ER. And we can do more examinations.." he said.

"No... I don't want to go to the ER. I want to... go home.." she said.

Cabir did all the formalities. Doctor makes sure that she was ok till they reached the ground floor.

When the authorities left, Cabir brought the car in front. Without any hesitation Manik bends down and lift her up in his arms. He walked with her to the exit and passing the reception area he descends down the stairs.

Cabir opens the doors for him. Manik makes Nandini sit first and closed the backseat door. Going around he climbed his Range Rover he closed the door.

Cabir sat in the driving seat. Manik pulled Nandini by framing his hands on her shoulders. Nandini was not in a position to resist or say or do anything. She still felt dizzy and drained. She rest her head on his shoulder and drifted into sleep.

When they reached Manik's place, Cabir opened the door for him. Manik took Nandini in her arms and went inside. Her head was resting on her shoulder and she was fast asleep.

Cabir opened the door of his penthouse.
"You make her comfortable I'll take care of everything..." Cabir whispered as he didn't wanted to disturb Nandini.

"Can you keep an eye on Dhruv too.. he needs his medicine now.." Manik asked while he was taking the stairs to go to his room.

"Don't worry.. I'll take care of it...." Cabir assures him.

Manik came into his room and make Nandini lay down on the bed. He bend to her feet and took out her shoes. He turned the air conditioning higher and covered her with a quilt.

He grabbed a chair and sat beside her. Even in her unconscious state she looks very innocent and pure. He bend down on her face and kissed her on her forehead.

He holds her hand  in between his both palms and was admiring her beauty.

'Oh lord why I'm being so impatient. I've never felt anything like this before. I wanted to hold her. I wanted to make love to her. This is so lame. I can't believe I want her so bad. In this condition of hers I should be taking care of her. But my mind is not within my control.' He thought gazing at her innocent and pure face lying on his bed unconscious.

'No.. I have to stop.. when she wakes up I want her to trust me with her full heart and soul so that I can ask her out in an official way. I can take this relationship to a different level...' his thoughts are confusing him too much.

He can't think properly seeing her in front of him.

End of part 8

Hello friends.
What's up. How are you all doing.

Just to give you an idea, this chapter contains almost 9200 words.

I'm giving you a long long update again.
Now I'm expecting many many comments and votes.

I was writing a lot this past week. I was on a writing spree.
If I get good response for this chapter.

Then I will give the first part of LIFE PARTNER by DESTINY season2

And I will also give the epilogue of Love story destined to be.

So guys start commenting and voting. Just say what you like and what you don't.

How is the story going.

I know I know . It's confusing right. There uncontrollable feelings are taking different turn right.

As some people are asking me how does the title fit the story. Just have faith in my writing...

You will know how it fits.

Let's see how they can keep themselves from falling in love with each other.

And,

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR APPRECIATING MY STORIES,
SUPPORTING ME AND JOINING ME.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU GUYS.

Take care and stay blessed and
Always keep smiling.

Love you all.