Nyonika: Manik... Try this sherwani!! Tell me if there are any alterations in it, or else I'll final it.
Nyonika said entering Manik's room as he sat there working on something.

Manik: Yes Mom... Keep it here, I'll try in some time.

Nyonika: Manik... I said now!!
She replied sternly making him groan as she closed his laptop.

Manik: Mom yr... I was working!

Nyonika: I know... But this is important too. Now up!
Nyonika pulled him up and handed him the sherwani as he tried it on while she blabbered.

Nyonika: U r so irresponsible sometimes... Do u even remember the date today, its 19th.... Not even a week left for the wedding. The ceremonies will start from 22nd, all the guests will arrive and then all this work will mess up more.

Manik: Chill Mom... Why r u stressing so much? Navya is handling the preparations na.... Relax okay!

Nyonika: I know Navya and her team is managing everything but u also need to be active na.... But no, look at u... U hv locked urself up in here with this stupid laptop of urs.
Nyonika said checking onto the fitting as Manik stood in front of the mirror.

Manik: Well, in my defence... All this is bcoz of ur dearest would be Daughter in Law. She wanted all the work for this project over before the ceremonies start, as according to her, she won't be able to focus if she has some work pending.

Nyonika: Absolutely... She has a valid point there! Finish it soon na then...

Manik's mouth hung open at her words as Nyonika took the sherwani back from him and turned to leave.
Manik: I hope u know, U r supposed to be the evil Mother in Law that they show in movies and not change ur words just by her name.

Nyonika chuckled at him moving out of the room as she closed the door behind her back.

Manik sat back in front of his laptop and picked up his phone dialing her number, lying down back comfortably he waited for her to receive the call.

Nandini: Why is all this in such a mess? I mean seriously.... I hv a team filled up with idiots, what is the use of having them if have of my time is wasted in correcting the errors made by them...

A chuckle escaped his mouth listening to her complaining frustrated voice,
Manik: Hello to u too....

Nandini: There is nothing funny in this Manik....

Manik: It is actually! U r busy here blaming ur team when those innocent souls don't even know why u r making them do something so quick which still has 15 days left.

Nandini: Whatever....
Nandini muttered as she continued working.

Manik: The album launch party is tmrw!
Manik whispered making her stop her work as she replied back.

Nandini: Are u ready?

Manik: As ready as I could ever be.... I m always ready when it comes to Fab5.
He replied back in confidence making Nandini smile.

Manik: Ohk now stop stressing so much over work... And get some sleep! I'll see u at office tmrw morning....

Nandini: Good night Manik...
--------------------------------

The next day the atmosphere at the RM Heights was very tense, specially the 12th floor which had the cabins for Manik, Nandini, Cabir and Harsh.

As Manik had expected Nandini was fully onto her last day mode. But that wasn't what made the situation tense. It was harsh who made everything the way it was....

Out of every other day, it was today that the owner of the company had decided to have his in detail go through over the work. As soon as the day started, Harsh announced that he wanted to see how well the work was going. And not so surprisingly, his words were enough to shake off all the employees.

Manik, Cabir and Nandini along with all the other Managers were asked to tighten up their subordinate teams.

Manik: I want this in an hour anyhow.... I don't care how u do it I just want it!!
Manik shouted his final words towards his team before walking out of the conference room, making all of them sigh a breath of relief.

The employees fled out of the room and moved straight to their desks to gather up the work.

Girl 1: I don't know what's up with everyone  up there today.... Why do all the bosses freak out together?

Girl 2: Yeah... Its been a crazy day. But look there, the designing team seems too chilled out.

Girl 1: Why would they not be... Have u seen how Nandini Ma'am works? She literally has like 10 hands moving together. Right after Harsh sir's announcement this morning, Nandini Ma'am had taken the entire designing team into that conference room and they all are working together since then.

Girl 2: She is too cool to be a boss.... I saw her designs, they r amazing. She has her team dancing on her fingers and somehow they seem to love it.

Girl 1: Not just them.... There are others too. U remember the last Design Head, even that 50 year old Man used to shiver in Manik sir's anger and now.... Have u seen the two of them together?

Girl 2: I heard there is something going on between the two of them..... I envy her yr, I wish I had any chance with Manik sir....

Boy: If u two are done gossiping about our boss... Shall we work, or that same boss is gonna kick us out of here today.

A few hours later, it was the lunch time and everyone seemed so exhausted that they all literally rushed to the cafeteria. Manik was checking onto the progress, so much engrossed in work that none those people realised the time. Nandini sent off her team on time and moved outside, asking the peon about him only to know that he was still working on the 9th floor. Shaking her head at him, she moved downstairs. Everyone else in the office were already having their lunch except for the 9th floor were they were all too scared of their short tempered boss. She got out of the lift and looked around to see everyone working seriously while Manik was with one of the guys making the poor lad nervous as anything.

Nandini: Lunch hour guys... You can all have ur break.
She announced loudly taking in everyone's attention.

All the employees turned towards Nandini but still didn't move as they shifted their gaze towards Manik for his permission only for him to stay shut as he looked at Nandini with a blank expression.

She walked closer towards him and took the file from his hand and keeping it on the table, as she said slowly to him.

Nandini: Break for u too Mr. Malhotra.... I m here to get u!

Manik shifted his gaze from her to the guy with him and motioned his head for him to get lost. The guy immediately turned around moving away making Nandini smile broadly at this as she again said,
Nandini: Chill guys go on.... We'll see u all after the break. Don't be late.

The crowd finally stood up as they started packing up their work while Manik leaned in closer to Nandini and whispered to her,

Manik: U r not supposed to be disturbing my work. What if I say I don't want to have lunch with u?

Nandini gave off a teasing smile back to him only to lower down her voice further as she replied.

Nandini: In that case, I would really not mind letting people know about us a few days earlier than what was planned. I mean....... if that's what u want then I can claim all rights over u, taking u upstairs in my own sweet way.... What say?

Manik's eyes broadened at her words as she emphasized on "her own sweet way", making him aware of the hidden gazes on the two of them. Shaking his head he stood straight,

Manik: U r dangerous.... I need to be more aware of u!

Nandini chuckled at his words as she turned around and moved ahead calling behind her,
Nandini: Come fast.... Cabir must be waiting!

Manik smiled softly at her and moved towards her as the two of them went towards Cabir's cabin together.
------------------------------------------

Later that day, after work Nandini reached back home and decided to rest for sometime and then get ready for the party. She took a long relaxing bath and then looked for something to wear. Taking out a number of party dresses she got confused and picked up her phone. She called aliya and connected her on the video call.

Aliya: OMG Nandini.... Why aren't u ready yet?

Nandini: I m confused... I don't know what to wear. Help me out!!

Aliya: Ohk show me what u have?

Nandini turned the phone camera towards the bed where she had laid all the dresses.

Aliya: God... So many dresses and still u r thinking.

Nandini: Stop cribbing and help me out na!!

Aliya: Ohk fine.. Show me that red one!

Nandini took the red dress and displayed it properly to her making aliya smile broadly,
Aliya: Perfect.... Go for this one! Red is Manik's favorite color, he is gonna love it....

Nandini: I m not getting ready for him aliya....
Nandini spoke up defensively making aliya scoff,

Aliya: Right.... You are getting ready for those 100 unknown people at the party and not for the guy whom u r getting married to in like 4 Days.

Nandini: I.... Anyways forget it! I m not going to explain. I'll see u at the venue okay.

Aliya: Aren't u coming with us??

Nandini: No yr.... It's ur day! Fab5 deserve a grand entry, with just the 5 of u. I'll see u there....
--------------------------

Nandini finished getting ready for the party and moved out of her room to call the others. She reached the living room only to hear her mother's words,

Mrs. K: .....not interested Rishab. I m not stopping u, just don't include me in the drama.

Rishab: Whatever mom...  Just don't say that to Di, she'll be hurt. I'll make some excuse for her.

Nandini took a deep breath at his words and moved straight out of the house. She reached her car and waited for Rishab. Rishab walked towards her smiling broad and commented,
Rishab: Wow Di... U look beautiful!

Nandini: Thank u.... Shall we leave?

Rishab: Sure...

They got into the car as Nandini drove them to the venue. The party was already on full swing by the time they reached. The media was present at the entrance but they weren't much bothered as no one yet knew them.

The brother-sister duo entered the party only for Rishab to whisper softly to Nandini.
Rishab: Wow di... There are so many leading singers from the industry here....

Nandini: What were u expecting Rishu?? Its an album launch party!

Rishab pouted at her sarcastic comment making nandini chuckle.

On the other hand, Fab5 were on full on party mode as they greeted all their guests. Manik was standing with Cabir and Mukti laughing at something with their producer,

Manik: I can't believe he actually thought so...

Producer: Yes... Neither did I! But what exactly did he tell u guys?
The middle aged guy asked back. Cabir waited for Manik to reply but didn't get any. He looked up and saw a dazzling smile come up on Manik's face while his eyes stayed somewhere fixed near the entrance.

Mukti followed his gaze only to smile sheepishly,
Mukti: Ye to gya....

Manik had his eyes fixed over Nandini who had just entered the party, looking fabulous and was talking softly to Rishab as they looked around the party.

The producer too smiled at it as he had met Nandini during their recording time, and with that he walked away along with Cabir and Mukti.

Manik moved forward towards Nandini still mesmerised by the sight in front of him, while she seemed to be finding something. He stopped right behind her, standing too close before he whispered,

Manik: Are those beautiful eyes trying to find someone special?

Nandini got startled by his sudden voice and jumped slightly making her loose her balance when Manik held her shoulders firmly,
Manik: Shh relax... Its me!

Taking a deep breath she turned to face him and hit his arm,
Nandini: Idiot.... What was the need to startle me like that? Can't u make a normal entry ever....

Both manik and rishab laughed at her words but chose to ignore it as Manik turned towards Rishab.
Manik: Champ.... Good that u could come!

Rishab: Wouldn't miss it for the world.... Congratulations jiju...

Manik smiled, thanking him and  turned towards Nandini to see her frowning still.

Manik: Come on Nandini.... The night has just begun! Keep that smile on, that's the only shining source in this room...

Nandini's eyes met his as soon as he said these words. Her smile came back on while her eyes shimmered with a new feeling. What was that feeling??

No... She herself didn't have the answer to that.

Those words though said out casually by him, touched her heart coz he said it depicting that he actually meant that.

Manik: Come.... Lets join the others!
Manik said softly, getting a slight nod from her. She took a step ahead and felt his arm being wrapped around her waist.

Turning her gaze back to him, she gave him a bright smile. Manik bent further close to her,
Manik: I think I'll have to stick closer to u tonight.... Wouldn't want anyone trying their luck over here right?

Nandini blushed at his words looking away before she replied back,
Nandini: A direct compliment would be more effective to woo anyone rather than playing with words like u usually do...

Manik chuckled at her words and turned towards Rishab asking him to join then as he started moving towards the gang.
Manik: Direct casual compliments are for normal people.... Special ones deserve something different, right? Like u gave me mine!

Nandini: Your compliment?
Nandini replied pretending to be thinking about what he said, when Manik said again.

Manik: U do look absolutely mesmerizing in my colour....

A darker blush came onto Nandini's face right as he said so and they reached near Nyonika, Navya, Dhruv and Aliya.

Nyonika: Oh Nandini.... U look beautiful!
Nyonika said pulling Nandini for a soft hug while rishab greeted everyone.

The party went on with Fab5 moving around being the life of the evening. There is something called as pulling off a good party and they knew exactly how it should be done.

Navya and Abhi introduced Rishab to all his favorite celebrities while Manik seemed to be all around. Everytime he looked around, his eyes seemed to be finding just one person only. And within minutes he would be seen back next to her, until someone pulled him away again.

His diverted attention towards the party was noticed by almost everyone in the hall, be it his friends, his parents, the other guests, or even Nandini.

Nandini: Manik.... Chill! I m fine here okay? Its ur party, u don't need to come and be with me in every few minutes, I hv enough company around...

Manik: I know u r fine... And I know I don't need to!! But I want to..... I know, no matter how much I wish to but I can't be introducing u to all these people yet. And so u can't be roaming with me to greet them, but that doesn't mean that I can't spend time with u. Right?

Nandini: Right!!
Nandini smiled broadly at him as she leaned on the counter, right next to him and rested her head on his shoulder.

Nandini: With each passing day, u r somehow making me More and More Sure about this decision of mine to get Married to u!!

Manik: Sure??? Why u were still unsure when u said yes?

Nandini: No... I was sure... But I m much more happier about it now! I guess this is what was written for me, to find a friend like u and then be here....

Manik hide his smile at her words but couldn't help and reply,
Manik: I m glad for ur happiness.... In fact, for our happiness!

Nandini took a deep breath, looking around the room before she suddenly spoke up,
Nandini: I want to hear u sing...

Manik moved back at her words making her look up,
Manik: What...  Now?

Nandini: Yes now.... Here!

Manik: But Nandini, we r -
Manik tried to reason her when she again spoke up interrupting him.

Nandini: Plz na Manik.... Ohk if not anything else then a song from this album only.... Plz!!!

Manik thought for a minute about it before sighing.
Manik: Fine... As u wish!

Nandini grinned at his approval moving away from him, as he walked away. 10 mins later, she was standing with Navya and Rishab when suddenly the lights were turned off all around the hall.

All the guests started looking around while Nandini smiled softly.
Nandini: Thank u Manik!
She whispered to herself turning around when she saw a spot light on the other end of the room right above Manik, who started playing the guitar with his back faced towards the crowd.
"Na na... Nana na na... Nana na na... Na na....

Tu nazm nazm sa mere
Honthon pe thehar ja
Main khwab khwab sa teri
Aankhon mein jaagun re....

Tu ishq ishq sa mere
Rooh mein aake bas ja
Jis aur teri shehnaai
Uss ore main bhaagun re"

Turning around he smiled broadly at the crowd as they cheered for him and he said,
"A song of this Album for all of u.... On a very special Request, from an even more special Person!!!"

Nandini smiled broadly at his words seeing him close his eyes as he continued,

"Na na...

Haath thaam le piya
Karte hain vaada
Ab se tu aarzu
Tu hi hai iraada

Mera naam le piya
Main teri rubaai
Teri hi tto piche piche
Barsaat aayi, barsaat aayi"

Manik turned to his side backing off as Dhruv immediately came under the spot light continuing the song,
"Tu itrr itrr sa mere
Saanson mein bikhar jaa
Main faqeer tere qurbat ka
Tujhse tu maangun re

Tu ishq ishq sa mere
Rooh mein aake bas ja
Jis aur teri shehnaai
Uss ore main bhaagun re"

Moving in back under the light, Dhruv patted Manik's back with a wink as he started, his eyes fixed towards Nandini, who stood at the back, discrete to everyone's eyes.

"Mere dil ke lifaafe mein
Tera khat hai janiya
Tera khat hai janiya
Nacheez ne kaise paa li
Kismat yeh janiya ve

Oh mere dil ke lifafe mein
Tera khat hai janiya
Tera khat hai janiya
Nacheez ne kaise paa li
Jannat yeh janiya ve

Cabir:
Tu nazm nazm sa mere
Honthon pe thehar ja

Main khwaab khwaab sa teri
Aankhon mein jaagun re

Manik:
Nana... Na na.. Na na..
Tu ishq ishq sa mere
Rooh mein aake bas ja
Jis aur teri shehnaai
Uss ore main bhaagun re

The crowd cheered loudly for them as the lights turned on while Manik bowed down at their appreciation.

Manik: Thank u everyone... And a even bigger thanks for being here and celebrating this album with us. Friends from the industry, family, co-workers, media.... Thank u all very much. Plz enjoy the party!!

As the party got back onto track, a lot of people appreciated Manik, dhruv and Cabir taking on their sweet time until Manik reached the one person whose appreciation he actually wished for.

Manik: Someone seems too happy?

Nandini: Yes... Exactly!!! Happy and that too very happy.... Which is bcoz someone here has made me feel a lot more special than what I think I deserved.

Manik: U deserve it all....
Manik replied back softly, at which Nandini shook her head setting aside the topic as she said,

Nandini: U were phenomenal.... Absolutely amazing... Thank u for singing...

Manik: Ur welcome anytime... But now, We both are singers here na... So even I can have this request from u anytime okay?

Nandini: Promise!

Manik: Great.. This is gonna be-

Manik started only to be interrupted again,
Cabir: Okay love birds... If u r done with ur future planning, can we plz proceed towards dinner...

Nandini rolled her eyes at his sarcastic comment but still nodded as Manik wrapped his arm around her waist, leading her towards the dinning area.
----------------------------------------

Music Launch party!!!

New feelings blooming up..... How was the part guys?

Do comment and share ur viewz!

Love,
Navya😘