HEYY! I know I'm late. But trust me, I was extremely tied up this whole week. 3085 words. Goodness. Longest update of this story! So here's a compensation for the delay. Please padhte padhte so mat jaana. 🙈
I'm ready for all your andey and tamatar. So please, do tell me how it was. Your reviews mean a lot. ☺️

Wishing you a very happy belated Holi.💙

Thankyou so much for 21K+ reads and all the love you've given. This story story is very close to my heart.💛

Happy Reading! 💖

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A new day with new hopes had begun. New feelings, new horizons and new promises were made. Same was the case with Manik and Nandini. It was a beginning of a new journey of which they had just reached the first milestone giving them the hope to reach their destination soon. Together.

She woke up with a smile on her face and immediately got ready in a light blue linen shirt and black pants, had breakfast and left for office. Everyday is a new chance. A chance to discover yourself. And being with him was a part of discovering herself indeed.

Same was the case with our very own Manik Malhotra. He looked happier than usual. The guy who always used to wake up with a grumpy face every morning, surprisingly had a sweet smile playing on his lips which shocked not only the servants of the house but also his parents because this happened once in a bluemoon. He got ready in a white button up shirt paired with an deep blue coloured blazer along with a thin pleated wine coloured tie. And not to forget, his favourite Rado watch.

They reached office together, surprisingly. He got off his car just to find her looking for something in her bag standing in the middle of the VIP parking. Since she was now the JMD of the company, she was given the same privileges which were given to Cabir. He slowly moved towards her from behind the pillar just so she doesn't notice him.

" Bhooo." He shouted in her ear from behind making her jump at her place.

" Manik. Shit. You scared me!" She said while recovering from the shock.

" Arrey ismein itna darne wali kya baat hai? " He said with a smug expression.

" Manik, chodho vo sab." She said while engrossing herself in her bag again.

" Aisa kya dhundh rahi ho iss bag mein?" He asked curiously.

" Something very important. " she replied without looking at him.

" Accha ye pakdo." she said as she handed over him her phone which was in her hand.

He held her phone patiently when he accidentally pressed the home button and next thing left him awestruck.

~[I really do like this picture. Sorry haters. But my story is way above hate for anyone.😇]~ 

He knew she was beautiful. But this particular picture left him dazed. She was one woman who looked extremely beautiful and enchanting without any make up or shimmer. After a brief adoration session, he looked back at her just to find her doing the same thing which she was doing five minutes ago, but this time with an annoyed expression.

" Nandini, dhundh kya rahi ho tum?" He asked in a confused tone.

" Vo Manik.." she said.

" What voh Manik? Bolo bhi ab?" He said.

" Meri Hershey's chocolate nahi mil rahi. Meine bag mein rakhi thi ghar se nikalne se pehle but I can't find it now." She replied in a low tone with a frown.

" What? Are you serious? Like seriously, you are getting so worried about a chocolate?" He asked shockingly.

" Manik Malhotra. It's not just a chocolate bar. It was the last chocolate bar of the box and now I lost it." She said a meek voice.

" And itni subha chocolate kon khaata hai? It's 9 AM right now." He said.

" Mein khaati hoon. And vaise bhi chocolate khaane ka koi time nahi hota. Kabhi bhi kha sakte hain. My heart doesn't have a clock." She replied like a ferocious tigress and turned her face away with an angry pout.

" Nandini, tum bhi na. Kya karu tumhara. Accha, if not Hershey's then koi aur chocolate chalegi?" He asked.

" Okay done. But except Snickers. I don't like peanuts and chocolates." She replied cutely with a smile.

" Okay chalo." He said and moved towards the office. [A/N : The parking was underground]

They entered the building together when the receptionist stood up and greeted them with a smile, to which Nandini replied equally but shockingly, Manik replied with a smile too leaving the poor receptionist in a shock. Because Manik Malhotra smiling in the office was not something which happened everyday.

They entered the elevator and within seconds reached the seventh floor where their cabins were situated. They entered the wing just to be greeted by the entire staff to which they replied warmly.

" Come with me." He said as they reached the door of his lavish cabin.

" Arrey but why? Mein tumhare cabin mein kyun aaun? " She asked in a confused tone.

" Kyun? Mere cabin mein aane mein tax lagta hai?" He said with a smug smile.

" No. But Manik, mein tumhare cabin mein karungi kya?" She asked innocently.

" Miss Nandini Murthy, do you want to have your chocolates or not? Because otherwise I have a lot of work to do." He said.

" Monster." she mumbled.

" I heard that." He replied as he pushed the door of his cabin.

" Good you did." She replied with a fake smile.

He moved inside towards the side passage of his cabin which had two rooms with brown wooden doors. The passage was narrow and had bright LED yellow lights at the ceiling and side walls, a show piece, a full length mirror in front and wooden flooring.This particular area was completely opposite of his rest of the cabin which looked very sophisticated and elegant. It had more of a homely feel altogether.

She followed him patiently while he walked ahead of her, looking around the interiors.

" Manik. Is this some secret passage?" She asked him.

" Secret passage? Seriously Nandini? You should stop reading mystery novels, Miss. Holmes." He replied in a funny tone while opening the door with a spare key.

" How mean,Manik." She said and hit his shoulder lightly.

" And how do you know I read mystery novels haan?" She asked him curiously while narrowing her eyes.

" Vo..um. Yes. Cabir told me. I was talking to him, so yeah." He replied nervously.

" But bhai has never seen me reading." She replied back while narrowing her eyes.

" See. This is why I'm saying that you should stop reading such novels. They should make you the next host of KBC." He said while giggling.

" I'm not talking to you. I'm going." She said while turning back when she felt a tug on her wrist ;

" Accha okay sorry. Ab dekhna nahi hai andar kya hai? I'm sure you'll love it. Chalo. " he said and pulled her towards him.

They entered the first door which made her mouth open in wide 'o'. It was a mini kitchen with red interiors and a small sitting area and ofcourse, a double door refrigerator.

" Manik, are you sure that this is a part of your cabin? Because I feel that some part of your home has accidentally reached here. I mean a mini kitchen. Whoa." She said while still in a daze.

" Um. Well yes, All the credit goes to Mukti and Cabir. I wasn't in favor but then they insisted in getting this corner made." He replied sheepishly.

" Chalo, I'll show you the next room." He said as he opened the connected door to the next door.

It was a compact room with a comfortable double bed  and a side table along with a small window. The room was small yet beautiful.

" Manik Malhotra, why do you have a bed in your cabin?!" She in a shocked tone.

" Because there have been times when I had to stay here in office till late at night for work. So that's why. You can come and sleep here whenever you want to. I won't mind." He replied with a grin.

" I think I should start coming to your cabin more often." She replied by turning towards him.

" You're most welcome. Come lets fetch you some chocolates from the fridge." He said and moved back towards the mini kitchen.

He opened the door of the refrigerator and fished out a box of Ferrero Rocher from inside and handed it over to her.

" Manik, all of these? Seriously?" She asked hesitantly.

" Yes Nandini. All of these. You can take more if you want. It's okay." He replied.

" Noo. This is enough! Thankyou so much, Manik! You're the best! " she said excitedly.

" Okay okay. Now get back to work, Miss JMD." He said with a smile.

" Yes Boss." She replied and ran out of the cabin.

The next couple of hours went in a jiffy. Everyone was busy in their own set of assignments and projects assigned by Manik, including Nandini. Whereas on the other hand, the boss himself was busy thinking as to how should he talk to Nandini. His case was no less than that of a love sick romeo.

" Nandini, come to my cabin." He said through the intercom.

" Sure Manik. Just a second, I'll be right there." she replied.

After a couple of seconds there was a knock on his cabin door,

" Nandini, you're not supposed to knock. You can enter anyway. How many times do I need to tell you?" He said.

" Sorry Manik. Vo aadat nahi hai na." She replied with a sheepish smile.

" It's alright. Anyway, since tomorrow is holi, I have a Holi party at my farmhouse in the morning. Everyone's going to be there. Will you come? " He asked nervously.

" Nooo. Manik. Holi is not my festival. I mean it's so dirty. So many colors. Eeks. And plus they don't even get off easily. I've never played Holi. Please. I can't come. I'm sorry." She said in a panicky tone.

" You've never played Holi? You can't be serious!" He asked shockingly.

" No." She replied in a low tone.

" You are coming tomorrow and that's an order. Do you get it? I will message you the address. Be there." He said while glancing at his laptop screen and her simultaneously.

" Manik, please no. I can't." She said nervously.

" Nandini, I thought we're friends now. Can't you do this much for your friend? It will be fun, I promise." He said with a puppy dog face blackmailing her.

" Manik, why do you have to emotionally blackmail me? Why don't you understand, I've not played Holi in ages. Please." She explained with a helpless expression.

" Fine. Don't come. You can leave now." He replied in a stern tone.

" You are such a drama queen, Manik Malhotra. Okay fine. I will come. Happy? Oh god." She said in defeat. Because ultimately there was nothing that Manik Malhotra could not achieve. 😏

" Very happy!" He said excitedly as he walked towards her and stood infront of her.

" But how can someone be scared of Holi. Oh my god Nandini." He said and burst out into fits of laughter.

" Manik, you're so rude! " she replied with an angry face.

" I mean are you a kid? And today even kids are not scared of colors and water." He said between his laughter.

" Okay. Fine. I will not come. You keep laughing and making fun of me. I'm going." She said as she stomped her foot and moved towards the door.

He held her wrist and pulled her towards himself,

" Accha okay. Sorry. So, Miss Murthy, let me tell you well in advance that I'm known for playing the best and the nastiest Holi. So beware." He said with a small smirk as he whispered the word 'nastiest' in her ear making her eyes bulge out of sockets.

" Do I have a choice? There's no escape, I guess from this holi mess." She said emphasizing over " Holi mess". - (pun intended)

" Absolutely not. I will make sure that it's going to be the most memorable Holi for you." He replied with a smile.

" Okay." She sighed in defeat and moved out of his cabin.

" I will make sure that you never forget this Holi, Miss. Nandini Murthy." He said to himself with a smile.

After a while he found himself in Nandini's cabin,

" Accha Nandini, I wanted to ask you something?" He said.

" Manik, you don't need permission. Tum bolo. Is everything okay?" She replied.

" Vo actually, we need to work on this presentation as the Singhania's are coming to visit us day after. And tomorrow is Holi so the entire office would be shut anyway, so can you stay till late? Usually Cabir is there with me but today he has to stay at the radio station till late. Is it okay?" He said it in a single breath.

" Manik, relax. Saans toh lelo. And yes, I'm completely alright with it. And you only said that I have equal rights as Cabir haina? Then why are you being so formal. You are my boss and now my friend. You don't have to hesitate." She replied calmly.

" Phew. Okay. See you in a while." He said and exited her cabin.

The rest of the day just whisked away and by now all the employees had left as the working hours were over.

" So Manik, let's get started with the presentation?" She asked as she entered his cabin.

" Haan. Let's start. I'll set up the laptop and ask the peon to get the files." He said as he moved towards the cupboard.

" Okay." She said.

They started off with their work and soon within an hour they were done with almost 2/3rd of the entire presentation with required outputs, corrections, suggestions and ideas from both the sides.

She was jotting down some important points from her presentation when her phone rang drawing her attention as well as his.

" Hi maa.. No maa, I haven't reached home, I'm still in office... Important kaam tha office mein...I'm not alone, maa...Yes,my boss is with me." She said while looking at Manik.

" Yes maa, I'll have dinner and call you when I reach back home. Aur kuch? ... Okay maa. Take care of yourself and papa...Bye. Loveyou too." She said as she hung up the phone.

" Your parents do love you a lot." He said with a smile.

" Yes. They do." She replied back with a wrm smile.

Nandini was continuously typing something on the laptop but her hair were disturbing her. Everytime she placed her hair strands behind her ear, the very next instant they were back brushing on her pink cheeks.
More than the presentation, there was someone who was more interested in her. The man standing beside her, keenly observing each an every move of hers. The way she cringed her eyebrows when she didn't understand something, the way she pouted when the auto correct of the laptop called a name a mistake and what not which made him smile.

He sighed and turned around just to find her hair clip clutched to her bag. He took the clip and moved towards her,

" Only because you're working." He said in a husky tone with his lips lightly brushing her earlobe making her shiver as he gathered her hair and pinned them together. She had long, beautiful brown tresses which smelled like strawberries and peaches. He slowly brushed his knuckles on her her hair softly making her close her eyes in anticipation and clutch the mouse of the laptop tightly. He was very well aware of the effect he had on her. But the beautiful moment did not live wrong,

" I-I am sorry sir. I didn't know that you and ma'am would be here at this time. I didn't know you were working late today." said Harshad Saxena, the junior assistant of both Manik and Cabir who handles all the small jobs such as getting the cabins cleaned etc. Both of them immediately moved away while she was looking down at the floor while he stared at that stupid jerk for spoiling such a special moment.

" It's alright. Make sure you confirm it well in time before. Leave now! " he said shouted angrily.

" Okay sir. Sorry sir." He said and ran away.

By now they were completely done with the assignment. It was almost 1 AM and both were completely tired and hungry.

" Aah. I'm so tired and hungry." She said while resting her head back on the chair.

" Me too. Come on, let's go to some restaurant and eat." He said as he got up from the chair.

" Manik, it's 1 AM right now, no restaurant would be open." She said as she glanced at her wrist watch.

" Yeah. True. But don't worry, we will find some open restaurant. Let's go." He said.

" I have a better option. Let's go." She said as she picked up her bag and moved towards the door.

" Arrey but what?" He asked in confusion.

" Don't ask questions. Bas chalo." She said as the entered the elevator.

" Vaise you can open your hair if you want to now." He said with a smirk making her blush.

" Huh." She sighed in fake anger to hide her blush and made a sloppy bun out of her her.

" Nope. Not like this." He said as he took off the clip from her hair making her hair fall down her shoulders.

" Baal khule rakha karo. Zyada acchi lagti ho." He said with a small smile making her turn into the reddest tomato as they reached the ground floor.

" Oh hello madam, kahan? " he said as he saw her moving towards her car.

" We have to go naa?" She asked.

" So? We will go by my car. Simple. Move now." He said.

" But what about my car then?" She asked.

" Don't worry. I'll ask my driver to drop off your car at your place in the evening today. Okay?" He said.

" Okay." She said with a smile.

" Manik, can I drive please?" She asked with a cute face.

" Nope. I'm sorry. Only I drive my baby." He said with a smile.

" Monster." She muttered as she sat on the passenger seat of his car.

" I know. By the way, where are we going?" He asked.

" Marine Drive!" She replied excitedly.

" But Nandini, there's no restaurant at Marine Drive then why are we going?" He asked in confusion.

" Offo. Kitne questions karte ho tum. Bas chalo. You will get to know yourself." She replied.

After a 15 minutes drive they reached Marine Drive. Since it was past midnight, it was quieter than usual. Besides the ever moving traffic, there was something which never changed. The sea. No matter what the situation was, the mighty sea stood at the same place in all conditions. And that's how our life is, no matter what the situation is, there will always be a reason to keep moving.

They got down as he parked the car. The best part about the sea side is the breeze. One can never get tired of it.

" Chalo Manik." she said.

" But kahan? " he asked.

" Pav Bhaaji!" She said in a gleeful tone.

" What? No Nandini. We are not eating this. It's not safe and plus it's so unhygienic." He said in a miffed tone.

" Manik, stop being a child. This man is here from the past six years at this exact same place. And trust me, it's amazing and safe too! Please? Pretty please? " she pleaded.

" Fine. No one can win over you, JMD." He scoffed.

" Okay then! So spicy or normal?" She asked as he sat on the wooden bench.

" Normal would do." He said with a fake smile to which she smile and ordered spicy for herself and normal for him.

Manik Malhotra was someone who was born with a silver spoon. Right from the beginning, starting from his grandfather to his father pampered him the most. While his parents still continued doing so. Before he could even ask for something, that thing was served on a platter for him. He was given anything and everything he asked for, be it his favourite toys or his favourite car for his 18th birthday. Now since he was a well established man, he could bear his own expenses and luxuries with ease. Growing up in such a household, Manik never got a chance to eat such kind of food due to the health conscious environment around. Yes, he did have the best childhood one could ever ask for, but sometimes he did think that what if he was just an ordinary child? But still after such thoughts he was thankful for the best privileges provided to him, the best parents and yes, the best of friends and now the only thing he desired for was a best soulmate.

" Chalo Manik, let's eat. Rats are playing football in my stomach." She said excitedly while licking her lips.

"Nandini, I mean are you sure? Like, look at this, it's so oily. I don't know which oil does he use. And this bhaaji, it feels as if.." He was cut in between she stuffed a bite in his mouth.

" Nandini, yum. This is fantastic. You should have got me here before. God. This is so delicious!" He said with a wide smile while chewing the morsel.

" Tum pehle mile nahi na, nahi toh zarur leke aati." She replied with a smile.

" Nandini, seriously. This is damn good! I should come here more often. Rather, we should come here more often. Haina?" He said.

" Yes Manik. But pehle you eat. Don't hurry okay?" She said with a smile.

She took out her car keys from her pocket as she finished the last spoon of bhaaji,

" Nandini, what are you doing?" He asked as he finished his plate.

" You wait. I'll show you." She said as she as she clutched the key in her hand like a pen.

She slowly carved " Manik & Nandini" on the small wooden table making him amused,

" To your first Pav Bhaaji and many more to come!" She said with a wide smile.

" Yes. Many more ahead." He said while looking at her smiling.

Meanwhile, the old man came asking for the bill,

" Nandini, don't bother. I will pay." He said as he took out his wallet.

" Manik, stop. This is my treat for your first Pav Bhaaji. So please. Don't. Let me do it this time." She said defensively.

" Okay." He replied with a smile.

She paid the bill and gave an extra 100 Rs. as a tip to which the old man humbly thanked and blessed her.

" Come lets go home." He said.

" Yeah." She said warmly.

The drive to her place was a silent one. None of them spoke a word. The silence they experienced wasn't awkward rather it was soothing. Mother Nature was giving them opportunities time after time so that they keep moving a step towards each other. Soon they reached her apartment,

" Thankyou for the wonderful time, Nandini. Trust me, the food was fab. " he said with a smile.

" You're most welcome,Manik. And Mumbai mein abhi aisi bohot jagha hai jo tumhe dekni baaki hain." She said with a wink.

" I would love to see those places. With you." He said with a warm smile.

" Goodnight Manik. See you in the morning." She said with a wide grin.

" Ditch mat karna, Miss Murthy. I will come and pick you up at 9 tomorrow morning." He said.

" As you say, my boss. Bye." She giggled.

" Bye." He said with a smile as he drove off.

She had just entered her house when there was a sudden knock on her door that too at 2.30 AM in the morning definitely made her scared, she carefully peeped outside a door just to find a guy who had a huge basket covered with white cloth.

" Miss. Nandini, this is for you? Mr. Malhotra has especially sent it." The guy said making her sigh in relief.

" Okay. Thankyou." She said as she took the basket and shut the door.

She uncovered the basket which made her open her mouth wide in shock. The box had all sorts of Hershey's chocolates which made her remember the morning incident when she wanted to eat Hershey's.

She plucked out the note which was tied with the handle which read,

" Now you don't have to go the supermarket to buy Hershey's. A token of thanks. Thanks for the wonderful food. Good night. Happy Holi. See you. 😋"
- Manik

She immediately picked up her phone and texted Manik saying, " My boss is the best. Good night. Thankyou so much once again. See you in the morning! ☺️"

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