200k VIEWS SPECIAL

Hello everyone! Missed me? Haha. Okay so. Here is the update. 6745 words. Phew!

Okay, tbh. I don't know how bad this update is. I've just written whatever came to my mind. So please.🙈😂

Guys, I've honestly worked way too hard for this update, so please, thodi mehrbaani.🙏

Happy Reading! 💕

___________

With yet another morning blazing the bright sky, was a new beginning for the two most adorable people - Manik and Nandini, who unaware of the surroundings were in deep sleep, with Nandini's head dug comfortably in his chest while Manik's arm firmly rested on her waist, keeping her close to himself. Thanks to the opened curtains that a sharp ray of the morning sun fell directly on Nandini's face, making her flinch her eyes immediately. She opened her eyes slowly, trying to recognise the surroundings, she shifted a little just to realise that she was in Manik's strong embrace making panic strike her almost immediately to which she suddenly came out of his grip and jumped down the bed, making him awake too, as he opened his eyes drowsily just to see Nandini panicking and pacing to and fro.

" Nandini, kya hai? 7 baj rahe hain abhi. So jaao naa." Manik said as he dug his face in the pillow.

" Manik. Shit. Shit. Shit. How could I sleep? What will your parents think? I'm so stupid. Oh my god..." she started hyperventilating.

" Nandini. Relax. Breathe." He said as he got up and held her by her shoulders making her quiet.

" Firstly, you were tired and you slept. So it's alright. And secondly, since you were already asleep, so dad asked me to put you to bed here. So chill." Manik explained patiently.

" Uncle said? This is so embarrassing." She said as she covered her face with her palms making him laugh.

" Nothing is embarrassing. This is normal. Tum alien toh nahi ho na?" Manik said cockily making her laugh a little as he removed her hands from her face.

" Good morning." He said as he bussed her hair softly earning a wide smile from her.

" Vaise Manik, tum yahan kaise aaye?" She asked with a hint of naughtiness.

" Vo..Vo..I couldn't sleep.. so I came here." He said while fumbling with words making her chuckle silently.

" Bohot cute ho tum." She said as she pulled his cheeks a little making him squint his eyes a little.

" I should freshen up and leave." She said as she moved towards the bathroom.

" Oh hello? You're not leaving from here without having breakfast. And that's an order. Navya ke kuch kapde uss cupboard mein hain, you can take them. And no arguments. Am I clear?" He said sternly while she nodded with a bad face.

" Accha ab tum uth hi gaye ho, toh let's go for a walk in the garden." Nandini asked him with a wide smile while he looked at her in amusement. Manik Malhotra waking up at 7 on his off day and then going for a walk, definitely the eighth wonder!

" Okay. Let's go." He said as he shook his head a little.

They walked to the huge garden which was all filled with all kinds of plants and flowers, neatly maintained - which made Nandini extremely happy, while Manik kept admiring her expressions at every flower she saw and touched. His trance was broken when suddenly his phone in his pocket rang ~

" Nandini, I'll be back." He said as he moved away from there to which she nodded immediately.

Manik came back after attending the call, just to witness the most beautiful sight. Just when Manik was away to attend the call, Nandini noticed the water pipe at one corner of the garden. And that's how it started. Manik came back just to see his jumping around, playing with water with the pipe still in her hand - which had made her completely wet. Just when she turned around, she noticed Manik standing there with his arms folded across his torso, unaware of the fact that the water was splashing right on him, which made both of them laugh.

" Nandini, choti bacchi ho tum?" Manik asked as he ran his fingers through his wet hair while she was still engrossed in jumping and playing around. Noticing this, he pulled her close to him from her arm, making the pipe fall off her hand.

" Yeh kya haalat banayi hui hai?" He asked huskily as he pulled her closer from her waist, with their breaths now mingling with each other at their own accord, as he softly brushed his thumb on her damp cheek as he softly pushed away her wet hair strands behind her ear while she kept looking deeply in his eyes.

" Manik.." she softly whispered.

" Nandini.." he said in the exact same tone, to which he just placed a long, chaste kiss on her forehead to which she immediately hid herself in his arms making him chuckle silently.

" Andar chalein? Thand lag jaayegi tumhe." He said as he caresses her hair softly to which she nodded.

They moved inside just to see Nyonika sitting in the living room, enjoying her cup of coffee. Just when she saw both Manik and Nandini, her satisfied look was soon replaced by a horrified one.

" Bachon, yeh kya haal banaya hua hai?" She asked worriedly as she moved towards them.

" Aunty, yeh sab Manik ne kiya." Nandini said with an innocent face making Manik's jaw drop.

" Mom. Nahi. Mein accha baccha hu. Sab Nandini ne kiya hai. I promise." He said immediately as he slightly pinched the skin on his neck with his thumb and fore finger.

" Ohhoo. Bass bhi karo tum dono. Please go and change. I don't want you both to fall ill." Nyonika chided them to which they nodded almost instantly and ran away. While Manik took the elevator, Nandini ran up through the stairs. She reached upstairs to see Manik coming out of the elevator to which she just passed a flying kiss to him along with a wink making him laugh.

~~~

" Thankyou for the delicious breakfast, aunty." Nandini said happily making the Malhotra's smile.

" Nandini, agar tumhari tarah Fab 4 bhi har baat pe sorry bolne lag jaate toh unki puri zindagi nikal jaati. There's no need beta." Nyonika said lovingly to which Nandini just nodded with a smile.

" So Manik, all set for tomorrow?" Raj asked he skimmed through the newspaper.

" Yes dad. All the preparations are done. Aap log aaoge naa?" Manik asked.

" Beta, humara kya kaam vahan pe? You guys should enjoy naa." Nyonika said as she settled beside him.

" I'm so sorry to interrupt, but preparations for what?" Nandini asked with a confused face.

" Remember the surprise I told you about? So this is it. Tomorrow there's a success party for our achievement and for cracking the deal with the Oberoi's." Manik said with a smile.

" Oh my god. We cracked the deal? Manik Malhotra, you idiot! Why didn't you tell me?!" Nandini said as she bombarded him with her not so strong punches on his back.

" Accha accha sorryyy. Bass. Ouch Nandini." Manik cribbed while Raj and Nyonika looked at them in shock, firstly they were fighting like kids and secondly, did they hear The Manik Malhotra apologising just now? Any more shocks left?

"So at what time is the party tomorrow?" Nandini said as she munched the last piece of toast.

" 8 PM." Manik said as he gulped down the glass of juice and got up from his chair.

" Manik, will you please drop me at Navya's house? I haven't met her since so long." Nandini said as she finished her breakfast.

" Sure. Even I need to meet Cabir. Let's go." Manik said as he kissed his mom a goodbye, and left for the parking area.

" Manik, how many cars do you have?" Nandini said as she reached the parking area and saw some eight different cars while he stood leaning to his jet blue coloured BMW with the sexiest possible smirk making her insides go haphazard for an instant.

" Eight. As of now. Though I'm planning to buy another one." He said with a cheeky smile while she made an 'you're impossible' face.

" Shall we leave?" He said as he opened the passenger door for her to which she nodded with appreciation.

The day passed away in a jiffy, with Manik and Nandini spending quality time with Cabir and Navya. Soon the day came to an end and Manik and Nandini left after having a delicious dinner made by Navya. While Manik decided to drop Nandini back home ~

" Good night." Nandini said as she waved him.

" Aise hi chali jaaogi?" He said with a fake sad face.

" Accha toh aur kaise jaaun?" Nandini said mischievously.

" Tum na buddhu ho." Manik said and immediately pecked her cheek lightly making her widen her eyes in surprise.

" Meri turn ab." Manik said sheepishly as he patted his cheek with his finger making Nandini chortle silently.

" Pehle hi bol dete." She said and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek, making him close his eyes in pure delight.

" Good night." She said and ran away.

" See you tomorrow!" Manik shouted a little to which she nodded positively.

~~~

The next day begun on the note of a pleasant morning. With soft breeze flowing leaving the hearts of the weather lovers at peace, leaving a hint for the first rains around the corner. While Nandini stood peacefully in her balcony with her coffee mug, while the wind passed through her long hair making her smile. While on the other hand, Manik Malhotra was on his own trip. He had a surprise to plan and he had to execute it.

Nandini was done having her breakfast and now it was almost 12.30, and she decided to stack up her cupboard neatly to pass her time while cursing Manik for not asking her to be his date for the evening till now. How could he? Keeping her thoughts aside, she continued to keep herself busy when her phone rang, making her excited seeing the caller ID. Manik calling.

" Hey Manik!" She answered excitedly.

" Hey Nandini." He said in a low tone.

" Is everything alright? " she asked with a hint of worry.

" Yeah. Actually Nandini, there's this minor crisis in the office. Could you possibly go and check, please? I'm with dad for something important and Cabir is with Navya at the hospital." He said.

" Manik. Relax. You carry on. I'll just check everything and inform you. Bye." She immediately hung up the call without listening. She changed herself into black denims along with a fitted white tee shirt, picked up her back and left immediately after locking the doors.

" Stage one cleared." Manik said with a smirk as he appeared from the floor above Nandini's as he noticed her sitting in her car and going away.

~~~

After a couple of hours, after she sorted out the 'not-so-big' issue at office, she returned back home at 4 PM, all tired and famished, she immediately took out a chilled bottle of water from the refrigerator and plopped herself on the white sofa of her living room, just when she noticed the lights of her room on. She moved towards her room, just when she noticed a scroll hanging from the ceiling fan. She immediately took off the scroll, it read ~

WILL YOU BE MY DATE TONIGHT?

P.S - I know you were waiting for this. But let me tell you, there are many more surprises ahead for you this evening. Take care. Oh and, you won't be able to call me or text me before 8, unless it's from my side. Take care. ;)

~MM~

" This boy is an idiot!" Nandini said while laughing as she did a tiny happy dance.

" Hufff." She sighed with a smile as she fell on the bed. She folded the note neatly and kept it in the drawer and decided to take a nap for some time.

She woke up around 5.30 just to see 10 missed calls from Rishabh, to which she immediately called I'm on FaceTime and told him the reason she didn't pick up his calls. They talked for a good one hour. Just when Nandini was going to get freshened up, a message beep on her phone stopped her ~

There's something special for you under your bed. And yeah, there aren't any monsters there. See you at 8. ;)

~MM~

She immediately bent down and looked under the bed, just to find two big boxes wrapped in lustrous black paper, tied with a golden ribbon. She excitedly opened one of the boxes, just to find a beautiful, red coloured floor length gown from the exquisite collection of Sherri Hill, making her jaw drop wide open. She turned the gown around to view the back side, and what she saw made her amazed. The back side was embroidered with beautiful red laced cloth, making diamond like shapes.

She gently skimmed her hands over the soft piece of cloth - " This is so beautiful." she whispered to herself, just when she noticed another note in box ~

You looked heavenly beautiful in white at your Senior Prom. But today i want you to shine in MY favourite colour. Can't wait to see you!

~MM~

And all this while, her eyes were only stuck on the two most interesting letters, MY, making her insides tingle. She slowly picked up the other box and unwrapped it, just to find a pair gorgeous golden Jimmy Choos making her gasp in awe. She looked around in the box for a note, but found nothing, just when her eyes struck inside one of the shoes, and there it was. she hastily opened the note and read it to herself ~

I love it when I hug you. You know why? Because you always reach my heart. But today, I want you to look straight in my eyes, and let our talk. Because tonight is OUR night.

~MM~

" I can't wait to see you, Manik Malhotra." she whispered to herself with a wide smile. She was nervous. Hell. Way too nervous! She had never attended any of such parties ever in her life. She didn't know how things were. But going with Manik had its negative perks too. She didn't want to be the centre of attention amongst a bunch of pricy people. But she was sure of one thing, till the time Manik was with her, nothing would ever go wrong.

She slipped herself into the red gown along with the heels and moved towards the dressing table, just to find another tiny box wrapped. "This man is impossible." she murmured to herself.

" I promise, its the last one. Because i want your ears to twinkle, just like your eyes."

~MM~

She opened the small velvet box, just to find a pair of gorgeous red ruby earrings, which had a couple of diamonds stuck to its gold branch, making her smile a little. She immediately wore the earrings and tied her hair in a gorgeous bun, leaving a few tendrils hanging down from her ears. She applied a perfect eyeliner along with her Red Cherry lipstick, making her lips look even more tempting. She picked up a tiny matching golden clutch, and she was all decked up. Just when she got a text from Manik that he was waiting for her downstairs. She locked up her home properly, and entered the elevator to reach the ground floor.

" Nandini, you can do it." she said to herself for the umpteenth time. She slowly walked towards the open area, and there he was - looking devilishly handsome in a plain black suit with a white shirt underneath and a perfect bow-tie adorning his collar while his Rado watch jangled a little in his wrist, while he stood leaning on his Lamborghini. She slowly moved towards him, as soon as he heard the click sounds of her heels, he averted his gaze from his phone to her, leaving him spellbound. How beautiful she looked in his favourite colour. The way her perfectly kohled eyes twinkled, showing him his own reflection in them. The way her carmine lips were slightly parted, making him want to touch them with his raw skin once. The way the red piece of cloth adorned perfectly on her slender frame, giving the dress a meaning of its own. Her white, porcelain skin which was visible to him, made things a little haphazard in his pumping organ. He snapped out of his reverie, and slowly moved towards her, with steady steps. The sound of the ever lasting traffic had seemed to disappeared for them, and all they could hear was - each others heartbeats, making her tremble with nervousness. He softly held her petite frame, as he pulled her extremely close to him in his strong, masculine arms, making her gasp audibly.

" Mujhe tumhaare bandhe baal zara bhi passand nahi hai. Khule baalon mein aur bhi zyada khoobsurat lagti ho." He whispered his his raspy voice, as his nose nuzzled softly on her delicate cheek, making her close her eyes and clutch his shoulders with her ruby painted nails, and within a second, she felt her long, brown brown hair, flowing down her bare shoulders.

" Tujhe dekha toh fir usse nahi dekha. Chaand kehta hi raha, ki mein chaand hoon. Bohot fursat se banaya hoga bhagwaan ne tumhe mere liye." he whispered softly, as he slightly rubbed her cheek with his thumb, while she kept looking deep in his eyes, and all she found was, truth.

" You look like a dream tonight." He said lovingly as he placed a long kiss on her forehead, while 'his' favourite red colour leaked into her cheeks.

" Shall we?" He asked her with a smile as he forwarded his hand towards her, which she readily held with an equally warm smile, as he opened the door for her, and made her sit comfortably. And as they say, the real power of a man is in the size of the smile of the woman sitting next to him.

" Its just you and me, tonight." He said affectionately as he held both her hands and kissed them softly, making her turn all wobbly to which she exhaled a soft sigh.

~~~

They reached the venue, which had a huge red carpet laid to welcome the guests, along with a small unit of media in one corner to capture the images of all the guests and the hosts themselves. All of Manik and Nandini's friends were invited to join them on such a special occasion. Manik halted the car at the back side of the venue, from where he was supposed to enter, due to security concerns.

" Nandini, you don't have to worry alright? I'm gonna be right by your side. I know all this is very new for you, but trust me, I won't let anything happen. And plus, all our friends along with my parents are going to be there okay? Just don't feel out of place. Trust me, I will make everything okay." He said softly. He knew she was nervous. He could make out from the way she was fidgeting with her bracelet. He knew how new all this was for her and all he wanted to do was give her a steady assurance that he is going to be there.

" I trust you." She uttered merely theee words and he knew that he was home. He got down the car and moved towards her side. He opened the door for her and held out his hand for her to hold, which she held without even thinking once as she was straightening the slight crease which had appeared on her gown.

They entered the hall which had a similar red carpet spread for them. As soon as they entered the well lit hall, shimmering with huge chandeliers, with the fragrance of pricy perfumes in the air - the crowd came to a stand still to acknowledge their presence. All the guests were dressed in posh designer wear, some looked revealing while some looked elegant. Just when they entered, Nandini couldn't help but become even more nervous, and just as a sign of her nervousness, she clutched Manik's arms even more tightly, to which he immediately freed his arm, and wrapped it around her waist as he pulled her impossibly close to himself, making Nandini exhale a sigh in relief. With the men's eyes blazing through Nandini as they passed her lusty and flirty looks, which Manik didn't let her feel, very conveniently, while the women threw envious looks at Nandini and flattery sighs at Manik. They moved elegantly towards the centre of the hall as their friends and his parents joined them. It was a well kept practice by Manik that whenever there was a success party thrown for him by anyone, he would call his near and dear ones to stand just by his side. Soon the party was inaugurated, as the congratulatory messages showered. The people around knew that Nandini was the JMD of MM Companies, but Manik getting her as his date to a party was slightly shocking for everyone. Well, almost everyone. Soon the anchor for tonight made an announcement for the first dance, which was Manik Malhotra with his date.

Nandini and Manik moved towards the centre of the hall, while the rest others were gathered around them. Manik could make out from her body language that she was extremely frightened noticing that a bunch of people would be staring at them~

" Just keep looking into my eyes. Don't look away." Manik whispered softly to which she gave a slight nod. A soft tune was played, while Manik and Nandini swayed perfectly through it, with both of them lost in the vast ocean of each other's eyes. Her trance was broken when Manik twirled her around making her step back into reality,

" Manik, why are all of them look at you like this?" Nandini asked softly.

" Trust me, they're looking at the gorgeous woman with me." Manik whispered back in a husky voice making her shudder a little in his arms to which he held her even more firmly.

Soon, their dance came to an end, and as a result they were showered with uncountable praises to which Manik just nodded with a smile after which he gave a short speech leaving everyone happy. They moved towards their friends and his parents who congratulated them on their success , while everyone hugged both Manik and Nandini. Since Cabir was the Managing Director of the company, both Manik and Cabir excused themselves for a while to meet their clients, while Nandini was with the rest, who did nothing but praised her beauty, making her blush uncontrollably.

" Hey." Manik whispered in her ear making her jump a little on her place.

" Did you eat something?" He asked to which nodded with a smile, as they looked at their friends who were swaying happily on the melodious tunes.

" Uncle and aunty look so perfect." Nandini said suddenly as she looked at Manik's parents who were laughing together on something.

" They are perfect." Manik sighed in contentment as he held her waist making her smile.

" Manik, I'll just get something to drink for myself." Nandini said.

" You want me to come with you?" Manik asked worriedly.

" No baba. I'll be back in no time." Nandini said with a smile and moved towards the drinks counter while Manik chose to watch over her.

~~~

Just when Nandini came back with a glass of red wine. She noticed the most unwanted person she wanted to see, Kiara - who was dressed in a skimpy, white dress with a high thigh slit. And the best or maybe the worst part, she was clinging to Manik, trying to gather his attention while all he did was make faces. Since Kiara's father was one for MM Companies' clients, he really couldn't be rude to her in such surroundings. As soon as Manik saw Nandini, his facial expressions changed as she was mentally murdering Kiara, or maybe him too.

" Hey Kiara." Nandini said with a fake, forced smile as she linked her arm with Manik's and slightly pulled him towards her side while Kiara made a whatever face. But well, as they say getting rid of slimy things is the hardest. Ignoring Nandini, Kiara began throwing herself on Manik again making Nandini burn in anger.

" Kiara tumhe pata hai wine ka daag white kapdon pe se kabhi nahi jaata." Nandini said in a sweet tone.

" Thankyou for the free washing machine tip?" Kiara replied smugly.

" You'll need it." Nandini said with a forced smile as she threw all the wine she had in her glass on her dress making Manik cover his mouth in astonishment.

" Oh my god! You know how expensive my dress was?" Kiara wailed as Nandini left from there after literally banging the poor glass on the nearby table.

~~~

" Chudail. Kamini. Chipkali. Samajhti kya hai khudko. Chaep kahinki. Aur kuch kaam hi nahi hai apne aap ko logo par fainkne ke sivaa. Bloody Kiara Fiara Diaraa." Nandini blabbered angrily as she paced towards the ladies washroom while Manik kept calling out her name as he ran behind her. Just when he noticed her moving towards the passage leading to the restrooms, he immediately ordered Peter and James to not let anyone come there to which they replied with a curt nod.

Just when Nandini was about to enter the washroom, Manik pulled her arm, trapping her between him and the black Italian marble wall, making Nandini even more angry.

" Nandini.." he said pantingly.

" Kya hai? Ab kyun aaye ho? Jaao na uss chudail ke paas? Yahan kyun aaye ho? I'm so sure you were enjoying her attention no? Go hug her, kiss her, make bab.." just when she was continuously ranting, the next thing she knew that she was shut off by a soft pair lips on hers knocking all wind off her lungs, making her melt completely in his arms.

The feeling of butterflies and fireworks explosions had just seeped in her stomach. She didn't know how to react. While his lips moved on their own accord as he slightly tugged her lower lip with his teeth making her gasp. Both of them struggled for dominance as his hand slid down, around her waist - holding her tight. While the smell of his cologne intoxicated her senses, making her forget the world. Their lips entwined, writing a story of their own. He was soft, the way his tongue slightly glided in her mouth made her lose herself a little bit more. He tasted like cold November, like hot chocolate on a rainy and stormy evening while she tasted too delectable to be expressed. His lips brushed against hers as the kiss grew even more intense. The way he kissed her, time had decided to stop for them. His hand rested below her ear, his thumb caressing her cheek as their breaths mingled as her hands automatically tangled in his soft locks. Unexpectedly, his hand automatically rested itself on her hip, making her squirm a little in his grip as he pulled her impossibly close to his chest. The rapid beating sounds of their hearts could be heard, the loud music playing was long gone for them. He slowly broke apart, as he rested his forehead against hers while they breathed a little air as Nandini held on to his waist for support. She looked up into his eyes, just to find him staring at her already. The swirl of emotions in his eyes made her gasp a little. It was her first kiss and possibly will be the most beautiful one all through her life. She knew that Manik meant more than just a friend to her. She knew how her demons played with his. It seemed like eternity and infinity stood still at that moment. Their kiss was a beginning, a silent message that there was something more beautiful for them to come. He kissed her like he was drowning and she was air.

" I can never regret my first kiss." Nandini whispered softly, as she read the words his eyes wanted her to read. While his forehead was still resting against hers.

" Me neither." He said softly as he lightly pecked her tiny nose.

" Nandini.." he heaved a heavy sigh.

" The thing we share is not just friends. I hope you know that. We had crossed that just friends milestones long ago. And trust me, there's no going back now. I don't want to let go of you. Ever in my life. It's not love yet, but I promise that we'll reach there soon. But I...I can't be 'just friends' with you anymore." Manik said as he looked right into her eyes while caressing her pink hued cheek.

" Me too." She meekly whispered making him smile a little to which he again pulled her close to him.

" You are a drug and trust me, I don't mind being addicted to you. You're my madness yet my sanity." He said in a husky voice as he dived his in the crook of her neck as he dropped tiny, feather like kisses on the valley between her neck and shoulder making her release a soundless moan as her hand reached his black roots.

" You are mine. Only mine." He growled possessively as he gave her soft bite on her shoulder make her whimper and moan his name while her eyes were shut due to the overwhelming pleasure building up.

" Say it." He growled as he slightly licked and kissed the bite.

" I'm yours. Only yours." She whispered breathlessly.

" Manik.." she whispered in a low tone and looked at him.

" Why me? I mean, you deserve someone better. I'm nothing but a commoner. I'm not beautiful or anything. Then why?" She asked him as she clutched his bicep to which he immediately took a step back.

" You know, you're right. I deserve someone better. But let me tell one thing, Ms. Nandini Murthy, I already have the best in front of me. And that best is only mine. I don't let go of precious things at any cost. And I don't care if you're a commoner. You are my princess, and that's the only thing that matters to me. And who said you aren't beautiful? Kabhi sheeshe mein dekha hai khud ko? Nahi dekha toh meri ankhon mein dekhlo, sacchai dikhai degi." He said with a smile as he pecked her forehead with a chaste kiss make her her eyes glisten with tears which she shooed away by blinking, and as a reply she just nodded with a small smile.

" Kya baat hai Mr. Malhotra, aaj kuch zyada shaayari nahi ho gayi?" Nandini said as she laughed a little.

" Mein shayar toh nahi, magar ae haseen. Jabse dekha meine tujhko, mujhko shayari aagayi." He sung softly with a smile as he kissed her knuckles.

" So cheesy." she laughed a little trying to hide her red cheeks, while her eyes were still wet with slight tears.

" You need to preserve these precious pearls, not waste them." He said plainly as he kissed her eyes making her hug him tightly.

" You know Nandini, I never knew cherries tasted so delicious. I think they're my new favourite." He said mischievously as he rubbed the corner of his lips with his thumb making her immediately jerk off as she made a cute 'o'  face and slapped his bicep with her tiny hand making him laugh heartily.

" You're so cute." He said as he pulled her chubby cheeks making her expressions change to grumpy.

" Vaise, why don't you go back to your witch?" Nandini said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

" Accha jaaun? Okay bye." Manik said as he pretended to leave just to reach back at the same place.

" Sochna bhi matt. Nahi toh uss chudail ka murder karne se pehle mein tumhara murder kardungi." She said in a low and sharp voice making him gulp a little.

" And since you've given me this.. I should give you something too no?" She said innocently as she pointed her finger at the tiny bite he'd given her.

" Huh?" He said in daze while Nandini opened the button of his blazer, making her gulp.

" Nandini, mujhe tumhaare iraade kuch sahi nahi lag rahe hai." He said in a little scared tone.

" Iraade sahi hain bhi nahi, Mr. Malhotra." She said with a smirk as she lowered her face to the level of his shirt's pocket, and what she next was nothing but a shocker of the already bewildered Manik Malhotra. She softly kissed the fabric of his white shirt, just above his heart – leaving a red imprint of her lipstick on it.

" I'm never going to give this shirt for laundry." He said with a lovestruck face making Nandini laugh a little.

" Mine." She whispered in his ears in a little seductive voice.

" Relax baby girl, I'm all yours. But i loved this." He said in a low voice with a smirk as he pointed at the red lipstick mark making her blush a little.

" Manik.. I.. I know all this isn't what it seems like. Its just that I need some time to figure out my feelings. All this is very new to me. I'm not there yet." She pleaded in a soft voice as she looked at his face.

" All my time is yours." He said with a smile and lightly pecked her nose.

" How did you know that I wore white on my senior prom?" Nandini asked suddenly as she was still in his arms, while they kept swaying a little.

" Remember yesterday when we were at Cabir's place, I had gone to attend this phone call, so in the study room I saw this album. So yeah." He replied with a smile while she smiled back at him.

" I love it when you smile. It's gorgeous." He said as he bussed her hair making her blush instantly.

" Chalein?" Manik asked.

" Yeah. Let's go." Nandini said with a smile as Manik held her waist protectively as they moved back towards the hall.

The dinner was already announced. They moved towards their friends who were in a jolly mood, while their friends asked why they disappeared to which Manik made some excuse, which was well noticed by Cabir. They had a royal dinner with loads of giggles and secret eye locks between Manik and Nandini. While all of them were busy in talking, and soon after the crowd persuaded Manik to sing for them as the event was about to end to which Manik readily agreed. He looked back towards Nandini, just to find her looking at him already, to which she just mouthed a simple 'go' to him.

Manik settled himself on a high stool placed on the stage along with a brown guitar which was handed over to him by the crew. He adjusted the strings accordingly and he was all ready. It wasn't the first time he was gonna do an impromptu song, but this one was special. Because she was there, right in front of him.

" So hello everyone, first of all thank you all for joining us on such a special occasion. So this is just a token of gratitude." He said with a smile and immediately averted his gaze towards Nandini, just to find her smiling at him already.

Enna sona kyun rabb ne banaya
Enna sona kyun rabb ne banaya
Enna sona kyun rabb ne banaya
Enna sona kyun rabb ne banaya

[ He started off with lightly strumming the guitar according to the melody. While he looked up, directly gazing into her eyes. While the other guests got lost in the harmonious music.]

Aawa jaawa te main yaara nu manawa
Aawa jaawa te main yaara nu manawa

[ He sung softly while playing the notes perfectly, as keep looking into her eyes while she stood still there, flowing in his music.]

Enna Sona
Enna Sona
Enna Sona
Ooo

Kol hove te sek lagda ae
Door jaave te dil jalta ae
Kedi agg na rabb ne banaya
rabb ne banaya
rabb ne banaya

[ He sang in a little higher tone this time while his eyes conveyed the precious message to her that ~ he will never let her go.]

Enna sona kyon rabb ne banaya
Aawa jaawa te main yaara nu manawa
Aawa jaawa te main yaara nu manawa

Ena Sona
Ena Sona
Ena Sona

He ended the song on a soft note while his eyes were closed. As soon as the song ended, the crowd erupted with thunderous applauds. He looked around just to see all of his friends hooting, whistling and clapping for him, but one thing his eyes were stuck on - when the entire hall was cheering for him, it was just Nandini who didn't clap for him instead, she just stood there wearing her most beautiful smile, which was only reserved for him.

Soon the party ended, and everyone left for their places. Mukti wanted to party around, but Cabir and Manik insisted that since Navya is pregnant, she needs proper rest. So readily agreeing, they left for their places. While Dhruv and Alya had to go to visit Alya's father in London and Abhimanyu had to go to New Delhi to attend a conference the next day.

~~~

While Manik and Nandini were in the car, as Manik chose to drop her off himself, safe and sound when Cabir insisted that he will drop her. There was a certain silence in the car, the only sound which could be heard was of the car gliding on the roads. While Manik kept stealing glances of her, and she was just sitting with her eyes closed and head leaning on the window with a small smile playing on her lips. And the way her curve reflected his' too.

They reached Nandini's building in no time. As soon as Manik stopped the car in the parking lot outside her building, she came out of her trance and gave a small smile to Manik. He got down and opened the door for her, to which she just smiled warmly at him. Nandini immediately held his hand in hers, making him look at her.

" You know why I didn't praise you?" She asked softly to which he nodded in negative.

" Because I had no words. From the past thirty minutes in the car, all I was doing was replaying that song in my head and the only word I got was - MAGIC." She said in a low voice.

" It was so enchanting. So pure. You've been gifted with a beautiful voice, Manik. I can literally listen to your voice till the end of time. This is the impact YOUR MAGIC has on me." She said softly as she kept looking into the depth of his eyes.

" Will you promise me one thing?" Nandini asked as she caressed his rough yet soft cheek with her thumb.

" Anything." Came his reply, in an instant.

" You will never let go of music, no matter what." She said as she softly caressed the tiny mole just above his lips making him close his eyes in bliss.

" I promise." He replied with his eyes shut making her smile.

" Good night." She whispered softly with a smile as came out of his hold making him open his eyes. She turned around just to walk inside the building while he just kept looking at her retreating figure with a smile on his face.

She immediately turned around and almost ran towards him, just to crash into his warm embrace to which he just wrapped his big, strong arms around her making a protective shield. While the hug simply shouted affection to her to which she snuggled more into him.

" Good night." She whispered as she kissed his cheek, while still in the hug.

" Definitely a good night." He said with a satisfactory smile as he kissed her hair softly.

He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings, you will find refuge.

___________

Phew! Trust me. Writing this update was a huge task.😂

And also, this is my first time I've written a kiss with such detail, so do tell me what you think about it. ☺️

Okay so, a lot of you might get irritated with all the mushy stuff I write, but this is my genre. I write like this, and I can't change it. Hope you understand.

So, it's 200k views already! Jeez! It feels like yesterday when I started writing this story. All your love means way too much to me.❤️

Do tell me how it was.
Much much love to all of you.💙
~Vx.