Hello Fam :)

A/N - I just want to make something clear. If you have read my previous books, you would know that I don't write intimate scenes because trust me, I tried but when I read after writing, I felt it was very bland. Bad writing ruins the beautiful moment between the characters. I might learn to write someday maybe, but right now I am incapable of this. I have never faced this before but this Manik has made people curious about his romantic life. Let him go at his own pace. He kisses Nandini, he makes love to her, I don't know and I am not writing it. So, yeah, feel free to imagine whenever you think it fits into the story. :P

Coming to the chapter, there is an intimate scene, not very descriptive but that's the most I am going for now. :)

WARNING: Manik is out of stock. Don't come to the writer to make unusual demands. Also, no, Nyonika is out of stock too. :P

Warning-2: The writer is not hungry. :P

Happy Reading...

"No, Meera. I am not coming to the office today. Cabir will handle it", said Manik and waited for a moment. "Yeah, Cabir is coming. I will see you tomorrow."

Nandini came from the washroom, after taking a shower, when she heard Manik talking on the phone. "Are you going somewhere?", she asked because he was dressed up already.

"Murthy Industries", he replied without taking his eyes off his mobile.

"What? Manik, you don't have to. I will be fine", she muttered. After half a disaster in Malhotra Industries, she was a bit nervous, of course, but she didn't want Manik to bunk his office for it. It was Murthy Industries, the place she has practically grown up since childhood. What could go wrong there? At least that's what she told herself.

"Of course, you will be fine on your conquest of world domination. But I am out of my mind. I couldn't sleep last night. I can't concentrate on my work right now. Hence, I will accompany you on your first day of office. I promise, I would be a spectator instead of interfering", he ranted.

Manik was being dramatic. Wait? Didn't sleep last night? "Which book did you read last night?", she asked. It wasn't new. If he couldn't sleep, he would grab a book to read. And his books affect his mood more often than not.

"Some war drama", he told.

Explains the drama and world domination, yeah.

"Leave that. Are you nervous?", he asked.

"A bit", she told honestly.

Manik grinned, totally out of character. "I have something for you." He pulled her to the couch before rummaging something from the cupboard. A minute later, he sat down beside her with a pocket-sized notepad in his hand. "I hope this will make you feel better."

She opened the notepad. Where something was written and she went through it.

We have been waiting for you to take over Murthy Industries for years now. It's your time, best friend. Go, show them who they are dealing with.

-Mukti

I never wanted to be associated with Murthy Industries but now that half of my heart is taking over it, I can't help but wish for at least one project. So, When would you collaborate with us, Mrs. Malhotra?

P.S - God, I wanted to call you that ever since I knew you were going to marry Manik in college but I was scared that you would punch me until I am bleeding. It feels good to finally say that.

P.P.S - I know Manik is yours now and you have him all over your heart but half of my heart beats for you too. Hence, don't give me a heart attack by doing something reckless. Call me. We could do it together.

-Abhimanyu

I am not privileged to sign up a deal with you and my son didn't stop teasing me about it ever since you told us about taking over Murthy Industries properly. If you are signing up, do you think I could come out of my retirement just for working with you?

-Raman

Don't become a freak like these men. Take care of yourself and don't disappear even if it's only for work.

-Ishita

I still stand by what I said long back. If you own Manik's heart, you already own Malhotra Industries. Punch them on their faces, fighter. If something goes wrong, I will be ready, waiting with an army.

-Cabir

I just have some simple orders for you. Take over the world. Don't let any man question your worth or women. Show them your true potential and if anyone interferes in your plans, show them hell. Make me proud, kid.

-Nyonika

Nandini blinked her eyes as she glanced at Manik. "When did you make them write these?"

"During the wedding. It was my side-project", he told.

Yeah, as she said long back, if Manik Malhotra doesn't have work, he would go and find work. Hence, Cabir was stupid enough to think his brother would sit quietely if he asked him to concentrate on their friends' wedding, thought Nandini and nodded at Manik. "It was really sweet of you. Thank you. Where is yours?", she asked. Even if there are pages of support, she would need Manik the most. He matters the most.

Manik blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. "I thought you wouldn't notice", he muttered and pulled a paper out of his pocket. "When I asked Cabir, he told me to write something Shakespeare and dramatic. I took his advice and wrote entirely opposite, plain and simple."

I was always interested to sneak into files in my search for reading something exciting. Hence, I had to put effort to understand the deals, the one's mom signed or didn't sign. But then I met you. You take over the college like you were meant to be. I have never seen you working in your office but after working with you as a head girl, I got the idea. The important thing is, you don't even have to put in that effort. It comes naturally to you. Like you were born to do it.

Today when you are stepping into the big shoes of your grandfather, to fulfill the responsibilities he trusted you with, you might stumble sometimes. You might fall down completely. But at the end of the day, I know you would pick yourselves up. Because as Cabir calls you, you are a fighter who never has chosen to quit. You fight and struggle until you are on top of the chain. Today, there is a mom waiting for you to take over the world. There are your friends, who would have your back whenever you want. And there am I. I promise I would sit back and relax because I know what you are capable of. The world doesn't. The world doesn't know what it has in store for it.

I am not asking you to take over the world. Be who you are and the world would learn to be used to Nandini Murthy, the granddaughter of Goverdhan Murthy. And since you are a Malhotra now, it would be my honor to be associated with you in any way possible, Nandini Manik Malhotra.

Yours

Manik, item, textbook, or nerd. Happy to whatever name you want to call.

Nandini threw her arms around Manik. She was crying openly now and from the way Manik was gripping her tighter, he wasn't far behind. "You make it so difficult not to kiss you, Malhotra", she told, breaking the hug.

Manik hadn't left her completely. She was still in his arms or the other way. Whatever it is, doesn't matter. Because Manik was looking at her like she was the only one who existed in the world. "Then kiss me."

"What?", she muttered.

"Kiss me. I am sure", he whispered back, his voice barely audible. "I wouldn't say no to anything you ask me today."

She had kissed guys before during her school or in a club for experimenting, for fun. But here in front of her was her whole world and with his eyes closed, he looked as vulnerable as she first met him. She closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his. Just a chaste kiss. Nothing passionate. Just enough to give him a feel. She didn't want to combust her husband just as soon. She felt him holding his breath. "Breath, Manik", she whispered against his lips and then kissed him again once he calmed down, this time a moment longer before wrapping her hands and hiding her face against his neck.

Manik's frantic heartbeat only rose up when there was a knock on the door. Nandini broke the hug and found Cabir and Nyonika standing there. "Hi, Mom, Cabir. What's up?", she greeted, standing up and hiding Manik, buying him time to compose himself.

Cabir grinned at her and barged in. "Are you tense?"

"I don't understand why you are happy about it", she pointed out.

Cabir pouted but then smirked. "I have something for you", he said and gave her a box.

With half of her concentration on Manik, she didn't realize they had gifts. They because Nyonika had a package of her own.

"Cabir, what is the need for all this?"

"Of course, there is a need for all this. It's your first day on the path of world destruction and you need a bit of good luck."

Manik stood up from his place and cuffed his brother's head. "She isn't on the path of destroying anything."

"Oh, trust me, brother. She is going to destroy at least a few businesses", told Cabir.

"Only the ones who would mess with me", muttered Nandini but she took the gift from Cabir and unwrapped the box. It was a small sapling. "What is this?", she asked, smiling at the leafless stem.

"This is a bonsai sapling. Just 2-3 days older. Something about you growing up along with this tree. It would remind you that you are growing", he explained, with a slight blush.

Yeah, Cabir Malhotra was bad at this. "This isn't your idea", she teased.

"Navya's. But I went to buy it yesterday. I searched many shops for a day older bonsai plant", he told.

Nandini chuckled. After Nyonika's insistence, Navya was staying at the Malhotra house but since she had an assignment, she went out of the city for a few days. She pulled Cabir into a brief hug. "Thank you so much." She then looked at Nyonika, who was silent ever since she came to the room. "You have something for me too."

The older lady smirked but the smirk was more directed at Manik than her when she gave the package to Nandini. "Sit down and open."

Nandini nodded. Even Cabir was curious about the gift which meant the twins didn't know about it. "This feels heavy", she muttered.

"You are taking a heavy responsibility. Of course, your gift would be heavy too."

"Mom, you are insulting my gift", complained Cabir.

"Don't worry, baby. Your gift would grow heavy. In time", assured Nyonika.

Nandini unwrapped the gift paper and then the nameless cardboard inside it only to be shocked by what she felt. As she pulled it out, Manik jumped from his seat.

"Mom, what the hell?", he said, the surprise and shock clearly evident in his voice.

Nyonika smirked at her son. "Licensed revolver for my kid. Lightest and easy to carry", said the lady.

"She doesn't need it. How did you even get the license on her behalf?"

The woman shrugged. "I have contacts and she does need it. It's for her self-defense."

"But I don't know how to use it", said Nandini.

"Sunday, morning 9-12, shooting classes. I will accompany you", she said.

"You enrolled her in shooting classes?", asked Manik.

Contrasting to the tension in the room, Cabir burst out laughing. "I knew these two together would be a disaster for us."

Nyonika just smirked wider, crossing her arms, as if daring Manik to refuse her. Nandini chuckled and rubbed Manik's arm. "No use, Manik. Let's go to the office today."

XXX

Nandini parked the car outside her office. "Is it weird that I am not feeling nervous?"

Manik laughed. "No, not at all. It's your office, Nandini. And you are coming back. I have talked to your assistant already. There is a meeting introducing you to the new staff. The best part is most of your old staff are already there. So, it's not entirely new for you."

Nandini took a deep breath and exhaled. As she walked into the office, she remembered her grandfather. The numerous times she had come to this building as a child, as a guest owner for attending the meetings when her parents were there and now, as the CEO of the company. Priya, her assistant was waiting for her at the entrance. She had a smile and a bouquet in her hand as Nandini walked in, the others followed her.

"It was so good to see you again, Ma'am", said the receptionist.

Nandini raised an eyebrow. "Ma'am? Continue with Nandini. I don't want that to change", she told. She promised herself not to let anyone call her ma'am after her mother forced everyone to call her that.

"Nandini, the meeting is in the conference room. Do you want to attend the meeting first or go to your cabin?", asked her assistant. Since they already had a few video calls recently, Priya looked more comfortable than anyone.

"Let's get done with the meeting", she said. Nandini turned around to look at Manik but was surprised to see him talking with the receptionist. More like the girl was talking while Manik was smiling. Being amused, she left Manik for him to catch up with them as the assistant asked everyone to assemble in the conference room.

"Manik Sir, are you joining us?", asked Priya.

"Hey, Priya. How are you?", asked Manik, walking to stand beside Nandini.

"I am fine, Sir."

"I didn't know, you both knew each other", said Nandini.

Manik blushed. "I had to visit a couple of times for some paperwork."

Nandini nodded. Maybe for the company details and sponsorship signatures. They followed Priya to the conference room and before opening the door, Manik whispered good luck in her ear. Priya introduced her to the crowd. Even though many of them already knew her, there were fresh faces too. As promised Manik sat there as a mere audience. When it was her time to speak, she glanced at everyone. This wasn't Malhotra Industries. This was her company and these people have seen her grow up. To not let her nerves workup, she sat down making the meeting a discussion instead of giving a speech.

"Thank you for being the best employees even when I wasn't able to come to the company. I guess everyone knows about this but for those who don't, Goverdhan Murthy, the founder, and my grandfather had established this company for the benefit of the people who can't afford the minimum basic necessities. We at Murthy Industries would strive to fulfill his dream and keep his ideals alive. I don't know what had happened when my parents were there in the company but from today on, the company, it's working should be everyone's dream. I consider you a part of my family and I want you to do that too. Otherwise, I wouldn't regret parting ways with you. This is applicable to everyone. No favoritism, no buttering up, so save your efforts. I have given my everything to keep this company afloat and no one is going to ruin this.

"Coming to the working atmosphere, call me Nandini. Everyone. It's the first rule", she told and waited for everyone to nod. The old staff had huge smiles at her. The new people looked a bit terrified. "During the past four years, the company had seen losses and some illogical deals signing up. To compensate for that and a few of my personal decisions, we have a sponsor helping us through these tough times sitting here in this meeting. As you all know, Manik Malhotra, the CEO of Malhotra Industries. The next point, your salaries. I am really sorry, last month you haven't-"

"Nandini", interrupted Manik.

Nandini was startled but turned to him. Beside him, Priya too looked alarmed at the sudden interruption. "Manik?"

"Nandini, can I have you for a moment alone, please?"

"Now?"

"Please?", asked Manik.

Nandini glanced at her people who were equally confused. "Guys, give me a moment." She asked Manik to follow. Surprisingly, Priya followed them and Manik didn't question her. Closing the door, Nandini turned at the two. "What's going on?"

"Nandini", said Priya, "everyone got their salaries last month."

"What?", said Nandini, "But I didn't sign any papers regarding this." In fact, due to the financial crisis, she didn't know when she could pay the salaries back to the employees. She was half-expecting people to quit the job already since it has been almost two months.

"Actually, Sir-"

"I have paid them", told Manik.

"What?"

"Yeah, and signed for the next six months", he informed.

Nandini turned to Priya. "Priya, go in. I need a moment."

Priya nodded after a final glance at Manik.

"So, is this why you were familiar with my assistant and the receptionist?"

"What? Because I paid salaries?", said Manik. "No, Nandini. I have been in touch with Priya ever since we got married. You weren't in the right state of mind but they needed someone, at least information about what's going on after your parents were arrested. Priya helped me with some paperwork regarding the sponsorship too and the loopholes that I have talked about. It was how we could come up with a perfect deal."

"And what's the deal with signing six months of their salaries?"

"See, I paid them the first month because it was the time for school's reopening and there are families who only survive on their monthly salaries. Going without a salary for a few months might not affect us but it would for them and I didn't want them to face any problem."

"So you tried to be an angel in disguise?", she said and sighed. "Honestly, I am not even surprised right now. But thank you for taking care of them."

"You aren't going to decline?", asked Manik.

Nandini shook her head. "It's not my problem to protest. I hate that you have to take care of one more thing about me but they shouldn't suffer because of what happened in my life."

Manik grabbed her hand. "Hey, don't blame yourself. They love you and they understand you. Even Priya didn't believe me when I first told her that I have really married you. She refused to get me any inside information."

"I think I would keep her", said Nandini with a smile. The past four years wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for that girl.

After the meeting, Manik stayed for an hour and then left saying he had some work. Nandini didn't think about it much. Manik didn't need to babysit her. His accompanying her on her first day at work was itself a big thing for her.

XXX

{A/N: This idea is given by  @sun_shine063. I am sorry if I can't tag it. I don't know what's wrong with my wattpad.}

Instead of going back to the office, Manik returned home from Murthy Industries and went straight away to meet the butler. "Ramu kaka, can you teach me how to make cheeseburgers?"

"Baba, I will make it."

Manik shook his head. "No, I want to make it. Please, teach me."

"Why don't you change and come? Meanwhile, I will check the ingredients and see if something is missing or not."

XXX

They were in the middle of making the patties when Nyonika suddenly appeared in the kitchen. "What's going on?"

There were murmurs from others while Manik didn't waver his attention from the patties. The flipping was more difficult than making them. "I am trying to make cheeseburgers here. This looks like a greasy affair."

"I knew you were the sensible Malhotra. That's how you treat a girl", exclaimed Nyonika and to everyone's surprise, settled down on the counter of the kitchen.

"What? By stuffing her from greasy cheeseburgers?", asked Manik.

"Don't let your darling wife hear that. She could murder you in less than five minutes."

Manik rolled his eyes. Nandini loves him for more than just a few greasy cheeseburgers.

"Anyway, how's the meeting at Murthy Industries?", asked Nyonika.

He felt himself grinning. Nandini was going to rock the business world. "I saw the confidence of the head girl when she stepped into her office. It was as if the past few years hadn't happened."

Nyonika laughed. "I expected nothing less from her."

XXX

Nandini half expected Manik to pick her up since they came together in the morning but it was the driver instead. She let the thought slide away. Manik might be busy at the office. Also, it's not like he promised anything.

Hence, she was surprised to find Manik's car when she reached Malhotra house. When she entered the house, she heard people chattering from the dining hall and diverted there instead of going to her room. Cabir was back already from the office as he launched into some story. Manik was rolling his eyes at his brother while Nyonika was laughing. She doubted the older woman believed any of his words either.

Cabir had a grin when he saw her and Manik called Ramu kaka, who came from the kitchen with a plate of cheeseburgers. Nandini chuckled and ruffled Cabir's hair. "Thank you." The smirk on the younger Malhotra grew wider as he looked at his brother. Manik rolled his eyes again.

She took a bite and decided it was the best she had till now. A few more bites and Cabir couldn't contain his excitement.

"How's it?", he asked.

"The best I had. Did you change the shop?"

Cabir smirked. "Prepared by the love of your life and Chef Manik."

Nandini choked on the burger and Manik was beside her in a minute, rubbing her back and helping her with a glass of water.

"I am sorry. Are you okay? I won't do it again. I am so sorry", ranted Manik.

Nandini took a minute to calm down. "Don't say sorry. Feels wrong."

"Mom, he has successfully corrupted Nandini", said Cabir, grabbing a cheeseburger for himself. "Bhai, these are really nice. You can make it for me anytime you want."

"No", Nandini yelled. Almost. "You aren't preparing any cheeseburgers from now on."

"What? Nandini?", protested Cabir, instead of Manik. The older twin only nodded in defeat.

Nandini rolled her eyes and pulled Manik to sit down. "Listen, Manik, I love you and these are really good. As I said, the best I had but I know what you did with mom's coffee. She doesn't even like another coffee now. And I don't want to have the dissatisfaction of having tasteless burgers or even worse, ask you to make it for me leaving your work. So, yeah. You are banned from making them again."

"Mom, Bhai has really corrupted Nandini. Her logic is becoming as twisted as Manik", complained Cabir, throwing a glare in her direction.

Nyonika just chuckled, devouring her burger. The lady had refused to come between the two or three since Cabir very forcefully inserted himself into the conversation.

"I can make it for you whenever you want", offered Manik.

Nandini shook her head. "Let me have my fill of cheeseburgers and after some thirty-forty years when we both retire from work, I will force you to make me cheeseburgers every day for the rest of my life."

"It wouldn't be healthy to eat so much grease at that time", said Manik. "You can die with a heart attack."

"Who cares about living when you can have awesome cheeseburgers for the rest of your lives", she announced.

A horror look passed over Manik's face. "Nandini, that's not how life works."

Nandini only winked at him in reply. She had a few cheeseburgers to concentrate on before Cabir hogs everything.

I love Nyonika. Also, don't go buying a revolver for yourself. You might get into trouble. :P

How romantic is Manik? :P

Spoiler: Dhamaka. ;)