Next day, 3pm, Murthy mansion,
Nandini's POV
Ayiappa kuch madad kardo! I am so confused right now. Why has this Harshad called me to meet him? What does he want? Kahi koi plotting to nahi kar raha against me? I don't know why but I don't get positive vibes from him. Uff and this Navya, woh bhi busy hai warna use saath le jati kya karu, Ayiappa? Bhai ko batau, nahi nahi he is already overprotective for me, now to bohot tension hojayega unhe. Nandu you must go as it does not look good to ditch someone at last minute. And why am I getting stressed? Cafe mai to hai or wo be in the afternoon so its ok. Now what should I wear? *looking through her closet* Ha this is decent.
POV end.

Nandini's attire 👇

In Cafe Barista,
Nandini entered the cafe only to be hit by a strong coffee smell along with the mouth-watering aroma of baked goods. It was a beautiful cafe with bright daylight spreading throughout due to tinted glass walls covering the place. It looked quite a massive place as she could see some private cabins too and some people in formals portraying that meetings can be held there. Light music was running in the background making the mood all livelier! She was looking around when she found a familiar face shaking hands with someone well suited in formals.

Nandini: *thinking* I have seen him somewhere, who is he? Oh yeah, I met him yesterday at the airport, actually collided *giggling* Manik, I think that's what his name is.

She was thinking this when his gaze shifted to her. She passed a sweet smile to him, which he returned to her surprise. She unknowingly felt secure with his presence. She was about to proceed but Harshad called her name to grab her attention. She moved to Harshad's table thinking that Manik might be busy with his clients anyway! Here, Manik was so happy to see her again and knowing that she remembers him but, that smile turned into a frown when she turned and moved to Harshad's table. Manik knew how cheap Harshad is as he has also tried to get close to Naira but couldn't due to Manbir. They did not say anything to Fab3 as they knew that Alya loves him and would not believe them because they had no proof against him.

As soon as she reached his table, he was about to take her in a hug, but she forwarded her hand for a shake.

Nandini: Hello Mr Saxena,

Harshad: Hi Nandini and call me Harshad please as Mr Saxena doesn't sound good from a girl like you!

Nandini: Excuse me?

Harshad: I mean such a young and beautiful girl calling me so formally makes me look old. Pls have a seat.

He pointed at the chair in front. She nodded and sat with a fake smile. The waiter came to take their order which they did. The waiter said that payment is before service, so Harshad was about to pay when she stopped him.

Nandini: Well, I don't allow anyone to pay for me other than friends and family and we are just acquaintances so I will pay for myself *forwarding money to the waiter*.

Waiter: Thank you, mam! *taking Harshad's card as well he left*.

Nandini: So Harshad, why have you called me here?

Harshad: Soo on point, but I like it. Anyways I just want to befriend you.

Nandini: And may I know why?

Harshad: Look Nandini I won't beat around the bush, *sighing* I like you; I admire your beauty, so I thought let's start with friends?

Before she could reply, the waiter came with their order and they started sipping their cold coffee in silence as it was very awkward for Nandini. She made herself strong to reply without stuttering.

Harshad: So, what do you think about us?

Nandini: Well frankly speaking its a no! Look Harshad, I don't want to sound rude, you must be good, rich and handsome and you can get any girl, but I just don't feel you are the one for me. I hope you underst...

Nandini stopped speaking as a waiter spilt coffee on his trousers. He was damn angry on the waiter but controlled himself and left for the washroom to clean himself. Nandini was in her thoughts when she heard a tap on the table.

Person: Hi Nandini!

Nandini: *coming out from her thoughts* Oh hi Manik, you here?

Manik: *smiling* Wow you remember my name, not bad! Well here for a meeting you see *pointed at his clothes* by the way you were sitting with Harshad so if you don't mind me asking, do you know him?

N: Oh come on Manik, don't be so formal and no I don't know him much. He is appa's business partner and he asked me for coffee yesterday which I couldn't deny.

Manik: Oh, look Nandini, I know this might sound weird and I fought with myself a lot to not tell you this but couldn't help it.

Nandini: What is it Manik? Aap worried lag rahe ho?

Manik: Stay away from Harshad! He is a big-time player.

Nandini gave him a 'how do you know look'.

Manik: Actually, his sister is one of my best friends and he also tried to get close to my sister so...

Nandini: But Manik, why are you worried for me?

Manik: *sighing* I don't know but I feel protective of you. Just trust me on this please.

Nandini: Why should I trust a stranger like you?

Manik was looking down not able to answer as she was right why would anyone trust a stranger. Nandini smiled a bit looking at him.

Nandini: *pouting* See na, aap ne mujhe friendship bhi offer nahi ki. Be my friend and I will trust you.

She said with a teasing smile. He immediately looked up to see her forwarding her hand with a cute smile. He too smiled widely and immediately shook hands with her.

Nandini: *a bit serious* Actually, even I don't get positive vibes from him so I will be careful. Thank you so much!

Manik: *with a grin* Your welcome but madam, don't you know friendship mai no sorry, no thank you!

Nandini: *giggling* That was very filmy Manik. *both laughed*.

Manik: *looking at the watch* Ok I need to resume my meeting so see you later friend.

Nandini: Bye friend!

He walked a bit further but turned and called her name to which she hmmed.

Manik: Wo tumhara number?

Nandini: Itni bhi jaldi kya hai mister, let's see if destiny makes us meet again or not, fir number le laina.

Manik: Oh, I like this game. See ya bye.

Harshad: *after Manik left* What was he doing here?

Nandini: *frowning* Who, Manik? He is my friend!

Harshad: *with a smirk* Look Nandini, pyaar se bola to tumhe samaj nahi aya so now I am warning you to stay away from any other men as you are mine and only mine as I am attracted to you!

Nandini: *a bit loudly* Excuse me? Kya bake jaa rahe ho tum?

Harshad: Don't shout Nandini! You already know that I am your father's business partner and I can back out any minute from the current project aur mujhse jyada Murthy's ko loss hoga that too major one so, bear in mind before you do anything. Oh yes, if you want you can confirm it with your brother and father. See you soon sweetheart bye.

He left. Nandini was still shocked, she was not able to think anything. She cannot bow down to Harshad but also cannot let her father's hard work go down in the drain. She was thinking about this when her phone rang. It was Navya.

Navya: Hi bestie!

Nandini: Nav..Navya!

Navya: *worried* Kya hua Nandini tum itni gabhrai hui kyu ho?

Nandini: Can you please come to Cafe Barista with some papers I need? I will send you a message about which papers.

Navya: Ok I am coming!

After some time Navya came to the cafe. Nandini was still sitting at the same place in deep thoughts. Her trance broke when Navya kept her hand on her shoulder. Nandini at once hugged her and sobbed lightly.

Navya: *caressing her hair* Kya hua hai? Why are you crying Nandu? Hume tension ho rahi hai please batao. Acha ok sit and drink water first.

Nandini drank water and after a bit, she felt a bit relaxed. She explained the whole scenario to Navya and ended with tears in her eyes. She asked Navya to check from the papers whatever Harshad said true or not? Navya checked and nodded saying it is truth.

Nandini: Ab mai kya karu Navya? Ayiappa aap mera ye test kyu le rahe ho. Navya, mujhe Harshad ki girlfriend nahi banna but mai appa ki reputation ko bhi bigaad nahi sakti. What should I do?

Navya: Nandu... Nandu hamari baat suno. Harshad ne kaha if you get into a relationship then he will back out but tum to koi relationship mai nahi ho right? Or fir approximately one-year mai ye project khatam ho jayega plus you are returning to the UK in 3 weeks anyway so wo tumhe paresan bhi nahi kar sakta.

Nandini: You are right Navya! Thank you so much! But tum ye baat ghar pe kisi ko nahi batana because mai unhe paresan nahi dekh sakti promise me pls?

Navya: *hugging her* Nandini promise.

Soon they left for home. Ishita saw her and immediately called her saying kisi ka phone hai...

Author's note: Hey guys! How is it?
Few words for Manik and Nandini's friendship?
Few words for Navni's bond?
Few words for Harshad?
Pls vote if you liked this part, comment long inline comments and follow me!
Lots of love from Vaish