Love is a smoke and is made with fume of sighs....

William Shakespeare

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こんにちは

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Authors Pov*

Life is so unpredictable..when you look back..two weeks ago Manik was free and wild if not on weekdays but surely on weekends.
But its called fate.

Here he is in his small but cozy cafe trying his new recipes which isn't very new cause he had done that before as well but what new is the baby who is sitting on the counter with a potato which is now eaten mostly.

Manik who is not paying much attention he let  the baby do whatever he was doing until and unless it doesn't bothers him.

Then suddenly doors flew open Zerikh walking in and soon a loud gasp is heard which distracts Manik's attention.

Looking at his friend who was now snatching that half eaten potato away from the baby while baby struggling enough not to let it go but eventually he failed and Zerikh won.

"You can't eat it raw"... Zerikh spoke placing the potato away from the reach of baby who was ready to cry any moment.

Looking at baby's face Zerikh got panicked..didn't know what to do ...immediately he took out his phone from his back pocket and handed it to the baby.

And ofcorse it made the crying baby stop and soon he was purely engaged in the new electronic device in his small hands.

Zerikh let out a sigh of relief then turned his attention towards the other male who was in his apron and cap laughing hard at his and baby's action...which made Zerikh frown.

"Manik you should keep an eye on him"... Zerikh walked up to him to smack his head.

"Aww..what's that for?"... Manik rubbed the back of his head while pouting.

"Didn't you see what that small creature was eating"... Zerikh pointed at the baby while talking.

Manik sighed and continued with his new recipe .."I have other works to do as well"... He sounded annoyed.
He wasn't doing very well with baby...he thought it would be easy to handle a baby..but he found out very soon that its even harder then studying medical.

"Idiot"... Mumbled Zerikh with a sour face.

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"I am home"... Nandini yelled removing her shoes as soon as she entered her apartment although she knows no-one is here to hear.

She walked lazily towards her bedroom throwing her bag away.

"Ahh...I miss you so much".... She hugged her pillow while lying flat on her mattress.

Then lying on her back she started counting the days .. How many more days do I have to do internship..she thought to herself but soon sat up realizing that its gonna end soon.

"Yay..my internship ends this friday".... She threw her pillow in the air and soon catching up as it lands back.

She repeated her action few more times then headed straight to bathroom to get freshen up.

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I guess that Manik could invite me again for dinner. Nandini pouted while thinking but soon she collected herself.
What's wrong Nandu ?
Remember you were suppose to stay from him.

"Yes"...Nandini made a fist then walked over to her kitchen which look much deserted than the last time she visited.

"Itna sannata kyu hai Bhai".... She whispered to herself she broke down into a laughter.

"Lets check in the fridge"... She made her way to her fridge but soon her face turn into frown...finding nothing but pickles and jam and some other stuffs which didn't catch her interest.

"Time for grocery shopping"... She walked back into her room to grab her wallet and coat and headed straight out of the door after locking it.

She decided to do shopping from the nearest store which was hardly two blocks away. Her steps were fast but soon halted when she felt the vibration of her phone inside her sweatpants.

Digging her hands inside her pocket she took out the phone and soon a smile formed on to lips as soon as she read the caller ID.

"Hey Joon how are you?"... She yelled in excitement.

"Aish..calm down woman I am fine..and you?"... Joon soft yet manly voice was heard from other end.

"I am good..actually happy cause my internship ends in three days"... She informed while counting on her fingers.

"Wow..that's great...then back to college"...

"hmm...and what about you...you aren't done with work right?"... She started to walk towards her destination this time slowly.

"Nah..nah...I am all fine..mom and dad are overseas for some business work..so I am at ease"... Joon chuckled from the other end.

"That's nice..but what kind of business deal they are doing this time?"... Nandini walked inside the store...scanning her eyes everywhere but at a same time attentive enough to hear her brother.

"They didn't inform me much..but I guess they want a collaboration with some Japanese company which will help them rise more in India"..... Joon spoke.

"Oh...whatever that doesn't concern me as long as I am not a part of it"... Nandini said while filling her cart with all kinds of noodles she could find.

Joon who could hear some weird noise from other side couldn't help but to ask.."what are you doing by the way?"

"Me..." she paused to laugh but continue anyhow.."I am doing grocery shopping"..

"I got it...you must be filing your cart with nothing but noodles"... Joon chuckled soon broke into giggle.

"Dont judge me bro...cooking is not my passion"... Nandini let out walking over to the counter for billings.

"I am not..enjoy your food but remember health is also important"... His tone was serious now.

"I know...that's why I bought some vegetables, rice and flour"... She laughed while looking inside her cart.

"Good.....okay..gotta go bye..I will visit you soon...and take care"... Joon's voice was full with care and love and Nandini feel it over the phone as well.

"Bye...you too take care"... She spoke before disconnecting the call.

Nandini couldn't help but smile looking over at her phone. There are few people which make her feel wanted and loved and Joon come in that people.

"Ma'am please put your cart here"... The voice broke her stance realizing it was her turn.

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Carrying two poly bags in her both hands she walked back to her apartment. It was quite heavy for her small hands to carry but still she manage till the building.

"Aish...so heavy"... She was about to reach for the elevator when she saw the black familiar car rode inside the parking lot.

"Oh shit"... She cursed to herself.

Nandini don't even think of taking elevator just take stairs and you will be safe.

Listening to her mind's word she made her way to the stairs.

"Oh my gosh...I can't climb anymore"... She panted at third floor stopping to breathe.

Just one more Nandu...she encourage herself with each step and by the time she was on her floor.. Her forehead was covered with sweat and few drops were also slipping from the side.

"So heavy"... She breathe standing in front of her door.

She stood there dropping the bags to breathe properly holding the walls for support just then next door flew open revealing Manik in his sweatshirt and sweatpants walking out.

"Oh hey..Miss perfect.. I was coming to you..good thing we met here "... He spoke facing her a slight smirk dancing on his lips.

Nandini huffed ignoring his presence still focusing on her breathing.

"Are you sweating in such a cold weather"... Manik look closely at her face which were covered with sweats.

"Dont tell me you took stairs instead of elevator".. Manik continued.

"What do you want jerk?".... She stood straight looking at him.

"Okay ..that's rude"... Manik crossed his arms while looking at her eyes with not so pleased expression.

"As if I care"... Nandini rolled her eyes over him then shifted her attention to her lock.

"Look...I will let it go this time..since I need your help".. Manik blurred out making her eyes small.

"Not again Malhotra..I am not gonna babysit your baby..its not my freaking job and if its getting too difficult to handle then why don't you call your wife to attend..its her responsibility as well".. Nandini let out furiously..she so close to losing her mind.

"Umm..well..I am not married"... Manik looked at the floor while speaking he himself didn't know why he was ashamed of telling this to her..like he could care what she will think of him...but this time he was..he didn't want to lose his impression which wasn't very good from beginning but still it was still better now.

"Then called your girlfriend...together with whom you created the baby".... She was more calm now then before..."I am out of this"... She continued while punching her password.

"Actually...I ..I..don't have ..a girlfriend".... Manik slutterd with ever word.

What's wrong with me....why I care so much about her opinion.

"What...don't tell me its from one night stand"... Nandini stopped what she was doing to face him whose eyes already leveled to ground.

"But..I am not sure about it yet".... Manik said slowly but loud enough for her to her.

"Shutup..I can believe I had dinner with a playboy.." Nandini bend down to pick up the shopping bag before opening her apartment door.

"How does it affect anyway?"... Manik finally look at her.

"Its does....you just disgust me"... She walked inside her apartment then slammed her door shut on Manik's face leaving him dumbfounded.

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A/N: Everytime I imagine's Nandini apartment in this story..I couldn't help but think of small one single storey house while imagining of Manik it come with duplex and bigger one..although I had mention before in the story that both the apartments are designed same.😂😂😂😂 I dunno why it happens....

Does it happen to you all as well???
Let me know in the comment section what you guys imagine when it comes to their apartment.

Till then..

Baiiu...
Love
Aima🌹

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Enjoy!!