Malhotra Industries

It was an important day for Manik as today was the day when he was supposed to sign the documents and he will be announced as one of the board directors. Even the thought of sitting between the other board members made him restless. He was sitting in his cabin when there was a knock. He asks the person to come in and finds the cause of his restlessness, smiling.

Manik: Yeh sab tumhari wajah se hua? Why are you here? Ab kya karna chahti ho?

Nandu(rolling her eyes): Will you stop being dramatic?

Manik: Do you think I am being dramatic? Just look at my palms. It's covered with sweat.

Nandu: Do you need a tissue?

Manik: Tumhe yeh sab majak lag raha hai na.

Nandu(sighing): Manik, it's just a meeting. You have to sign and get it done.

Manik: No, it's not. All the people there are so experienced and way too elder to me. How can I even sit between them. Agar woh koi questions puchenge, what if I won't be able to answer it. I can't let dad down in front of them. I can't let you down.

She goes towards him and wraps her hands around him, rubbing his back. Pulling him to the couch, she takes a seat beside him and holds his hands.

Nandu: Just to make you feel better, I asked dad to call the board members along with their children. So, there would be few people around our age who will look up to you as an inspiration.

Manik: If you think it's making me feel any better, then you are highly mistaken. I am feeling even worse.

Nandu: Manik, breathe. And without uttering a word.

He takes a deep breath looking at her.

Nandu: Am I not there with you? You can never let me down or even dad. Even if you feel, you can't answer any of their questions, then it's okay. It's just your first step and I am there to cover you up. Dad's there to cover you up. I trust you, Manik. All I need is you to believe in yourself. And where is my extra smart assistant? Where did you hide him.

Manik(looking down): Nandu.

She cups his cheek and places her lips on his forehead allowing it to linger there for some time. He closes his eyes, feeling her.

Nandu: I am there, okay?

Manik just nods.

Nandu: Chalo, it's time.

They find the board members sitting there talking to Raj. Manik found Cabir and Abhimanyu along with two new faces from the younger generation. While the boy was looking decent and was politely interacting with everyone, the girl, wearing an extra short dress, was disinterested at her surroundings and was checking her nail polish. He smiled at his friends and took his seat beside Nandini and opposite to Raj. Raj starts the meeting.

Raj: Good morning, gentlemen and the precious younger clan. Mr. Singhania, is your father missing the meeting?

Raj said looking at the young boy.

Mr. Singhania: Yes, sir. He isn't well and resting at home. He conveyed his apologies.

Raj: That's okay, young man. Before starting the meeting, I want to introduce you, my son and my pride, Manik Malhotra.

Manik smiles at everyone hiding his nervousness when he finds a hand gripping his, under the table. He looks beside him and found a smiling Nandu. She blinks his eyes in assurance and it helps him calming down a bit.

Raj: As you all know, the meeting is to announce the name of the third board of director of Malhotra Industries who will be sharing the company along with Ms. Murthy and I. Before officially announcing the name, I would like Ms. Murthy, on the behalf of our company, to show you all a brief presentation on the statistics and the reasons on why we think the person we choose is worthy enough to become a board of director. Ms. Murthy.

Nandini stands up with a smile and goes in front of them to start the presentation. Manik, who was trying to calm himself by holding Nandu's hand, was already missing her touch and tried to concentrate on the presentation, rather the person giving the presentation.

The next half an hour was all about the stats on how the company improved after Manik joining the company, his achievements, his qualifications and all other important details. After a long questionnaire, which Manik answered with perfection, everyone present were impressed with him. Manik signs the documents and everyone congratulate him after which they disperse except Dhawans and Thakkars.

Raj goes to hug Manik followed by Mr. Dhawan and Mr. Thakkar.

Raj: I am so proud of you today.

Manik: I am happy to be the reason behind your smile.

Raj: You were always the reason behind my smile, Manik. I feel blessed to have a son like you who haven't ever let me down. Just keep it up, young boy.

Nandu(fake angrily): Don't you think someone is missing something important?

Raj: My princess. How can I forget you.

He side hugs her. Mr. Dhawan and Mr. Thakkar leave along with Raj after congratulating Manik. As soon as they leave, Manik sighs deeply and hugs Nandini.

Manik(still in hug, ranted): I did it. I did it, Nandini. I didn't faint there. I made you all proud. I am so happy.

Nandu(chuckles): I told you, you will be fine. We all are proud of you.

Cabir(to Abhimanyu): Bhai, tujhe nahi lagta hume jana chahiye, isse pehle yahan koi adult movie start ho jaye.

Manik breaks the hug and glares at Cabir.

Manik: Tujhe itni jalan kyu ho rahi?

Cabir: Tujhe? What type of language is this Mr. Malhotra? Don't you know how to give respect to others? Yeh sikhaya hai kya aapki boss ne aapko? Arey, koi woh board of directors ke papers lao. Mujhe phadne hai.

Nandu(rolling her eyes): Tum subah breakfast mein kya khate ho, Cabir? Drama?

Cabir: How do you know, Ms. Murthy?

Nandu: Aaj se Navya se bolna padega to cut your breakfast.

Manik: Nandu, lunch aur dinner bhi.

Cabir: Abey, dono milkar mujhe maroge kya?

He goes to hug Manik followed by Abhimanyu.

Abhi: Bro, buddy, bhai, I am so proud of you. Itni kam umar mein kitna kuch dekh liya tumne.

Cabir: Kya dekha, Manik?

Manik: shut up.

Abhi: I am so happy for you. Nandu, ab Manik board of director ban gaya na. Shall I quit my job and join as your assistant?

Manik: Tum dono ko aur koi kaam nahi hai kya? I am still continuing as Nandu's assistant.

Abhi: Why, bro, why?

Cabir: Arey, samjha kar, bhai. Cabin ke andar ke secrets hume thodi batayenge?

Nandu(rolling her eyes): Yeah. Main kyu secrets bataun? Tum toh apne secrets nahi bata rahe? Apne hot assistant ke saath. Behind the same closed doors of your cabin in your company.

Cabir: Behen rehen de. Maine tujhe pehle bhi bola tha, my assistant is a male. So, stop questioning my sexuality.

Nandu: Kyu? Tumhe doubt hai?

Cabir: yeh ladki rude ki theek thi. At least, tab professional thi. Ab dekh, Manik ne bigad kar rakha hai ise.

Manik sticks his tongue out at him. They, after a few more talks, leave for their work. Manik and Nandu were in her cabin when someone barged in. The only girl in the meeting, other than Nandu, entered clicking her heels on the floor.

Girl: Oh my God, Manik, you are here and I am searching for you like in the entire building.

Manik frowns at her as he hardly know her and here she is claiming as if she is some long lost friend of him. Nandu was rather amused at them.

Nandu: Ms. Khurana, I think it's some manners to knock before you come inside.

Girl: It's okay, girl. There's always a next time. But who are you?

Nandu: The owner of the cabin you are standing in.

Girl: Great. Owner of the company toh nahi ho na. It doesn't matter then.

As Manik and Nandu stares at her in disbelief, she turns towards Manik.

Girl: Manik, why are you so confused? Don't you know me?

Manik: Sorry, I didn't recognise you. Have we met before?

Girl: Of course, Manik. We just met in the meeting a few minutes back. Did you forget me, already?

Manik: I am sorry, Ms. Khurana.

Girl: Call me Soha, Manik. Just Soha.

Manik: I don't think, I know you well enough to call you by your first name, Ms. Khurana. Coming to that, I don't think even you know me properly.

Soha: Well, you can always know me. We can spend some time together. And coming to me, who doesn't know the hot board director, baby.

Manik: Baby?

Soha: Yes, baby. When are we going out then?

Manik: What? Where?

Soha: Of course, to know each other, baby. You know, I just have some romantic places in my mind.

Nandu: Guys, can you please have your romantic discussion outside my cabin. As you can see, I have some work to do?

Manik gives her an 'are you serious look'.

Soha: It's okay, girl. Manik, baby, let's go to your room.

Manik: what?

Soha: Wahi. Your cabin.

She, without waiting for him, drags him outside whereas Manik gives a confused mixed with a scared look to Nandu. As they leave, Nandini bursts out laughing. Soon, there was a knock on the door and she lets the person in. Raj, along with Mr. Khurana and Mr. Singhania comes in.

Raj: Ms. Murthy, the two gentlemen here wants to discuss something with us.

Nandu: Please be seated.

Mr. Khurana was about to open his mouth when Manik barges in with a thud sound.

Manik(screams): Nandini Murthy, I hate you. I hate you so much. I am not talking to you ever again. How could you even leave me with that clingy, psycho, weird homo sapien?

Nandu(gritting her teeth): Mr. Malhotra, Behave.

He was too furious as he was screaming that he didn't realize the other people sitting in the cabin. Looking at them, he finds Raj and Nandu was glaring at him. Mr. Khurana, smirking and Mr. Singhania was confused.

Manik: I am sorry. I didn't see.

Mr. Khurana: Whom are you referring all these names to? My daughter?

Nandu(covering up): Mr. Khurana, he didn't mention it as some girl. And definitely not your daughter.

Mr. Khurana: This is what happens when you put the company in the hands of some incapable guy. Just because he is a Malhotra, doesn't mean he is worth becoming a board director.

Raj was furious. Even when it's Manik's fault, it doesn't give anyone a right to question him. But before he could react, he saw his princess smiling and looking at that smile, he knows, Mr Khurana has some long explanation to give.

Nandu: And how did you come to that pointless conclusion without even talking to him?

Mr. Khurana: Are you really choosing him over me, Ms. Murthy?

Nandu: Why wouldn't I? He is the board of director of my goddamn company.

Mr. Khurana: Come on, Ms. Murthy. Can we please not bring the topic of board of director when we clearly know he isn't capable of it? The guy doesn't have a minimum common sense to knock when an important discussion is going on and instead he is walking in the office screaming on the top of his lungs.

Nandu: And what if I say, the reason for his outburst is your own daughter who can't keep her hands to herself and is capable of making even a sensible guy like him, frustrated.

Mr. Khurana: You can't just cover up his mistakes by blaming my innocent daughter.

Nandu: How about I prove the innocence of your daughter, Mr. Khurana?

Mr. Khurana: What do you mean?

Nandu: Why don't you call Ms. Khurana here and we can know how innocent is your daughter and how incapable is Mr. Malhotra here? Meanwhile, I need a moment with Mr. Malhotra. Excuse us.

She stands up to leave but was stopped by Mr. Khurana.

Mr. Khurana: I didn't expect such unprofessional behavior from you, Ms. Murthy. Why are there secrets going on between two of the board directors when we are present here? Are you going to train him on how to attend the meeting?

Nandu: Mr. Malhotra is still my assistant. Before you question why, he is very much capable of handling both the jobs and with perfection. I don't think it's unprofessional of me to talk to my assistant. And I am sorry, Mr. Khurana. I am not as capable as you to train someone in just 10 minutes. Excuse me.

She storms off her cabin and a confused Manik follows.

Manik's cabin

Nandini takes Manik to his cabin and makes him sit on the couch. Handing him a glass of water, she waits for him to calm down.

Manik: I am sorry. I didn't...

Nandu: Manik, I love you.

Manik(snapped his head towards her): What?

Nandu: Yes, I love you.

Manik: Matlab tum.. woh ladki

Nandu: Matlab yeh ki I don't need any explanation of what happened between you and that girl.

Manik: Nandu. I didn't do anything.

Nandu: I know. Now just listen to what I am saying and you are going to follow that.

Taking a nod from Manik, she continues.

Nandu: Ignore whatever happened back there in my cabin. Mr. Khurana is here for discussing something. You, being my assistant, will sit there and participate in the meeting as if nothing happened. Just concentrate on the meeting and nothing else. Understood?

Manik: And that girl?

Nandu: Ignore her. I will tackle her and her father in my way.

Manik: I can sense something really big.

Nandu(smirked): You know me too well, Malhotra. Ab chale?

He nods and they return back to Nandu's cabin where everyone was waiting for them.

Nandu: Sorry for the inconvenience. Mr. Khurana, can we discuss the reason behind you calling this meeting here?

Controlling his anger, he puts forward his point about collaborating for a new project. But more than angry, he was confused about what's going on inside Nandini's head. They discuss the project with Nandini and Raj dismissing all the points that didn't favor them, frustrating the Khurana. Whereas, Mr. Singhania was a mere spectator, having no idea of how he is related with the project as Khurana asked him to join the meeting with him. As for Soha is concerned, she was far from interested in the project. All she was doing is to give seductive smiles to Manik, who clearly was ignoring her.

Manik: I have a proposal about this. Why don't we..

Soha: Get married?

Everyone snaps their heads to towards Soha.

Manik: What?

Soha: How sweet of you, baby. You are already proposing me for marriage. Dad, I can't believe this. I am so happy.

Manik: When did I say marriage?

Soha: Don't be shy, baby. Didn't you say the same thing in your cabin sometime back.

Nandu: Such an innocent daughter of yours, Mr. Khurana. Right?

Mr. Khurana: What? This boy is trapping my daughter.

Nandu: Yeah, of course. And do you want me to show you the list of people your daughter is trapping? Can we check her inbox, please.

Mr. Khurana: You are invading her privacy and insulting her.

Nandu: Privacy, right? If she can refer the guy whom she met a few minutes back as 'baby', in front of everyone, what privacy are you talking about? Do you have any idea with whom she was there the last night? A baby of hers? The previous night? Another baby of hers. Come on, is she running an orphanage with all these babies of hers?

Mr. Khurana: How dare you insult my daughter? Mr. Malhotra, why aren't you speaking anything while this girl here is just uttering nonsense.

Raj: Because, I trust her. And more importantly, I trust my son more than you trust your daughter.

Mr. Khurana: This is the point where your downfall starts, Mr. Malhotra. You have already handed over your company to this arrogant girl. And now you have made this boy as the board of director just because he is your son when you clearly know he is incapable of handling the position.

Nandu: Unfortunately, Mr. Khurana, your opinions doesn't matter anymore. If you really feel Manik is incapable of handling his position, you should have objected during the meeting an hour back when you were clearly asked for any objections. Now, it all doesn't matter because the company is already in the hands of an arrogant girl and an incapable boy.

Mr. Khurana: Enough, Ms. Murthy. You think, I will stay calm when you are insulting me? I am withdrawing myself as the board member of this company.

Nandu: Aww..it's such a huge loss for us, Mr. Khurana. We have to work so hard to cope up with this loss.

Mr. Khurana: Are you accepting this?

Nandu: It's your decision Mr. Khurana. I can't force you to stay. Have a good day.

Mr. Khurana fumes in anger and drags Soha along with him as she kept on screaming the word 'baby' looking at Manik.

Raj(pouts looking towards Nandu): He is my son. Kabhi toh mujhe kuch karne do uske liye? Even I want to defend him and protect him.

Nandu(winking at him): You need to act fast, Mr. Malhotra.

Nandu: I am sorry, Mr. Singhania, you had to witness all this drama.

Mr. Singhania: Excuse me, Ms. Murthy. I don't know if I am allowed to say this or not but this whole thing was a bit hilarious.

She chuckles at him.

Nandu(turning towards Manik): Your one immature act costed me a board member. Such heavy price, Mr. Malhotra.

Manik, who didn't understand the tease in her voice, opens his mouth to say something but couldn't as somewhere he still believed it's his fault.

Raj: I am confused.

Nandu: Aap kab se apne bete ki tarah confused rehne lage?

Raj: Mr. Khurana withdrew as the board member and you are smiling. Am I missing something, Ms. Murthy?

She glances towards everyone before casually speaking.

Nandu: Mr. Khurana have joined hands with the Vedants to plot against Malhotra Industries. And he wanted Mr. Singhania to accompany him so that we couldn't get a doubt on his plan. He knows Malhotra and Singhania industries maintain a cordial relationship whereas there is a friction between Malhotra and Khurana Industries for some time.

All the three gape at her. She chuckles at their reaction.

Nandu: Take a breathe, gentlemen.

Mr. Singhania: How do you know all this?

Nandu(smirked): I have my sources, Mr. Singhania.

Raj: It means you did all this deliberately.

Nandu: Yes. But I am not cruel to take the whole credit. The major of this goes to Mr. Manik Malhotra. The newly appointed board director of Malhotra Industries.

Manik: Can you please not remind me of that nightmare?

Raj(teased): But it's surprising, Manik. Mujhe nahi pata tha Board of director bante hi tum kisi aur ke baby ban jaoge.

Manik: No, I am not.

Raj: So, you still are my baby.

Manik: Argh..I hate the word baby.

The other three burst out laughing. After a few minutes,

Mr. Singhania: Ms. Murthy, I have a proposal.

Manik: No. She's isn't getting married now.

Nandu: Manik, I guess, you need a break from the thoughts of your baby.

He glares at her and gulps down some water.

Mr. Singhania: As I was saying, since Mr. Khurana withdrew his name as one of the board members, can I nominate my name for the same?

Nandu(politely): And if you don't mind may I know the reason?

Mr. Singhania: It's simple. I have always seen you as my inspiration but didn't get an opportunity to work with you. And as my father is already a board member, it's only him who just attends the meetings related to Malhotra Industries. I don't want to miss any opportunity to learn from you.

Nandu: You are embarrassing me, Mr. Singhania, but..

She looks towards Raj to take the decision

Raj: We would love to have you on board, young man. This young generation impresses me a lot. They are so career oriented.

He gets a call and leaves for his cabin after patting Manik's head.

Mr. Singhania: Ms. Murthy, can I make a request?

Nandu: Yes.

Mr. Singhania: Will you please call me Madhyam instead of Mr. Singhania?

Manik secretly clenches his jaw trying to control his anger.

Nandu: Mr. Singhania?

Madhyam: There is no big reason behind this, Ms. Murthy. It just makes me feel so old when people call me Mr. Singhania. We are of same age so, I thought..

Nandu(chuckles): It's okay, Madhyam. And you can call me Nandini instead of Ms. Murthy.

Manik glares at Nandini and mouths a 'no'.

Madhyam: Nandini, if you don't mind, can I invite you for a party at my place, this weekend.

Manik: No. She is busy.

Nandu: Manik, wait. Madhyam, don't you think all this is going too fast?

Madhyam: Not at all. It's my birthday this weekend and I can't postpone it, right?

Nandu: Oh, I am sorry.

Madhyam: The reason behind the party is an announcement my dad is about to make and also I want to introduce you to a special person. As you are special for me too. I just want both of you on my birthday.

Manik(controlling his anger): Can I ask you something, Mr. Singhania?

Madhyam: Yes, of course. And if you don't mind, please call me Madhyam.

Manik(sarcastically): May I know who this special person is? Wait a second. Is it your mother and what do you want to introduce Nandini as? The girl you lo..

Nandu(glared): Manik, shut up.

Madhyam: It's okay, Nandini. I was just too excited and Manik just misunderstood me. Manik, Nandini have already met my parents during a party last time. And the special person I was talking about is my fiance. My dad wants to announce our marriage date. I have told so much about Nandini to her that she being my inspiration and how much I have learnt from her. My fiance now is way too excited to meet Nandini. I am sorry, I should have approached you more professionally.

Nandu: It's okay.

Manik(guiltily): I am sorry, Madhyam. Today, I guess, I have lost my mind completely.

Madhyam: I understand. So much happened with you today and it will take some time to sink in. But hey, you both are too adorable.

Nandu, Manik: What?

Madhyam: Come on, guys. Manik was clearly jealous and I can sense your discomfort too, Nandini, when I was inviting you. If it's not love, then what it is?

Manik: No, it's nothing like that Madhyam. Nandu and I..

Madhyam: You are calling her Nandu and denying it simultaneously. Nandini, I might have been inexperienced compared to you at work but I am senior to you when it comes to love.

Nandu(bursts out laughing): Yes, I am in love with this crazy human being sitting beside you. But we aren't ready to publicly announce it. You know how the things are here. Manik being a Malhotra, my assistant and now the board director, just spreads unnecessary rumors. People don't even care to see his work before commenting things about him. We just saw Mr. Khurana.

Madhyam: I understand, Nandini. And I believe he is capable enough of handling a company. His major qualification being working under you. Manik, relax, your boss is all yours. Will you please grace my birthday party along with her?

Manik: Only if you provide me with a delicious cake.

They share a laugh after which Madhyam leaves. As soon as he leaves, Manik looks at Nandini and smiles nervously before standing up.

Manik: OkThanksBye.

Nandu: Manik, wait.

Manik(mutters under his breath): I am dead today.

Manik(faking a smile): Yes, Nandini.

Nandini(pointing towards the couch): Sit there.

Manik: Nandini, I am really sorry for whatever happened today. I didn't mean to ruin it. It just happened somehow. I am sorry for my unprofessional behavior with Madhyam and also for shouting during the Khurana's meeting without looking at my surroundings. I am feeling like an idiot now. I just feel like running away from here.

As he was busy ranting, Nandini, locks her cabin door, takes out a cover and puts it on the table. She drags him towards the couch and makes him forcefully sit as she herself takes a seat beside him.

Nandu(cupping his cheek lovingly): Mere se bhaag kar chale jaoge?

A lone tear escapes his eyes which she wipes away as soon as it appears.

Manik: I am feeling so full inside. I am feeling suffocated.

Nandu: Let it go, Manik.

Manik rests his head on her lap, hugging her stomach and snuggles more inside her. She ruffles his hair and caresses his forehead helping him to calm down.

Half an hour later

Nandu: Are you feeling better?

Manik: Are you ashamed of me?

Nandu: What? No? Idiot, just get up.

He sits straight and plays with his fingers, looking down.

Nandu: have you lost your mind? How can I be ashamed of my lucky charm?

He snaps his head towards her, being surprised.

Nandu: Confused? Even before I have shared my problems with you, you beat the shit out of Harshad. Just after we confessed and you came into my life, you threw him out of my life. You gave me the courage to accept my parents death and talk to them. Pata hai, tumhari wajah se I got someone whom I could call 'dad' or whom I could call 'bhai'. Today, as soon as you signed the documents as the board of director, you threw Khurana out of the company who was trying to harm us, our company and dad. What are you then, if not my lucky charm?

Manik: But it was special day for you. You and dad were so happy today but now..

Nandu: Even now we are happy. I am happy. I am proud of you. Wait a minute. What are you actually regretting? Are you missing your baby already?

Manik: What. No. I hate her.

She kisses his head.

Nandu: Stop overthinking, Manik. And coming to Madhyam, he is just like you. He joined his company a month prior to you. So, sometimes even he loses his professionalism. I was actually taken aback by his direct invitation and excitement. Of course, I didn't have such a wild imagination like yours that he will take me to his mother and introduce me as his girlfriend. But then this possessive monster is sometimes a treat to watch. But only sometimes. Don't repeat this behavior in office again, okay?

Manik nods.

Manik(resting his head on her shoulder): I can't share you with anyone.

Nandu: You don't have to when I am all yours, Majnu.

Manik: You can't call me that. Mukti aur papa kam the kya jo tum bhi start ho gayi.

Nandu: Manik, name or nicknames insano ke liye diya jata hai. And you are no less than a Majnu. Apt name.

Manik: I don't care. Agar main Majnu hun toh tum meri Laila ho. Bas. No one's else.

Nandu: I am just your Nandini, Manik. Acha wait.

She stands up when Manik holds her wrist.

Manik: Where are you going? Before you say, koi aa jayega, I know tumne door lock kiya andar se. Hum ab kya karne wale hai bandh darwaze ke peeche. Bolo bolo.

He asks her with a child like excitement a over his face.

Nandu: Mr. One track mind, hold on.

She gives him the cover.

Manik: What is this now?

Nandu: A gift for you for celebrating your special day.

Manik grins widely and opens the gift wrapped packet eagerly.

Nandu: Slowly, baba.

He finds a diary inside it.

Manik: A diary?

Nandu: Yes, a diary. Open it.

He opens the diary and finds something written on the first page.

"To

The board director of Malhotra Industries

Do not ever hide the author in you. Your words are precious and magical. Bless the world with your words by writing them.

Yours and only yours

P.S - Forever a favorite reader of yours"

He caresses the page over the words lovingly before looking at Nandu who was already looking at him with a huge grin.

Nandu: I know, what writing means to you. You can still continue being an author. I will make sure you won't be burdened.

Manik: Thank you.

Nandu: Now, time for the surprise.

Manik: Is there more to it? Aaj aur surprises nahi na, Nandu. Sare surprises phir aaj hi khatam ho jayenge. Kal main kya karunga.

Nandu(pulling his cheeks): My Cutiepie. Just, shut up.

Manik: Waah. Boss aur girlfriend dono ek hi sentence mein. Shayad duniya mein mujhe hi aise offer milte honge.

Nandu chuckles at him. Pecking his cheek, she hands him a box and asks him to open it.

Nandu: Okay, wait. Before you open it, this isn't really the surprise I have planned. It's just the diary. But after all the drama happened sometime back, I know your mood will be upset and hence I asked someone to just bring this here. Please don't keep your hopes high.

Manik(dramatically): You are making me impatient, Nandu. Tumhara diya hua har gift mere liye ek diamond ke barabar hai. I will preserve it forever.

Nandu: Diamond? Are you sure?

Manik: Of course.

Nandu: Pakka, is gift ko forever preserve karoge? Just like a diamond?

Manik: Of course, Nandu. But kya isme sachi diamond hai? Lekin box bahut bada hai na. Itne sare diamonds main kya karunga?

Nandu(smirks): Open it.

He grins. Seeing the contents in the box, Manik's eyes twinkles and he gets all excited. The box contained many varieties of chocolates from silk to five star to all the available local candies.

Manik: Chocolates. Woh bhi itne sare. Mere liye kya?

Nandu(teases): Of course. Ab tum kaise preserve karoge that too forever?

Manik(frowns): That means I can't eat this?

Nandu: I didn't say anything. You only promised me, you will preserve this. Forever.

She stretches the word forever deliberately making him pout.

Manik: Why didn't you stop me from making a promise when you already know what this box contains.

Nandu bursts out laughing at him. She hugs him tight and kisses his cheek.

Nandu: Such an innocent kid you are.

Manik: I am not a kid.

Nandu: Acha, how about I promise you something?

Manik: What?

Nandu: You have your chocolates whenever you want and when this box empties out, I will refill it again. Waise bhi they are available anywhere, so it's not that difficult.

Manik: Why do you pamper me so much?

Nandu: For that twinkle in your eyes which appeared just after you opened this chocolate box. These small small things makes you so happy and I can do anything to see that twinkle.

Manik(joining their foreheads): Can I kiss you?

Nandu smiled, cupped his cheek and leaned forward.

Nandu: You don't ever have to ask me, Manik. I love you.

He smiles widely.

Manik: I love you, my arrogant, rude, loving, caring, cute,..

Nandu(chuckles, whispered over his lips): Shut up and kiss me, idiot.

And they seal their moment with a kiss.