Nandini's foot slipped, and she heard everyone shout for her. Before she could fall down, Sid who was nearest to her, held her hand.

She held herself and turned around only to meet Manik's furious eyes. She opened her mouth to say something but before that Manik held her wrist and dragged her downstairs.

Manik: What the fuck is wrong with you, Nandini? What if Sid wouldn't have saved you? You could have got hurt.

Manik didn't realise how loud and rude he sounded until he saw tears brimming in her eyes. Guilt took over instantly and he tried to apologise but she didn't let him.

Nandini: Shut up!

She glared at him, her cheeks puffing out and Manik's anger melted right away but still he kept the stern look.

Manik: and why should I? You can do whatever you want but we can't even shout at you?

Nandini looked at everyone else to save her but nobody came ahead. First, Manik did look really angry, and second they knew he loved her and was just worried for her.

Sid: Nandu, it is not even a day and you are back at your mischiefs.

Abhi: Barbie, you know na how worried we are for you?

Nandini: Bhaiyu, you also?

Nobody, nobody's words hurted her the way Abhi's did. And Fab5 knew, the love Abhi had for Nandini wasn't one sided. The way Nandini ran upto hug him and he wrapped his arms around the next moment, it justified her anger for him too.

Nandini: Sorry.

Abhi: Aur Manik se?

Manik nodded his head in no but Abhi blinked his eyes. Nandini peeked in from Abhi's arms to look at Manik who was already looking at her.

Nandini: Sorry, Manik.

Manik: It is okay.

°°°

Nandini was walking through the corridor when she collided into Manik. She whined, frowned and looked up to send him a glare. He glared back at her for no reason and she ended up giggling which made him smile too.

Manik: Nandini?

Nandini: Yes?

Manik: I am sorry for earlier.

Nandini: Manik, Com'on! It is okay. We are friends, right? So it is okay.

She smiled at him and he continued to stare at her until she clicked her fingers infront of him. She smirked teasingly as he grew embarrassed.

Nandini: Staring is rude, Mr.Rockstar.

Manik: Is it?

He chuckled nervously trying to cover it up and she bobbed her head up and down.

Nandini: You better do something to convince me otherwise or else you know I have five brothers.

She smirked leaving his eyes and mouth wide open.

Manik: Are you threatening me?

Nandini: Yes, I am-

Nandini stopped in between as she heard her name being called out loudly. She shouted back 'coming' before turning to Manik.

Nandini: Okay, I will see you later.

She had just taken a step ahead when Manik held her wrist from behind. He pulled her making her back hit his front.

Nandini: Manik.

She breathed slowly and he smiled.

Manik: How about a coffee with me this weekend?

He smiled as she pulled back, now standing infront of him with wide eyes filled with excitement. It made his heart flutter that the woman he loved was excited to go out with him, even if she didn't remember him.

Nandini: Are you asking me for a date?

Manik: If that's what you believe.

He shrugged.

Nandini: A date it is, then.

She smiled, making him smile too. Before he could reply, Nandini was called again and she winked at him before running away.

Shaking his head in disbelief at her childish self, Manik turned around only to find his friends standing there crossed arms. He smiled nervously and they all hooted before running to him and jumped on him making him laugh loudly.

The weekend came sooner for everyone except for Manik and Nandini who were literally counting days just to be with each other. Though they bonded at home too, but they couldn't talk much in the presence of their respective friends.

Nandini was getting ready in her room while Manik was with his friends in his room. He was standing infront of the mirror setting his hair while they all were scattered around his room.

Mukti: Manik, you look so happy today.

Manik: I am very happy, Mukti.

Dhruv: Manik, everything is fine but don't you think you should atleast asked her friends once?

Manik stopped abruptly and turned to him.

Manik: Dhruv, I don't need their permission to take Nandini out.

Cabir: They are her family, Manik.

Manik: But-

Aliya: Cabir is right, Manik. Even though they are wrong, you can't ignore the fact di remembers nothing and loves them.

Manik: Okay fine, you guys are right too but, don't expect me to take their permission for taking Nandini out! I won't.

Cabir: Are you still angry on them, Manik?

Manik: I am not angry on them, Cabir. I just can't stand these people! They hurt Nandini so bad and did you see how they guys treat her now? She listens to them like they are her parents!

He said remembering how she had apologized to him twice just because Abhi said.

Mukti: I am sure it was only for Abhi.

Manik: Whatever it was. I am still okay with Abhi and Sid but others, I am sorry but they don't deserve to be asked about anything regarding Nandini! I will inform Abhi but not anyone else!

Manik cleared and they all nodded.

°°°

Nandini: So, you are Bhai's business partner?

After total five minutes of awkward silence, Nandini finally spoke or asked.

Manik: Yes, but wait! No business talks, Nandini!

Nandini nodded, looking around to spot something interesting and at the same time the waiter came there. Manik looked at her and asked her to place the order.

The waiter walked away taking their order and they looked at each other.

Suddenly, out of nowhere Nandini got the feeling as if they were meeting for the first time for some proposal their families fixed. She chuckled making Manik raise his brow in confusion. She nodded in no.

Manik: Vaise, I heard you talk a lot but I guess, I heard wrong.

Nandini: Vaise, I also heard you are a boring business man but I guess even I heard wrong.

Manik chuckled much to her surprise and shook his head.

Manik: It depends on the person I am with.

Nandini: Are you trying to flirt with me, Mr.Rockstar?

Manik: Ofcourse No, Babygirl.

Nandini's eyes widen at the nickname as she ducked down her head, her cheeks already giving competition to the tomatoes.

If a simple endearment from him could make her blush this much, what would happen if they actually did some action?

Manik couldn't help but ponder. However, herr reaction only provoked him to tease her further.

Manik: I am not trying to, I am doing so.

Cocky. Nandini thought. If it was someone else on his place, the person would have adored a black eye by now but then, it was Manik infront of her.

Instead of getting annoyed, she found herself admiring him. Manik Malhotra was a one fine man with a pointed nose and sharp jawline, perfect pair of light pink lips and a mole sat above them leisurely.
His black orbs, deep as of the depth of the ocean stared back at her with so much emotions.

Manik seemed to realise she was checking him out for she saw the corner of his lips curving up in a small proud smirk.

Nandini felt heat rushing upto her cheeks as she stared down, unable to hold his gaze for longer which made him smile.

Nandini Murty was definitely easier to tease than NM.

Nandini: I don't know what to say now!

She whined trying to cover up the little embarrassment she felt from the tiny moment they shared. Manik laughed softly at her whin.

Manik: Okay, why do you have to be so cute?

Nandini: Why? Did I ever ask you why do you have to be so handsome?

Manik: Nandini, Can't you ever give straight answer to my question?

Nandini: then can't you ask me a straight question!

Manik frowned and she mimicked his expression to perfection before they both burst out laughing.

Her laugh so peaceful, that Manik felt himself downing in it. He had no idea when the waiter kept their order on the table and left.

When Nandini realized Manik had stopped laughing and was staring at her without blinking, she raised her eyebrows asking if what was wrong and he just nodded his head in no.

Jeene Laga Hoon Pehle Se Zyada
Pehle Se Zyada Tum Pe Marne Laga Hoon

Manik told her about something making her laugh again. He smiled and rested his cheek on his palm with his elbow supporting the weight.

It was true, it wasn't like he wasn't happy before her but with her, he had started living a bit more. He had started falling for her more and more with each passing day.

Main Mera Dil Aur Tum Ho Yahaan
Fir Kyun Ho Palkein Jhukaye Waha
Tum Saahasee Pehle Dekha Nahin
Tum Isse Pehle The Jane Kahaan

Nandini was telling him something, blabbering continuously and he listened to her patiently. The fact that this Nandini was totally opposite to the Nandini he had fell in love with, didn't change his feelings even a bit.

Yes, he loved that strong Nandini a little bit but even this Nandini was as lovely as her. The only thing he hated about this Nandini was how she kept everyone else above her and gave everyone so much importance even when they didn't deserve it.

Jeene Laga Hoon Pehle Se Zyada
Pehle Se Zyada Tum Pe Marne Laga

Rehte Ho Aake Jo Tum Paas Mere
Tham Jaaye Pal Ye Vahi Bas Main Ye Sochu

While talking, Nandini casually kept her hand on his and at that particular moment, Manik felt his surroundings getting freezed.

He continued to stare at her as she took her coffee and blowed air on it to get it cool. She gestured him to have his and he nodded his head.

Manik: Acha, tell me something about yourself.

Nandini: Mhm. I am a girl.

Manik: Nandini!

Nandini laughed out loud as he made a bad face.

Manik: Leave it! Don't you want to know about me?

He changed the subject, thinking she wouldn't be comfortable to tell him about herself.

Nandini: What should I ask? I already know everything about you no!

She said in a flow and bite her tongue for letting it slip out. She chuckled nervously trying to think of an excuse and smiled widely getting one.

Nandini: Aliya! I know about her every friend!

Manik: Are you sure?

Nandini: ofcourse, Manik. What else it could be!?

She smiled nervously, avoiding eye contact in the fear of getting caught. Manik though found it suspicious but let it go.

Manik: Even though you said you know about me, I am sure there are things about me that you absolutely have no idea about.

Manik said sincerely. Even though she had not said she loved him, Manik knew she felt something too and then, she always shared her problems with him, so he felt it was fair only if she knew about his life too.

Nandini waited for him to speak further as he clasped his hands together on the table, thinking how to tell her.

Manik: I-It is about my mother.

He fumbled with words leaving Nandini amused at first but as he ended the sentence, she looked at him seriously. She knew about some family issues of him, but didn't know the whole story and Manik realized that by looking at her face.

Manik: I- We- I mean- My mother is an evil woman, Nandini and I don't share any good bond with her.

Nandini: What?

Manik: She doesn't care for me, married my dad for money and she didn't even want to have me at all. It was a drunken mistake, and yeah.

He shrugged as if it didn't matter but Nandini could see the hurt behind his smile.

While Manik didn't know why he told her this. He never talked about his mother with anyone. His friends knew their relationship was sour but never had he willingly talked about her to them.

Nandini also didn't know why but she felt overwhelmed with the fact that he cared to tell her something so personal.

Did she mean so much to him? Only if she knew!

Nandini: Manik, I-

She stopped, trying to find appropriate words to console him but felt speechless. Manik shook his head.

Manik: It is okay. I just felt like telling you about myself.

Nandini didn't say anything and Manik didn't even need to hear anything. Her face gave away the 'Thankyou for trusting me enough to share this" to which he just smiled.

Sensing the mood going down all of the sudden, Manik proposed the idea of watching a movie which Nandini gladly accepted.

An hour later, Manik found himself yawning at the silly scene they were showing. No, he loved movies, and he had watched hundreds of them but this particular one wasn't enjoyable at all.

He turned to Nandini and found her engrossed in the movie, as if she was trying to decode some serious information and would get a medal on the final result. He rolled his eyes and they fell on the man sitting beside Nandini, not a man - but a creepy man. Manik's eyebrows twitched in annoyance as the man looked at Nandini with a dreamy smile on his face.

For the second time in his entire life, Manik wished a murder was allowed. If not his mother, he would have killed this creep for sure.

Manik: Nandini!

He whispered leaning into her only to have her push him back with her eyes still sticked to the screen.

Manik: Nandini! Let's go no, this movie is boring!

He whined, and this time she turned to him. As he did, the creep behind her did too with a dirty smile and Manik had to grip the arm of the seat to stop himself from beating the shit out of him.

Nandini followed his line of vision and as she saw the man whose smile widened seeing her looking at him, she understood what was happening. Before Manik could react, Nandini had stood up in the middle of the row and slapped the man across his face.

Manik's jaw dropped at her guts while Nandini just held his wrist and pulled him out of the theatre before the matter increased.

In mid way, he left her hand and turned her around.

Nandini: What?

Manik: What was that?

Nandini: He deserved it.

Manik: No doubt he did but Nandini, you could have said me.

Nandini: Manik, I can handle such dickheads! Don't worry.

Manik: Nandini, Language!

Nandini rolled her eyes, finding him the exact replica of Abhi who would react the same way even when he knew she was capable enough to save herself.

Nandini: Manik, trust me. I am okay.

She assured making him sigh.

Manik: Fine. But next time, Don't do this. He could have reacted harshly, you know.

Nandini: I am a trained in self defence, Manik.

She revealed making him stare at her blankly.

She was disturbed with Pandit's stares.

Abhi's voice rung in his ears and he wondered if her bestfriends were so important to her, that she didn't fight back with that bastard even when she knew how to.

He suddenly felt the urge to hug her, or give her an earful for it, both at the same time but in reality he could do nothing more than nodding his head.

Gulping down the swirl of emotions he felt at that particular moment, he looked at her and smiled faintly when she asked what.

Nandini: Manik, it is late. Let's go back.

No, Let's stay for longer. Manik wanted to say but he nodded his head instead. As much as he wanted to stay, he wanted to go home and get everything out of his head.

Nandini nodded back and as they were moving out of the theatre, they took there mobile at the same time and their eyes widened seeing the number of messages and missed calls from there friends.

Since their mobiles were on silent they both missed it. Manik looked at her for confirmation and found her looking at her mobile in horror.

Nandini: I am dead today! Manik! Bhai is going to ground me for a month for sure!

Despite feeling the need to roll his eyes at her last sentence, Manik found himself chuckling at her. She glared at him and opened her mouth to reply but before that her mobile rang followed by his.

Taking it as a chance, Manik excused himself and walked to a side leaving her huffing before she picked up the call which was from Harshad.

Manik on the other hand talked to Cabir who was on the other side and assured him that they were fine and were coming back. While Nandini on the other hand had a tough time explaining her brother.

Nandini: Bhai, Yeah I know. Calm down, bhai, will you? I know you are worried but I am with Manik only, bhai.

Manik came back at the same time and gets annoyed at the way she was giving explainations. Much to his surprise, she turned to him, thrusting her mobile in his hand and pulled his collar, bringing his ear near her mouth.

Nandini: You better give a nice explaination to Harshad bhai and make sure I am not grounded!

She warned before stepping back and let him do the talking.

Manik: Harshad-

Harshad: Mr.Manik Malhotra, how dare you take my sister out without my permission!?

Harshad shouted out loud from the other end making Manik frown. Giving a small convincing smile to her, he walked to a side.

Harshad: Will you say something now, Manik! I swear if something happened to my sister, I will fucking dig your grave right then and there!

Manik: Shut up, Harshad! And wait a second, what am I seeing. So much concern for your sister? The same sister, you threw out from your life like didn't matter at all? Here, she is with me. I will make sure she is fine but back then, she had no one. Where was this concern then? Atleast have some shame and don't you dare show your fake concern to me! I very well know you people!

Manik breathed harshly, tired of seeing the drama from two weeks now.

The call must have been on speaker on the other side since Manik heard numerous voices on the back before he heard Sid.

Sid: Manik, We are just concerned for her. Please get home both of you.

Manik: I know, Sid. We are coming back and you people better don't say anything to her!

He warned before hanging up the call without bothering to listen to the reply. He walked back to the place where Nandini was standing and found her looking at his direction in nervousness.

Nandini: Manik, what did bhai say? Why did you go to the side to talk?

Manik: Relax. I was just making sure they don't scold you.

Nandini: Really?

Manik: Yes, Really. Com'on let's go now.

He smiled, offering his hand for her to hold and she returned a wide one before clutching his arm tightly and walking with him, ending their not so beautiful date.

To Be Continued