Writers PoV
"Will you go out on a date with me?"

The answer to that was obviously a yes.Manik didn't have to think twice before saying yes.Nandini on dates would be bold.Basically there would role reversals which Manik loved.I mean who wouldn't love to see their to be bold?

It was 9 in the morning when Manik woke up.It was a Wednesday and a public holiday so it was quite odd for Manik to wake up this early.He rubbed his eyes to get rid of sleep.Whilst laying down he took the controller and opened his blinds letting the morning sunlight enter his room.

"Wowww."He murmured dazed to see his room filled with red roses.

A smile etched on his face as he picked the note on one of the rose.

Good morning to one of the most amazing person in my life.One of the many surprises for today.Hope you enjoy.

Happy Date Night Manik❤️

Manik had the most breathtaking smile on his face.He felt extremely special to get the attention from his girlfriend.To be pampered by her.

He wanted to call her to tell her how he felt but he saved it for later.He quickly had a bath relaxing himself and then moved down to have his breakfast.

"Good morning everyone."He wished smiling widely.He was rather chirpy that fine morning and everyone noticed it.Nandini had personally dropped by to fill his bedroom with roses.

"Good morning son."Raj wished him back happy that his son was happy.

They didn't tease him not wanting to embarrass the poor soul. "Why so smiley smiley this morning?"Who was I kidding siblings just can't keep quiet.Rehaan questioned Manik sipping his juice.

Manik wasn't dumb.He knew either Nandini had come or his family had helped her set this whole thing. "Uhh.."He was tongue tied.His family or rather his brother just loved putting him in embarrassing situations.

"Ha go on we are listening."Rehaan continued with a straight face.Nandini looked at the others who clearly had their attention on him as they looked at him intently waiting for his answer.

"Woh.."God why is it so difficult for me to say it.We aren't dating for god sake.We are suppose to get married.Why this shyness then?

"Ohho chup raho sabke sab.Bichare mere nacche ko sata rahe ho."Neyonika hushed saving Manik. "Look at him bechara sharam ke maare kuch bol bhi nahi pa raha."Neyonika teased and sure enough he had a little bit of pink dusted on his cheek.How cute!

Manik neither whined nor was he irritated with their teasings.He was just passing blushy smiles to his family as they pulled his legs.Though it didn't suit his personality he could let go of the angry hulk and let the world see Nandini's Manik.The Manik who was reserved only for Nandini.

After their breakfast was done Manik left to his room to get some pending work done.He replied to a few emails and then texted on Fab5.

Hey guys wanna hangout for a bit?

He waited for them to reply but frowned when he saw the text that came in from Cabir.

Manik aaj surprisingly sab busy hai.Dhruv and Alya are at Dhruv's place.Mukti has went to meet Abhi's mom and well me and Navya are spending some time together.Sorry bro.Kal milte hai na yaar.

Sab aaj busy hai?He brushed the thought but sighed.

What should I do?He thought looking around him when he remembered Nandini's words.
"Manik with you anywhere is perfect."Her words rang in his ears and he smirked.

Time for some surprise!

————————————————Manik returned at about lunchtime.He was all smiley since morning but the spark in his eyes couldn't be missed.They had some different shine which couldn't be pinpointed.

"Are Manik kaha se aa raha hai?"Raj questioned him getting him out of his thoughts.

"Woh I had some work toh bahar gaya tha."He smiled at the end making him smirk.

"Nandini se milke aa raha hai kya?"He laughed.Manik shook his head at his dad.

"Nahi baba.Every time Nandini is not an answer for everything."Manik stated but Raj knew he was lying just to get out of the situation.

"Accha ji?"His dad cocked an eyebrow and Manik passed him a tight lipped smile making Raj laugh.

"Accha teri mom ko bol tu aa gaya hai.Myra ke alawa kisi aur ko lunch karne nahi diya hai usne."Raj huffed.His wife was one character he thought.

"Accha ruko jara mom ko batata hoon."He walked towards the dining room while Raj ran behind him.

"Mommmm."He called her out finding that she was serving Myra.

"Ha bol."She asked still putting rice in Myra's plate.

"Manik."Raj stopped when he found Neyonika giving them a confused gaze. "Manik yaar kya kar raha hai?Marvaega kya?"He whispered in his ears passing nervous smiles to his wife.

Manik stifled his laughter and nodded. "Kya chal raha hai tumlogo ka?"Neyonika asked her hands on her waist.

"Woh kuch nahi.Bass bhukh lagi hai."He stated casually.She gave them a suspicious look but continued serving everyone.

They all sat for lunch when a house-help came in. "Manik sir,woh there is someone with a parcel for you.Andar bulau?"Manik frowned not remembering ordering for something but still asked for the parcel to be taken.He chucked the thought as his fans always sent gifts to his house.

"Manik kya order kiya hai?"Myra asked.

"I haven't ordered anything."He stated. "I mean fans bhejte haina so maybe someone has sent it."He explained on getting confusing gazes.

Manik wasn't like other actors.He actually accepted gifts from fans obviously with a thorough check as they also had business rivals.He firmly believed he was what he was because of them.He could never forget the support and love they have showered over them all these years.

After lunch they all moved to the living room where the parcel was kept it was actually held by the househelp. "Manik yeh kya bhej diya?"Myra asked amused at the suit bag in his hands and two small boxes.

"I have no clue bhabhi."Manik chuckled amused as well.

Neyonika walked ahead and read the name of the sender. "Manik yeh toh tere personal fan ne bheja hai."Neyonika smirked showing him the gift tag.

The rest bit their lips to stop the smiles from coming on their faces while Manik bit his lower lip to stop the smile from coming on his face. "I'll just keep this in my room."Manik mumbled grabbing the bag from the helper and thanking him.He pulled the two boxes in his arms and walked towards his room letting the grin to dance on his face.

"Aaj bohot hi special date hai lagta hai."Raj stated making everyone giggle.

————————————————
The clock has struck six
Time for you to look slick
No time to make a pick
Cause I'll be there quick
So tick tick tick.

Ps-Don't laugh.I tried.

(Your writer also tried😂)

Manik giggled reading the message Nandini sent.The girl never failed to surprise him with her antics.

He laughed to himself and opened the gift his love sent for him.It was a black suit. Manik smiled opening the other two boxes which had shoes and a watch. She knew Manik's taste and Manik liked her choice.

You are the most handsome person in my eyes Manik.Your looks,your smile,your flaws everything just makes me fall in love with you.I am ready to be blown away by your looks Manik.So time to look yummy Mr.

He freshened up and got ready in his outfit.He gelled his hair to perfection and wore his shoes.He looked like a greek god in it.Nandini brace yourself   you have to face Adonis,the god of beauty himself.

"Manikkkk came down."Neyonika shouted for the living room.He grabbed his essentials and jogged down.Inhe kitni baar bola hai chillaya mat kariye but she never listens.

He was walking down murmuring things to himself when he happened to look up. "Holy Moly.Lord save me today from this dynamite."He stopped in his tracks.His breath hitched as he took her in.The red gown hugged her body in all the right places.Hugging her curves,the slit showed of her slender legs.The dress was held together by a few strings and the star necklace giving by Manik was her only jewellery.She was surely going to be his death today.What in the world was this girl thinking?How am I supposed to control myself tonight?

Nandini was speaking to Neyonika when her eyes caught sight of Manik who had stopped looking at her.Her mind seemed to not register what Neyonika was saying.Her eyes zeroed down on Manik.He looked every bit of a model.The shirt fit him perfectly and she could see the faint outline of his abs.His hair gelled to perfection and a day old stubble on his face.He looked sinfully hot.She gulped looking at him.What am I supposed to do when he looks like that.Bol hi nahi paungi yaar mein.Aisi hi mujhe nervous karta hai yeh banda abhi toh my voice will be stuck in my throat.Get ready to embarrass yourself Nandini.

Neyonika smirked looking at both of them.She called Manik out. "Manik yahi pe if you plan the date we won't mind."That seemed to get both of them out of their trance.

Manik and Nandini both blushed.Manik resumed walking down the stairs but his eyes were stuck on her.As for Nandini she blushed profusely under his intense gaze not meeting Neyonika's eyes.

"God both of you look killer."She complimented earning a smile from both of them. "Chalo tumlog jao.Enjoy your night babies."She bid bye and left the two souls alone.

"Yo-you look hot."She stutters but managed to get those words out of her system.He blushed a little boosting her confidence. "I really can't seem to take my eyes of you."Manik looked at her with wide eyes.My girl is becoming bold day by day.

"Need I tell you how sexy you look.I won't be responsible if I can't keep my hands to myself tonight."He winked making her blush,her mouth formed the shape of an 'o'.

"Shall we?"She asked forwarding her hand to him getting her confidence back.

"We shall."He stated placing his hand in hers.

"Waise I am going to make you blush tonight."Nandini smirked giggling.

"Would love to see you try."He grinned.

Nandini opened the car door for him and he gave her an impressed smile while she sat on the drives seat.

"Where are we going?"Manik asked turning towards her.She gave him a look and rolled her eyes.

"It is pay back time.Location toh tumhe pata nahi chalne wali."She looked back at the road. "Lekin it is a bit of a ride so make yourself comfortable."She suggested.

He nodded turning the radio on.Soft music played around,his hands intertwined with hers.Him humming to the tune and she smiling softly.

"Are you sure you haven't forgotten the way?"Manik asked as he saw her stopping the car midway.

Nandini glared at him. "We have reached."She passed him the blindfold. "Pleasee."She showed her puppy dog face.

"Fine."He shook his head.

"No cheating ha Manik.Bilkul bhi dekhna nahi hai."She pointed a finger at him and he nodded obediently. "Dekhna chahunga phir bhi dekh nahi paunga."He mumbled.

Nandini got out if the car and walked towards Manik's side.She opened his door and caught his hand directing him to get down.

"Okay walk straight."Nandini instructed him catching his hand.He followed her instructions. "There is a step so watch out."Manik lifted his leg but he couldn't find any step.Nandini giggled looking at him.

"Oh come on Nandini."He whined.

"Accha sorry."She apologised moving forward and stopped until she reached the location. "On the count of three remove your blindfold Manik."She whispered and he nodded. "1.....2.... and 3."

Manik opened his blindfold and as if on cue soft music began playing.He looked to his left and was surprised to find a little tent.

When he looked at the place he seemed to realise. "This is where I got you for our first date Nandini."

"Yes Manik."She smiled.

It was a place found by Manik where they would spend time together.You know one of those places where there are trees surrounded on all sides but there is space in the middle so you could see the stars?It was really peaceful there.Nandini and Manik had truckload of memories made there.

"Come on."She tugged him along with her and pulled a chair out for him.

"Oh come on let me make you comfortable."Manik went ahead but was pulled behind by Nandini.

"Manik let me make you feel special.Sit."She ordered and he nodded but he pulled her chair besides his.

"Accha now tell me what is the reason behind all this?"Manik asked joining his hand on the table looking at her.

"You make it sound like I don't ever take you out on dates."Nandini frowned playfully.

"Aisa nahi but it just feels really different you know.Is it weird?"He asked creasing his eyebrows together.

"No its not."She smiled,her hands placed on her palm in admiration. "Manik I cannot live without you."Nandini confessed and Manik looked at her. "I didn't tell you this Manik but it was soo difficult those 6 months without you.I couldn't stop missing you,your warmth,your smile,your-your thoughts invaded me day and night Manik.Aisa laga ki shayad jee na paungi."A tear rolled down her cheek as Manik wiped it. "Agar Fab4 nahi hote toh I don't know kya hota...I."Manik hugged her tightly rubbing her back as she cried in his arms.

"Chup ho jao Nandini.Stop crying."He whispered. "Agar we wouldn't have broken up toh aaj yaha nahi hote.This close.Though those 6 months were terrible distance brought us more closer.We realised we couldn't live without each other,haina?"Manik asked and she nodded. "Stop crying you know I can't see you crying."He wiped her tears away. "Should we get something to eat?"Manik questioned trying to change the topic and Nandini agreed.

Nandini messaged someone and Cabir and Dhruv came out with the dishes in their hand.Manik looked at them in confusion and then turned towards Nandini. "I didn't want any other people to witness our moments here so I got our friends.I hope you don't mind."Nandini was worried about this,though their friends were more than ready to help them.

"Oh come on woh jitne mere friends hai utne hi tumhare bhi hai.Don't worry about it."He assured her and she smiled. "Saalo mujhe toh bola busy ho karke."He hit Cabir on his arms and he glared at him.

"Nandini wanted all of this to be a surprise hum kya kare toh we had to come up with some excuses."He paused only to start a second later. "Chalo enjoyyy."He sang and left.

"Woww,this is yumm."Manik commented eating the butter chicken.

"Navya aur meine banaya."Nandini added and Manik gave her an impressed look.

"But really today has been so so amazing Nandini.I don't know what to say.I have been tongue tied since morning.Matlab kaise kar leti ho yaar."Manik smiled lovingly looking at her and she bowed.

"I am glad you liked it."She said.

They ate their dinner in silence after which it was time for the dessert.This time Alya and Mukti came out carrying the plate of gulab jamuns.Manik's favourite.

"Sab hai kya yaha?"Manik asked looking at the tent and then at Nandini. "Chal kya raha hai bhai?"He laughed.

"Sab hai yaha.Tera dimaag mat chala jyaada."Mukti said and left along with Alya.

"Come on eat."Nandini forwarded the spoon filled with the soft gulab jamuns and he relished it feeding her back.

"Dance?"Nandini asked and he got up accepting her hand.Nandini gestured to start the music.

"Cabir music nahi chahiye."Manik shouted pulling Nandini closer. "Madam your to be can sing you know?"He smiled slyly and Nandini smiled and nodded and Manik started humming the song.

Shayad kabhi na kehe sakoon main tumko
Kahe bina samajh lo tum shayad
Shayad mere khayal mein tum ik din
Milo mujhe kahin pe ghum shayad

He held her close, her body moulding into his as if they were made for each other. They were made for each other. Placing her hands on his shoulders he danced silently, nothing but short gasps of breath were to be heard and Manik's magical singing.

Jo tum na ho... rahenge hum nahin
Jo tum na ho... rahenge hum nahin
Na chahiye kuch tum se zyada tum se kam nahin

Nandini wanted to say something, anything, but each time she opened her mouth to speak, she felt the harshness of his hands against her petite waist and sighed in content. He smelt good, like citrus and wood and all things gorgeous. Slowly she moved her hands up to his neck and rested her head on his chest. Her bare cheek was cool from the breeze, yet his beating heart brought all the heat back to her cheeks.Slowly pushing one of her loose tendrils behind her ear, he smiled a genuine smile. She was beautiful and she was his. She looked up at him in embarrassment and awe, her face glistening in the moonlight and her eyes glittering with an emotion so intense.

Jo tum na ho... toh hum bhi hum nahi
Jo tum na ho... toh hum bhi hum nahi
Na chahiye kuch tum se zyada tum se kam nahin

Then slowly he moved her away, she looked up confused, but within a second he twirled her around like a doll and pushed his front into her back, still moving slowly side to side. he rubbed his nose on the side of her long, feminine neck and grinned. She smelt so good. Like always. His smile against her skin, and strong arm across her upper shoulder as they danced with a melody no one else could hear. Afterall they were in complete harmony as they danced away.

"I love the song but I have never heard it."Nandini pouted looking up at him,his arms wrapped around her waist and hers around his neck.

Manik moved closer to her.His breath fanning the side of her face. "That is because no one knows about it."He whispered in his husky voice.Nandini in took a sharp breath as his teeth grazed her ear lobe.

"Huh?"She asked in daze looking at him sideways.

"I have written it."Manik said his eyes on her. "For you."He whispered.

"Wha-when?"She asked confused but no one could miss the blushy smile that came on her face.

"Thode din hogaye but I have just three verses ready toh kisiko nahi pata."He informed and she jumped on him making  him chuckle. "Accha I have something to say."He appeared serious.Nandini broke the hug and raised her eyebrows.

"Are nahi waitt,mujhe bhi kuch bolna hai."Nandini shouted catching him off guard.

"Toh baad mein bolna mujhe kuch important bolna hai."He said and earned a glare.

"Please na Manik me first pleasee."She pouted showing her puppy dog face.

"No no no not happening."He said. "Accha ek saath bolte hai,thik hai?"He asked and she excitedly nodded.

"Close your eyes."

"Close your eyes."Both said together and laughed.

"Aakhe band hai na Manik?"She asked and he hummed. "On the count of three open them,okay?"He hummed again.

"One."Manik whispered getting down on his knee in front of Nandini.

"Two."Nandini mumbled getting down oh her knee in front of him.

"Three."They both opened their eyes and gasped.They both had rings in their hands.Nandini had tears streaming down her face while Manik had tears shining in his eyes.

Manik started speaking as Nandini was out of words.He held both her hands in his and spoke looking in her eyes. "Nandini from the day I have met you,you have had an effect on me,which even I failed to notice.We became acquaintances from strangers then friends and then we started dating.I knew from the beginning that you were the one for me.I feel soo strongly for you Nandini,it is unexplainable."Nandini wiped the tears that fell on his cheek while Manik chuckled.He paused moving a little closer to her. "Those six months Nandini....I-I cannot begin to tell you how my heart broke itself every night.How I cried myself to sleep.But the moment you walked in again it just...everything just went away.The fear,the hurt everything just vanished like it was all just a dream.A nightmare.."He said.More tears streamed down Nandini's face but she wiped them quickly.Sad tears were forbidden right now. "I have seen you evolve soo much.Growing from being that fierce but timid girl to the confident,independent woman that you are today.You make me proud Nandini.Proud that I own your heart and every cell of you and that I get to call you mine.I have soo many emotions in me Nandini and I feel each and everyone only because of you.You are a kid sometimes,kabhi kabhi mujhse bhi mature ho jaati ho.You act like mom.It is just crazy and you make chaos in my heart.But I like this chaos.I feel happy that I fell for someone like you. Just want to say that I love you.I always have and always will for as long as I live." He smiled brightly at her.

"What to say about you Manik?Where do I even begin?You should realize that I have never met someone like you.Sometimes you are soo loving kabhi kabhi bilkul monster ban jaate ho."Nandini giggled sniffing while Manik had a small smile on his face. "You are crazy,sometimes I don't genius kaise ban jaate ho.You scold me too much sometimes but you are the one who makes me laugh when I am feeling my lowest.Sometimes you are more stubborn than a kid but other times you are an amazing companion.You know Manik when you look at me I feel soo beautiful.When you laugh freely I feel like dancing.When you het upset I just want to hold you in my arms and do whatever it takes to make that worry vanish and when you love me Manik I have tears in my eyes.You make me realise Manik that I am made for you and you are made for me.I love you Manik.I love you."

"Will you marry me?"Both asked and giggled as they both nodded.

———————————————-
Hellllo guysssss.The date finally happened.It was crazzy penning this chapter down.I was continuously listening to romantic songs and watching movies🤦🏼‍♀️😂 So let me know how you find it.

I had to add the song.It is stuck in my head and that is the only song I heard when I wrote this chapter.

I am sooo forgetful🤦🏼‍♀️ but the book is on 14 in Manan.Like whatttttt!???!!!!Are you kidding me?So bloody happy.Thankyou for making this possible you lovely lovely people.Hugs and kisses to everyone 😘

Stay home,stay safe and stay healthy.

Love,
Your Writer.