"So how was your day?" I ask him as I take another sip of my tea. Damn this is good.

"My day was okay. It went by fast which is always good. How was your day? Were you working today?"

"Yes, I was. Aditi, the internship head, had given me a lot to work on so it kept me busy all day."

"Why aren't you working under Abhimanyu? You'll learn more that way."

"That's too soon. I need some experience before working under him. With the internship, I'm learning a lot."

He looks at me like he disagrees but he doesn't say anything.

My phone buzzes and the screen flashes a message from Navya. She is staying in Bali for another week. Oh no.

"Is everything okay?" I probably look really worried right now and I am. Without Navya, I don't know how I'll handle the reunion.

"I have an elementary school reunion the day after tomorrow and my best friend decided to stay in Bali for another week."

"I don't see what is making you so worried."

"I don't want to go through the reunion alone. With Navya it would have been different. I don't really talk with anyone from school and I'll see them all for the first time after so many years."

"You're probably worrying for nothing, Nandini. Okay how about this. You go attend the reunion but the moment you feel uncomfortable, call me and I'll pick you up and we can go somewhere else, okay? Or you can finish your reunion and we can go somewhere."

I smile at him, I can see his caring side today. There are so many shades of Manik yet to uncover.

"Sounds like a plan Mr. Malhotra."

We talk, talk and talk. He's trying his best to know me. At first it was just him asking me questions but then I realized what was happening and when I pointed it out, he chuckled and let me ask him questions.

He sure is an interesting person. He started his company taking a loan even when his parents where more than willing to help him. I admire how he achieved all the success in such a short time but he shrugged it off saying he was very privileged and he didn't had to struggle as much as others.

I rest my one hand on my chin and with the other I tuck the few hairs that came in front of my face behind my ear and my gaze goes outside the window as I see a small girl passing by on the other side of the road looking cute while licking her ice cream. I'm disturbed by the sound of a click. I look up and there he is, taking my photos.

"Hey!"

He ignores me and stares at the screen of his phone. Grinning widely, he shows me his work that he seems to be so proud of.

"Wow, that actually is a nice photo Manik."

"It sure is Murty." He's so proud that it makes me laugh.

I ask him to send it to me and when he does, I immediately post it on Instagram with the caption "Sometimes you don't realize when minutes turn into hours when you're with the right person".

"So I'm the right person?" Manik asks me. Looks like he already saw my post. That was quick.

"You sure are Mr. Malhotra." A shy smile visible on my face which makes him grin at me.

I look behind him and I see John walking in. He nods at me politely and turns his attention to Manik.

"Mr. Malhotra, your pa has been trying to get in contact with you. She just called me to inform you that it's urgent."

I see Manik frown before he picks up his phone.

"I see. I'll call her. Thank you John."

John nods at him and disappears outside.

"Nandini, I'm sorry I'll have to check up on what's happening. I promise it will take two minutes."

"Manik don't worry about me, take all the time you need. Please go ahead and make your call."

I hear him whisper thank you before he goes to make his call a little far from the table.

To distract myself, I go on Instagram where I see a lot of my friends have commented. Liking their comments, I exit the app.

While checking my notifications, I see a new message from Navya.

How come you're at XYZ cafe right now? I thought you didn't like going there in the evenings.
Navya

True. I don't like coming here in the evening because it gets crowded. I usually come here in the morning.

I still don't but Manik asked me to come here to talk. The place is empty by the way.
N

WHAT? Why didn't you tell me you were out with MANIK MALHOTRA? How is it going? Do you want me to call you and fake an emergency? Also why is that place empty? That's so weird.
Navya

No, you don't need to call. Everything is fine. And the place is empty because Mr. Malhotra has rented it. That guy has more money than sense.
N

Wow he went all out huh? Good. Let me know if you need me to call okay? Take care. Text me tomorrow with the details sis.
Navya

I smile at her text and quickly type a reply as I see Manik coming back. He sits down and puts his phone upside down like before. This is probably the reason he didn't realize that his pa was calling him since he had placed it like that and it was also on silent. He doesn't want to disrespect me by checking his phone and all his attention is on me from the moment I entered. Such a gentleman.

"What is making you smile Miss Murty?" I set my phone down like him and turn to look at his handsome face.

"Nothing. I was just talking with Navya. She was concerned."

"Concerned?" His frown clearly visible on his face.

"Yeah. She thought I wasn't having a good time." With his eyebrow raised and he looks at me amused.

"Aren't you having a good time Miss Murty?" I bite my lip trying to stop myself from blushing but I feel my cheeks warm up. Damn.

"I am." I murmur slowly and he grins at me.

"I like seeing you blush. Especially if I'm the reason behind it."

Jeez he's making me blush more. Stop please.

Desperate to change the subject, I point out the changes in his behavior I noticed.

"You are so different from the time I had seen you for the first time. At that party you were so...different. I thought that was the real you."

He frowns and looks at me confused.

"What do you mean? What party? I thought the first we met each other was at your house."

"Well for me it was at the business party a few weeks ago. You were there for 30 minutes. Manik you looked so arrogant. You didn't even smile once!"

"Business party? Makes sense. I don't enjoy those parties. I have to be there for business purposes. Why would I smile at a business party Murty?"

"I don't know? To look friendly? To be nice to others?"

He shakes his head but doesn't say anything for a while. He's probably trying to process everything.

"So you didn't like me then?"

"Honestly?"

"I thought we were supposed to be honest with each other all the time Nandini."

"We are. Anyway, to answer your question, I found you good looking but arrogant. I didn't dislike you because I didn't know you. I've been taught to not judge someone without knowing them completely."

He nods his head agreeing with me.

"Anyway I think we should get going. It's pretty late."

I check the time on my phone and true to his words, it was pretty late. We have been sitting here for nearly three hours. I stand up to collect my things and look at our empty plates. Manik had taken care of ordering all my favorite food. He apparently got to know my likes and dislikes from his mother who had called my mother. He said that he had to make sure I was eating well while I was with him. And I sure did eat well, this place certainly knows how to cook. I feel taken care of. Cherished. And I absolutely love it.

I briefly think about how we didn't pay as I follow Manik outside but Manik probably has already handled that. We stop near John who is standing beside the R8 that is next to my car. Is that Manik's car? I wouldn't be surprised if it is.

"Until we meet again Miss Murty. Nice car by the way."

"I think I like your car better Mr. Malhotra." I say grinning like a fool.

He looks at me amused before he pulls me in a quick hug. I'm startled. I certainly did not expect that but I hug him back.

We come out of the hug and I unlock my car. Manik goes and opens the car door for me. He gestures me to get in.

"Drive carefully. Text me when you reach." He says to me once I'm in the car.

He kisses my forehead and closes the door before I get a chance to reply. Shaking my head, I see him move a little away. He waits for me to start driving before he gets in his car.

I drive in complete silence before deciding on calling Manik. I didn't get a chance to reply to him. He's so bossy.

Activating Siri with my voice, I tell her to call Manik. He answers my call immediately.

"Nandini. What's wrong?" His voice filled with concern.

"Nothing. I just wanted to say thank you for beautiful date. I enjoyed a lot and please text me when you reach home."

"You shouldn't be talking to me right now. I want you to get home safely. I'm going to hang up right now. Talk to me when you are home." He says sternly and hangs up on me before I get a chance to reply. Again.

I roll my eyes and concentrate on the road.

He sure is bossy and I don't know if I'll be able to handle his bossyness. I never had anyone order me around. My parents gave me the freedom to make my own decisions and make mistakes in order to learn. They wanted me to be independent and not rely on anyone for anything. Manik, on the other hand, gives me the impression that he wants to make decisions for me which I kind of understand. It must be because he is used to being in control and making decisions for everyone due to his business. It must come with the empire that he has. He is responsible for so many people's lives so control and power is a given but I'm not sure if I appreciate that. I may have to talk to him about it.

I walk inside my house and I see my parents and Abhi sitting at the dining table having their dinner.

I go and sit besides Abhi. They are all looking at me eager to hear what happened.

"It went well." I don't reveal much and I hear my mom release the breath she was holding. She is probably glad I didn't say the opposite.

"I'm glad you enjoyed your time with Manik, princess." My dad says smiling at me.

I talk a little more with them before I move upstairs to let them have their dinner in peace.

I lay down and pet Smurfy who instantly jumped on me the moment he saw me settle on the bed.

I close my eyes trying to process everything when I hear my phone buzzing indicating me of a phone call.

Manik is calling. Oh shit, I forgot to text him.