The next morning when I arrive at the office, I immediately notice the red and light pink roses lying on my desk. I mentally smirk as I read the sappy note Manik has written, or probably had someone write for him being wealthy and all.

My thoughts are suddenly interrupted by the vibrating of my cell phone. It's Navya. I quickly answer the phone and then dart across the room to look the door. I absolutely did not need Manik Malhotra barging into my cabin while I discuss my plans with Navya about his sad future and what's to become of it. I brightly smile, "Thank God you are back! You will never guess what dad asked me to do... he asked me to merge my fashion house with Manik's company!"

Navya asks confusedly, "Manik? No. Please tell me it's not the same Manik." I simply reply, "The one and only." I further fill her in about all the details of yesterday, our first meeting, the dinner, running into the stalker-completely everything.

By the end of our conversation Navya is completely shocked, "I think Manik's new target is you Nandini! This is really not fair to you, I remember how hard it was for you to get over his betrayal! Look Nandini's just don't give him any heed! You don't want to be in that mess again!" I slowly reply, "Navya, you remember that promise I made to you after I cried in your room." Navya hesitantly replies, "Yea... Oh God Nandini you can't be serious?" I quickly tell her the details of my plan, remembering to keep my voice low enough not to attract any unwanted attention. Navya gently says, "I just don't want to see you hurt Nandini! I hope you know what you're doing! Just know that I'll support you no matter what!" I confidently reply, "I do know what I'm doing, but you know that this has to be done!" We quickly change the direction of the conversation as she reveals the specifics about her boyfriend.

Soon after I hang up the phone, I open my door to see a pair of brown eyes. He casually strolls into my cabin and asks, "So how did you like the flowers?" In a bored tone I respond, "They were nice." From the corner of my eye, I could tell he is not pleased with my answer. It is obvious enough that he is fishing for compliments because he seems to be under the impression that I am one of those girls that will swoon over him just because he lavishes me with expensive gifts. One thing I know for sure is that I am to set my self apart from his usual 'flavor of the week' girlfriends and what better way then to disregard his usual formula.

He sits across from my desk and doesn't seem to notice I have already begun working on my laptop. He says my name softly, so I forcibly look up. I snap, "What?" Manik looks flustered, so I quickly add, "Sorry, I am just a little stressed. Anyways you were saying?"

Manik nods understandingly, probably also concluding that my lack of enthusiasm for the flowers is also credited to the stress. YEA RIGHT! The only time I'm ever stressed is when this guy walks into the same room as me. He smoothly says,

"So how about a repeat of yesterday, only this time no false pretenses of it being business related?" I mentally smirk, but apologetically decline, "I'm sorry, but I have to attend a dinner party with my parents. Besides, I don't think it wise to mix business with pleasure!"

Yes, I am definitely playing hard to get, but come on guys love that stuff right? It's like a challenge-funny I should think that because that was the reason he dated me years ago, because I was a 'just a challenge'.

He looks a bit surprised to say the least, but he definitely steered clear of me for the rest of the day.
So when I said I have to attend a dinner party that is not a lie! I REPEAT DEFINITELY NOT A LIE! I rush home and quickly slip on a silky midnight maroon dress. I finish up my makeup and head downstairs to await the arrival of my parents.

They come downstairs matching perfectly, like a couple made in heaven. I smiled widely and soon usher my parents out the door. So you know how most people would ask where they are going... yeah well I'm not one of them. That is certainly a huge mistake on my part!

I enter a magnificently beautiful mansion, completely missing the name plate outside by the door. Yes, it'd definitely just my luck that I happen to walk into the house of Mukesh Malhotra, A.K.A. Manik's Father! Sure I had met them on occasion, but I had never actually gone to their house before. I just pray that Manik is not present; I mean he did ask me out for tonight while his parents are holding a dinner party. Wait, maybe he knew I would decline because he knew I was already invited so... Okay I spend way to much time overanalyzing him!

Sadly enough my parents leave me to talk to his, my parents are such traitors! Okay well his parents aren't so bad, in fact they are actually pretty nice. They really like me, which is not something I can say about their stupid son.

I hate feeling out of place in other words I hate standing in the in front of a room full of people with nowhere to go. I glance towards the bar and decide to get myself drink, non-alcoholic of course. I mean I definitely don't need to run into Manik, drunk that is and divulge my whole plan to him without even seeing it through myself. Oh and don't even get me started on the consequences, the guy would probably... well actually I don't know what he would do. Huh that certainly does make you wonder doesn't it?

So the drink is in my hand and there is a tap on my shoulder. A familiar scent is in the air and praying to God becomes completely useless at this point.
Since I don't plan on turning around any time soon, he stands next to me so he can get a better view of my face. I can see him focusing his eyes as if not believing it is really me. Okay first I just thought he came to bother me, but that is so not the case. It seems that he was checking out my 'assets' before he decided to approach. Wow seriously it's like he doesn't even need to try to get on my nerves, he does it without even intending to. He then speaks up after he is convinced it is in fact me-oh what a shocker there!

He stupidly asks, "Nandini?" As if my face isn't confirmation enough. What a complete moron! I turn to meet his gaze, somewhat reluctantly. I casually reply, "Hey Manik." He laughs, "So this was the dinner party you had to go to? And here I thought you were turning me down." I laugh at his idiotic memory and sweetly reply, "If I remember correctly I actually was. So I'm guessing you were invited here as well." Yes, I know it's his parent's party so of course he is invited. Well what can I say I have my dizzy moments?

He replies amusedly, "More like forced! You know my parents right? Yeah well you know since I don't actually live here my mother kept going on and on about how she never sees me anymore so I had to come. It's not like I had a feasible excuse since you backed out of dinner tonight." I fake a laugh and amusingly enough it doesn't look as fake anymore. I must really be getting used to this undercover role of Operation Break Manik Malhotra's Heart. I laugh, "Still listening to your mother... interesting! So you don't live here?" Manik shakes his head replying, "No I figured I needed a little space, so I got myself a place." Manik gets himself a drink.

We both stand around, drinking our little refreshments not to mention bored out of our minds. That is one thing we definitely have in common, well as of now anyways. He whispers in my ear, "Want to take a walk outside?" I turn my head looking out at the crowd of people mingling and simply add, "Gladly."
As I walked out the door, with him holding onto my arm I swear I could feel everyone's eyes on us. I could feel their stares lingering at our backs as we exited the premises. We walk around his estate, or well his parent's estate, for a while. It is quite beautiful actually, the garden is absolutely blissful. I look around and soon find Manik holding out a daisy I had been eyeing a minute ago. I smile at his gesture, while mentally adding that to list of moves he has already tried on me. Okay sure it's not a move, but I know it's just another reason to get close to me. I start playing with the flower, running it through me fingers. From the corner of my eye, I can see how Manik is staring at the flower. It's like he wishes it was him instead of the daisy. Definitely a bit unsettling! He takes the flower from my hand and places through my hair, resting it behind my earlobe. I give him an innocent smile as we sit on the bench on his front lawn.

I look up at the stars and then at the moon. The stars are so bright tonight and the moon so full. It puts my mind at ease to know that there are more important things in the world and just how insignificant my problems really are. I guess I just like knowing that I'm not the only one with troubles. I can tell Manik is staring at me, while I'm currently staring at the moon. I know for a fact he is captivated my innocence. That was my plan after all, to stand out from the rest of the female population that fawn over his mere existence. His eyes are definitely lingering on my face, I can feel it. I spontaneously look towards him, confirming his stare. I smile lightly, knowing the stupid ******* is falling for my little tricks.

Manik had that deer caught in headlights look when I caught him staring. He quickly places his hand in front of me asking, "So friends?" I smile and shake his hand, nodding my head. I decide to start a conversation,

"So who else is in your family?" Manik says, "Well let's see there is my parents of course, my older brother Reyaansh, who helps dad with the family business. Then there is his wife Mukti and their son, Aryan, who is really cute, but very mischievous thought." I laugh and nod appreciatively. We have some more light conversation before we walk back to the party. Soon enough, my parents decide it is time to leave. THANK GOD FOR THAT! As soon as I get home, I call up Navya and tell her all that occurred, while she fills me in on her love life.

-

The next morning, as soon as I walk into my cabin all I can see is people darting across the room shifting furniture around. Fury takes over me as I scream on top of my lungs, "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?"
Manik casually strolls in behind me simply saying, "Oh, well I figured it would be more efficient if we worked in the same cabin!"

My ruby red face full of anger, wipes the smile off his face immediately. I yell, "Manik! Your cabin is right next door! It is perfectly fine where it is! GET THESE PEOPLE OUT OF MY CABIN THIS INSTANT!"

Manik throws his arms in the air defensively and backs away from me, which is a good move on his part. I turn to walk out of my cabin, ordering, "I want everything exactly where it was!" I smirk as I hear him quietly say, "Feisty...I like it!"

I really do hate mornings, they are no fun at all. Especially when I have to go to work to see him repeatedly, it is definitely no walk in the park. He has some nerve wanting to move into the same cabin as me. I mean, what is he thinking? Does that moron want to die? I would have ended up in jail if I was left in the same room with him for hours at a time since I would have all the time in the world to plot his slow and painful demise.

By the time I come back into my office, it is exactly how it should have been this morning. I smile shaking my head and walk into the cabin to finish some work.

Luck was definitely on my side from then on because the whole day I noticed Manik was also busy with work. After finishing for the day, I stop outside my door as I hear a few flirtatious giggles mixed with a deep yet husky laugh coming from the next cabin. I do not even need to see the scene to know what was going on. That jerk seriously cannot stop flirting if his life depended on it. It's as if flirting is second nature to him or something.

I feel slightly angry and have no intention to label this emotion as anything specific. No, I am definitely not jealous I am just... just upset that my partner wasn't working, but probably tongue wrestling with an another employee. I quickly shut my cabin door and hurry down the steps to my car, moodier then ever.

When I get into the confines of my car, I start to relax. I turn on the ignition, but surprisingly I got nothing. It refuses to start! I start begging and whining hoping the car will start, but that doesn't do the trick either. I start to look around the steering wheel, hoping it was a minor problem with a quick fix. I sigh realizing that my car isn't going to cooperate anytime soon. I get out of the car, while whipping out my cell phone. I glare at my precious car and then kick the stupid tire in frustration. Before I can even flip open the cell phone, I see flashes of light.

I quickly turn around to look at a familiar blue and black Bugatti Veyron. It drives up closer to me and the window rolls down slowly. I just hope it is not whom I think it is, but obviously my luck has finally run out. Manik pokes his head out the window and points at the tire I just vandalized, "That's very unladylike!" I shoot him a glare, leaning back against my car for support. Manik leans over and pushes his car door open saying, "Come on, hop in!" I sigh looking up at the sky accusingly thinking, "It just had to be him didn't it!" I pause a minute to think over my options. I can't help but feel betrayed by my own car and throw it an accusing look as I slowly walk over to his car. I quickly sit in the passenger seat, while he starts to drive.

I turn my attention to the world outside the window, almost as if I were in a prison cell. Manik even notices that I haven't said a word since I sat in his car. I hope he wasn't expecting a thank you! I mean after all the stuff he has done, he should be lucky to be walking on the face of the earth. As you can see, I'm still pretty mad about him flirting with that girl. I'm not jealous, but I do have a right to be mad! I mean, he was showing an interest in me and then he goes around flirting with other women! A moment later, he turns on the radio to romantic tunes, which feeds my agitation further. I notice him look my way as if trying to see if I am enjoying his sappy song selection, which I'm not by the way. Suddenly out of nowhere, my stomach growls loudly in hunger. I flush in embarrassment, while Manik lets out a small chuckle. I snap my head towards him and give him a menacing look, which causes him to bite back his amusement.

Just then, the car jerks forward and I notice Manik has parked the car in front of a small diner. I send a questioning look his way while he just grins pointing towards my stomach. He smiles, "I think someone needs food in their system, which explains that particular someone's moody behavior." My mouth drops in offense, but before I can say anything he interrupts, "Save it, come on I'm starving too!" I hesitantly get out of the car forgetting my own ego for a moment due to the necessity to have some real food. My brain is currently fighting the battle of whether to act nice to further along my plan or stay like my grumpy old self. I decide to put forth a good front, after all, I wasn't suppose to make an enemy of him... or well actually he didn't need to know he was the enemy.

As we take our seats in the diner, I bitterly say, "Thanks Manik" He grins, "What are friends for?" If only he didn't follow that with a dashing yet egotistical smile I would have thought that it was genuine. I know that last thing on his mind was friendship; after all, this is Manik Malhotra we are dealing with. I'm sure he uses a different formula for every girl. Knowing me, his game was probably to move slowly through friendship to gain my trust. Please, Manik Malhotra and friends with a female? Yeah, like that would ever happen! When the food arrives, we start digging in immediately. I do not realize just how hungry I actually am, until the sight of food. I feel as if someone is watching me and when I look up, I see that is Manik leaning back against his chair with eyes filled with delight. I shrug my shoulders and continue eating. What I really want to do is smack him so that he would pay attention to his food rather than my face! You know how I'm trying to make Manik fall for me, well I forgot to factor in all that stares I would receive from him. I mean it's really creeping me out!

After the meal, I had to fight over the bill since I didn't want him paying for me. I don't want to be indebted to him for any reason at all. I lost by the way, well how can I win with a huge giant like him guarding the bill? Anyways then, after we leave the restaurant he starts to bicker with me because I want to walk home. I argue, "Manik it's only two minutes away!" Manik shakes his head not taking a 'no' for an answer and decides to walk me home insisting, "It's not safe for a beautiful woman to be walking home alone in the dark." I roll my eyes at his pathetic excuse and attempt at flattery. I start walking away from him only to have him jogging to catch up to me. As we walk, I start explaining to myself, that I have to act civil around him or else I can kiss my revenge good-bye.

After sharing some small talk, we finally make it to my house in one piece. This is definitely a shocker because I mean there is no way I could have arrived home on my own if it were not for Manik! I look towards him, noticing him only looking at me. I softly say, "Good-bye Manik." Manik huskily whispers, "Bye Nandini." I halfway turn and pause for a moment. I turn back to him and give him a soft kiss on his cheek murmuring, "Bye." I quickly turn around with a smirk on my face and confidently walk away.

When I enter my room, I run towards the window and see him still dazed and holding his cheek where I had placed my lips. He turns around shaking his head and walks away with a bright smile on his face, yet a naughty glint in his eyes. I shake my head at him, knowing he could never change his ways and even if he ever did, it would have been too late.

*****
Sneak Peak: London Trip😉

A/N : Pretty long update ik, it was needed bcoz after this it will be one heck of intresting journey!

How will Nandini make manik fall for her, considering Manik is not that type of person , true love type!

Till then , please vote and comment! The response is really low and its disheartening!

Love,
SD❤