Edited 

"Neonika Ji, I think let's arrange a meeting for kids so that they could better know each other." Alia mother spoke to Manik's mother on the call, manipulating her, so that Alia could strengthen her hold on her in-laws, The last thing they wanted was the Malhotra alliance slip from their hand.

".Why Mrs Saxena, I can't understand the context." Manik mother replied with utter confusion, looking blank on her side with a voice filled with question.

" Ah, Neyonika Ji it's for them, Vaise Bhi, btw, they are the ones who are going to live together, so that's what we are supposed to do to bring them closer, right..! " Alia Mother, very sugarcoatedly in her sweet voice suggesting a very good idea by her wits. Genuinely smiling, Neonika nodded saying it's a brilliant idea.

"That's great Sulekha Ji I will make sure Manik comes Please mention the place. .." She said," Oh, not the problem, I arranged everything beforehand it's The Beverly hills! Sharp At 7 pm. "

" Sulekha Ji, I just don't know what will I do without you, I can never dream to be this way, well Manik and Alia should know each other, once they are comfortable with each other, we will announce the alliance. And ha, I will inform Manik, don't worry!" Neonika wished her good and Health and cut the call.

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As soon as she entered Manik room, she was beyond shocked. Murmuring,' What will happen to this child, he is getting married and still such childishness!"Manik whole room was spread by his analysis charts and tables full of Coffee Mugs. His shoes weren't in their place and were upon themselves. Shooking her head, she called Manik.

" Haa! Ma, I am taking shower, wait for five minutes.." He shouted

She started setting his room placing his cloth and shoes in his place. Piling all the files up at one side suddenly a door opened, Manik came out of the shower in his informal dress looking as obvious handsome rubbing his wet hair through the table "Why is this gorgeous lady in my room today ."Manik questioned buttering hoping that he won't get scolded but to no avail " Makhaan Mat maariye Manik Malhotra, I am aware of all your ways! Neyonika scolded while Manik smiled sheepishly. He looked around the room which was now almost clean, he scratched his back and pouted,.."Maa, I was reading the analysis deal with the Walkers so .."Neyonika shook her head in annoyance

" I am here to inform you, you need to cancel all your plans today, and go to the Beverly Hills sharp at 7 pm."Neyonika informed .He was confused and asked why. She shook her head." You are going to meet your future fiance, be comfortable with each other, I know you are friends but marriage is something much more than just friendship ..."

" Mom, whats this drama, you should have told me before , I will have to arrange my schedule. IT not fair." Manik informed huffing."Manik Bharat Malhotra I have given my word to Sulekha Ji, Do you want her to understand that I don't mean my words. " She sceptically looked at her and he sighed nodding his head.

.."Okay I'll go Maa but just for your sake.."He frowned while Neyonika ruffled his hair affectionately.."Don't be sad Manik, Who knows you'll end up meeting your dream girl tonight, in form of Alya .."Neyonika said while Manik nodded, his mind drifting to the said Angel. He smiled shaking his head, Making his way to choose an outfit.

Little did both of them know Manik was for sure about to meet his Dreamgirl but it wasn't Alya.

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Nandini as usual walked in the living room where Alex was waiting, in high waisted Denim Jeans with a cinnamon boat neck top contrasted nicely with her grey plaid skirt suiting on her toned muscular legs paired with white sneakers  . Alex always knew Nandini wasn't the one who dressed up for anyone . She was comfortable in her own skin and that's what made her so flawless. This woman would become the death of someone for sure one day

"..Are you ready?"

Alex glared. "I've been ready for the past ten minutes."

Nandini laughed. "In my defense I almost forgot about the hangout and I slept ?" Her hair was curly and unruly while her face looked fresh and devious. Even, she made up her mind to not go to Arhaan house, even if he is sorry. he should realise she was also a person ,and he cant just impose everything on her without taking her consent.

"Shall we?"

".Let's go."Alex said smiling as he offered her an arm He walked out of the room and she gladly followed. Her phone rang as she winced seeing the name "Arhaan Raichand".Dropping a text that she couldn't meet him today she walked ahead .

Today was going to be a nice day .

***

The hotel Beverly Hills was befitted for royalty. It was beautiful. The walls were a white stone that glistened in the summer sun and the roof was grey slate. When Nandini placed a foot in that place. She was hit with a strong scent of coffee and the aroma of fresh-baked lasagna. Waiters and waitresses were taking orders. The place had such a good vibe about if and Nandini wondered how? Alex tucked an arm with Nandini as they walked to a table with respective guests sitting greeting them with a smile.

Nandini sat in the end seat which granted her a look to the entire suite as Alex sat next to her. There were four members seated at the table and something told Nandini that they were very good friends.

"Oh my God Alex, you never told us that your date is a goddam model !" A boy with sharp jawline winked and Nandini winked back at him and he made the dramatic gesture of clutching his heart .

"Shut up Oliver!

Nandini, meet my bestie, Liam Walker. I know he is your boss but yeah " Nandini shook her hand with her supposed cover boss "There is no formality her we're, a family!" He smiled

"And she is his girlfriend, a fashion designer by profession Alexa Adams " she pointed to a girl standing beside him.She gave her a warm smile and she reciprocated ."He is A Estate Broker who happens to be a big-time flirt, Oliver Wilson !" He pointed out a guy with rugged features and he winked at me again shaking his hands with mine.

"And She is Cassia Wilson ." He pointed and she smiled in returned .."She is Nandini Murthy, My best friend ."Alex introduced."So nice to see you Nandini!" Alexa smiled, "and you're so gorgeous ." she complimented and I smiled back.

"Bro you scored a real bomb. Oliver Wilson joked and I cracked back a smile chuckling at his comment. The conversation went on and Nandini started feeling comfortable with the group of friends. Taking part in their joking and gossip casually. Nandini couldn't remember when she had such a good time before.Feeling her throat parched

., " Sorry to bother all of you, I need a drink to calm down my nerves. Will be back soon .."

She got up and headed towards the bar.

Nandini glanced at the group, Everyone was on the floor and dancing including Alex, Nandani chuckled on her return and shook her head. Many eyes watched the 'Nandini with curiosity.However, she ignored the lustful looks of the majority of men and a handful of women. She made her way to the bar to drink her favourite wine.

"Damn Damn damn I'm thirsty "

Nandini perched on the bar stool and looked at her group of friends dancing and went on with her business "A Espresso martini please" She ordered .

"He is so hot"

"That wench sitting next to him is lucky "

Hearing the group of some gossiping Nandini while sipping her drink turned towards the source of the gossip ,her head towards the distant right, at the opposing front row, spotting A Handsome man with a pretty woman . His jet-black hair , his skin was pale and smooth, his eyelids dark, shadowing over his black , captivating eyes. 

Nandini could bet a fortune that he belonged to a elite family as His pale sculpted features would sometimes glare under the light, giving it a polished look.

He glanced over at the woman seated next to him and appeared to be talking about something Nandini couldn't Clearly see who she was but given her shadow she would be someone of his stature 

But 

He was frowning at his date. Weird. 

Next to her , Alex sighed "Don't fall for it."

As if Nandini had snapped back to reality, her head turned at him "Sorry?" He is Manik Malhotra He is shallow. Not the best of reputation ." - he replied "I saw the way you looked at him"

"He's known to have rumours of being a playboy in the market .Not to mention that he possesses a cruel personality ." - he scoffed "Meanwhile look at the other girls even in this room all they ever talk about is how dreamy he is, can you believe that?"Nandini glimpsed at his handsome features again, responding "Well... I can see the reason behind the fuss" Nandini looked at Alex who narrowed his eyes as if saying What -will -even -happen-of you and walked his way .

Nandini tried to observe him sipping her drink

He seemed to be a private guy,

Nandini gives the man a once over as she sipped her drink . She becomes intrigued at the black of his eyes and sharp contours off his cheekbones. 

Nandini was observing the situations while gulping the sip of her champagne when he stood some metres away at the billing counter . Nandini decided to get her thoughts out of the daydreaming session of that guy.  All she could say that he was the kind of guy who invited trouble in your life and Nandini wasn't looking forward to some chaos at this point in time

"... Sorry sir, today we aren't accepting cards, it's just cash today as our machine isn't working...

" With all due respect I don't have cash on me. This isn't how marketing works sir ."Mr Malhotra said sternly, clearly conveying his no nonsense attitude.




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MANIK MALHOTRA 

Manik liked to think he was having a day first of all he was forced to go on a blind date missing on his important schedules and meetings for a certain marriage and second of all now the trouble of getting cash at 11 o clock at night .'

In short he was having a day worth crying on .

Where in God s name will he get cash from?



"Excuse me, " Called out a gentle voice as if  caramel in personified form . Manik s  attention was commanded with ease by the woman  who strolled into the parlour beside him , the hem of her plaid grey skirt flaring outwards and long, dark hair swinging from side to side with every step she took while rebel strands danced on her forehead. Her Honey Brown  eyes shone with intrigue  and the crescent-moon curvature of her smile put on display the deep, radiant dimples embedded onto her cheeks. 

Her mouth curved into a small smile, dimples showing and sparkling eyes. She Smiled at him  , rosy cheeks and a breath- taking, alluring smile which Manik found himself falling prey to 

" Can I Help you Sir ? ,"