It was the Saturday evening ; the party night. All were excited for it. They had worked really hard in the past few days and now it's the time to party freely.

Everyone reached the party venue one by one. It was around 9 but Nandini was still missing from the party. Manik although knew that she never attends the party but still was waiting for her. After seeing the time he decided to inquire Vaibhav about her.

"Vaibhav ; thanks man for this amazing party. Aap jaisa manager agar sabko mile to har employe khush rahe" Manik thanked him for the support he has always given and of course for the party. Vaibhav smiled and bowed down his head in assurance.

"Waise this time it was huge. The target ; no one expected this. Itna bada Kaam hua ; sabko aana Chahiye tha party mein. I see some people are missing." Manik indirectly tried to figure out about Nandini.

"Yup ; all are not here ; Nandini is not here to my surprise. Iss baar I insisted that she has to come Aur usne haan bhi kaha tha aane ke liye ; I don't know where she is." Vaibhav splitted out that Nandini had to be here as she said yes to Vaibhav. After listening to what Vaibhav said ; Manik's eagerness for her arrival was increased.

His eyes then and now were stealing the glance of the entrance , to see she has arrived or not. After around 10 mins ; Manik's wait was finally over.

Nandini entered the party ; dressed up in a full length black gown which was decent enough to be worn at a office party. She had left her hair open and accessorized herself with small black studs as earrings ; black wedges and black clutch. She was indeed looking like a black beauty for the evening.

Manik's eyes were sparkling when he looked at her. This was the first time he saw her in this attire and manner. Her beauty was pleasing his eyes as he did not blink even for once from the time when his eyes felt on her. He was mesmerized.

Manik was just mesmerising her beauty. His eyes were glued on her and lips were curving to form a tiny smile on his face. Just then Vaibhav approached Nandini ; "thanks Nandini for coming ; I am glad you kept my words." Nandini nodded in affirmation with a smile.

"Please get yourself comfortable" Vaibhav added on. Nandini went towards a couch and got herself adjusted there. She was there only for the sake of Vaibhav. She took out her phone and got busy into it as she was least interested in the party.
.
.
Nandini was occupied in her phone when suddenly she saw a glass in front of her eyes. She looked up to find Manik standing there with glasses in both his hands one of which he offered to Nandini. She questioned him with her eyes.

"For you ...!! Aahhh..!! Don't worry it's pure mocktail ; no alcohol." Manik offered her the drink. She looked at the glass and then again at Manik who with his eyes asked her to take it. After few hesitant seconds she took the glass from his hand into hers and replied with ; "thanks". Manik smiled at her and nodded.

Nandini expected Manik to leave from there but instead he too seated himself on the couch but away from her ; maintaining a distance.

He wanted to talk to her but was not getting words in his mouth. After few minutes of silence ; he finally gathered courage to speak up ; "it's good to see you here. Tum parties attend nahi karti normally. I am glad to came up ; after all it's our success party." Manik was trying to initiate a conversation but Nandini just nodded with a smile.

Manik's attempt was in total vain as she was not participating in the conversation. Manik was annoyed and frustrated on her reaction. He was knowing the reason behind this silence and was just not able to accept that all this while this girl is punishing herself for something she hasn't done by not letting anyone come close to her. He was staring her and she had no idea about it. She was just too busy in her phone. Mukti's description of real Nandini and the one in his front was making him furious.

His frustration came out when suddenly in a bit high volume he asked her ; "why are you doing this..?? What are you getting..? Kya proof karna hai tumhe Aur kise..? Kyun kar Rahi ho ye sab..?" Manik was firing questions on her and she was all surprised. She narrowed her eyes as she was blank about what he was upto.

"What's wrong Manik..? Kya Bol rahe ho..?" Nandini was just clueless about Manik knowing her deep hidden secret. Manik realised what he just said , it seemed he was back into his senses.

Anxiety , worry , anger , embarrassment ; all expressions were visible on his face. He was not getting any answer to Nandini's question and wasn't able to look at her either. Nandini was still looking at Manik with a frowned forehead and confused look. To avoid further questions and embarrassment Manik stood up with a sudden jerk to leave when suddenly he banged himself into a guy..

"Wooohooo...!! Watch out bro...!" The guy said as the drink in Manik's hand was about to spill over him.
"Sorry" ; Manik replied and was about to leave when his legs stopped on what he heard.