(Nandini's attire)

Nandini, the star investigation journalist of News 24, walked into the newsroom with her usual aura of authority. She had built her reputation on hard work and dedication and she took her responsibilities as the head of the department very seriously. Her colleagues knew her as a no-nonsense leader, but she had a soft side which she rarely let anyone see.

That was until Manik entered her life.

Manik was the son of the News 24's CEO, but he had joined the office as a trainee, hiding his real identity. His father's business partner, who managed the channel generally, had helped him to keep the secret. His goal was to learn the business from the ground up, but more than that he was here to escape his own past. A past filled with betrayal and heartbreak, a fiancée who had run away on their wedding day, leaving him shattered.

From the moment Manik became Nandini's assistant, sparks flew. She was initially irritated by his carefree attitude and constant banter. Manik seemed to enjoy ruffling her feathers, always pushing her buttons with his sarcastic remarks and sly smiles. But he was also surprisingly good at his job, his competence forcing Nandini to grudgingly respect him.

One day, Nandini, tired from a long day, called out, "Manik! I need those reports on my desk now."

Manik, with his usual grin, replied, "Relax, Nandini. I've got it all under control."

"I don't need reassurance, Manik. Just get it done." Nandini rolled her eyes.

But as days passed, she started noticing the small things, how he stayed late without complaint, how he helped others without seeking credit, and how his eyes, which seemed carefree, had a depth that hinted at a hidden pain.

Their heated encounters gradually softened into something different, something unspoken. Manik had managed to sneak into her heart with his unwavering presence, his kindness, and his unexpected empathy. Nandini found herself laughing more, feeling lighter and for the first time in a long time, allowing herself to trust someone again.

One late night at the office, they found themselves the only two left. "I've been wrong about you." She admitted, breaking the silence. "You're actually good at this."

Manik laughed. "Coming from you, that's high praise."

They started spending more time together, their initial friction slowly turned into friendship. His playful side softened Nandini's edges,and she found herself smiling more often. But deep down, both carried scars from their pasts. Nandini from her father's betrayal to her mother and Manik from his fiancée abandoning him at the altar.

They were both scared of love, scared of getting hurt again. Yet, unknowingly, Manik sneaked his way into Nandini's heart, breaking down her walls bit by bit.

Nandini sat in the break room, her heart still heavy from the story she had shared with Manik the night before. She felt a strange relief in confiding in him, trusting him. He seemed different, honest, understanding. Someone she could finally rely on.

That morning, as she entered the newsroom, she noticed a different kind of energy in the air. People were whispering, looking toward the main office. She frowned, sensing something unusual. They were called for an emergency meeting and as she looked for Manik to walk into the meeting together, he was nowhere to be seen. Nandini was worried as he was always on time.

As she waited for Manik and settled in the conference room, Nandini was surprised to see Manik walking in right behind Mr. Sharma, their boss. Her frown deepened when instead of joining her and other employees, Manik remained by Mr. Sharma's side with a smile. The change in his regular dressing style too didn't go unnoticed by Nandini.

"Attention, everyone!" Mr. Sharma called out, beaming with excitement. "I know you all must be surprised about the sudden meeting, I can see you all are confused. But there's nothing to worry, but I've called this meeting today to announce our new CEO... Manik Malhotra!"

Nandini froze, her eyes darting to Manik who stood at the front, smiling but looking nervous. The name echoed in her ears-Malhotra, the owner's son. Her breath hitched, the realization hitting her like a punch. He had lied to her all along.

"Congratulations, Manik!" Someone shouted and the room erupted in applause. After all, Manik was quiet famous among everyone and they were genuinely happy for him. But all Nandini could feel was the sting of betrayal.

After that Manik gave a short speech and everyone left the conference room to continue their work. Nandini was about to leave as well, but Manik walked near her and stood right in front of her.

"You didn't congratulate me."

She had a sarcastic smile on her face. "Congratulations, Manik sir."

"Sir!? I never called you maam when I was working under you. Then?"

"We're not same, sir. Because I'm not the owner's daughter here, so I can't do things like you do." Manik was about to say something, but she didn't let him. "You were the owner's son all along? But you never told me. You know how much I hate lying, still you chose to do that only. This was all a game to you?"

Manik's smile faded. "Nandini, I tried to tell you....."

"When?" She snapped, her eyes blazing with anger. "Before or after you decided to make a fool out of me?"

He stepped closer, his voice filled with urgency. "I never wanted to lie to you. I just... I needed you to see me for who I am, not for my name."

Nandini shook her head, backing away. "And what am I supposed to see now? Another liar?"

She turned on her heel and walked away, leaving him standing there, regret etched across his face.

A few days later, news broke that there was a fire at a location where Manik had gone for a meeting. Panic gripped Nandini as she tried to reach him, but his phone was off. She rushed to the site, her heart racing, terrified at the thought of losing him.

When she arrived, the scene was chaotic, firefighters battling the flames, people running around in panic. She spotted his watch lying on the ground and felt her heart drop. Tears filled her eyes as she searched frantically.

"Manik!" She cried out, her voice breaking.

Suddenly, he appeared, covered in soot but unharmed. She ran to him, her emotions spilling over. "Are you fine? Are you hurt somewhere? Are you mad? You came here without informing anyone? How can you be so irresponsible?" She shouted, her voice shaking. "Your phone has been off for so long! If you don't care about yourself, fine, but think about those who care for you."

He tried to speak, but he didn't let her.

"Shut up! Just shup up! You're not my boss here. It's not your office. If you're such a big boss, then use your brain and inform the people about your whereabouts, who loves you, cares for you."

Manik didn't say anything and simply took her in his embrace as she was shaking and hiccuping badly. After a while, he broke the hug, but she was still in his arms.

He gently cupped her face. "Nandini, relax. I'm okay."

She was hiccupping with tears.

"I had already informed uncle, but I didn't know I had to inform someone else too." He smiled lightly. "You said so many things, but you never admitted you were worried for me."

She quickly denied it. "I... I wasn't worried for you! Kabir... He was worried, that's all!"

He just smiled, understanding more than her words revealed.

The day before Holi was pure chaos in the office. Everyone seemed to have forgotten work, caught up in the spirit of celebration. Colors filled the air as people smeared each other's faces with vibrant powders, laughing and shouting in delight. Nandini, however, was determined to stay clear of it all. She ducked behind a pillar, trying to avoid getting color on her clothes.

"Nandini, come on! Just a little color!" A friend teased, chasing her with a fistful of pink powder.

"No way!" She called back, laughing as she sprinted backward, not watching where she was going.

Suddenly she collided with someone. She was about to fall, but the person caught her on time. Her breath hitched in her throat as she realized it was Manik. Their cheeks brushed, and the color from Manik's face smeared onto hers. For a moment, she froze, feeling the warmth of his skin, the closeness of his body.

Manik's eyes locked onto hers, a mischievous grin forming. "Looks like you got colored finally." He murmured, his voice low.

She pushed him away, her face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "Stay away from me, Manik sir!"

The next day, at the actual Holi party, Manik arrived to pick up Nandini and her family. His uncle and Nandini's mother were old friends and he had been asked to escort them. Nandini was reluctant to go with him, but her mother insisted.

(Manik's attire)

(Nandini's attire)

As they walked into the party, Manik leaned closer, whispering, "You look beautiful today."

Nandini rolled her eyes, trying to ignore him, but she felt a slight flutter in her chest.

Later amidst the festivities, Manik noticed that the zip of Nandini's dress had slipped slightly, exposing part of her back. A group of boys standing nearby began making comments, their eyes lecherous. He shot a glare to them.

Manik's expression darkened. He swiftly moved behind her and without a word, reached out to cover her back by untangling her hair.

Nandini spun around, furious. "What are you doing, Manik?"

He met her glare with one of his own.

"Why can't you just leave me alone? Don't you understand I don't like you around me? I hate breathing in the same air with a liar like you."

Manik's jaw clenched, his voice rising. "Maybe if you'd stop being so stubborn, you'd realize I'm not your enemy, Nandini! I tried to make you understand so many times, but you're so adamant to even hear me."

She crossed her arms, her eyes blazing. "Fine, you're not my enemy. Just... stay out of my way."

Manik shook his head, exasperated. "You know what? I'm done trying to make you understand. From now on, I won't bother you anymore. I'm just done, I'm not coming behind you ever again."

He walked away, leaving her fuming. But her anger soon turned to concern when news came of a fire at the venue. In the chaos, Manik injured himself while rescuing Nandini's mother.

At the hospital, Nandini rushed to check on her mother. She then learned of Manik's condition and felt her heart drop. She rushed to his bedside, tears streaming down her face.

"You saved my mum's life! How much more will you do for me?" She whispered, sitting beside him. "I... I keep misunderstanding you, insulting you... But you're always there for me."

She paused, her voice trembling. "You know, Manik , I may look strong, but in real I'm not. I'm a coward. I keep running away from myself, from you, from my feelings. When you were my assistant, I used to scold you, yell on you because you became my habit. I began to feel things, smile and be happy and I wad afraid of all this. I was afraid of love."

She wiped her tears. "But I realized... I love you. I tried to hide it from myself, but I can't anymore."

She leaned in, gently kissing his cheek, thinking he was unconscious. "Get well soon, Manik. I can't see you like this. After that, I'm ready to bear punishment. I'll accept it you don't want to talk to me or look at my face or anything. Just wake up soon."

Then as she started to leave, he caught her hand, startling her.

"How will I hear if you speak so softly?" he murmured, a weak smile on his lips.

As Manik's injuries healed, the news of their tumultuous journey and eventual confession spread quickly. The families-now intertwined by fate-began to plan for the future. Manik's father and grandmother were eager to meet the woman who had captured their son's heart and demonstrated such courage and compassion.

Nandini was invited to Manik's family home for a formal introduction. The house, a blend of traditional elegance and modern comfort, was filled with warmth. She was greeted by Manik's father, Mr. Malhotra, a distinguished man with an air of authority softened by genuine kindness, and his grandmother, an elderly woman with a sharp wit and an affectionate gaze.

Mr. Malhotra welcomed Nandini with a firm handshake. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Nandini. Manik always speaks about you."

Nandini smiled, a bit nervous but composed. "Thank you, sir. It's a pleasure to meet you too."

His grandmother took Nandini's hands in hers, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "You've brought light into our family, dear. We've been hearing wonderful things about you."

Nandini blushed, feeling a wave of relief and happiness. "Thank you, Ma'am. I'm grateful for the chance to be a part of this family."

The meeting went smoothly, with laughter and stories exchanged, easing Nandini's apprehensions. The connection between her and Manik's family felt genuine and heartfelt.

The wedding day arrived with an air of festive elegance. The venue was adorned with intricate floral arrangements, soft lighting, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Nandini walked down the aisle in a stunning red and gold lehenga, her face glowing with happiness and anticipation. Manik stood at the altar, looking dashing in his traditional sherwani, his eyes never leaving Nandini.

(Nandini's attire)

(Manik's attire)

As they exchanged vows, their promises were heartfelt, each word a testament to their journey and the love that had blossomed through trials and misunderstandings. The ceremony was intimate, filled with personal touches that spoke to their unique bond.

(Nandini's attire)

(

Manik's attire)

During the reception, amidst the celebratory chaos, Manik and Nandini shared a private moment on the terrace. The night sky was a canvas of stars, and a gentle breeze fluttered through the air. Manik took Nandini's hand, pulling her close as they gazed at the city lights below.

"Can you believe we're finally here?" Manik whispered, his voice filled with awe and love.

Nandini looked up at him, her eyes shining with affection. "It feels like a dream come true."

Manik cupped her face gently. "I'm so grateful for every moment with you, even the tough ones. They've led us here."

Nandini smiled, her heart swelling with love. "Me too. I wouldn't change a thing."

They shared a tender kiss, their love evident in the soft, lingering touch. The world seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the moment, the promises of forever written in their hearts.

As the night drew to a close, the newlyweds danced under the stars, their joy a beautiful reflection of their journey together. Their love, once fraught with misunderstandings and obstacles, now shone brightly, marking the beginning of their new life together.

~~•°•~~

That's all for today. I hope you enjoyed this part. Do vote and share your thoughts. Don't forget to mention your favourite moment.

26.10.2024