Dinner

Nandini's POV

The next meeting was on the third day from the first. Today, I hope to control my anger and not get irritated by Manik. I did well on the first day but I can do much better than that. Now, I really wish that I had asked Papa to replace me. Navya is a dear and made my job easier even with that bullhead present, but how long can I keep it up! Manik and Navya came in at the exact time. Things went smoother than the first day. We are almost done. Yes! Manik didn't look pleased, Navya was happy and so was our side.

(Navya) "I am glad that this could be completed faster. The next meeting will be the last. So, when will that be?"

(Nandini's POV) She beamed with happiness and so did I. Now, they can go back sooner than planned and I don't have to see his face!

(Nandini in professional manner) "Will tomorrow be good, Mrs. Dhawan?"

(Navya) "I am good with it (she turned towards Manik and asked). Is that alright, Manik?" He looked displeased. I don't get why but I don't care.

(Manik in a disappointed tone) "Yes." He grumbled. He whispered something into her ears and she replied not to prolong her work. Now, I need to invite him. Maybe, I can just leave it. Navya is not going to mind. She doesn't really support our engagement. Though she keeps saying we would make a good pair, she says it would be impossible how Manik is now. As we were closing things, suddenly, Papa entered opening the door with such a force like a hurricane.

(VM) "Hello. How do you do, Mr. Malhotra?" He smiled widely at Manik extending his hand.

(Manik in a polite manner) "Good, Thank you. And how are you, Sir?"

(VM) "Fit for my age. It would be rude of me if I do not meet the rumoured backbone of Malhotra Group, Manik Malhotra. This is the first time we meet though I have heard a lot about you."

(Manik again in a polite manner) "Rumored? I am nothing close to it. The backbone you are talking about would be my grandfather Mr. Veer Malhotra. I have a lot to learn still." Papa nodded to the consultant and he left.

(VM) "Shall we sit down?" He waved his hand to our seats.

(Manik) "Yes, please."

(Nandu POV) Papa and I sat down along with Manik and Navya. Why did Papa come in all of a sudden? He never said anything about coming here today. The consultant of the Murthy Company had left giving us a little personal time.

(VM)"I must say, it is an honour to be doing business with Malhotra family."

Manik cut in, "No, No, its our pleasure to be working with you." VM smiled at him.

(Nandu POV) Acting all humble in front of Papa, why don't people ever show their true faces to all?

(VM) "I do hope that the arrangements for stay are comfortable."

(Manik) "Very. Luxurious. Your generous hospitality is well known. I have had the pleasant occasion to meet your daughter before; surprised me then and now, she has surprised me again by her transformation here."

(Nandu POV) Pleasant? It was anything but pleasant. Why am I suddenly the topic of discussion? Manik is complimenting me or insulting me? I looked at Navya. She smiled back at me. So, should I take my so-called transformation as a praise?

(VM) "She is my best child. I cannot refute that even if she is a doctor. If you are not perturbed from your schedule, will it be agreeable to have dinner with us, just family?"

(Nandu POV) He asked him. Reject the offer, reject him or I have to entertain you the whole night. I saw Manik smirk at me. He was waiting for this! Bhagwan, kahan fasa diya!!

(Manik) "It would be rude not to, after a request from the Head himself. I would have come even if Ms. Nandini had asked me to."

(Nandu POV while looking at VM) Papa glared at me. Manik!!! Why must you tell it right in front of him? Papa cared to hide his glare from others. I am going to be lectured till I bleed.

(VM) "I am sure she intended after the meeting. (Papa smiled) It is just that since I was here at the office, I thought I could greet you in person. I do hope you wouldn't mind a dinner at home, or would you prefer we meet in a restaurant?"

(Manik) "Home would be perfect. I am always having dinners outside. I am kind of missing ghar ka khana"

(VM) "I see. I will send a car to pick you up from your hotel. Then, I will be leaving. See you today evening."

(Nandu POV) We got up as Papa left. Papa was as always, calm, composed. I wonder if he would be any different if even the world ended right now.

(Manik) "Yes. Meet you then, Sir."

(VM) "Bye, Navya."

"Bye, Chachu."

(Nandu POV) A storm went by, no this is just a drizzle before today's storm. Please, anyone of my friends who I cannot refuse, call me and ask me out! Please!!!!

(Manik) "Shall we start, Navya?"

(Navya to Nandu) "Yes. See you tonight, Nandini." Navya waved to me and left.

"Yes." Both of them left and I sat down gathering the papers. Only till August, I need to see his face. In The Night in the hotel room

(Manik) "Navya, is this fine?" She was sitting outside in a simple dress in the waiting room when I came out of my room.

"Are you for real, Manik Bhai? You are wearing a designer pinstripe suit for dinner at home?" She looked at me jaw open.

(Manik) "Why not? Is it not enough?" Did I dress up wrong? I don't think so.

(Navya) "So formal and that suit, you don't even use that for office! Why did you bring it here?" Bring it? Did she think I carry unnecessary things when I travel?

(Manik) "Why will I bring it? I bought it now." She looked at me incredulously.

(Navya) "You are ridiculous beyond belief. Well, lets try to fix this clown outfit of yours." She got up.

(Manik angered) "What? Clown?" She calls me a clown? What the hell????

(Navya) "Yes." She took of the coat off. "Do you have something of a less formal coat? T-shirts? No, too bad. Lets get one after you return. Don't tighten up so much. Its just dinner. Let the collar loose and free up your hair. Don't be so stiff." She ruffled up my hair. Really? She cannot even reach my head! She is more than one whole foot shorter than me.

(Manik) "But... But this is how we do things at our home." She shook her head in disagreement.

(Navya) "Ah, yes, with Raj Uncle, things are different but generally, people are not like that." What? Father is strict but she talks about him like he is different creature!

(Manik) "Hey!"

(Navya)"Sorry. Now, you are fine. Shall we go?" No tie, no coat, just a white shirt and black pants, my hair messed up like a bed head, what the......

(Manik) "What? This is no better than casuals, even worse than my casuals." She smiled widely.

(Navya) "Exactly. Come on. Don't mope around. The car has already come." Car has come, I didn't even order for the gifts to take to their house!

(Manik) "Yes. I am coming. Don't push around." Without even allowing me to talk, she pushed me into the car. She still didn't stop grumbling about my attire and how late it has become.

(Manik) "What about the gifts?" I hope she isn't planning to go empty handed.

(Navya) "You don't need to buy any." She replied coolly. I thought so. This girl!!!!

(Manik) "Don't be silly. You are a relative. I am not. Its not polite to go empty handed. Driver, stop at a fine wine store and what brand is good for Jewellery, Navya?"

(Navya) "Do you really have to?" She looked at pleadingly. Her puppy dog eyes can move even the most stone hearted person like my father but I won't flatter to her expressions.

(Manik) "Of course. It is only natural." She sighed, exasperated.

(Navya)"We are already late and now this. Fine. Go to......... Soon." We got in late. VM met us outside the house.

(VM politely) "Hello. I do hope the driver was not late."

(Manik) "Not at all. It is my fault that we are late." Navya didn't look exactly pleased. She marched right in without me.

As we entered, a middle-aged woman, petite and small compared to tall and sturdy VM greeted us.

(VM) "Let me introduce you, my wife, Renuka. Renuka, this is Mr. Manik Malhotra."

(Renuka) "Nice to meet you, mam. Navya?" Navya was sitting with the gifts by her side. She brought out the brooch that we bought.

(Navya) "Here." She said politely but only I knew the scorn in her voice.

(Manik) "A humble present for you, mam. Also, for you Sir." I gave him the aged wine bottle I held.

(VM and Renuka) "Thank you. You really needn't have," Both smiled politely.

Just as I was thinking, Nandini entered. Navya was not with her. And, she surprised me again. She wore a short length evening dress that was loose, fitted with a belt at the waist, showing off her long legs. If she tried to look normal as possible, then she totally defeated the purpose. No matter what she wears or what she does, she stands out. Whether she is doing it purposefully or not, she attracts attention very easily. Before I lost myself in thoughts, I got up and greeted her.

(Manik) "Hello, Ms. Nandini. You look wonderful. A small gift. Hope you like it."

(Nandu) "Thank you." She held it in her hands. She didn't open it.

(Manik) "You are not opening it?" She fidgeted with it and slowly with trouble opened them.

(Nandu) "These are nice beautiful earrings," Diamonds. What girl does not like them?

(Manik) "Do you like them?" She looked troubled.

(Nandu) "Yes. Thank you."

(Manik's POV) I don't understand her reaction. This was the least expensive of all the presents I have gotten for my fiancées and girlfriends. Is she not satisfied? Before I could say anything, the butler announced dinner. It was close to midnight when we left. Nandini was accommodating and entertaining her fiancé as she is usually expected to do. But it didn't stop me from pulling her leg and get her mad. The result was I failed terribly. She didn't even look fazed by my actions. Before we left,

(Manik) "Since Ms. Nisha's engagement is in two weeks time, I was wondering if Nandini and I could go get our engagement rings before that." Her parents looked surprised.

(Renuka) "Yes. You can talk over with Nandini when you would like to go. Nandini, see them off dear. I have Kavita on line for me." Her mother went back in.

(Manik to Nandu)"Are you free tomorrow evening? We can go and buy them after the meeting."

(Nandu) "Ah, yes." She didn't look happy about it. What exactly about me makes her discontented? I did try to have some fun quarrel but I don't think I crossed the limit. I put on a good behaviour. Just like any other girl, she is getting her share of gifts. Then again, she is not like other girls. Navya shook her head unsatisfactorily.