Chapter 16

Manish calls everyone for a quick follow up meeting sans Manik, as Manik was out for his personal work.

After the meeting was over, Manish asked Nandini to stay back.

"Nandini, I have never told this to any of the employee but you have impressed me by your hardwork, your work ethics, your great qualities and your winning attitude. I am so very proud of you. You are an asset to our Bank. Never ever leave us. Please take care of yourself and my so...." He stopped abruptly as he was saying son. He realised its not the right time.

Nandini smiled beautifully. "I am truly honored and obliged. I am fortunate enough to work here, thanks a ton sir. I will never let you down."

Manish patted her head and left the room.

Nandini thought that her main boss was really a nice person unlike his sons!

Nandini went back to her desk.

She notices manik the moment he walks into the office. He's heart-stoppingly stunning, with a brown-eyed gaze so piercing she's almost too distracted to take sight off him. When he walks through his cabin, she thinks she is drowning in his eyes. Then she reminds herself she is supposed to dislike him.

Maink on other hand, all he wanted was to just keep her in his sight. No feelings, no commitment, nothing but sheer pleasure in watching her. As of now no strings attached.

Every defense mechanism Nandini had adopted during her corporate life was at risk of being obliterated by this confounding man. He's obnoxious but well-mannered. He's a gentleman but aloof. He's passionate but emotionless. Yet the fascination is so powerful, Nandini couldn't deny him or herself.

Manik awakened something in Nandini, something deep and addictive that she never knew existed and that she feared only he can quench. But she sensed that behind that fancy life he's aching inside he is not genuinely happy. To know him she'll have to brave his dark secrets. Delving into his world and breaking down his defenses would be a challenge but somehow she made up her mind to know him better in the course of ten days kind of obsession - an obsession that could shatter her heart beyond repair.

Alya and Nandini catch up at coffee pantry.

Nandini's shoulders sag dramatically on a sigh as she drinks her coffee.

She hums and gasp, setting the cup down. "The coffee machine and I are now friends."

"Yay!" Alya squeals, throwing her arms around Nandini. Nandini laughs and matches with her enthusiasm,

"You seem extremely happy" chuckled Nandini "Yes, I want to share something with you. I am in love with Mr. M Malhotra" Alya blushed.

Nandini almost had a heart attack. She thought its Manik and his baby is none other than Alya, a lone tear escaped her eye unknowingly, she managed to utter few words. "Ahh I am so happy for you Alya, you both make a wonderful pair."

"See, how handsome he is," Alya said dreamingly. When Nandini turned towards where Alya was looking, nobody was there.

She asked Alya "I can't see him here?"

"Only I can see him I guess," Alya winks "But thank you so much for your heartfelt wishes and that's the reason I am looking forward to New York trip. I want to propose him there please keep it as a secret. I love him sooo much and yes I definitely need your help."

"I think the lunchtime rush is about to start lets go." Nandini said in low tone, breaking free from Alyas grip. Both left from the pantry.

Though they were close acquaintances they weren't that close so that Nandini would start asking her everything. She thought she shouldn't pry. So she didn't talk much later.

But Nandini had almost lost her sanity hearing Alya. She didn't even had her lunch. She felt she had a very tangled life, nothing was right. She was flustered. Her thoughts about everyone were getting blurred. She thought she should stay away from all this drama. Soon she got back to her work.

At the end of the day Manik called for a meeting.

"Ok guys we are leaving on Sunday midnight, make sure you guys are in airport atleast 4 hrs before departure and follow all guidelines. Keep all your stuff ready. Get warm clothes as its cold there and all the best guys." Manik gave a thumbs up to everyone.

Maddy intervened "Ms. Murthy don't get pickle jar and all ok."

Nandini was quick enough "Please get your brains don't leave them behind."

Everybody started laughing and they were enjoying their banter. Manik was trying to hide his smile too.

Nandini and Manik shared an eyelock.

Manik was interrupted by some questions.

After some QA session everyone left.

Nandini came back home and hugged oh so sentimental Amms and Rishu duo. They were quite emotional. Nandini convinced them saying she will manage everything, and promise of lots of chocolates and gifts for Rishu. They had their dinner with some more advises from Amms to Nandini. Nandini just nodded.

Nandini finished her last bit of packing and reassured everything was in place. Finally, she decided to sleep, she started checking her phone and came across "Mr. wanted" tatoo picture and wondered "When will I meet this person, he is my saviour I hope I meet him somehow."

Her mind shifted to Manik and she became restless, she thought about Manik and Alya and was upset but she had no clear intentions about Manik, everything was blurry.

Manik was having dinner with his family.

"Take care of Maddy he is still a kid." His mom chuckled.

"Come on mom I am not a kid anymore, I can take care of my self." Maddy made a grumpy face.

"Really Maddy? Then why do you behave like a kid around Nandini." Manik narrowed his eyes.

"Oh come on bro, you are too kind on her, what's the matter? Is there something we don't know?" Maddy smirked.

Manik didn't react and his dad gave him a meaningful smile.

With some more bickering, they finished their dinner and decided to finish their packing.

Manik had not informed Soha as he had thought he would give her surprise visit. He finished his packing. Meanwhile, he got the bracelet he had found on that night. Whose bracelet is this? Poor girl must have gone bonkers still not finding her bracelet. Will he ever meet her and give this to her? He kept it back in his drawer.

His thoughts now shifted to Nandini.

Seems like he would be having hell lot of crazy time between Soha, Nandini, Maddy and Alya. He needed to gear up himself for lots of things.