Chapter 46

Nandini was in her room getting freshened up whereas all others were locked up in Manik's and Ishaan's room.

"So what's the plan? Are we surprising her at night for her birthday? Cutting a cake or tomorrow?",Cabir asked to the group a little excited.

"I think we should do it tomorrow.",Manik said immediately having a plan on his mind to spend some time alone with her.

"But we should atleast wish her and cut a cake at night. She would like that especially after her being sad all day ",Mukti tried to explain and Manik frowned a little not having any excuses to make.

"I think she should get some rest today. With all the events she must be tired. We can have a good birthday breakfast and spend time with her all day tomorrow.",Ishaan said in Manik's support knowing Nandini would enjoy Manik's presence alone more after the encounter with her ex-boyfriend.

Manik gave him a grin thankful.

" If you all think it's better to have her rest today than we all are spending the complete day together. ",Navya said sternly and they nodded agreeing to het.

Soon they were out of the rooms and Manik thanked Ishaan who just rolled his eyes and got comfortable in bed.

" I am hoping I will have the bed completely today.",Ishaan joked lifting himself with his elbows to look at Manik.

Manik chuckles at his actions walking to the door.

" I will go and ask Nandini to get ready.",Manik said and Ishaan nodded laying back down on the bed.

Manik knocked on Nandini's door and she opened it after a while peeking from behind the door, before looking at him and opening it wide letting him in.

Manik was about to ask about her being weird but stops noticing what she was wearing.

She was in a fluffy bath robe till her knees with a towel wrapped around her head.

" Hey",She greeted shutting the door behind him and smiled seeing him lost and staring at her.

She cleared her throat and he finally looked up at her.

"Hey, Get ready we are going out.",Manik said composing himself and she looked up at him surprised.

" Out?",She asked confused and he nodded with a smile walking closer to her.

" Yes on a date. I will pick you up in an hour. Dress nicely infact dress sexy.",Manik confirmed before looking at her bathrobe with a smirk.

" What? You are asking me an hour before to go on a date. I need time to get dressed and be ready.",Nandini whined getting away from him ignoring his teasing.

She removed the towel from her hair knowing she will have to use the hair dryer now as she walked to her dressing area and plugged the dryer.

He walked close to her and took the dryer from her as he started drying her hair.

"You have already taken a shower. You just need to get dress. I think an hour would be enough.",Manik tried to reason with her playing with a few strands of her hair.

"And what about my makeup and hair? It will take atleast half an hour to just pick an outfit.",Nandini said glaring at him seeing him play with her hair instead of drying it.

"Leave it as it is. I love your hair down anyway and you don't need makeup. It's just us.",He said dropping a kiss on her cheek.

She tried to argue but he pulled her close keeping the dryer down.

"I will even pick an outfit for you. I know I am rushing you but we can't be late.",Manik told her and she nodded smiling agreeing to him.

"Okay I will be ready in an hour wearing a sexy dress.",Nandini added teasing him and he chuckled kissing her forehead.

"I will go get ready too. I will see you soon.",He said pulling apart and she smiled before shutting the door behind him.

Ishaan watched Manik moving around the room as he kept checking himself in the mirror.

Ishaan chuckled watching him confused and messed up.

"You have got it bad for her. I can't believe I am seeing you so nervous.",Ishaan teased and Manik glared at him.

"Shut up. I just want it to be perfect.",Manik said a little nervous and Ishaan nodded.

"Chill out. She will love it even if you order a pizza and eat it with her and seeing that you planned something big she will be over the moon. Relax and everything will go well.", Ishaan comforted him and Manik relaxed a bit and turned to him.

"Looks good?",He asked Ishaan pointing at his outfit.

Ishaan gave a thumbs up with a smirk.

Manik quickly wore his watch and watched himself in the mirror. He was wearing a black shirt with black pants. He picked up his coat and waved at Ishaan walking out.

He knocked on Nandini's door hoping their friends don't see them as he waited for a while before Nandini opened the door and walked out locking it behind her.

He stared at her eyes wide surprised to see her taking his words seriously. She looked sexy without a doubt at the red satin dress she had on.

It was a red satin strapped dress that reached her calf. It had a v neck neckline which showed off her clevage teasing him. The dress stuck to her like a second skin showing of her curves. She had parted her hair in light waves and put on silver heels to go with it.

"You look sexy.",Manik said wrapping his hands around her, leaning close to her ears. His lips brushed slightly with her earlobe.

"You are being too touchy since we met. I think we should stay away for some days every once in a while if I am going to get such response.",She giggled putting some distance to check him out and appreciated his outfit too.

"I think you are rubbing off me. You are a bad influence.",Manik joked as they started walking.

"Am I spoiling my goody little girlfriend?. I am so proud.",Nandini teased him and he rolled his eyes at her.

He opened the car door and she got in with him followed.

He put up some music and they talked over few things about the competition before Manik stopped by the beach and she looked at him surprised.

"A fancy dinner date by the beach. I am guessing we have upgraded from last time.",Nandini said teasing him as he opened the door for her.

"It's a third date. Obviously we have upgraded.",Manik replied as they started walking on the bridge and she looked around confused.

"So are there rules that says we upgrade after the second date.",She asked looking at the boat infront of them.

"Yes its the basic rules of dating.",Manik replied helping her get inside the boat.

The boat started and they looked around enjoying the waves and the view around them.

"Enlighten me please. I don't think I know the basics and rules. ",Nandini joked with him, curious to know more.

"It's simple. On first date you get to know each other, have fun. On second date you notice things you like about them and on third date you make a move.",Manik explained rubbing over her wrist with his thumb.

"That's nice but what move are we talking about here.",She asked teasing him leaning closer and he moved to whisper in her ear.

"Something like this.",He answered turning her around and she gasped as she looked at the lights and the whole setup infront of her.

"Liked it?",he asked as the boat moved closer to the location.

"I did. It's beautiful. Gosh thank you thank you.",She beamed with excitement as she hugged him and he smiled getting out first and giving her a hand.

The boat went back after Manik gives a nod.

They watched around. It was the same place Nandini was talking about when they met today. It was a small beach trapped between cliffs on either side in a small island a little far away from the town.

"When did you do all of this?",Nandini asked looking around and seeing the setup of chair and table with golden lights. At the side was another sitting arrangement too with a bonfire for the cold.

He wrapped his hands around her from back keeping his chin on her shoulders.

"Remember when I told you, I looked up the city and it's beautiful when we were back home. I saw this place then and planned to take you for a dinner date on your birthday and today when you told me you want to visit this place I was happy.",Manik answered and she grinned tilting back to kiss his cheeks.

She was still in daze looking around when Manik grabbed her hand and pulled her to sit on one of the chairs.

He took the seat infront of her and gave her a smile before serving them some red wine.

She took a sip and smiled wide at its fine taste.

He gestured her to remove the lid and she chuckled seeing pasta and some other favourite food of hers.

They had the food with Nandini telling him about the competition so far and how it's going. Manik also told her how he planned everything.

"No dessert?",She asked with a pout.

"We can have it on the way back. Ice cream would have melted.",Manik explained and she nodded.

" Do you want to sit back? ",He asked forwarding his hand and she nodded as they walked to the cosy tent setting near the bonfire and took a seat.

There was a comfortable silence before Nandini turned to him knowing he deserves the whole truth. She was going to trust her relationship and their bond to be strong enough to handle it.

" I told you about the meeting with the photographers today. Vihaan is a photographer. I never thought he could be here in this competition. The moment I saw him ,I turned away but I think he saw me. I was trying to get away from him when I bumped into you. ",Nandini explained him and he nods getting an idea already.

" It's fine. Don't think about it. ",Manik whispered as he kissed her head.

"He will be there for the whole competition. I don't think I can deal with him. ",Nandini confessed to him.

" I will be there with you. ",Manik said supporting her and she leaned closer to him.

" Tell me why don't you want to see him? It's been years. Was it a bad breakup? ",Manik asked her being careful to not offend her with his words in any way.

"We never broke up. ",Nandini said with a dry chuckle and he looked at her confused.

"We were never in a relationship to break up. I told you before I had never done this. It's my first relationship with you. ",Nandini said and turned to look at him to see his reaction and as expected he was confused as hell.

" Don't worry I was confused for a long time too. You are not the only one. ",Nandini tried to assure him and he frowned not liking the way she joked about her feelings.

" We met when I was 13 when I stayed at the orphanage. He was 17 then. I was home schooled when I was with my relatives. Attending a school when you are moving around every year was not ideal. So when I stayed at the orphanage. Lawyer Uncle wanted me to continue with my studies either home schooled or in a public school. Attending a public school was tough for me so I was home schooled again. Vihaan helped me with my studies and that's how we got to know each other and become friends.",Nandini started explaining him about her past and he nodded letting her know he is listening.

"I didn't celebrate my birthday for 6 years after my parents died. My relatives kind of blamed me and it was a reminder of what happened to them and how happy I was on that day to how I am now. ",Nandini shared with him and Manik opened his mouth ready to protest and tell her she was wrong.

"I know I know. I am fine. Don't worry.", Nandini said to assure him and he pulled her closer.

"I first celebrated my birthday that year with Vihaan and I think it started from there. The tiny bity crush. It was the small amount of care someone showed me after years and it touched my heart but it never proceeded further. He would help me with my studies, hang around for a while. Talk about his dreams to be a photographer. It went great for 2 years. We would mostly spend our times together. It was like finally after 6 years of moving around. I found someone stable in life. He would listen to me, care for me. Everyone around us told me that he likes me too but he never said a word neither did I but I believed their words and hoped for it to be true. I really thought he did had a crush on me too. His actions gave it away. I was happy but things change. Nothing remains stable after a while. Vihaan was preparing to go for college. He was going to a local college so I was happy we will be closer but than one day he came and told me he is going to Mumbai for college. I didn't want him to go but I couldn't stop him. He promised he would call and we can talk and I believed him and waited but he never called.",Nandini explained to him and Manik frowned before pulling her closer to him. He was jealous hearing her speak about how she had a crush on him and liked him.

Nandini smiled feeling his jealously and looked up at him kissing his cheeks.

"Is that why you are upset with him because he left and broke his promise?",Manik asked her looking her in the eye.

"I hope it was that simple. His mother never liked me. So I thought maybe she was lying to me about Vihaan not calling. I really trusted him then. He was there for me for 3 years. Her office had two landlines connected. It was like you can hear what the other is speaking on one of the landline. I wanted to know the truth if it was her or Vihaan so when he called one day. I sneaked and picked the other phone. I know it's bad manners to eavesdrop but I was desperate. I was surprised when she told him to call me and talk to me and he denied. I always thought it was her but I realised later it was Vihaan who was avoiding me. I was confused, I don't recall a thing I did for which he was avoiding me. ",Nandini explained as she remembered his words on the phone.

" I still remember exactly what he said that day on the call.",Nandini said with a dry chuckle and Manik rubbed his thumb over her waist where he had his hands around.

"Mom I can't deal with her now. I have college and I have my dreams. I don't have time to hang out with a kid and help her with her studies. The only reason why I did that before was her lawyer paid for me to tutor her. I needed the money for my dreams. She is big enough to attend school and learn herself. I have lot of things to do for myself and I don't need her to distract me. Make an excuse if she asks."

" Hearing him say that hit hard. I mean I actually thought he liked my company and to spend time with me but he was doing that to save money for his dream. I can't really blame him. He was too dedicated for his dreams and I was a distraction he didn't need. I tried explaining and reasoning with myself but it hurt. What hurt more was he could have been honest with me instead of avoiding me. I would have understood but he pretended to be my friend, my family and then left me alone just like my relatives did. ",Nandini confessed calming herself down trying to be strong.

Manik now understood why she hates people leaving so much. She had said so many goodbyes already.

" He is not worth it. If he really did care for you he wouldn't have done what he did. So stop defending his actions on the name of his dreams. He is a jerk and there's nothing that can justify his actions. ",Manik said pulling her in a hug and she smiled against his neck as she felt him get angry.

She wondered if it's a good thing to continue or not.

"Do you want me to continue?",Nandini asked in a whisper and found his dark eyes on her.

"There's more?",he asked and Nandini nodded.

"I was a stupid person back then. ",Nandini said and Manik glared at her and ran his palm over her arms as it started getting colder.

"You are not stupid.",Manik told her and she smiled.

"Believe me I was.",She said and got comfortable in his arms.

"After I came to Mumbai things were going good again. Soniya really helped me find something about myself and what I wanted to do. I was happy with high school and learning fashion from her. I would go to this exhibitions of fashion and art all the time with her. But like always when things go good something bad happens. ",Nandini said with a sigh and Manik made notes of things he need to work on for her insecurities.

" I was starting college in 6 months. During one of my visits to an art exhibition I saw him. He looked different. Four years can do that to a person. I didn't know how to react. I didn't want to see him after what he said to me but he acted as if nothing was wrong with us. I wanted to call him out and question him on his words but I was weak and with him acting as if everything was okay and we were good old friends I was confused on what to say. I ignored him and left but he followed and tried to talk to me. Being the stupid person I am , I decided to give him a chance to explain. He gave a stupid excuse and reason of how he wanted to achieve big and I knew how ambitious he was. He explained how he was young and stupid and I believed him and forgave him.",Nandini explained with a scoff cursing herself for being a fool.

Nandini glanced at Manik trying to understand what's going on in his head.

"Manik..",She tried to get his attention and he looked at her.

"Go on. I am listening.",He said and kissed her head.

"We started hanging out together. He was struggling with his career and I would support him around. He loved taking my pictures telling me how I am an inspiration to him. I was happy to help. He did help me a lot and I wanted to return the favour to him. It was different this time around. His behaviour and actions were more obvious. I didn't want to be dumb again and think he likes me when he clearly said we are friends. I think it was after 3 months we met when we had went to a party and shared a kiss. ",Nandini started explaining and slowed down when she confessed at last. She could feel him snuggling closer and gave him more space to snuggle leaning away.

She knew he was uncomfortable and she was uncomfortable too. She didn't want to confess and talk so early but they didn't have a choice now do they.

She wanted to tell him everything without hiding a thing but then decided against it. She can share the details later. It was too early for their relationship.

"We were never exclusive or in a relationship. He never confessed his feelings but I never thought it mattered. I always said to myself his actions were enough and I was happy to have him back in my life. But like I said I was stupid and trusted everything very easily. I was starting college in 3 weeks when he said he had to go to abroad for a competition I was happy to see him finally succeeding. It was like a déjà vu, him leaving, me trusting him. I believed it will be different this time. We were different, the situation was different but I was wrong. I never heard from him after he left. Not a word and this time I didn't even try to know what happened. Like I always believed if you get betrayed twice it's time to kick ass and move forward. It was hard but I met Navya in college. Soniya would get me to work on her designs. Life moved on.",Nandini explained him in brief and turned to look at him.

" After all this, that person still has the audacity to approach you today and try to talk to you. I can't believe him. ",Manik snapped thinking about his actions.

" I don't know what's going on in his mind. At one point of time, I believed I knew but he does one thing and then another. For a long time I blamed myself thinking maybe it was me who thought ahead and assumed things. He never said he liked me or anything. He always just talked about his dreams. It was clear his priority was his dreams and maybe I misinterpreted his actions. Maybe I was the wrong one here. He was not responsible for me. He didn't have to tell me anything. It was his life afterall. ",Nandini told him and Manik narrowed his eyes at her.

" I take it back. You are really stupid if you think this. ",Manik told her and she frowned.

" You can't blame me Manik for thinking in that way. He followed his dreams, he never made any promises to me or we were in any kind of relationship for him to be responsible for me and my feelings. This was what I believed for a long time. I always wondered if I would have share it with someone they are gonna say I was stupid to bring my feelings when it was just something casual. ",Nandini confessed and he frowned and turned her a little to face him.

" What do you think now? I want to know what do you think about all of this from a third person perspective.",Manik asked her holding her face between his palms.

" I think he is the type of person who manipulates people to blame themselves when it's his fault. He is a coward and lead people on without confronting about his feelings. He uses people for his own benefit and leaves when he pleases.",Nandini said him and a smile formed on Manik face for the first time this evening.

" I am glad you know that. Now keep that in mind. He is a manipulative coward and a loser. He is not worth spoiling your life.",Manik told her seriously.

She gave him a smile and he smiles back.

"I don't think we ever danced. Let's dance.",Manik said abruptly surprising her.

He pulled her up not waiting for a reply and picked his phone putting on a slow music to dance.

" I am wearing heels.",Nandini said giggling as he twirled her around and she gets stuck in the sand.

He pouts and she laughed before removing them and putting it at a side.

" The sand is cold.",Nandini said as she jumped a little and he lifts her easily making her yell in surprise as he puts her feet on his.

She raised her eyebrows in surprise as he held her waist close to him.

She had her hands around him resting her head on his chest.

They danced around with Manik leading them as she laughed and giggled some more times.

He swayed around for a while slowly.

"Thank you. ",He whispered and she nodded.

" I know it would have been tough talking about it after seeing him today and I am proud of you.",He said kissing her head and she smiled grateful to have him in her life to understand her feelings.

"I know we still have to talk about few things in detail and we will talk in due time. Don't think about it.",Manik said and she sighed knowing they have to discuss it soon.

" I just don't want you to spoil your birthday and the competition because of him. We are all here to support you and I don't want you running away from him like today. It only shows that he still has the power to affect you and it gives me the impression that you have still not moved on from him even after 5 years of not seeing or talking to him.",Manik confessed his feelings and she felt guilty for hurting him unknowingly.

" Manik you should know that he doesn't affect me no matter what it looks like. Trust me he doesn't affect me in that way and I certainly don't have any kind of feelings towards him. I get affected by the memories his presence brings. I get reminded by how stupid and silly I was. It's a constant reminder of me being weak and a failure and I don't want a reminder of it so I avoid him. Seeing him reminds me the lesson that you shouldn't give people a second chance, it reminds me not to trust people because at the end they leave and I don't want that reminder. I want to move on and he doesn't let me so I avoid him.",Nandini lets out a breath explaining him and Manik sighed and holds her closer.

" I understand now. I am sorry. Let's take one step at a time. Let's just face him and show him that you have grown up and he can't fool you anymore. I will be by your side always if you need me but trust me it's something you need to do by your own to move on from whatever is holding you back because of his presence and the memories. ",Manik whispered now holding her in a hug.

" Okay",She said in a small voice preparing herself mentally.

He smiles and kiss her head.

" Let's not talk about him anymore. I didn't lie to everyone to talk about him.",Manik joked and she pulled back her head and looked at him confused.

" Lied?",She asked and he smirked.

" How do you think I managed to get some alone time with you?",Manik asked her and she looked at him amused.

" Seriously?",She asked not believing him.

" Yes. I told them you need to rest and we shouldn't disturb you.",He confessed smiling at his lie, proud of himself.

" And what if they look for you?",Nandini asked with a smirk.

" Ishaan will manage. I should atleast gain something from sharing room with him.",Manik said trusting him and Nandini stared at him in disbelief.

"Why are you staring at me like this?",He asked feeling self conscious.

"It feels nice seeing you trusting him and bonding with him. I just hope Cabir is okay seeing your new bromance with him.",Nandini teased him and Manik rolled his eyes before holding her waist and twirling her around, putting her feet back on the sand.

"Cabir will be fine. What I have with Cabir is not same as what I have with Ishaan. It's just that Ishaan understands me better and helps me out when it comes to you and our relationship. It doesn't mean that Cabir doesn't. He does but it's different. Cabir is more biased to me but Ishaan is neutral. I can't explain it to you properly.",Manik tried explaining her as he removed his shoes and got barefooted before grabbing her hand.

"I understand it's the same like spending time with Navya when you want to talk and spending time with Mukti when you want to forget and enjoy. It doesn't mean that you can't do either with the other but it's just that they understand you better in that way. Not everyone is same.",Nandini said and he nods as he tried to pull her closer to the water.

" Manik, Are you crazy? It's cold and the water is freezing.",Nandini tried to reason with him and get away.

" It will be fine. Be a little daring.",Manik teased her.

" Ohh I am very daring. It's just I don't prefer freezing my feet.",Nandini said and he smirks and takes a step closer to her as she steps back before sprinting with a laugh as he chases her around.

He finally gets a hold of her and dragged her closer to the water holding her in a back hug.

She screams as the cold water touched her legs and Manik laughed before holding her comfortably as they adjusted to the water.

" It's so beautiful.",Nandini whispered as she looked at the stars ahead of them and Manik nodded as he kissed her head and glanced at the time.

It was 3 minutes before 12 and he smiled.

" You remember the gift I gave you when you were leaving at the airport. Did you manage to check it?",Manik asked her and she looked up at him and smiled.

" I did. It was not what I expected. A pendrive? I thought maybe you misplaced my gift in the office.",Nandini said with a frown and he laughed.

" I did not. Did you open it?",Manik asked hopeful and she gave him a small glare.

"The pendrive had a password too. Why do you think I thought it had your office documents.",Nandini asked turning to face him in his arms.

"It was your gift. The password was your birth date. I thought you will figure it out.",Manik teased at her being dumb and she slapped his chest.

" I didn't mean to snoop around if it was your documents like I believed, so I didn't try. I will check it when we get back. Tell me what is in it.",Nandini asked looking at him hopefully.

He smiles lazily and moves her hair behind her ear.

" Remember you once wished to have a pause button so that you could pause the good memories and treasure it.",He started explaining and she was surprised he remembered what she said long back when they all were playing a game together.

"I couldn't actually do that but it's something that could make up for it. With my memories of our good and bad times. I got made an animated movie. I actually wanted to watch it with you here but the weather forecast said it was going to rain but with the way the sky is clear I regret not making the arrangements for watching a movie.",He said regretting as he looked up at the stars with a frown.

She was still stuck hearing him say he made a movie.

" You are kidding me. You made an animated movie on us because of something I said months back.",She expressed surprised and he looked at her nervous.

"I did. If you want something else than I have two more gifts as backup in case you don't like this one. ",He said getting more nervous watching her face.

"You made an animated movie of us for me as a gift and you are asking me if I liked it. I fucking loved it you idiot. I haven't even seen it yet but I just can't believe you would do something like this. Even the thought of it crazy and.....",She snapped bubbling with excitement as she tried to find words and he smiled as his watch beeped once indicating it's 12.

He opened his mouth to wish her but she cuts him off still in trance thinking about what he did for her.

"I don't know what to say or how to thank you. I have went out of my way to surprise people and make them happy but I never experienced how it felt and no matter how many times I deny and tell myself I don't like surprises or feeling special on my birthday. I really appreciate whatever you have done for me from coming all the way here to taking me on a date on this beautiful place and giving me such an extraordinary gift. God I am still stuck on the movie part. I mean I haven't watched it yet but I know it's going to be amazing. I love it already and I love you too. Thank you so much for everything. I am so happy to have you here and in my life. You are really amazing. I can't stop thanking you. ",Nandini said looking him in the eye confessing her feelings straight from her heart as she hugged him before pulling back. She watched him staring at her surprised with so many emotions in his eyes with his lips parted a little after hearing her.

She stared at him for more than a second before making a decision as she leaned closer and covered the distance between them as she kissed him.

Realisation drawned on both of them as reality sets in the moment their lips touch. She felt hurt at him not responding and guilty for not having patience and waiting for him as she pulls back a little only to be pressed more to him as he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her back surprising her to no end.

The kiss started slow with them a little hesitant and testing each other.

She relaxed and moved her arms to the back of his head holding him closer as he pulled back putting a little distance and stared at her. His eyes holding a lot of mixed emotions in it. One overpowering all the others that Nandini failed to understand.

"Happy Birthday.",He whispered holding her in his arms as they stared at each other. Their short breaths were a evidence and reminder of what happened a minute back.

She looked up at him, her eyes moving back to his lips and was surprised seeing him doing the same.

She leaned closer and their lips met for the second time that evening.

She tugged the back of his hair as he gripped her waist closer as they kissed harder this time pouring all the emotions and built up tension from staying away for so long.

They pulled back needing to breathe again, still wanting more. Manik stared at Nandini wondering if she even realised how she confessed her love for him or was it just a spur of moment and she didn't actually meant it the way she said. Maybe it was how we say I love chocolates or I love you when we are happy and excited kind of thing. He wanted to ask her but was afraid of her answer. He didn't know what he was going to say in reply to her if she did confess to him.

Nandini was staring at him wondering what's going on in his head. Though his eyes were beaming with emotions it was still hard to read him. She wanted to know did she went fast in the relationship when they agreed to take it slow? Was he okay? Did he like the kiss? Did he want to kiss again? She cursed herself for turning into this horny girl after just sharing a kiss but you can't blame her. She have been wanting to kiss him for a long time and now she did she couldn't get enough of it.

She tried to compose herself before putting her head on his chest holding him close and taking the moment in.

Manik wrapped his arms around her immediately getting comfortable holding her. She smiled hearing his heart beating fast.

"If I didn't know better I would have said you are uncomfortable with how fast your heart is beating.",Nandini whispered breaking the silence and he smiled at her attempt to joke.

" I could say the same for you.",Manik replied knowing fully well it was true for her and she chuckled getting comfortable in his arms.

"Thank you.",She whispered and he looked down at her confused.

"I never thanked you for wishing me my birthday.",She said innocently and he laughs.

"But you did.",he whispered kissing her cheeks teasing her.