Chapter 51

Nandini quickly got dressed up in a light yellow body fitting dress reaching just above her knees. It had full sleeves with a bow on the right shoulder. Keeping her hair open and putting on some white comfortable heel she walked out of her room and saw Mukti and Navya walking in her direction.

"Look at you all dolled up.",Mukti teased hugging her to which she returned complimenting her and Navya as well.

"Where are the boys?",She asked looking around for them.

"They are already downstairs. We told them we will get you.",Navya said her and she nodded as they started walking together.

"So?",Mukti started and Nandini looked at her confused.

"How's it going with Manik? You guys seemed cosy not to forget you shared a bed.",Mukti asked elaborating nudging her shoulders to get a reaction.

Nandini blushed at her words and looked around biting her lips.

"Please tell me there's some progress or I will personally smack both of your head together to knock some sense in it.",Navya said glaring at her and Nandini nodded to be in her safe side.

" I plan on asking him to go as my date for the after party today.",Nandini confessed and they cheered for her.

" Finally. That idiot needs to be told bluntly to realise what's ahead of him. Don't worry you have our support.",Mukti said as they wrapped their arms around her.

Nandini hoped they support her when they get to know the truth as well.

" I think we should have a girls night today.",Navya said them as she thought over it.

" We can do that.",Nandini said with a nod. She had lots to talk with them and ask them too.

" Okay.",Mukti said and they nodded making plans as they entered the dining room.

" What's going on with you and Ishaan?",Navya asked seeing his eyes on Mukti.

Mukti stiffened before putting on a smile.

" We will talk at night.",She said in a whisper and Nandini smirked looking at Navya knowing something's up.

" You aren't getting away from this conversation.",Nandini told her and she nodded as they reached the boys at their table.

They gave a smile taking a seat.

" We ordered already. Hope you guys don't mind.",Cabir said them and they nodded.

" You ready for today?",Ishaan asked Nandini who nodded a little nervous.

" Hopefully things go well. I am so nervous.",She confessed playing with her breakfast.

"Stop playing and eat.",Manik said giving her a glare and she pout.

"I don't think I can. I am way too nervous to gulp it down.",Nandini said with a guilty smile as she pushed the food towards Cabir who smiled and ate it from her plate.

"Have the juice.",Manik said and she looked at her coffee and then his narrowed eyes before slowly sipping the juice.

She put it down and looked at everyone excited.

"Do you guys want to check out the exhibition? They have arranged everything for public and added a lot of items. I have some time now. I won't be able to check later.",Nandini asked looking at all of them.

"Of course. I have been waiting for it. Let's go.",Cabir said getting up from his seat and reaching Nandini's side who gets up too smiling wide at him.

Others too got up soon and they all followed Nandini to the exhibition hall.

They were going through the pictures and paintings along with different outfits put on display talking about them.

Manik saw everyone busy and walked close to Nandini's side who was watching a picture a little ahead.

He stopped seeing someone else approach her.

"Peaches.",Vihaan said smiling as he stood beside Nandini.

She stiffened at his voice and looked around for Manik or her friends not realising she came afar.

"What do you think of this picture?",He asked standing near her looking at the picture too.

Nandini didn't say a word looking away from him.

"You remember we met again at an art exhibition. You were always excited to come here.",Vihaan recalled a memory and Nandini tried getting away but he blocked her.

" Won't you talk to me? It's already hard talking to you with your friends around. Honestly I don't like him making decisions for you. He is being a jerk. ",Vihaan said a little upset now looking at her.

" He is not. I don't want to talk to you. Leave me alone. ",Nandini said and tried to walk away again.

Vihaan held her hand making her freeze in her step as she looked at his hands on her.

" Peaches are you still upset? Can't we leave it behind. It's been years.",Vihaan said slowly with a little guilt in his eyes.

Manik not able to stop himself further walked close to her and grabbed her hand in his.

She turned to him surprised but calmed down immediately.

" Let's go. ",Manik said softly and she nods still staring at him.

He gave a small smile before looking at Vihaan.

" Leave. ",Manik asked him.

" Peaches I need to talk to you. Can we do that after the fashion walk. There's so much I need to explain you. If you still feel you don't want anything to do with me. I won't disturb you again. ",Vihaan said looking at her guilty taking a step closer in her direction making her move closer to Manik immediately.

" Leave my hand.",She muttered and he dropped her hand.

"I will wait for you at the cafe.",He said with a small smile before leaving.

Manik drags Nandini with him to a corner.

Nandini leaned on the wall staring at Manik who was standing infront of her but looking away.

"I hate him so much.",Manik said angry as he looked at her and she nods agreeing with him to calm him a little.

"And I hate him more when gets his way with you and you don't speak a word.",Manik said annoyed as he looked at her hand that was red from the grip Vihaan had earlier.

"I feel pathetic already for being a loser around him. You don't have to make me feel like one.",She said hurt by his words as she rubbed her arms looking down.

"You know I never meant it in that way. ",He said hurt she would misinterpret his words.

" I am sorry. I wasn't thinking. I know you didn't mean it that way. ",She said immediately guilty for even accusing him of the same.

He stared at her and sighed seeing her lost in thoughts wondering around.

"You know, I shouldn't let anyone touch you from here on.",He muttered as he stared at her hand where he gripped.

She smiled a little at his words.

"Manik",She whispered and tried to touch him but he moves away still annoyed at everything.

She pokes him again testing him before sneaking a hand around his arm and moving closer to hug him.

He closes his eyes to relax keeping in mind it's about her and not him at this moment.

"It's okay we won't see him again after today.", She whispered but kept thinking about his words.

"Why can't he just leave you alone?",Manik asked annoyed as he patted her head.

"He said he will if I let him explain.",Nandini told him and Manik frowned pulling apart.

"And you are thinking about it.",He asked not happy about it.

"It needs to be done. You wanted me to face it right?",Nandini said as she thought over meeting him.

" Yes I did but it didn't mean you have to be with him and talk to him. Look at how shaken up you are just by being in his presence for 5 minutes. Do you think you will be okay to talk with him. I don't trust him for you to be alone with him. ",Manik said strictly looking at her pulling apart.

" Manik don't be like this. It's necessary. You know it. I can't always be scared hearing his name or seeing him. I need to end this for me and for us. I want a proper closure.",Nandini said holding his arm composing herself and he sighed.

It took her courage to even accept herself that she will meet him and talk it all out and she needed Manik to support her and be with her.

" Nandini I don't want you to talk to him. Are you forgetting you got a panic attack just by his memories. Every time he is near, you freeze and don't utter a word and this are times when I pull you away within 5 minutes. I don't want you to be with him when I am not around but if you still want to then go ahead. I am no one to stop you. Don't come to me when you regret it later on. ",Manik said as he moved away and joined their friends.

"But I never said I will be alone. I want you there with me.", She whispered staring at him walking away frustrated.

She joined everyone too thinking if she should go ahead or not.

She knew Manik won't be happy but it was needed for her to move on completely as she gets the closure she deserves. It was needed for their relationship. She understands his worries but he needs to see past that too.

She excused herself as she went on to work in her station. The rest of them checked out the exhibition before taking a seat on the audience waiting for the walk to get started.

The festival soon started. It started with few speeches and announcements. Nandini's turn was on the last giving her plenty of time to prepare her models and check everything. There was a lunch break in the middle too.

Manik took the seat at one end and Ishaan sat on other end. Cabir took the seat beside Manik and Navya sat on the center with Mukti in between Navya and Ishaan.

Manik was upset about what happened earlier and kept wondering if he was harsh and needed to tone it down.

He wanted her to move on and be okay but he didn't want her with him alone talking for who knows how long. She couldn't handle a few minutes with him. What if she gets hurt or get a panic attack.

He came out of his thoughts when Cabir shakes him.

"Where are you lost? You okay?",Cabir asked and Manik nodded as he looked at the ramp.

" You know lately I feel like you have been hiding a lot of things from me and I don't know what's going on with you. You have been spending time with Ishaan and seems like he is your best friend now.",Cabir said honestly a little hurt and Manik felt guilty.

He knew he won't be able to hide about Nandini and him being together from them if they talked so unknowingly he was putting a little distance and Ishaan was there for him to talk about her.

"I will from now on.",Manik said with a smile as they will reveal about them being together today or tomorrow to everyone. He was excited and a little nervous about how they will react.

"Great. The girls are having a girl's night. We should have a Boy's night too. I have lot of things to talk with you and Ishaan. It will be fun.",Cabir said smiling with his eyebrows raised and Manik frowned.

"They are?",He asked again to confirm and Cabir nodded.

He was looking forward to be with Nandini after the party. Now he would have to spend it with Cabir answering him. He wasn't looking forward for the night to come.

Soon the first contestant came up with models walking down the ramp. They all discussed among themselves what looked better and what not.

Time flew by with contestants walking on the ramp and speeches going on. It was lunch now and everyone moved to the hall where tables were arranged and took a seat having their lunch.

"Nandini won't be joining us?",Ishaan asked looking around.

"I don't think she is free and even if she is she won't be able to gulp it down. She can never eat before a big show. Just Coffee. I am sure Aditya would have arranged that for her. ",Navya said shaking her head at her actions and Manik frowned lightly cursing her bad habits mentally.

Manik excused himself after lunch for a call and everyone moved to the hall again.

He walked in later just before the next contestant come up and took his seat.

After a few more contestants walked on the ramp. It was finally Nandini's turn. They announced her name and Mukti and Navya cheered as everyone clapped around them.

The lights went dim with models starting to walk out and Manik was impressed with what Nandini managed to do in such a less time. The dress had a modern look with the balance of traditional embroidery and culture the theme that Nandini was aiming for.

Cabir clicked a few pictures as the model walked out and posed.

Every dress had something different and unique in it not to forget the accessories. They went on pretty well. It showed the hard work that went behind working on it.

It was now Nandini's turn to walk out and Manik was anxious waiting to see her. Just as Nandini walked people clapped as her friends cheered loud.

"Holy shit."

"Sexy"

Manik had his eyes widen as she walked at the ramp. Cabir and Ishaan couldn't stop themselves from opening their mouth. The girls were giggling and cheering for her.

As she stopped near her friends side to pose. She glanced at them and was satisfied watching Manik's expression.

She recalled him coming over at the backstage earlier.

"Hi",Manik said seeing her rushing around the models.

She pulled him aside and looked st him surprised.

"I won't take much time. I just don't want you to keep thinking about that argument. We can discuss it later. Just focus on the competition. You have been waiting for it and it will turn out awesome I am sure of it. Trust yourself.",Manik said and She smiled and kissed his cheeks.

" I wish I had time to talk to you properly but I need to rush. Will see you on the stage. Get ready to be surprised.",Nandini said giving him a quick hug before rushing to get back to work.

The host came forward as Nandini came out of her thoughts and stood in the middle. The models walked back.

Nandini answered some questions for the host.

"So who do you have here for your support?",he asked and Nandini smiled as she turned in the direction her friends sat.

" I have my friends here.",She said and they cheered in response making her laugh.

"They are the one with the loudest cheers.",She added over the microphone smiling wide.

The host chuckled waving at them once.

" So Ms. Murthy anyone you would like to thank for this achievement?",He asked and she smiled.

" Well there are a lot of people to thank for but I wouldn't have been here if this one person wouldn't have forced me. So all credits goes to him for tricking me to join this competition and letting me show my talent to everyone. Also to my friends for supporting me throughout and a special thank you to the two man who are right now jumping backstage for assisting me throughout and making it easier for me. It's a privilege being here. Thank you.",Nandini said smiling as she said her speech and posed for the camera before walking back.

Mukti and Navya send her flying kisses to which she returned before sending a wink in Manik's direction.

" Was it Cutie? She looked so sexy.",Cabir asked still in trance earning another slap from Navya.

Manik shakes his head at her choice of outfit. If she was planning to make him speechless than she did her job well.

The host announced a few things before all the 10 finalists walked again one by one and took their position.

There was a thank you speech ahead.

Manik's eyes were glued to Nandini. The last time he was too surprised to check her out properly so he took his time looking at her hair tied in a low messy bun with small hair framing her face. She had put on some natural makeup highlighting her eyes with smokey makeup.

Her outfit was black contradicting the outfit of her models which were all white.

The dress was sexy with only one hand full sleeve and a full slit till her upper thigh. There was a tear drop cut for cleavage. She had put on black heels with gold earrings and ring.

They all clapped as the competition came to an end and the media came to question them. Manik's eyes moved to the media and the ramp where the contestants stood and memories flashed back in his mind. He shut his eyes trying to think of something else to calm himself. Cabir turned to him and pulled his arm.

"Let's go.",Cabir said moving him out of the hall.

They all waited for Nandini and soon she was outside after she bid bye to Nikhil and Aditya.

Mukti and Navya immediately hugged her praising her looks and the show.

"You killed it out there.",Ishaan said as he hugged her and she smiled thanking him.

"Navya has slapped me 5 times already for making comments on how good you look.",Cabir said her and she laughed thanking him.

Her eyes moved to Manik and she smirked catching him still checking her out.

She raised her eyebrows at him.

He shakes his head and moves forward giving her a hug.

"Too scandalous.",he muttered under his breath.

"It was a great show. I was impressed. Very proud of you.",He said kissing her forehead and she grinned at him.

"How sweet. Now pull apart. We need to click pictures.",Navya said as she pulled Nandini away.

Mukti asked Cabir to click pictures for them.

"Wait. I will ask someone to click all our pictures.",Nandini said and looked around spotting Max. He was assigned to her to click pictures of the outfits and the models and smiled.

"Max, Do you mind clicking some pictures for us.",She said with a smile and he nodded and took out his camera.

Everyone got together and Max clicked pictures for them as they posed as a group, with only girls, with only boys and with pairs.

"Okay it's enough pictures to last a lifetime.",Manik said tired with the boys nodding in yes and the girls pout.

"Okay one last picture. You both are kind of matching and we don't have any pictures of you guys. Go ahead.",Mukti said smirking as she pushed Manik near Nandini who smiled.

Manik looked at their friends who were staring at the two of them.

"Will they keep staring like that?",Manik asked Nandini in a whisper and she chuckled.

"They will stop the sooner you pose and get clicked.",Nandini said looking at him and he smiled and wrapped his hand around her waist pulling her close to him and smiled at the camera.

"Did you knowingly pose in this way so my leg can be hidden?",Nandini asked amused looking at him as her bare leg was hidden from the view and Manik smiled innocently making her laugh at his actions.

He chuckled a little embarassed himself.

"Guys. Can you stop talking for a second?",Cabir asked and they nodded trying to make a serious face but failed.

"Let it be Max. I don't think they can do that anytime soon.",Mukti said laughing annoyed.

" Max one last picture.",Manik said and they looked at each other as they have already clicked in all combinations.

"Ishaan, you and Mukti haven't clicked yet. To new beginnings.",Manik said smirking and Ishaan glared at him as Mukti looked away embarassed.

Navya and Nandini ushered them to pose and they stood around awkwardly before Ishaan put his hand on her back and they smiled for the camera.

"Thanks a lot Max. You were a great help.",Nandini thanked him and he nodded.

"I will send it to you along with the photos I took at backstage with others.",He informed and she nodded giving him a hug as he left.

" What are we doing now?",Nandini asked looking at them.

"Food.",Manik said and held her hand as he started walking out.

She looked at her friends who were following them with a teasing smile.

The drove to a fancy restaurant and ordered some food.

"I don't think we can eat all of this.",Nandini said looking at the food infront of her.

"It's for you.",Ishaan said smiling.

She looked at them wide eyed before looking at Manik.

"Next time make sure you have your breakfast and lunch on time if you don't wish to eat so much. Now start eating.",he said to her as he served on her plate.

She adjusted his jacket that he put on her shoulders a while back claiming it's cold but she knew better to believe his excuse.

She took a few bites and smiled satisfied at the taste.

She went on telling them her experience and how much fun it was.

"There's a party tonight. I hope you guys are coming.",Nandini said looking at them and Manik smirked enjoying his food knowing what's coming ahead.

" Of course we are and then we are having our own afterparty.",Mukti said smiling wide.

" Do we bring a date? ",Navya said smiling as she winked at Nandini and turned to Cabir.

" Yes. ",Nandini replied and looked at Manik trying to build up the courage.

He smiled enjoying it a lot looking down at his food.

" Who are you bringing? ",Mukti asked to push her and she gave her a thankful smile and turned to Manik.

" Manik, Would you come with me as my date?",She asked with a smile.

There was a complete silence as everyone waited for his response.

She glared at him for taking so long.

" Ask me properly and I will. ",He said with a straight face, teasing her further and she pouted in response.

There friends too looked at him annoyed.

Nandini sighed and looked around and saw the live music and smirked.

She stood up and everyone looked at her surprised.

" Where are you going cutie ? ",Cabir asked her curiously.

" Giving your best friend, his proper proposal. ",Nandini replied as she shrugged the jacket and Manik raised his eyebrow at her actions.

" Watch me. ",she said giving him the jacket.

They watched her amused as she walked to the live music stage and interupted them asking for the microphone.

" Sorry for the interruption. I will take just 2 minutes. There's a party tonight and I need to bring a date.",Nandini started her explanation.

" I can be your date. ",She heard someone from the crowd say and smiled.

" Thank you but I want that handsome guy over there in the black suit to come with me as my date. We have known each other for 6 months now and trust me when I say this. He is the most difficult person to please. A month and a half back he asked me to join this fashion festival. There were lots of arguments, misunderstandings and a few tears. None from my side.",Nandini said smiling as she made eye contact with Manik who was watching her in daze and smirked hearing the tears part.

" At last I had no choice but to join the competition but there was a challenge to impress that guy with my work that kept me going forward. I was not at all prepared for it but somehow I managed with lots of hardwork and a little hope. When I got the news that I was selected the feeling was overwhelming. Sorry guys I lied to you back then. I actually told him first about the news. ",Nandini confessed and their friends looked at her surprised before looking at Manik whose eyes were still on Nandini.

"Fast forward to today I presented all my work on the ramp and we have a success party later tonight to announce the winners. If there's even a 1% chance of me winning a prize than I want him beside me as my date. He was the one who made me come out of my comfort zone and kept me going but as I said he is a difficult man to please. So if you guys can help me ask him to say yes to go with me as my date. It would be wonderful.",Nandini said honestly ending her speech as she stared at Manik with a small smile on her face.

" Say yes already. ",Some people from the crowd said and Nandini chuckled watching Manik.

" What are you waiting for? ",Cabir asked Manik pushing him to stand and go.

He came out of his thoughts and stood up.

Navya and Mukti were looking at them in awe.

"After a speech like that, I would marry her.",She heard someone from the crowd say and Nandini raised her eyebrow at him as he chuckled walking close to her.

Cabir pulled his camera out and clicked pictures of them and smiled seeing them made progress and take the next step ahead.

Nandini looked at him curious biting her lips as he stopped infront of her.

He put the jacket over her shoulders adjusting it, making her and half the crowd laugh at his gesture.

He pulled her closer holding her waist and she looked at him wide eyed.

"Yes.",He whispered pulling her in a hug and everyone cheered making them laugh.

"Let's go. We had too much attention.",he said pulling away from the hug and she smiled raising her hand thanking everyone as they walked back to their table.

Their friends cheered, teasing them as they finished the food and cleared the bill. They reached the hotel back and went to their rooms to rest before getting ready for the party.

"Enjoy.",Ishaan teased them walking to his room alone leaving the two of them outside Nandini's.

"Man..",Nandini started but got lost when he pulled her in a kiss and locked the door trapping her against the wall.

She smiled moving her hand to his neck pulling him closer to her. His hand held her waist as the other traced her body in trance.

Nandini gasped as his hand moved lower to her back and Manik smirked nipping at her bottom lip pushing his tongue inside her mouth. His tongue found hers tangling with it as his hand moved to her hair and he pulled her hair out of the bun running his fingers through them. He pulled her closer claiming her mouth as his and she let out a small moan feeling his fingers on her leg.

He pulled apart slowly with a smile on his face which widens seeing the smile on hers.

"I have been waiting to do this from the moment you asked me out. You looked so beautiful and heavenly. It took everything in me to stop myself from giving in and devour that sexy mouth of yours infront of everyone.",Manik whispered dropping kisses over her neck and she laughed hugging him close.

The watch beeped and Nandini looked at the time and then turned to Manik who raised his eyes at her and shakes his head in no.

She gives him a pout battling her eyes.

"I don't understand. Everytime you used to run away even at the thought of it and now you actually want to meet him.",Manik said calmly looking at her knowing she is determined.

"I think I have ran enough. It's time to knock it out with a punch. ",She said to him and he looked in her eyes and saw how confident she is and nodded giving in to her.

"Okay fine.",He said giving a nod and she smiled at him.

"But first you need to change. You aren't going anywhere close to him wearing that.",Manik said to her possessive and she nodded giving him a kiss on his cheek as she pulled out of his arms.

"Aren't you going to get change too?",Nandini asked looking at him as she pulled out a jeans and shirt.

"Me?",he asked and she nodded.

"You promised when it's time to face it. We will do it together and knock it out with a single punch.",She reminded his promise that he made in the lighthouse and he smiled.

"You will be the only girlfriend who wants to bring her boyfriend together for a chat with her ex.",Manik teased kissing her forehead.

" But I am your boyfriend.",She replied with a wink.

"I will see you in 10.",He said shaking his head at her and she nodded smiling.

She quickly got changed and pulled her hair in a ponytail and opened her door to find Manik outside.

"C'mon",Manik said wrapping his hand around her shoulder.

She looked at him and gave a smile as they reached the cafe near the hotel.

Manik looked around and found Vihaan sitting on one of the table.

"Listen. Before we go, I want to say you were right. You need to do this to get a closure for yourself and move on. I told you I will be there and I am but I don't think you can have this talk with me beside you. I will be on the next table and if you feel like leaving, come get me. Okay? ",Manik said cupping her cheeks and she nodded composing herself.

They walked to his table and Vihaan smiled surprised and in relief seeing Nandini.

"Hey",Vihaan greeted smiling at her before frowning looking at Manik beside her.

Manik glared back at him in return.

"You are here to explain her and talk to her. If I see you doing anything other than that, trust me it won't be good and keep your hands to yourself all the time. I will be having an eye on you.",Manik warned him before turning to Nandini and kissing her head.

She gave him a smile and he pulled her chair for her to sit down.

"I will be there.",Manik whispered with a smile pointing at the table near the window and glared at Vihaan before taking a seat on the next table.

Nandini stayed silent waiting for him to explain.

The waiter put a cup of coffee infront of her and she looked up surprised as they didn't order yet.

"It was ordered by that man over there.",She said pointing at Manik who raised his coffee and she smiled as she drank her coffee.

Vihaan frowned looking at them.

"Who is he?",he asked and Nandini narrowed her eyes at him.

"We aren't here to catchup and get to know about our lives. You are here to explain and I am here so that you can leave me alone. ",She said and he nodded a little hurt.

" Peaches.. ",he started but she stopped him.

" Nandini. ",She said firmly and he sighed.

" Nandini you knew my situation back then. I needed a break to succeed and after going abroad and winning that competition, I started getting many offers, I hardly had time for myself. It took me a lot of time to settle myself and get a stable job and by then it was too late. You never contacted me all this time so I thought you wanted nothing to do with me and have moved on. So I decided to do so too. ",Vihaan explained and Nandini chuckled.

" You know with time people change and even there reasons change but you are still the same. Your reasons, behaviour everything is still the same. The first time you left you said it was because of your studies and you got busy and I was nothing but a distraction and a overall burden to you and like a fool I believed you. The next time you left you are giving me the same excuse like let's be real here do you expect me to wait for you when you take me for granted everytime. My life doesn't revolve around you. You made a mistake when you left the first time. I gave you a second chance and you repeated your mistake, now don't come to me and say I didn't call you or wait for you to settle down. You have taught me enough to know never to stop someone who wants to leave and don't wait or beg them to call. ",Nandini said angry as years of frustration came up.

She looked at the coffee and thought of Manik and relaxed a little taking a sip.

" Nandini you are overreacting. If I was a little selfish for myself than what did I do wrong. I am not responsible for you. I have my own life too. I can't just leave everything all the time to be there with you and don't act innocent now as if only you were the victim and I hurt you. I did a lot for you too. ",Vihaan said looking at her trying to calm her.

" You know sometimes I let my mind wander you actually had a reason to leave but no you are just a bastard who still thinks he wasn't at fault anywhere. Tell me one thing the second time we met. What were your true intentions? I mean did you just keep me around because you needed someone to support you and help you being your model. ",Nandini asked curious as she felt a sudden confidence inside her.

" I thought we were clear on that part weren't we? I told you I needed you to help me as you were my perfect muse right from childhood. Why are you asking this now? Can we keep the past aside. We are meeting after 5 years. You have grown a lot and succeeded well",He said with a frown before smiling again.

" I was there at the fashion show. You looked quite good. If you are free maybe I can click some pictures for you. Think of it as me making up for all those years. ",Vihaan said with a smile and Nandini looked at him in disbelief.

" You know what? I think we are done. I got the answers I needed and I have realised you are more than a jerk than I thought of earlier. ",Nandini said as she picked her purse and stood up.

Manik looked at her stand and stood up too as he called for the bill.

Vihaan walked near her and grabbed her hand.

" Peaches.. Nandini stop we are not done talking. ",Vihaan said stopping her.

" Leave my hand. ",Nandini said glaring at him trying to pull her hand.

" No listen to me first. ",He tried to explain.

Manik looked up clearing the bill and saw him grabbing her hand and walked closer.

"Leave my hand or I am gonna punch you.",Nandini warned him.

"No.",Vihaan said knowing very well she won't do it.

"You asked for it.",She said and punched him hard and smiled satisfied hearing a loud sound.

Manik who just reached her side looked at her surprised.

She rubbed the hand he grabbed and looked at Manik who slowly grinned watching blood coming out from Vihaan's nose as he groaned in pain holding his now broken nose maybe.

"You can put the bill on Manik Malhotra for any damages.",Manik said finding it hard to stop his smile as he put his card down and walked out holding Nandini's hand.

"I can't believe you actually punched him. I thought we were using it as a metaphor.",Manik said surprised as he swing their hands together not able to hide how excited he was.

"I don't know I can't believe it either. He was speaking nonsense and I just did it. ",Nandini said still in a daze and Manik laughed as he pulled her in a hug.

"I am glad you did it. You don't know how happy I was seeing you punch him.",He said as he lift her and twirled her around holding her waist making her laugh at his actions.

"Oh I can see how happy you are.",She teased him as he put her down and leaned closer his eyes shining with happiness.

" You are awesome. ",Manik whispered as he pulled her in a kiss. She stood on her tiptoes as he supported her holding her waist pulling her closer as she kissed him back getting lost in them.

Manik bumped his forehead with her lightly as they pulled back and she blinked looking at him surprised before looking around blushing. They were in the middle of the road with so many people and the hotel just in front of them. It was the first time they have been so intimate with many people around.

He wrapped his hands around her shoulder and she snuggled in his arms to hide her face in his jacket.

He chuckled kissing her head.

"You know what. Let's get everyone together and have some ice cream before the date. My treat.",Manik said giving her a smile as they reached the hotel.

"Okay.", She replied watching how happy he truly is for her as they discussed the flavors and what else to order.