Chapter 52

All of them gathered in Manik's room inquiring, about the reason, for the celebration.

"Manik, why are we here?", Navya asked him searching around, in his room for a surprise.

"To have Ice-cream.", Manik replied with a smile on his face.

The bell rang, preventing them from charging more questions.

Manik sped to the door excited.

Cabir gazed at Nandini raising his eye in Manik's direction. She shrugged in reply and glanced at Manik, who pulled a food cart in with ten different flavor ice cream tubs and bowls.

"Woah, What's the reason for the celebration?", Ishaan asked staring at the several ice cream tubs.

"Just felt like treating you guys.", Manik replied as he picked a choco chip ice cream and took a seat, beside Nandini offering her some.

Mukti looked at all the flavors and picked the Belgium chocolate at the same time Ishaan did.

They shared an awkward look as Ishaan picked the butterscotch flavor, giving it up for her.

Mukti smiled as she sat down beside Cabir, cuddled up with Navya.

"Do you think we can finish all of this? We have to start getting ready for the party too.", Navya inquired looking, at the remaining tubs in the cart.

"Aren't you guys having your girl's night today? I am sure you will finish it.", Ishaan replied, enjoying his butterscotch ice cream.

"What are you boys doing for the night?", Mukti asked turning to Manik and then at Cabir.

"Video Games, Movies. I don't know, maybe some gossips too.", Cabir thought about it, looking at the other two boys.

"What about you?",Manik asked leaning down at Nandini who was enjoying her ice cream without a care in the world.

He looked up at the other two girls and they smirked making Nandini gulp.

"Just share some secrets. You know the usual.",Navya replied making Manik raised an eyebrow at her.

"I think we should go and get ready for the party now. We will be in Nandini's room.",Mukti said as she stood up and grabbed Nandini's hand to pull her up.

"Let me finish my ice cream first.",Nandini said trying to have her ice cream from the tub she shared with Manik.

Mukti shakes her head in no pulling her again as Navya joined them.

"Save some for me.",Nandini said looking at Manik with a pout.

He smirked as he took another bite of the ice cream teasing her.

"Jerk. I will make sure to stab you with my heels when we dance later.",She threatened him as the girls pulled her out.

Manik chuckled finishing the ice cream watching football on the tv.

"Should we get dressed too?",Ishaan asked looking at the time.

"Nah, the girls take a lot of time. We have more than enough time to get dressed. Let's play some games.",Cabir said picking up the controller.

They all got comfortable playing.

"It's all your fault.",Manik mumbled glaring at Cabir trying to fix his watch.

"Hey I am stressed too. Navya will kill me.",Cabir pouted in worry.

" It would be nice. We are late because of you.",Ishaan reminded him as he ran his hand throw his hair.

" You both were playing the game too. It was just not me.",Cabir reminded them as he stood up and took a last glance at the mirror.

The boys had all put on a suit. Manik was dressed in a dark blue suit with white shirt underneath it. He had ditched the tie to make it look less formal. Cabir was dressed in a black suit and Ishaan had a cream colour suit on.

The bell rang and they looked at each other surprised.

" If the girls are at the door. I will try to distract them for a while. Get ready fast.",Ishaan volunteered as he was done getting dressed already and walked opening the door.

His eyes widen seeing the girls standing infront of him dressed beautifully.

" Hey you all look gorgeous.",Ishaan greeted them immediately watching their annoyed expression.

Manik and Cabir heard him and immediately rushed to get ready fast.

" Hey Navya, I see you are in a mood to give Cabir a hard time tonight.",He complimented her as he hugged her and pulled back watching her long black backless dress tied with strings at the back. She had styled her hair in a messy bun to show her back.

He turned to Nandini who was standing there in a white chain straps slit midi dress. Her straight hair parted in middle and left open.

"You are obsessed with slits.",Ishaan whispered hugging her.

"I have sexy legs",Nandini said with a chuckle and Ishaan nodded pulling back from the hug.

"That you do.",he said dropping a kiss on her cheek.

His eyes move to Mukti and he couldn't help himself running his eyes down her body. She looked beautiful in the red dress she had on. Her long hair curled up for a change.

"Hey",Ishaan said clearing his throat feeling awkward suddenly.

He felt Nandini glaring at him from the side and moved forward giving Mukti a hug too.

She frowned not hearing a compliment from him.

"You look young Ishaan.",Navya said with a tease in her voice.

"I am young.",he defended as he ran his hand through his suit jacket.

"Are they still getting ready?",Nandini asked narrowing her eyes at him.

"Nope we have been ready for a while. We were about to come to you guys but Manik got a call and as he was about to be done Cabir got a call too.",Ishaan lied giving a smile to the girls.

Mukti looked at him in disbelief.

" I know them very well. Tell us the truth. Whose fault was it?",Mukti asked folding her arms infront of her chest.

"Uhhmm...Cabir.",Ishaan confessed watching the three of them glaring at him.

"Hey it was not my fault. You two were playing the game not me.",Cabir defended himself as he walked near them and gave a quick hug to the girls before kissing Navya flirting with her.

"That was because you got your sorry ass killed in the first 10 seconds of the game.",Manik said smirking as he kissed Mukti's head and hugged Navya.

He stared at Nandini and wrapped his hand around her waist pulling her closer to him.

"What a first impression Mr. Malhotra. We were waiting for you guys and you were busy playing some stupid game.",Nandini asked teasing him.

"We lost track of time Ms. Murthy. First impressions are lame anyways. We judge abruptly, make stupid decisions and regret our actions later. It's what we do after matters. Most of the time people don't even remember how they met, all they remember is how they got to know each other, how they became friends and how much happy they are together.  ",Manik answered impressing her along with others.

Ishaan found Mukti's eyes on him as Manik's words rang through his ears.

"You both are six months late for first impressions. Now stop flirting with each other. We are already late.",Navya teased them as Nandini blushed.

" Stop spoiling the fun.",Manik whined as he shut the door.

"Where are your jackets?",Cabir asked looking at the girls.

"We aren't wearing jackets and spoiling our outfit. It won't even be that cold.",Mukti said and the girls nodded in support.

"It's cold already and the hall would be freezing. Don't regret later.",Manik said with a smirk and they nodded confident.

"Okay then let's go.",Ishaan said to them excited.

Manik held Nandini's hand as they walked side by side with Cabir and Navya ahead of them.

Ishaan and Mukti kept glancing at each other not knowing how to break the silence.

Ishaan took a deep breath knowing it's not going anywhere and they still have three more days to spend together and maybe more as they are in the same circle now.

"I read your book.",He started trying to break the ice and Mukti looked at him surprised.

"You did?",She asked to confirm again.

Ishaan nodded and watched the smile spread on her face.

"Honestly I don't like to read and erotic is not my genre but the book was nice, different but nice. Finished it in a single night. I don't know what I was expecting but it seriously impressed me. I could see the character development and their journey so beautifully described. The little romance you added in between. The difference it made in their lust story. It changed my perspective of erotic romance to be honest. I always thought it was more like...",Ishaan praised her reviewing her book and she smiled giving him all the attention.

" Porn?",She completed and he nodded.

" It means a lot that you took out time and read the book. Thank you.",Mukti said slowly appreciating his gesture.

"Manik said the same thing. I guess he was right.",Ishaan said wondering if he was right about the other thing too.

"You talked with Manik?",Mukti asked him curious now.

"He saw me reading the book. Asked questions and yeah we had a nice talk that didn't end up with me getting killed.",Ishaan joked and Mukti looked at him with wide eyes realising he confessed to Manik about them.

"Surprisingly he was cool. I was scared from what you had told me earlier when you asked me to hide the secret from him but he wasn't anything like you said. Yeah he was scary, protective for sure but he understood.",Ishaan said her honestly and Mukti still looked at him in disbelief.

"I don't believe you. Manik hates his friends or associates getting involved with me in any way. I remember how he reacted when one of his friends flirted with me. I am sure he would react the same if he gets to know about me and Kevin. That's the reason I asked you to not say anything to him and for him to leave you alone after what you confessed is impossible. Maybe you guys are not that close for him to be okay. ",Mukti said as she wondered about Manik's cool reaction.

"Or maybe he trusts me more.",Ishaan said a little offended at her comment.

She looked at him surprised as that thought crossed her mind.

"Maybe.",She whispered not knowing what to believe anymore.

There was a silence as they struggled to speak more.

"So.."

"Can we.."

They started together and Ishaan gestured for Mukti to continue.

"Can we forget everything and start fresh.",She asked biting her lips nervous about his answer.

"No. I don't want to forget everything. I want to talk about it but for tonight we can forget and start fresh.",Ishaan said her as he forwarded his hand.

Mukti looked at him wondering if it's the right thing to do.

"Okay.",She said putting her hand on his.

He gave her a bright smile as he held her hand.

"You will have the best night of your life.",He said smirking and she rolled her eyes happy to have sorted things out.

They reached the venue and Nandini nudged Manik to look at Ishaan and Mukti.

They both were lost in conversation laughing at something that surprised both the other couples.

"It's my magic.",Manik whispered to Nandini wrapping his hand around her waist.

"Your magic?",she asked surprised.

"I had a talk with Ishaan last night. You will be surprised to know the things that I know.",Manik teased watching the curiousity dancing in her eyes.

"Now you guys are best friends?",she asked sarcastically annoyed at him for enjoying her curiousity.

"Hmm. You are ditching me for a girls night. I need to make some bonds with my boys too.",He teased her and she pouts.

"I will get to know about it without your help.",She challenged him making him laugh.

They stopped infront of the door giving their names to the guards as he gestured them to go inside.

Manik gave her a smile as he held her close to him.

"You ready?",he asked and she nodded as they entered inside.

The air was cooler inside with people everywhere making small talks.

Nandini shared a smile with Navya and Mukti as they glanced around and saw foreign guys in suits.

"I know that smile.",Cabir pointed out and the other two boys too looked at them.

The girls just shrug in response.

"What look?",Navya asked innocently.

"The "we are in a paradise with hot guys around"  look.",Cabir said a little  annoyed.

"Well it was more like "Sexy Guys in suits. Hmmm" look.",Mukti replied with a smirk.

" We are wearing a suit.",Cabir said as the other two nodded looking at their suits.

"You don't count Goofy. We are immune to you by now.",Nandini teased him as they walked around looking everywhere at the decorations.

"Well okay then I guess we boys can have our "That girl in red is sexy"  smirk too.",Ishaan countered them proud of himself.

" Thank you Ishaan.",Mukti said smirking and he frowned realising she is wearing red too.

" Something is seriously different with the two. They are being quite comfortable and flirty if I am not wrong.",She said to Manik in a whisper watching Mukti and Ishaan.

Manik smirked in reply.

"And you are completely okay with it. I thought you don't like your colleagues involving with Mukti.",Nandini asked confused.

"I don't.",Manik replied and smiled seeing her confusion.

"He is a friend and I think I can trust him.",Manik said accepting it and Nandini looked at him surprised.

"Now I want to know what happened to change so much between you two.",Nandini teased him and he smiled.

" We will be looking around. We will find you when they start with the awards.",Cabir said them as he held Navya close to him and they nodded.

" Do you guys want something to drink?",Ishaan asked looking at all of them.

" We are good.",Manik replied with a smile and Ishaan nodded turning to Mukti.

" We will see you guys later.",Mukti said leaving with Ishaan to the bar.

" Now that's the Mukti I know.",Manik said with a smirk and turned to Nandini.

" We have lots to talk about. I think the girls night will be a hit.",Nandini said watching them leave and Manik smiled pulling her close to him.

" I have all the gossips. I can tell you. ",Manik teased her running his hand down her arms and she smacked his hands away.

" Let's go meet everyone.",Nandini suggested and he nodded.

They walked around introducing themselves making conversation with everyone. Nandini made sure she did all the talks and Manik wasn't uncomfortable.

The host started of with a speech thanking for the successful completion of the event.

Nandini smiled leaning on Manik's chest with a wine glass on her hand.

" Cold?",Manik asked looking down at her and she nodded.

He wrapped one hand around her stomach holding her close to him.

" What do you think?",Nandini asked him taking her eyes of the stage as the speech goes on.

" About?",Manik asked looking down at her distracted.

" Telling our friends. The competition is over.",Nandini asked looking over at their friends a little away from them.

"It's your call.",Manik said dropping a kiss on her head.

"What about tonight?",Nandini asked a little hesitant.

He looked down at her and smiled.

"It's fine with me.",He said with a smile.

"I have a feeling the night's gonna be long.",Manik said thoughtful and Nandini smiled turning to look up at him.

" I bet they all already know by now.",Nandini said taking a sip of her drink.

" If they don't then they are dumber than I was.",Manik said with a chuckle making Nandini laugh too.

Soon the awards and announcements were done. There were multiple categories and Nandini was suddenly nervous about it.

They all found a seat on the round tables as the host started with the photographers.

Manik held Nandini's hand down the table as their friends gave her encouraging looks.

She clapped for the winners and congratulated Max for an award. He had helped her out with her outfits pictures.

"Moving on to the accessories designs. ",The host announced and the nominations were announced with their designs on the screen.

Nandini gripped Manik's hand tighter watching her design on the screen and a small video that she shot with one of the model with the help of Max.

"The most promising design in the accessories category goes to Ms. Nandini Murthy from Couch Fashions India.",The host announced and Nandini turned to Manik surprised as everyone cheered and the spotlight fell on her.

She stood up slowly and was hugged by her friends and they gestured her to go forward.

She composed herself and looked at Manik who was clapping for her happy.

She walked to the stage and shook hands with the host and the guest as she clicked pictures with the award still in daze.

Unable to process and say more than few words. She just thanked everyone and walked down.

Manik watched her and smiled pulling her in a hug.

"Congratulations Darling.",He said in a whisper kissing her head holding her close and she finally realised what's going on and gave a bright smile to him.

She was passed around among their friends who hugged her and congratulated her too. Aditya and Nikhil gave her a hug too before moving on to their table.

They took a seat again. The award on the middle of the table.

The host went on with other categories before coming up on fashion category.

The nominations came on the screen and Nandini gasped watching a pic of her walking and a video of hers with all of her models.

She looked at her friends who grinned at her.

"I am nominated.",She said out loud and they chuckled at her lack of trust in her designs.

She looked over the other table and Nikhil and Aditya gave her a smile with fingers crossed.

They looked at the host waiting for an announcement and pout when he announced someone else name. Nandini clapped happy for her as she watched the winners designs on the screen and was impressed herself.

"The night's not over yet. We have one more category of best dressed designer and it goes to Ms.Nandini Murthy.",The host announced at the last surprising Nandini.

She looked at her friends who chuckled as she got up to the stage again and took the award thanking everyone.

She walked down and looked at all of them in disbelief.

"Did I just get two awards and got nominated for the fashion category in one night?",She asked to confirm and they chuckled.

"Of course you did.",Aditya said giving her a hi-fi as Nikhil gave her a hug.

"We should celebrate.",Mukti said and everyone agreed.

Nandini turned to Nikhil and Aditya.

" You both are coming with us right? I couldn't have done all this without you two.",She said grateful to have them with her.

" Not today, Sweetheart. You go out and celebrate. We will do that once you join back in India.",Nikhil said to her as he looked at Aditya who agreed with him.

" Is something wrong?",She asked with a frown.

" No it's not that. We have a early flight back and no matter how cool Manik seems now. He is still our boss. We don't want to intrude.",Aditya explained her.

"Manik will be fine. I will talk to him.",Nandini said feeling guilty for not being there with the two when they helped her a lot.

"Don't stress about it. We can celebrate later and I am hoping we will be around each other more and helping each other out in future.",Nikhil said hinting at his proposal.

Nandini smiled and nodded.

"By the way I talked with Aditya too. He is cool to come if you say yes.",Nikhil said and Aditya nodded making Nandini smile.

" We will talk when I get back. Have a good time and Thank you for everything. I will treat you guys later.",Nandini said hugging both of them.

" You too. Have fun.",They said her and she nodded.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Manik.

" Great work. Congratulations.",Manik said to the two boys who looked at him surprised before thanking him.

" Are you joining us?",he asked and they shake their heads in no.

" Have a good time. If there's anything feel free to say.",Manik said to them and looked at Nandini.

" You ready to go?",he asked her and she nodded.

"Before we go. Can you click a picture of us for me?",She asked giving her phone and Manik nodded.

Nandini stood between the two boys with the award in their hands as they smiled for the picture.

Manik clicked a few pictures and they thanked him before excusing themselves.

"Let's go. Cabir's hungry.",Manik told her and she smiled joining their friends as the girls got in discussion again talking about her awards and how excited they are.

"Cutie you know I love you and I am happy for you but if we don't go and get some food I am gonna die of hunger.",Cabir said pulling her with him away from the girls to the exit.

"We are not having dinner here?",She asked him surprised as they went inside the elevator.

"It's a big night for you. So we booked the rooftop for a private dinner. Thought you girls would appreciate a nice dinner date for our last day or say night here.",Cabir said her and she looked at the boys surprised.

"It was my idea.",Ishaan said proud of himself as the other two rolled their eyes.

"I always knew you were the most charming.",Navya said as they stepped out of the elevator.

"Hey",Cabir said a little offended.

"The view is amazing.",Mukti said as she watched the city lights and the beach waves hitting the shore.

"What do you think?",Ishaan asked looking at Nandini.

"Fancy and Beautiful. Thank you everyone.",Nandini said looking around.

Manik offered her the chair and she thanked him and sat as he took the chair beside her.

" We ordered already I hope you girls didn't mind. If you guys want anything else than go ahead.",Manik said with an apologetic look.

The waiter put down the food in the center as the other brought a champagne.

"I wanna open the champagne.",Nandini said excited looking at the bottle.

Manik picks the bottle and gave it to her.

She grinned as she shakes it up a little and opens it up letting the foam fell out as everyone cheered. She poured it on the glasses for everyone.

"Thank you for making all of this more memorable and meaningful. I am glad to share this moment with you guys.",Nandini said raising her glass as everyone raised one and cheered.

The waiters served them food and moved aside. Light music was playing in the background as they all talked.

" This is delicious and amazing. I hope you are noting it down Cabir.",Mukti said teasing him pointing at the food.

" I am infact. I think I should go ask their chef to come with me. I could totally see myself eating this everyday.",Cabir moaned taking another bite of his food.

" What are your next plans Nandini? I mean you have lots of opportunities lying for you. What are you thinking of doing ahead?",Ishaan asked curious turning to her.

" I have some things in mind. Will think about it after we are done with the trip. ",Nandini said with a smile and looked at Manik who was staring at her.

" Because if you want or need my help in anything I will be happy to help. I have lot's of connections.",Ishaan offered and she smiled.

" I know.",She said smiling.

" So what's the plan tomorrow?",Navya asked looking at all of them.

"We will be trying to leave early but that depends on how much you girls are getting drunk tonight. More or less I think we can leave by 10. After that I think Nandini will be guiding us around.",Manik said giving a pointed look to the three of them at being drunk.

"What? We can't get drunk in a hotel room too?",Mukti asked rolling her eyes at him being overprotective.

"No, I thought you know it by now.",Manik said raising his eyebrow at her and she looked at him surprised before looking away realising what he meant.

Ishaan looked at Manik a little annoyed at that comment.

Cabir cleared his throat feeling the tense atmosphere and he looked away.

"We are almost done with dinner. Let's dance. The night looks so lovely.",Cabir said as he stood up and offered a hand to Navya who took it and let him lead to the floor.

"Nandini would you come with me to the ladies room?",Mukti asked annoyed at Manik and Nandini nodded excusing herself as she followed Mukti out.

"That was not cool. I told you that trusting you and what you did just now was uncalled for.",Ishaan said annoyed at Manik.

"Well I am sorry. I let my anger get the best of me.",Manik apologized and Ishaan looked at him confused.

"You have a problem with me? Last night you said you were on my side. What's there to be angry about?",Ishaan asked glaring at him.

" I still don't. It's just Mukti knows better to be careful and she hasn't yet talked to me. So I am obviously pissed at her for being so irresponsible. Nothing personal",Manik apologized and Ishaan relaxed a little as the two of them watched Cabir dance with Navya waiting for the girls.

" Let me talk to Mukti first. I will apologize to her. ",Manik said as he saw her walking in with Nandini.

Ishaan nodded and went asking Nandini to dance with her.

She looked at the two of them confused before following Ishaan to the floor.

" Mukti. ",Manik started walking close to her.

" What? Still pissed at me ? ",Mukti asked rolling her eyes.

" Let's dance. ",Manik said pulling her reluctantly.

" I don't want to talk to you. ",Mukti said looking away pretending to dance for others sake.

" I know. I can see that. Maybe that's why you still didn't care enough to come clean with me after you knew Ishaan told me when you should be the one telling me the truth. ",Manik said showing her he was hurt by her actions.

"I knew you would overreact. I needed some time before I tell you to sort out my mind. I didn't know you were so close with him to know already.",Mukti said a little guilty and Manik nodded understanding her state.

"I overreact for a reason. So are you going to tell me now?",Manik asked raising his eyebrows and she blushed a little.

Manik smiled letting it go.

"Fine I will let it go for today. Talk to your girls. We three can have a talk later. I am sure Cabir would love to hear this from you.",Manik teased her and she pout scared about Cabir's reaction.

He made eye contact with Ishaan letting him know he wants his partner back.

Ishaan smiled and whispered something to Nandini making her chuckle before they walked near them and switched partners.

"What did he say?",Manik asked holding her close to him.

"That you were jealous.",Nandini said smiling teasing him as well and Manik rolled his eyes.

"I bet he was.",he muttered under his breath before slowly dancing with her.

"I think today was a long day and we are in for a long night.",Nandini said tired resting her head on his chest.

"Hmm I understand. You can sleep on the flight. I will make sure nobody wakes you up. It's a long flight.",He said caressing her head and she nodded smiling.

"Thank you.",She murmured as he swayed them around letting her rest on him.

Manik saw something fall on her hair before he looked up and smiled as he looked at others who have stopped and were watching in awe.

"Look up.",He whispered to Nandini and she opened her eyes and looked at him confused before looking around.

"It's snowing.",She said with a grin as she looked around twirling and Manik laughed at her excitement.

"I must say the weather forecast here is quite weird. It said it will be a clear day today.",Cabir said looking up at the snow with a smile on his face.

"I am not complaining though.",he added watching Navya looking at the snow.

Manik smiled and looked at Mukti to see her staring at Ishaan.

He picked his jacket and wrapped it around Nandini.

"Told you guys to bring the jacket. Let's go down before you guys catch cold.",Manik said them and Nandini pout at him.

"Just one dance in the snow.",She said and Mukti and Navya joined her.

"Fine.",He said and Cabir went on to put his favourite music All of me by John Legend. Cabir passed his phone to the manager and asked him to click some pictures.

What would I do without your smart mouth?

Drawin' me in and you kickin' me out

You've got my head spinnin', no kiddin'

I can't pin you down

What's goin' on in that beautiful mind?

I'm on your magical mystery ride

And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me

But I'll be alright

Ishaan gave his jacket to Mukti who thanked him.

Manik forwarded his hand to Nandini who took it up smiling wide.

My head's under water, but I'm breathing fine

You're crazy and I'm out of my mind

"Are you going to rest again or do you want to actually dance?",Manik asked amused and she looked at the snow falling.

"Dance.",She replied and he smiled leading her as he grabbed her hands properly.

'Cause all of me

Loves all of you

Love your curves and all your edges

All your perfect imperfections

Give your all to me

I'll give my all to you

You're my end and my beginnin'

Even when I lose, I'm winnin'

'Cause I give you all of me

And you give me all of you, oh-oh

His hands moving down her curves as he twirled her around leading her properly to dance all the while staring at her making an eye contact and watching the smile on her face.

How many times do I have to tell you?

Even when you're crying, you're beautiful too

The world is beating you down, I'm around

Through every mood

You're my downfall, you're my muse

My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues

I can't stop singing, it's ringing

In my head for you

"Careful with the heels.",He said as he twirled her around fast earning a laugh from her. He smiled with her and pulled her back in his arms, swaying her slowly as he mouthed the lyrics looking her in the eye holding her close in his arms. She giggled at how appropriate the lyrics was for them.

"I can't seriously believe that I am here dancing with you when it's snowing.",She said still in disbelief and Manik smiled pulling her closer and ran his hands down her waist and up completely mesmerized at how beautiful she looked.

My head's under water, but I'm breathin' fine

You're crazy and I'm out of my mind

She looked around blushing.

"We are not alone.",She murmured putting her hand on his chest to put some distance.

"I know but they are too busy to notice also it doesn't matter we are anyway telling them tonight.",Manik said putting his chin on her head not wanting to put some distance between them.

'Cause all of me

Loves all of you

Love your curves and all your edges

All your perfect imperfections

Give your all to me

I'll give my all to you

You're my end and my beginnin'

Even when I lose, I'm winnin'

"Doesn't mean they have to find out like this? I will not be answering any questions if they saw us.",Nandini warned him blushing but still holding him close to her.

"Hmm if I will be the one answering then maybe I should go all in.",Manik said with a smirk as he thought about it and leaned down to her level.

'Cause I give you all of me

And you give me all of you, oh-oh

"What do you mean?",She asked tilting her head to look up at him a little confused.

"I know how much you love a cliche.",He replied eyeing her lips before making eye contact again. His heart started beating harder against her chest as she looked up at his lips waiting.

Give me all of you, oh

Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts

Risking it all, though it's hard

"What d..",She couldn't complete her words as he brushed his lips with hers teasing her a little as he pulled her closer making sure there's no distance between them. He moved his lips against hers as he licked her bottom lip to get her attention.

'Cause all of me

Loves all of you

Love your curves and all your edges

All your perfect imperfections

Give your all to me

I'll give my all to you

You're my end and my beginnin'

Even when I lose, I'm winnin'

Nandini came out of her thoughts and gripped his blazer as she leaned more to him kissing him back. He smiled holding her securely in his arms as he moved one of his arms up to the back of her neck.

'Cause I give you all of me

And you give me all of you

She wrapped her arms around his neck and opened her mouth to let him in.He moved his tongue against hers taking control of the kiss. Nandini stopped herself from letting out a moan and tugged his hair making him groan.

I give you all of me

And you give me all of you, oh-oh

He slowed down the kiss before pulling apart to breathe and opened his eyes to find Nandini staring at him with a look he found himself hard to explain. He wondered if he looked the same to her. He smiled bumping his forehead with hers making her giggle.

"The music stopped.",Manik whispered suddenly realising and Nandini bite her lips nodding lightly noticing the same.

"They saw us?",Manik asked to confirm and Nandini nodded and stifled a laugh watching his horrified expression.

"Help me?",He asked with a pout and she smirked nodding in no.

"You were the one who wanted to go all in.",Nandini teased him and he took a deep breath.

"Wish me luck.",He whispered and she smiled and pecked his cheeks nit able to stop herself at how cute he looked.

"Good luck.",She whispered and he nodded composing himself as he let go of her slowly and lift his head to look at his friends hoping to know what's going on in their head.

He saw all of them watching the two of them with shocked and surprised faces and took a deep breath again.

He grabbed Nandini's hand and she turned to him confused as she looked at their friends to say something. She found Ishaan's teasing eyes and stopped herself from rolling her eyes.

"It's cold. Let's go back to our rooms.",Manik said clearing his throat as he dragged Nandini with him first.

She bite her lips to stop laughing at his state as he hurried her to keep distance between their friends.

"Stop having fun at my expense and help me out.",Manik muttered and she nodded in no having fun watching him.

"You were the one who wanted to tell them this way.",Nandini reminded him.

"Well I was doing it for you. Thought you would like a kiss in the snow.",Manik said with a smile as he remembered her expression.

"I did like it.",She said giggling and he shakes his head at her before glancing back and saw the three of them following with a blank expression and Ishaan smirking.

He couldn't read what's going on in their mind except Ishaan. That jerk was waiting for the drama to unfold.

Manik realised they were in the hallway of their rooms and glanced at Nandini who gave him a sympathetic pat on his hand.

"You are on this with me.",he reminded her as he moved forward to Nandini's room.

"Walk to your room. We need to talk.", Cabir said from behind making the two of them stop.

"He is going to kill me.",Manik whispered holding her hand tighter as they walked to his room.

Ishaan closed the door behind them.

"Sit down.",Cabir said and Manik looked at him before sitting down on the couch pulling Nandini to sit with him.

"You told me you will handle it.",Nandini whispered trying to get away but Manik held her in a tight grip looking at her with pleading eyes.

"Fine but I will not say a word.",Nandini said sitting beside him looking at the three of her friends standing infront of them.

"Are you two done?",Mukti asked eyeing the two of them whispering.

They both sat straight and looked ahead waiting.