Chapter 55

Nandini came back and found the two of them arguing over the food.

"What's going on?",Nandini asked walking closer to them.

"It's nice you are here Cutie. Now quickly tell your boyfriend that it needs more salt.",Cabir said pulling Nandini closer and forwarded the soup to taste.

Nandini glanced at Manik who was waiting for her answer.

She tastes it and felt the need for more salt.

"It's perfect.",Nandini said giving a smile to Manik who lightly frowned at her.

"I knew you will be biased if I said you the truth before. Thanks Cutie. See I told you it's perfect.",Cabir said smiling wide and Nandini looked at the two of them realising Cabir played her.

"I mean to say it will be perfect with a little more salt.",Nandini corrected herself and Cabir glared at her.

Manik smiled before putting some more salt in.

"I see what's happening here. Just because he is your boyfriend now you are doing this. Don't forget I was your friend first.",Cabir blackmailed Nandini emotionally making her nervous.

"Enough stop teasing her now. Just accept your fault.",Manik said coming to her rescue pulling her closer to him.

" I will show the room to you guys for freshening up before dinner.",Nandini said changing the topic and they nodded.

Nandini walked them around before stopping at one of the guest room.

"Cabir your and Navya's room. Navya is already getting freshened up. Get ready we will meet for dinner.",Nandini said and he smiled and nodded knocking on the door.

She turned to Manik who smiled and wrapped his hand around her shoulder.

"Where's our room?",Manik asked leaning down to her ear.

She blushed hearing him and elbowed his side walking ahead.

"This is your room and that is mine.",Nandini said leaning on the door pointing the other at the side.

"Why?",Manik asked smirking putting a hand on the door beside her. Nandini blushed at the position they were in and how hot he looked.

"You scared of being alone with me.",Manik asked whispering close to her ears making her shut her eyes feeling his breath tickle her face.

Nandini composed herself raising her eyes to look at him being mischievous.

She wrapped her hands around his neck pulling him down to face level.

"Umm.. you are right.",She whispered leaning closer to him surprising Manik at her actions.

Her nose brushing with his cheeks as she stepped close to his ear.

"I am scared of not being able to keep my hands to myself.", Nandini confessed satisfied watching him stiffen and gulp.

To tease him more, she dropped a light kiss on the side of his neck and watched his adam apple move as he stared at her.

She gave him a wink and got out from his arms and walked back smirking.

"You are evil.",Manik said composing himself making her laugh as she went inside her room and he went in his.

Manik took out a change of clothes and walked inside the bathroom and checked the water only to realize the shower wasn't working.

He got out grabbing his clothes and knocked on Nandini's door.

"You need something?",She asked opening the door for him.

"The shower's broken in mine. Can I freshen up here?",Manik asked and she nodded widening the door to let him in.

"I will serve the dinner. Meet me downstairs once you are done.",Nandini said and he nodded as she closed the door behind her.

They all sat down on the floor near the sofa after having dinner together.

Nandini brought a box and everyone looked at her curious.

"I thought we were playing cards.",Ishaan said helping her with the box.

"I found the box with all of the games I used to have. I thought we can see if we want to play something else.",Nandini said taking a seat beside Manik.

Ishaan took out the contents listing them for everyone.

"I want to play monopoly.",Mukti said picking it up excitedly.

"It's a very long game. It gets boring after a while.",Cabir said making a face.

"You are saying this because you always lose. Manik you in?",Mukti asked teasing Cabir.

" I am fine with it if you guys don't mind losing to me.",Manik said smirking.

" Oh, really it's on. Let me tell you I always won at Monopoly.",Ishaan said challenging him.

" That's because you never played with me before.",Manik challenged him back.

" Okay great let's play this. We should put a bet too.",Mukti said excitedly and Navya hi-fied her.

"You are obsessed with bets.",Nandini teased her and she nodded looking at the two boys.

"Deal.",Manik said forwarding his hand and Ishaan glanced at it before looking into his eyes.

"Deal",Ishaan replied shaking his hand.

" I will be the banker. ",Cabir said not interested to play as he took the money and arranged the board.

" What are the conditions for the bet? ",Navya asked picking her token.

" Pick something interesting no silly bets like dancing or singing.",Cabir instructed them and the girls nodded.

"If he loses he needs to wax his hands and legs.",Ishaan said thinking about it with a smirk making Manik frown before he leaned closer challenging him.

Nandini giggled with the girls imagining it as Cabir laughed patting Ishaan's back.

"If he loses then he needs to wear a bikini.",Manik said smirking watching Ishaan frown as others burst into laughter.

"Now this is something interesting.",Mukti said eyeing Ishaan who narrowed his eyes at her.

"Now that we are clear. Let's start.",Nandini said looking at the two of them on her each side.

They went on rounds on rounds arguing a few times, having fun.

"Why do I always get stuck in jail.",Navya said frowning as she gave the fees to Cabir.

Manik and Ishaan were way ahead of the girls with the tickets and the houses on them.

After a few more rounds, Navya and Mukti declared Bankruptcy having no money left after giving it on rent to the boys.

Nandini was struggling.

"Can't you both let me be and give me a pass? You have so much money already.",Nandini said making innocent eyes.

"Ask your boyfriend.",Ishaan said smirking and Nandini gave a pout to Manik battling her eyes as she landed on his city.

"No cheating. Give me 40.",Manik said trying to put his hand over her eyes to not fall for it.

"Please.",She said putting his hand down.

"Do you want me to lose to him and have to wax my legs?",Manik asked turning the table on her side.

"And hands too.",Ishaan added making Manik glare at him.

"You will look cute. You need to trim the beard too. It has grown a lot.",Nandini said running a hand through his chin.

Manik put his hand on his chin.

" You said you like it.",Manik asked her narrowing his eyes at her.

"Ohhh that's why you are keeping the beard because she likes it.",Cabir said realizing now and Manik frowned.

"I will trim it but I don't think I want to lose to him and have to wax my legs.. and my hands no matter how cute I will look. Give me 40.",Manik said forwarding his hand and she frowned slamming the fee to him.

Mukti came to her side and wrapped her hands around her.

"What do you think will be more interesting? Him in a bikini or him waxed.",Mukti asked in her ears making her laugh.

"Both",She replied giggling.

"From the looks of it. Manik is winning. We can turn the table.",Mukti whispered as she showed her hand secretly which had money in it.

Nandini's eyes widen and she looked at her before turning to Cabir and Navya who winked at her.

"I think Ishaan will look sexy in a bikini.",Nandini added trying to hold back her laugh as she watched him and Manik going for an auction.

"Let me discuss with them.",Mukti said laughing and Nandini laughed back before she went back to her place.

"What were you two gossiping about?",Manik asked suspiciously.

"You focus on your game.",Nandini said rolling her eyes and he shakes his head and they continued playing.

Nandini would keep signaling with the others making plans.

She winked at them and declared bankruptcy joining their side.

They watched the boys play for a while and got bored.

"I think we should now end the game. I want to sleep.",Navya said leaning on Nandini as she patted her to sleep.

"It's fine. I win anyways. I have more houses than him.",Manik said nodding, and Ishaan shakes his head.

He buys houses on his tickets and now they had the same number.

"Let's just count the money. Whoever has more wins.",Cabir declared and they nodded to themselves.

"We will count",Mukti said giving Nandini a wink as she moved closer to Ishaan.

Nandini smiled at Manik before taking his money and started counting it.

Navya walked closer to Nandini.

"I think Ishaan has less. How much do you think we should add?",Navya asked in a whisper.

They had planned to make Manik lose because no matter how amazing Ishaan would look in a bikini they wanted to punish him for hiding his relationship. Nandini didn't get much say because they blackmailed her to be punished in place of him if she tried to stop them.

"2000 would be enough.",Nandini said her back as she counted them.

Manik watched them with a smirk wondering if they still don't know him well enough.

Mukti said her number and Nandini counted the last note and gave a sad smile as she said her number that was less than his.

"So Manik lost.",Cabir said smirking as he watched him and congratulated Ishaan.

"I didn't. She didn't count all my money.",Manik said as he lifted his tickets and gave a smirk to the three of them as he gave her the folded notes.

"I knew you three are trouble together.",Manik said as he flicked the girl's foreheads and slapped the back of Cabir's.

"Now that I won. Make sure you find a nice swimsuit to wear. I think blue would look good on you.",Manik teased Ishaan who frowned throwing some plastic coins at him.

Manik watched everyone frowning and smiled.

"Aren't you sleepy and bored now?",Manik asked teasing them and Navya threw a pillow at him, and before he knew everyone was hitting him with a pillow.

"Okay Okay that's enough",He yelled over their laughs and they finally stopped giggling among themselves.

"We should rest for a while. It's late.",Nandini said and they nodded as they stood up and walked in the direction of their rooms wishing each other goodnight.

Manik stopped in front of Nandini's room. He wasn't sure if it was a good idea for her to be alone but he knew she can handle herself and will find him if she need help.

"Goodnight",Manik said with a smile pushing some strands of hair behind her ear.

"Goodnight Manik.",She said softly as she hugged him and went inside her room.

Manik went into his room and removed his clothes happy to have the room to himself. He kept his pants and shirt aside leaving him in his boxers as he got inside the covers and picked up his laptop from the side. He had some documents and files to go through to keep him updated on everything.

His phone blinked and he picked it up to see a random notification and swiped it glancing at the time. He was lost in his work to notice how late it was. A yawn escaped his mouth and he decides to finish the last document before getting some sleep.

He felt movements outside his door and stopped working as he glanced at it. He could see a shadow and then there was a knock.

He notices the door open already.

"Come in.", He said waiting for the person to show.

He smiles seeing Nandini before frowning wondering why she was still up.

"I noticed your lights on.", She said walking inside the room hesitating a little.

"I was working on something. Why are you still up?", Manik asked gesturing her to come closer.

"Can I stay till you are done with your work? I won't disturb you.",Nandini assured him looking at him hesitant.

Manik stopped and looked at her checking if she's fine before smiling at her.

"I don't mind.",Manik said assuring her and she smiled as she lay down on the bed beside him above the covers watching him.

He moved one of his hands on her head while going through his document glancing at her once in between to see if she's still awake.

Nandini was lost in her thoughts watching around laying beside him.

Manik watched her for a while before shutting his laptop and keeping it on the side table.

"Get inside the covers. It's cold. ", Manik said to her as he moved to stand but she put her hand on his knee looking at him questioningly.

"Let me just grab my pants. I am right here.", He assured her and picked his pants from the side. He could feel Nandini's eyes on him all the time.

She was now inside the covers still looking at him. He moved closer getting in and opened his arms for her.

It took her a second to come by his side and hold him close.

"What happened?", He asked softly kissing her head.

"I can't sleep. The minute I close my eyes. I remember that night and their promise to come back before I wake up. I don't think I want to be disappointed again not having them here when I wake up.", She said honestly and Manik nodded understanding her pain, and just hugged her closer.

Manik knew without her saying that she needed the assurance that he will be here and she won't be alone like last time.

He tucked her hair behind her ear and lift her chin as he leaned closer kissing her softly. His other hand caressed her head as he moved his lips softly against her trying to assure her things are different this time. He parted her lips with his tongue and smiled as she gasped a little at his actions. Her hand moved up from his chest to his neck as she tried to move closer to him. He slowed down not wanting to lose control of his actions.

Manik slowed down kissing her slowly before he pulled apart staring at her swollen red lips. He rubbed his thumb against her bottom lip watching her beautiful blushing face.

"Go to sleep Darling. You will find me right here when you wake up.", Manik promised and she nodded trusting him to be there.

He switched off the lights and held her patting her softly to sleep.

"Manik", She whispered putting her head on his bare chest and he nodded.

"I wouldn't have minded the pants off.", She said and he laughed before looking at her.

"Next time I will keep it off", Manik said with a promise in his voice behind the teasing.

"It would have been amazing if you had to wax your legs. It would be smooth like butter.", Nandini said giggling and Manik shakes his head before chuckling himself.

"I think your legs are enough for us.", Manik said his fingers dancing along the ends of her shorts.

He traces his hand on the back of her thigh and she gasps at the goosebumps she felt.

"Goodnight", Manik said cheekily as he now drew random patterns on her skin with his fingers.

"I won't be able to sleep if you keep up with this.", Nandini said tensing a little as his hands moved to her inner thigh before retreating back.

Nandini turned around letting him spoon her and he smiled putting his hand on her waist holding her close to him.

The next morning Manik woke up in a weird position and smiled. His wrist was tucked under her cheeks with his forearm sliding in between her chest. She was keeping his hand in place holding it closer to her. Her tank top was ridden up and his skin kept brushing against her bare skin.

Her legs were trapped in between his to hold her in place.

Manik smiled lazily as he smelled her hair and the intoxicating smell of lavender clouded his head. Trying to get out of his thoughts he pulled his hand a little but she moved closer.

He shut his eyes and tried to push down the thoughts that came to his mind. The urge to touch a person or be close to them was never as strong to him as it was with Nandini. Even during his teenage years he never found it difficult to stay away from girls but now having her in his bed sleeping in his arms was doing a completely different thing to him.

His heartbeat was thudding loud against his chest and the way she would snuggle closer to him from the cold was not helping the effect he is having from being so close to her.

He groaned trying to think of other things so it's not awkward if she wakes up now.

She was like a feather. Soft and delicate but strong enough to fall from anywhere and still be intact. He knew she was surrounded by insecurities. The fear of people leaving her behind, the fear of not being enough, and the fear of people using her. He didn't want to add any more in that by doing something wrong.

She have trusted him with all her heart and it was his turn to let her in and tell her the pieces of his story because that was the only way he can help see her she was enough for him and he would never leave her.

He dropped a kiss on her head thinking about his feelings that keep getting stronger but he knew better to act on it till he have been completely honest with her.

She deserved to know who he is. She deserved to know about his past and his future and he was ready to tell her everything but till then he need to control his growing desires and feelings for her.

She stirred in her sleep and Manik looked at her dropping a kiss on her cheeks.

"Good Morning.", Manik greeted and she nodded with a smile before lazily opening her eyes turning in his arms to face him.

"Good Morning.", She greeted back kissing his neck as she hid her face in between his neck and shoulder.

His hand dropped to her waist. His fingers traced her skin lightly.

"You move a lot in your sleep.", Manik said caressing her hair with his other hand.

She just nodded in reply making him smile.

"What's the plan for today?", he asked her and she pulled apart a little to look at him.

"I am meeting Lawyer Uncle for breakfast and then we are free for the day. I was thinking we can go visit the lake behind the house. You guys will love it. We can then go explore the places around.", Nandini suggested and he smiled and nodded agreeing with her.

"You have a lake behind the house?", Manik asked not expecting that.

"It's one of the reasons they built the house here. Dad found this place when he was young and he brought mom to the lake for their first date. It has so many good memories of them. You will know when you see the place. I don't remember it well but I know it's beautiful.", Nandini shared her memory with him and he smiled.

" In that case, I think I will just have to buy the whole amusement park. ", Manik said thinking about it and Nandini laughed slapping his chest.

" That will be fun though. We can have breakfast in the merry go round and lunch on the roller coaster and dinner at the Ferris wheel. I will kick your ass at every game again. ", Nandini said joking along with him and he smiled running his finger down her face.

She watched him and was surprised seeing how easily she could read his eyes and his face. He was letting her in showing her his raw emotions making her smile.

"I don't want to get up.", Nandini said kissing his cheek holding him close to her.

"I don't mind but soon one of our friends are going to come inside my room asking for breakfast and plans for today. I hope you don't mind them teasing us. The door is unlocked and they don't have the basic manners to knock before entering.", Manik said smirking and she rolled her eyes.

"I don't care.", Nandini said and moved closer to him if possible.

He turned her around coming above her and she watched his muscles flex as he hold his weight on his hands. Her eyes moved from his firm biceps to his shoulders and then down to his chest. She was tempted to run a hand through them wondering if they are as firm as they looked. Her eyes found his face again and she took her time studying him. His black eyes were darker than normal. His hair was a mess but he still managed to look sexy. Her hands run along his jaw caressing his beard.

She smiled feeling the little roughness along her palm and he leaned down rubbing his jaw along her cheeks and neck making her giggle.

"Will you trim them later?", She asked and he gave a nod making her caress his jaw again.

"Don't clean shave.", She said making him smile.

"Okay", he replied kissing her cheeks making her blush as she wrapped her hands around his neck pulling him down to her.

"Go and get freshened up. I will make some coffee and breakfast for you. You are meeting the lawyer and need to make a lot of tough decisions. I promise we can just lay on the bed later doing nothing.", Manik said dropping small kisses down her neck and she tugged his hair pulling him closer giving him more access to her neck.

He dropped a small kiss behind her ear making her gasp and he pulled back to put some space between them to not get too distracted with the way she was pressed against him and the small intakes of breath she takes whenever he touches her.

She held him in place her eyes clouded with desire as she stared into his.

"What's the time?", She asked clearing her throat to compose herself.

"6:30", Manik said glancing at his phone once. Her smile widened and he looked at her confused as she dropped her hand around his.

"Come I need to show you something.", She said excitedly and he nodded moving away from her.

He watched her get down and shiver as soon as she came in contact with the floor outside the covers.

He picked his shirt to wear but she grabbed his hand and pulled him to the other door in the room that led to the balcony.

Manik didn't check that out as it was late at night.

She stepped outside the balcony and he followed behind her.

He eyes the view and gasps at the beauty. There was a layer of fog from the cold but he can see the trees and the houses that looked small from up here. Last night he didn't realize where they were but now he noticed her house was up on a hill and you could see a part of the city from the balcony. He could see the roads and the small mountains ahead of him if he tries to focus more.

"What do you think?", She asked hiding a smile at his astonishment and he just smiled not able to say a word.

She rubbed her arms feeling cold from the sleeveless tank top she had on.

"Let's go in. We will come back later when we have more clothes on. It's freezing.", She said shivering a little and he smiled wrapping his arms around her pulling her in a back hug.

He settled his head on her shoulder and hold her close to warm her up.

"In a minute. Your house is beautiful. Your parents had a great taste.", Manik said kissing her cheek as he watched the view with her in his arms.

He wondered if she was sure she was ready to give it all up. It would have been easy before but now after spending some time in the house would she be okay with it?

"Let's go in before you get sick. ", Manik said pulling her in and she nodded and relaxed at the change in temperature inside the room.

"Take a shower first. I will make some food and wake others and come get you.", Manik said picking his discarded shirt.

She nodded and he walked her to her room before going downstairs.

The sunlight was shining from the glass walls and windows and he was impressed yet again by her house.

He made some pancakes and fruit salad feeling lazy before walking to his friends room and knocking at the three rooms.

He waited for a while before knocking harder and soon the doors were opened with three grumpy people staring at him.

"Get ready. We are having breakfast and then exploring around.", Manik said them with a firm voice and they gave a nod before closing the door again.

He walked to his room and got freshened up before picking his clothes and walking to Nandini's room for a shower.

He knocked and waited a while before the door unlocks.

He watched her standing there in her bathrobe. Her wet hairs were left to dry.

She smiles and opened the door wide letting him in.

He gulps looking away to stop himself from getting distracted from how good she smelled standing in front of him in just a bathrobe. He wondered if she was doing it knowingly to tease him or she was so naive and innocent. Day by Day he was getting more affected and attracted to her little actions.

He watched her drying her hair with a small towel. He could smell the lavender from her shampoo and a hint of her lemon body wash.

"You can use the shower. I will change and make some Coffee and check on others", Nandini said smiling and he nodded composing himself.

"Manik this looks okay?", Nandini asked stopping him as she picked up her red floral dress and showed him.

He eyed the outfit before looking back at her and gave a nod walking inside the bathroom.

He realizes he forgot his shampoo and picks her's shampoo smiling to himself as he took a shower.

He got dressed in a white short-sleeved shirt with red flowers printed over it and black jeans. He dried his hair and ran his fingers to set them.

He smiled watching his reflection as he walked down and was greeted by Nandini in the kitchen sipping her Coffee.

She smiled seeing him walk towards her and pour his coffee for him.

He stood by her side and took a sip of his Coffee checking her out. She looked beautiful in her red dress. He frowned seeing her hair in a braid.

"Why did you tie your hair?", Manik asked raising his hand to touch it.

"Nope. you aren't spoiling them. It took me a long time to set it.", Nandini said moving away from him.

He frowned glaring at her.

"Well Good Morning Lovebirds.", Mukti said walking near them with Ishaan chuckling behind.

"Good Morning Mukti.", Nandini said giving her a cup of Coffee before giving one to Ishaan.

"You guys are becoming worse than Cabir and Navya. They never matched their outfits at least.", Mukti said pointing at the two of them.

Nandini looked at her outfit and then his and blushed seeing a slight resemblance.

"What's wrong with him?", Ishaan asked eyeing Manik who was frowning drinking his Coffee.

"He is being a baby who didn't get to play with his favorite toy.", Nandini said with a shrug making a face at him who looked away glaring at her.

"What? Did you refuse to have sex with him?", Mukti asked raising an eyebrow, and Nandini spilt the coffee she drank coughing hard.

Ishaan laughed while Manik glared at Mukti patting Nandini's back giving her tissues.

"What? I thought she was talking about that. I mean what else is your favorite toy.", Mukti asked with a shrug and Manik's ears redden as he ignored her and gave some water to Nandini.

Ishaan was still laughing but took pity on Nandini and shut Mukti's mouth with his hand.

"Stop making it worse. Let her breathe.", Ishaan said her controlling his laugh as he leaned near her ear and Mukti pout turning to him pulling his hands down.

His eyes widen at how close they were and his eyes moved down her face to her pout and smiled finding her cute before snapping himself out of it pulling his hands back from hers.

"Seriously Mukti? Have a filter. It's early morning.", Nandini said shaking her head amused at her friend blushing red at her comments.

"What else would I have thought? You said he didn't get to play and...", Mukti tried to explain but Nandini shut her mouth cutting her off.

"I was talking about my hair. I tied them so he is upset.", Nandini said blushing and Mukti looked at them in disbelief.

"And here I thought you were finally getting some action.",Mukti said with a frown and Nandini glared at her throwing an orange at her making her laugh.

Soon they were running around the kitchen with Nandini cursing her and Mukti laughing teasing her.

Manik smiled rubbing his hand at the back of his neck to stop himself from blushing as he thought about her words.

His eyes moved to Ishaan who was watching Mukti with a soft smile lost in thoughts.

Manik bite his lips and moved a little closer to Ishaan's side.

"You like her?",Manik said with a tease in his voice pointing towards Mukti who was currently having an apple teasing Nandini laughing at something.

"She's cute.",Ishaan said in daze before snapping himself out of it and turned to Manik who was smirking.

"Cabir gave the right name to her. She is a cutie.",Ishaan said smirking back and Manik glared at him.

" I will make sure to tell Mukti you find Nandini cute.",Manik said with a smirk challenging him as he proceeds to leave.

" She will kill me.",Ishaan said grabbing his hand to stop him thinking about how Mukti will misunderstand he still likes Nandini and avoid him again.

Manik stops and eyed his hand on his arm.

Ishaan realizes and pulled back immediately.

" Sorry",Ishaan apologized and found Manik lost before he gave a small smile to him and nodded.

The girls approached them and Nandini stares at Manik before moving closer and hugging him.

"Hey",He greeted with a smile appreciating the hug and wondered how she knew what he wants without him asking for it.

"When are you going to meet the Lawyer?",Manik asked her and she looked at the time.

" He will be here soon. Where are Cabir and Navya?",Nandini asked looking around.

" They are coming. Let's start the breakfast.",Ishaan said and they nodded serving the breakfast.

Cabir and Navya came down giggling among themselves as they had their breakfast joking around making plans.

They were moving to sit on the sofa when the doorbell rings and Nandini glanced at the door before standing up.

She was a little nervous and glanced at Manik who gave her an encouraging smile.

She walked slowly and opened the door composing herself.