Chapter 63

Nandini reached her house after a long day at work and got comfortable on the couch.

The whole week was exhausting and tiring. All she wanted to do now was sleep but she was hungry and still had a few things to do. Her research on the malfunction incident was not moving forward and she was frustrated.

Manik was busy with the new project he took up. He also had to prepare for the 30th Anniversary event of Malhotra Groups. He had to give a speech on their success over the last few years.

Nandini's phone rang and she picked it up.

"Hey", Nandini greeted hearing Mukti on the other side.

"Wait. Let me get Cabir and Ishaan on the call.", Mukti said and Nandini waited.

Soon she heard everyone and was curious.

"Okay so most of you guys already know but still this call is to discuss about Navya and Manik's birthday.", Mukti said excited and Nandini smiled thinking about it.

Navya's birthday was in 2 weeks and Manik's after a week of hers.

"Are we giving them a joint birthday party?", Ishaan asked confused.

"It seems ideal. Cabir had plans for Navya on her birthday and I am sure Nandini too had thought of something. We can get together in the middle of the week and celebrate together.", Mukti said and everyone nodded agreeing to it.

They discussed a few more ideas and gave suggestions for the celebration before ending the call.

Nandini moved to kitchen to get something when her phone rang again and she picked it up.

"Hi", She heard Manik's voice and smiled leaning on the kitchen counter.

"Hello. I thought you had a late night client meeting and couldn't talk.", Nandini said confused and he nodded.

"Well it got postponed. What are you doing?", Manik asked and she looked around the kitchen.

"Was about to make dinner.", Nandini said and he smiled.

"How fast do you think you can come down?", Manik asked and she turned towards the window surprised and looked out seeing him stand leaning on the car.

"What are you doing here?", Nandini asked surprised.

"Come down.", Manik said and she nodded and immediately picked her purse and rushed down the stairs to his side.

"Hey", She said a little out of breath and Manik chuckles.

"Hey ", Manik said caressing her hair as he pulled her in his arms.

He opened the car door and she took a seat inside.

Soon he was driving them.

Nandini was turned to his side staring at him. She saw him last 4 days back when he came over to her studio in the morning. They both have been busy since then.

"If I knew, we will get so busy with work and I had to stay away from you for so long after coming back. I would have extended the trip for a day or more.", Nandini said softly moving her hand to touch his cheeks.

Manik turned to her once before looking ahead.

He put his hand on hers and smiled.

" After all this is over. I will take you somewhere. Just us.", Manik promised and she smiled.

" I am looking forward to that.", Nandini replied making him smile as he pulled the car inside McDonald's drive-in and she looked up at him surprised.

He gave their order and paid putting the parcel on Nandini's lap who was grinning wide.

She moved to open the parcel but he slapped her hand away.

"Not now.", He said and she sat silently with a pout as he drove to the beach and parked the car.

He opened the door for her and helped her out.

They took a seat near the stones and watched the waves crashing on the shore eating their burgers.

Nandini put her head on Manik's shoulder as he wrapped his free hand around hers looking ahead.

"What do you want for your birthday?", Nandini asked turning to him already having something in her mind for him.

He looked at her thinking about it.

"I don't have anything specific in mind.", Manik said taking a bite of his burger.

" I will think of something then. ",Nandini said leaning into his side.

" When is the exhibition?", Manik asked her curious and she sighed.

" Less than 2 weeks.", She replied thinking about all the work she still needs to do.

" And your launch opening?", Manik asked knowing it was a day or two after that.

" Two days after the exhibition.", Nandini said and he nodded thinking about it.

"When is the event for the Malhotra Groups celebration?", Nandini asked and he turned to her.

"A day before my birthday.", Manik said as he recalled a few things from past and gulped looking away.

"We will have a busy week with my exhibition, studio launch, Navya's birthday, the big event and then your birthday.", Nandini said with a sigh and Manik nodded as he thought over it.

" It's just a week. After that I will have a board meeting in a week or two depending on the situation and we will be back to our normal routine instead of this hectic one.", Manik said and she nodded.

" What if it doesn't work?", Nandini asked and Manik turned to her.

The thought has been disturbing Nandini for a while now.

"I have taken a huge risk with this. Nikhil and Aditya have trusted me a lot. What if my designs are not enough and all this doesn't work out. ",Nandini said looking at him for support, her thoughts everywhere.

" If it doesn't work out it simply doesn't. If your designs are not enough, you try hard and make it enough. It's as simple as that. If you trust your designs and think it's enough than it will all work out but if you don't feel it is than all you can do is change it and try harder. ",Manik said wrapping her in his arms and she nodded thinking hard about what he said.

" It's scary.", Nandini muttered snuggling on his shoulders and he nodded.

"I know but you can do it.", Manik said kissing her head.

"And if I can't, will you take care of me?", Nandini asked amused, teasing him to lift up the conversation.

" I am gonna take care of you no matter what.", Manik said making her smile as she leaned into him.

" Will you spend your birthday with me?", Nandini asked in a whisper.

"The whole day?", Manik asked teasing her and she nodded.

"Whole day and night.", She added making him smile.

"Don't plan anything too fancy and focus on your work. We can simply go for a dinner.", Manik said a little concerned and she looked up at him.

"Shush you don't get to have a say in this. ",Nandini said putting her finger on his mouth.

"Fine but don't overwork yourself. It's already a busy week.", Manik said showing concern and she nodded dropping a kiss on his cheek.

Manik drove them back to her house and stopped in front of her house.

"Nandini", He said and she turned to him.

"Do you want to spend the weekend with me?", Manik asked her waiting nervously.

"You said you had work and...",Nandini asked confused but he cut her off.

"Yeah I still do. You can work on your designs while I do my work and we can take breaks and hangout together.", Manik said running a hand through his hair.

"Yeah Sure. I will see you tomorrow.", Nandini said and Manik smiled wide excited.

"I will pick you up?", Manik asked but she shakes her head.

"I will get there. Make me some good food.", Nandini said kissing his cheek and he smiled.

"Goodnight Manik.", She said with a smile getting out and he nodded waving her back as he drove away.

The next morning. Nandini packed her things she would need for working and a change of clothes too.

She took her keys and drove to Manik's house. Her phone rang when she was at a red light and she put it on speaker.

"Hi Mukti.", Nandini said smiling wide.

"You owe me a lot.", Mukti said sounding tired and Nandini chuckled.

"I know I know. I just can't thank you enough for doing this. I will do anything you want in return.", Nandini said grateful and Mukti sighed.

"Okay I have almost completed working on it. Why don't you come over some time and try it out. I can make some changes according to what you want. We can also go shopping later. I need to get something for both of them.", Mukti said her and Nandini nodded.

" How about tomorrow? I am driving to Manik's now.", Nandini suggested and Mukti nodded.

" Okay no issues. I am going to bed then.", Mukti said yawning and Nandini chuckled.

" Its 9 in the morning.", Nandini said and Mukti nodded tired.

"I didn't sleep last night. Working. I will see you tomorrow. Goodnight.", Mukti said hanging up and Nandini smiled dialing Ishaan's number.

"Hey Girl.", Ishaan greeted cheerful making her smile.

"So..", She asked Ishaan waiting for him to speak.

"Well you are right. It's suspicious. I have asked my team to investigate further. God I can't believe I am doing so many illegal things with you. Manik is going to kill me.", Ishaan mumbled the last line and Nandini chuckled nervously.

She had a breakthrough in the wardrobe malfunction incident. The victim or the model seemed suspicious. Her statements were always, same word to word as if she repeated them a thousand times in her mind to remember it. She went around making statements every few days giving interviews as if wanting to keep the incident fresh. She gained a lot of sympathy interviews and endorsements. Even got a chance to be in a reality show. She got famous really soon but when the news of Annie disappearing surfaced. She went quiet like really quiet. Many times she was spotted drunk and wasted by the media who turned the events to their own benefit blaming Annie again for ruining her life but to Nandini it seemed like guilt.

Why else would the women who was enjoying her life after the incident suddenly become so depressed knowing about the women who ruined her life apparently disappearing.

"He won't. We will be telling him soon about it.", Nandini said feeling a little guilty hiding it from him.

"Well he won't kill you but he will kill me for sure.", Ishaan said a little scared and Nandini frowned.

It wasn't fair to involve him in all this.

"Ishaan you can stop. I really appreciate what you have done. I will handle it from here. You don't have to help me.", Nandini said with a small frown.

"Are you kidding me? I am not letting you do this alone. Also now that we are onto something I can't back out. I need to find out who framed her.", Ishaan said making her smile.

"Thank you.", She said grateful.

"So how's the gift coming up?", Ishaan asked changing the topic.

"Mukti has almost completed it. I will check it tomorrow. I owe her tons for this.", Nandini said with a smile thinking about her gift.

"That girl is something. When I think she can't surprise me anymore, she does again.", Ishaan said a little lost.

"Have you talked to her?", Nandini asked and Ishaan nodded.

" I did. It went well but I don't know. I feel like something is missing. We will talk later about it. What about Navya? What did you get her? I am still a little confused.", Ishaan asked her.

" I got her tickets to her favorite band concert and a dress. I will help you with the gifts. You know what? You can join us tomorrow. I was going to help Mukti get something for then. We can shop together.", Nandini said and Ishaan thought about it and nodded.

" I will talk to you later. I am at Manik's.", Nandini said and he said bye hanging up.

Nandini picked her bag and walked to his door.

He had given her the code and asked her to let her in herself.

Nandini smiled to herself a little nervous as she got in slowly and heard voices from the kitchen.

She put her bag on the side and walked to the kitchen.

Manik was humming as he walked around cooking in his sweatpants with music playing in the background.

Nandini watched silently mesmerized for a while before slowly walking up closer behind his back.

"Hey", She whispered sneaking a hand around his bare stomach putting her head on his back.

He froze before relaxing in her arms and put the spoon down turning around to look at her.

She put her hand on his chest with a small blush and he grinned kissing her head as he pulled her closer.

"Good Morning.", Manik said with a big grin and she smiled too.

"I could get used to watching you cooking shirtless. The singing is a bonus. ",Nandini said tracing circles with her finger on his chest. His ears go red as he felt a little embarrassed.

"If you like this. I am sure you will love watching me cook in my boxers. I put on some pants today because I knew you were coming.", Manik whispered in her ear composing himself and was satisfied watching her blush harder.

"Well you didn't have to. I won't mind it.", Nandini said and he shakes his head squeezing her cheeks.

"I know you won't.", He said as he started plating.

She moved to help him out.

" Why aren't you dressed? You had work right?", She asked staring at him as they brought everything to the table.

"Got postponed.", Manik muttered before serving her food.

Nandini looked at him suspicious.

"Manik", She asked in a low warning tone and he sighed.

"Can we do this later?", He asked suddenly looking tired and Nandini stared at him and wondered how she failed to notice his tired face and the dark circles forming around his eyes.

Nandini grabbed his plate and served him everything and poured him a glass of juice.

He raised his hand for the coffee but she puts it away.

She heard him mumble something under his breath as he started eating and Nandini knew it was about how annoying she was. The thought made her smile before she got a little concerned again.

They finished breakfast quickly and Manik for a change took her to his study room.

"I will grab a shirt. Give me a minute.", Manik said leaving her to look around the study room.

She watched the books arranged in the shelf and his desk on the middle.

She looks at the sofa by the window looking out to his backyard and sat down getting comfortable.

Manik came back and took a seat beside her.

"I love it here too.", He said pulling her closer to him.

"Want to talk?", Nandini asked not wanting to delay it further.

"The client's are creating a little trouble lately. I will get in touch with them later. It's probably nothing.", Manik said trying to assure her but both of them knew something was up.

" Manik", Nandini called and he turned to her.

" Why does he hates you so much?", Nandini asked the question that has always been on her mind.

Manik freezes a little and Nandini noticed.

" He blames me for something that I didn't do or had any control over.", Manik whispered and Nandini stared at him curious.

"Did you try to explain?", Nandini asked and Manik nodded.

"Then there's nothing more you can do if he doesn't want to understand.", Nandini said with a smile to comfort him.

"You won't ask what? Maybe he is right and I actually was at fault.", Manik whispered scared waiting for her to answer.

"I believe your words, Manik. I am good at waiting. I will wait for you to be comfortable to talk about it. No matter what, I will always wait for you in the end. ",Nandini said with a smile and Manik stared at her lost in his thoughts.

Nandini shifted feeling conscious having his eyes on her.

"I... I will be back.", Manik said hurriedly and got out.

Nandini looked at him confused before starting with her designs.

"Shit.. Shit...", Manik whispered pacing around his room before picking up his phone and called Cabir and Ishaan in conference.

"Manik? I thought you will be busy with Nandini.", Ishaan said as he answered and Cabir joined complaining about how it's early.

"I can't wait anymore.", Manik said over the phone.

"Then don't", Ishaan said getting an idea about what he was talking.

"For what?", Cabir asked still confused and a little sleepy.

Manik ignored them as he blabbered lost in his thoughts.

"You guys need to help me. I need to tell her. ",Manik said running a hand through his hair.

"Okay.", Ishaan said a little excited hoping he will forgive him for hiding things from him if he helped him out with Nandini.

"I thought you wanted to wait.", Cabir said wondering what changed.

"I thought I could but sometimes she says things and makes everything so easy to deal with. There are times when I just stare at her and wonder how did I end up with such an amazing person and it takes a lot of will power to control myself from not confessing. I almost confessed a while back. ",Manik said with soft smile as he remembered the moment earlier.

" Okay we can discuss this tomorrow and help you out with whatever you planned. We can even ask the girls for help. ", Cabir said happy for his best friend.

" I am going shopping tomorrow with Nandini and Mukti. I will drop Nandini home and meet you guys there with Mukti.", Ishaan said and they nodded making plans.

"I will get back to her. Thanks.", Manik said as he shuts his phone and walks back to the study with a smile on his face.

Nandini looked up hearing him and smiled before going back to her designs.

Manik walked closer and dropped a kiss on her head before picking up a book and sitting on the other end reading it.

Nandini worked for 2 hours before getting tired and putting it aside.

She looked up at Manik and smiled seeing him focused on the book and moved closer snuggling against his chest.

Manik put one of his hand around her making her comfortable as he pulled her legs over his and wrapped his arm around hers holding her close.

She put her head on his shoulders and played with his shirt as he continued reading.

"Manik", She whispered to get his attention and he hummed turning a page of the book.

"Manik", Nandini whispered again dropping a kiss on his neck this time.

"I am hearing.", Manik said nodding and she pouts.

Moving up his neck she dropped kisses down his jaw.

"Look at me.", Nandini said kissing below his ear and blew in his ear finally getting his attention as he jumped a little and gripped her tighter.

She giggled as he put a bookmark on his book and turned to her.

"You have my attention. What do you want to do?", Manik asked amused moving the strands of her hair behind her ear.

"Nothing.", She said giggling again as she hid herself in his neck stretching her legs a little to get comfortable.

His eyes falls on her bare legs and he gulped his thoughts trying to look away as his hand rested on her knee. She was wearing a pretty sun dress that reached just above her knees and was now at her mid thighs.

He traced his hands upwards and felt her gasp against his neck.

Her skin felt soft under his hand and she felt hot wherever he touched.

His hand now rested at the end of the hem of the dress and she tugged his hair pulling him closer. He groaned having trouble controlling himself and she dropped a kiss behind his ear.

"Nandini", Manik whispered and she nodded nuzzling her nose down his neck as she inhaled his signature cologne that smelled amazing as always.

"We should stop.", Manik said his grip on her legs and waist firm.

"Why? Is it not okay?", She asked pulling apart to stare at him in the eye.

"It is. I just.. Are you sure?", Manik asked a little unsure and she looked into his eyes trying to find something.

"I am Manik but Are you sure?", She asked and he stared at her trying to find words to tell her he wanted this but he also wanted to wait till he had confessed everything to her.

" It's fine.", Nandini said suddenly as she moved her legs away from her lap and he moved to put it back missing how warm and perfect it felt having her in his arms.

"I will get back to designing. You can read your book.", Nandini said clearing her throat feeling a little embarrassed and hurt.

She wasn't asking for sex. She knew they both needed time. She just wanted something more with him. They hardly get time to spend together for a long time like this with their work. She wants to feel more close to him in a way. She can wait, she didn't mind waiting for him to be comfortable with it but sometimes it hurts when she wonders if it was her who was the problem. Was he not interested to go further with her. Did she come of as desperate?

She shakes her head and tried to focus on her designs.

She heard Manik mumble something and turned to him curious.

She found his eyes on her and watched how they widen a little looking at her.

"Fuck it.", He said and before Nandini could ask what he meant she found his lips on hers.

Her designs slips from her hand and falls down on the carpeted floor. Papers scattered on the ground but they were too busy to take a look.

He moved his hands to her hair and removed the clip letting her hair down from the messy bun she put on earlier.

He ran his fingers through her hairs as he kissed her hard moving his lips in sync with her.

"You can literally make me do anything. ",Manik said pulling apart and she stared at him wide eyes still trying to process what's going on.

He stood up and grabbed her hand pulling her to his room and shutting the door behind. She was surprised yet again when he took her in for a kiss and this time she let go and kissed him back hard pouring all her feelings in.

Her hands wrapped around his neck to pull him down as she tiptoed to kiss him. His hands on her waist supporting her as his fingers gripped her harder.

He walked around and soon Nandini felt the bed near her legs.

She yelps in surprise when he puts her down on the mattress and came up to kiss her again. He moved down her neck and she lets out a small moan when he nibbles over the skin behind her ear.

He smirked and pulled back to look at her and saw her staring at him with her eyes twinkling and a smile on her face.

She moved her hand on his cheeks and traced them with her thumb before pulling him closer and kissing him. Her hands moved down his chest and stopped at his waist gripping his shirt in her palms tugging them up as she traced her hands on his bare waist before pulling her hand back teasing him a little. Manik groaned in response getting frustrated and moved his hands down on her back brushing her butt as he gripped the back of her thigh and wrapped it around his legs.

"Manik", Nandini whispered to get his attention as she tried to compose herself knowing she need to know before they proceed further and he hummed dropping kisses on her collarbone.

"You don't have to do this for my sake.", She said trying to make sense, not able to focus with how good it felt being kissed by him.

She was feeling guilty for forcing him to get out of his comfort zone and making him uncomfortable. She heard him chuckle before he looked up at her with a small smile.

"If you think I am doing this for your sake you can't be more wrong. Let's just say that I was not doing this for your sake. ",Manik mumbled pecking her lips and she looked at him confused and put a hand on his chest to create distance and not get distracted, to talk properly.

" What do you mean? ",Nandini asked confused and Manik sighed knowing the moment is gone and dropped down beside her pulling her to him.

" There are things that you don't know yet and I didn't want to proceed further without you knowing everything about me. ",Manik said honestly a little lost thinking about her reaction and Nandini looked up at him.

" Does it change anything? I don't think anything you say would change how I feel about you. ",Nandini confessed innocently making him speechless for a second.

" I hope so. ",Manik mumbled pecking her lips. His heart warmed from her response making him wonder how can someone love him so selflessly.

" Is that why you haven't told me yet because you think my feelings and how I see you would change.", Nandini asked after a while looking up at him a little hurt.

" A part of me is scared about it but the reason I haven't said anything yet is only because I feel it will be too much for you to handle and you need to focus on your work.", Manik said and she looks down with a frown thinking about it a little hurt.

"Manik.", She said lifting herself up a little hovering over him as she stared down at him.

"I understand you being scared and needing time to trust me to open up. I can wait for you to tell me but you assuming on your own that I can't handle it, is completely wrong. About focusing on work than there will be always something to work on. Today I am starting my own clothing line. Tomorrow I will be busy with an important client and the day after a fashion show. So I don't think focusing on work and not able to handle is an excuse to delay telling me. ",Nandini said seriously a little worried she would hurt or offend him but knew she had to express herself.

Manik watched her silently. His eyes focused on her as he studied her.

" I am sorry if you are hurt. I never intended to. I know you are very strong and can handle anything. It's just I need a little more time and I am scared about your reaction. It has nothing to do with me not trusting you.", Manik said softly pulling her hairs back.

"But you said just now you are scared my feelings will change that means you don't trust me well enough to know nothing would change it.", Nandini said slowly not meeting his eyes and he pulled her closer.

"I am sorry. I am an idiot. As a peace offering I will take you out. I feel like we haven't ever gone out for a long time.", Manik said thinking about it as he sat on the bed and she looked at him.

"But you said we need to be careful.", Nandini said concerned.

"They had seen us go out before. It won't change a thing also he is more focused on planning something else. I don't think it will be a issue. ",Manik said standing up and pulled her too.

" Tell me what do you want to do? Movie? Shopping? Lunch? Or something else? ",Manik asked excited and she looked at him confused.

" Okay let's do everything. Come on. There's a new marvel movie I want to see. ",Manik said and she nodded thinking about it following him silently.

They had a quick lunch and were now sitting down on the recliner seats waiting for the movie to start.

"Manik", Nandini whispered slowly and he turned to her once and nodded.

"I have something to tell you but I can't right now. Will you listen to me with an open mind when I do tell you.", Nandini asked slowly and he turned to her completely hearing the hesitation and fear in her voice.

Nandini knew she can't get upset with him for being scared of her reaction when she herself was hiding something because of the same.

"What is it?", Manik asked narrowing his eyes.

"I have few more things to figure out before I can tell you but can you give me a benefit of doubt and trust me. I would never do anything to hurt you.", Nandini whispered looking him in the eye searching for answers but his eyes were blank.

" Are you in trouble?", Manik asked looking over her carefully.

" No. I am not in any trouble. Just give me some time.", Nandini asked and he looked at her again hesitating.

" Is Ishaan helping you?", Manik asked after a second watching her carefully and Nandini's eyes widen wondering if he already knows.

She nods slowly and Manik sighed.

" I knew something was going on. He was being weird.", Manik said and Nandini curses Ishaan for being so obvious.

" I asked him to. He wasn't comfortable with the idea but then he didn't want me to do this alone. Don't be upset with him.", Nandini said with a small pout and he cupped her face.

" Listen to me Nandini. I may have an idea of what you are doing, I could see it in your eyes that night we talked about her. You weren't going to let it go. I know how stubborn you are and you won't stop until you find something to get her justice. So give it a try yourself but be careful. If there's any thing that seems weird tell me immediately. I don't care whether you are going to hurt me or anything. Tell me the truth the moment things go wrong. Do you hear me?", Manik asked her firmly and she was surprised he knew but kept quiet making her wonder if she wasn't discreet enough and did someone else also got to know.

"How did you know?", Nandini asked surprised.

"You need to learn to hide your emotions better around me.", Manik said rolling his eyes at her and her eyes widen staring at him.

"Sorry.", She whispered guilty and he nodded.

"I understand your reasons for not telling me but I want to know if anything goes wrong.", Manik warned her and she nodded again.

"Don't be angry at Ishaan. He really didn't want to do it but was torn and couldn't leave me alone.", Nandini said and Manik nodded.

"I am glad he is helping you. I know he will be careful and can sort things if something gets messed up before I can look into it.", Manik said and Nandini was amazed seeing his trust on him.

"You trust him more than me now.", Nandini asked playfully and Manik nodded.

"On matters like this yes a little more than you.", Manik said before pulling her closer to him and looking at the movie screen.

"Please be careful Darling.", Manik said watching the tv screen and Nandini nodded.

"I will. I promise nothing will go wrong this time.", Nandini said and he nodded as they watched the movie together.