Chapter 6

Manik walked inside the empty house and put his jacket on the sofa before walking to the kitchen loosening his tie.

"Oscar",he called pulling out a water bottle from the fridge.

"Oscar boy where are you?",he called again walking around the hall and moves to the lawn.

He finds Oscar chasing a butterfly and smiles.

"Oscar",he calls with a whistle and Oscar turns and runs jumping on him.

"I missed you too boy.", Manik said hugging him and patting him at the same time.

"Are you hungry?",Manik asked and Oscar barked.

Manik pours some food for him.

"I will be back.",Manik said as he went upstairs to get changed.

He changes into night pants and a plain black t-shirt and walks down to see Oscar playing with his toys.

"Come let's play.",Manik said picking up a ball and walking out whistling for Oscar to follow.

They played for a while in the lawn before Manik lay down on the grass letting Oscar roam around.

The main door opens and Oscar immediately runs inside the house while Manik kept lying down knowing who is it.

Manik heard Oscar soft barks and knew he was right.

"Manik dude. I called you 3 hours back.",Cabir said walking near him standing over him.

"What was so urgent?",Manik asked opening his eyes a little.

"You would have known if you picked my call",Cabir said him annoyed a little.

" I am sorry. I was tired with the photoshoot in the morning.",Manik said him and Cabir calms down and sits beside him.

"I didn't know you had that photoshoot today.",Cabir said with regret and manik nods.

" Tell me what's so urgent?",Manik asked supporting his head with his elbow.

"I am really serious about her and I want her to be my girlfriend. So before I ask her out I want you guys to meet her.",Cabir said and Manik sits properly facing him.

"Cabir you guys have known each other for what less than 2 weeks. Don't you think it's going a little fast?",Manik asked him concerned.

" I know its crazy but we have been hanging out a lot lately and I just like her a lot. She's like a breath of fresh air. I want you guys to meet her and like her too.",Cabir said with a smile on his face and Manik smiles seeing him happy.

"Okay if you are happy than I am happy for you man.",Manik said pulling him in for a hug.

" So when are you free? ",Cabir asked him.

" I will be free anytime for you. Did you talk with Mukti? ",Manik asked him.

" I did she is available anytime. ", Cabir said and Manik nods.

" Is today okay? I invited her for dinner today and you guys can join us too. ",Cabir said him.

" Today? Are you sure man? It's your personal dinner.", Manik said hesitant wondering how would Nandini react knowing they are friends.

" Yes it will be fine. She will be happy to have you guys. I will invite cutie over too. ", Cabir said happy and Manik frowns.

" Cutie? ",Manik asks confused.

" Yes she's a sweetheart. You will know when you meet her. So today my house at 7",Cabir instructed and Manik nods.

" Maybe you can come up early and help me with dinner.",Cabir said and Manik nods with a smirk.

" Is Oscar invited too?",Manik asked as Oscar jumped in his lap licking his face.

Cabir looks at Oscar who was looking back at him.

"Not today. He is not that good with strangers. I don't wanna scare them.",Cabir said and Oscar makes a whinning noise hiding his face with his hands.

"Its okay Oscar. I will bring you tasty food and that squeezy toy you tore last week. ",Manik said to cheer him up and Oscar barks in agreement and runs inside the house.

"Be there soon and please calm Mukti a little down. I don't wanna scare them with her excitement. ",Cabir said and Manik chuckles and nods hugging him goodbye seeing him out.

"I should have told him all about what happened with Nandini. Now I am officially screwed if she breaks up with him. I just hope I mend things well this morning. ",Manik wonders walking inside his room.

Nandini reached her apartment and finds Navya enjoying a movie on the sofa.

She lies down beside her and starts eating her popcorn.

"Who goes to work on a sunday?",Navya questions pausing the movie.

"The client was free for a shoot only on a sunday.",Nandini said tired.

" I feel sad for you. Is he hot?",Navya asked her.

" How does that helps?", Nandini asked looking at her.

" It does atleast you can work staring at a pretty face in weekend. ",Navya justified.

" I don't see how this helps but yeah he is kinda hot.",Nandini said and Navya starts teasing.

" I am gonna go take a shower. I was an idiot to say that. ",Nandini said and Navya smiles.

" Are you gonna imagine yourself in the shower with this hot guy? Hmm... hmm",Navya asked teasing and laughing.

" You are gross. Shut up. ",Nandini said loudly shutting her room door behind.

Nandini gets in the shower and closes her eyes and frowns as Navya words came back and she thinks about Manik.

"I will kill Navya for putting this image in my head. ",Nandini said immediately shaking her head and hurrying up the shower.

When she comes out dressed in her shorts, she finds Navya talking over the phone.

"Nandu, Cabir wants to talk to you.",Navya said forwarding the phone.

" Hey goofy. How do you do?",Nandini asked sitting beside Navya putting the phone in speaker.

" I am doing great. I miss your cutie pie face. So today my house for dinner at 7. Okay?",he asked.

" We can meet tomorrow. I don't want to third wheel you guys.",Nandini said him.

" My friends will be coming over too. You will have company.", Cabir said and Nandini agrees.

" Okay i will be there. Do you need help with cooking? Don't forget I make the best pasta?",Nandini self praised making both Cabir and Navya laugh.

" No doubt on that but today you are gonna taste some awesome food i promise you. Just be here on time looking pretty.",Cabir said and she agrees.

" Okay goofy I am excited for the dinner. ",Nandini said him getting comfortable on Navya's shoulder.

"Now i need to go some grocery shopping and start preparing. Will see you both soon.",Cabir hanged up as they greeted back.

" Are you Nervous about meeting his friends?",Nandini asked Navya.

"A little. He had said before that his friends mean more than family to him. I want them to like me and not think me as a gold digger trying to trap him for his money.", Navya said out her fears.

" Well they won't be his real friends if they don't see how happy you make him. Now stop worrying and let's watch this movie. We have to get you ready too after that.",Nandini said playing the movie and Navya agrees calming a little.

Nandini sleeps on her lap and let Navya pat her head to sleep.

"Why do you work so hard? You hardly get time for yourself and to take care of your health.",Navya whispered watching her sleep lightly.

" I hope someday someone teaches you how to take a break and enjoy yourself.", Navya whispered again before continuing the movie after covering her with the blanket nearby.

"We are gonna be late... WE ARE GONNA BE LATE.",Navya repeated moving around the room again and again.

" Okay this is all your fault. You should have stopped watching the movie and woke me up on time. Now stop panicking and relax. ",Nandini said and Navya nods taking deep breaths.

" Let me help you get ready properly. I am sure Cabir wouldn't mind us fashionably late. ",Nandini said her and she nods.

" I am gonna tell him i was watching this movie and he will understand. We share the same love for good movies. ",Navya said and Nandini smiles a little.

She starts helping Navya with the makeup and hair.

" Okay where do I put this vegetables?",Cabir asked Manik who was stirring the sauce.

" Cabir I said shorter this is quite big.",Manik said looking at the vegetables.

" I tried. ",Cabir said in reply.

"Okay this will work too. We are almost done with everything. It will be ready in half an hour. You should go get changed. ",Manik said him.

" Thanks a lot Manik for the help. I will be back soon. ",Cabir said walking to his room to get changed.

The door opened and manik looks up to find Mukti entering with a wine bottle.

"Here is the wine you asked for. Where is Cabir?",Mukti asked taking a seat at the counter.

" Went to get changed. How's it?",Manik asked passing her a small spoon to taste the sause.

"Umm delicious. ", Mukti said in delight and manik smiles.

"So you told him about the misunderstanding you had about her.",Mukti asked him.

" I couldn't. What if he gets upset for hiding for so long and it isn't a misunderstanding, I still have doubts.",Manik said and Mukti rolled her eyes.

" What if she tells him after seeing you?", Mukti asked.

"I was nice to her and we are in a good space. I don't think she will and to be extra cautious I have a plan. I am gonna pull her aside and ask her to not say anything. ",Manik said

" And she will listen to you. Why?",Mukti asked and Manik starts thinking about it.

" Because I am being nice to her. ",Manik gave a reason and Mukti narrowed her eyes at him.

"I don't know what I am gonna do. I hate it that she have the control here. ",Manik said annoyed and Mukti got down from the counter and walked to him.

"And who gave her that control? You. If you would have just told Cabir about this before. We wouldn't be here. Now I don't know about you but this past few days Cabir have flooded my inbox with praises of hers so I have started to like her already. Now you need to get your act together and do something because they will be here in around 10 to 20 minutes. ",Mukti gave him a reality check and Manik nodded running his fingers along his head.

"Just so you know. I will be here to support you always and have your back.",Mukti said him and forwards for a hug.

He smiles and gives in hugging her back.

"That's not fair. I need a hug too.",Cabir said as he walked inside changed into fresh clothes.

Manik and Mukti opened one arm for him to join them.

" When do you think they will be here?",Mukti asked Cabir.

"They are on their way. They will be here soon.",Cabir informed as they all walked to the sofa to sit down.

"I am getting nervous.",Cabir said and Manik rolled his eyes.

" Its not like we are your parents and you want to marry her. Its just a normal dinner with us. ", Manik said him and Mukti agreed.

" I know but I still can't stop being nervous. ",Cabir said and Mukti smiled lightly.

"I can't help but imagine you crying and panicking jumping around on your wedding day. It would be a sight to watch you cry. What say Mukti? ",Manik teased him and Mukti laughs as they hi-fied.

"I am not taking you and your joke seriously when you are the one wearing a dora apron sitting here.",Cabir said smirking and Manik glared at him rolling his eyes.

" The jokes on you Cabir. This is your apron.",Manik said and Cabir realised it .

"Well not my fault if I find Dora cute.",Cabir said in defense and Manik and Mukti both rolled their eyes.

"I am going to check the food.",Manik said and moved to get up when the door bell rang.

"They are here. Am I looking good? Is everything good and in place?",Cabir asked and Mukti calms him down nodding.

Manik walks back to the kitchen to check on the food and also to stretch the introduction of him with her.

Cabir opens the door and finds Nandini smiling and Navya giving him a nervous smile.

"I am sorry we got a little late.",Nandini said him as he gestured them to get in and gave them each a hug.

"Stop being so nervous you are making me nervous too",Cabir whispered in Navya's ear as he kept side hugging her.

" Come I will introduce you guys to my friends.",Cabir said and they walked inside looking around.

"Mukti this is Navya and Navya this is Mukti.",Cabir said and Mukti hugs her immediately.

" I was desperately waiting to meet you. He can't stop talking about you.", Mukti said and Navya smiles relaxing a little.

" Same here. I have been telling him for days to introduce you guys.",Navya said and Mukti glared at Cabir.

" You guys are meeting now.",Cabir joked and walked near nandini putting an arm around her.

"And she is Nandini my cutie.",Cabir said pulling her cheeks a little and Nandini narrows her eyes at him.

" Hello Mukti. ",Nandini said forwarding a handshake but Mukti pulls her for a hug.

"Where is he? Wait I will get him.",Cabir said and walks towards the kitchen.

Mukti talks with them as they sat on the sofa's.

" Manik they are here. Come with me.",Cabir said to Manik who was busy stirring the already made sauce and checking on the food.

" Cabir I need to tell you something.",Manik said taking a deep breath.

" Not now. They are waiting. We will talk later.", Cabir said trying to pull him away.

" Its important.",Manik insisted.

" Later.",Cabir said and Manik sighed knowing he won't listen.

" Okay you go I will just switch off the gas and follow you.",Manik said preparing himself for everything about to go down.

Cabir walked back to the hall.

"Goofy before I forgot this is for you.",Nandini said forwarding him a small gift bag she has been caring.

Cabir looked at Navya who smiled at him.

"She brings gift when she visits to someone house.",Navya clarified and Cabir grins.

"You know this is why you are my favourite and I like you.",Cabir said taking the gift and giving her a hug.

Manik came out at that time and saw him give her a hug and confess and took a deep breath.

"Ohh look Manik is here.",Mukti said and Manik sighed putting on a blank face and walks forward.

"Okay so this is Manik my best friend and this is Nandini and this is Navya.",Cabir introduced and walked near Navya smiling at her.

Manik nods at everyone and couldn't miss the surprise face Nandini held.

"Hello Navya",Manik said with a small smile and she smiled back.

" Hello",Manik greeted Nandini who just nods still surprised.

"Cutie where are you lost?",Cabir asked and She gives him a small smile.

" I didn't know you and Mr. Malhotra are friends.",Nandini said and Cabir looked at them confused along with Navya.

" Here comes the confrontation.",Manik mumbled under his breath.

" You guys know each other?",Cabir asked looking at Manik and Nandini and Manik nods.

" I told you about the fashion show and photoshoots this morning right? It is with the company Ms. Murthy is working with.",Manik explained and Cabir and Navya both made a understanding nod.

"Ohh I see what you were saying Nandu.",Navya whispered to her but it was audible for others to hear and Nandini gets embarassed.

"Well that's great. I don't have to worry about you guys not getting along. Just drop the professional thing it's my house not your workplace.",Cabir said him and both nods.

Mukti gets a little confused seeing everything.

Manik walks closer to Nandini and she nods acknowledging him.

"I need to talk to you for a second.",Manik said and she nods as he walked her to a side.

"Look I don't want Cabir to know about whatever happened between us and I don't want your relationship with him get affected because of me.",Manik said coming directly to the point whereas Nandini kept staring at him trying to understand him.

"Relationship?",Nandini asked to confirm.

" I mean yeah whatever you guys call it. Look as I said in the morning I will give a fair chance. It's just I am protective about Cabir and I don't want you..",Manik took a pause while Nandini blankly stared at him not understanding a damn thing.

Mukti watches Manik walking towards Nandini and rushes to him.

Manik was about to continue but got cut off by Mukti.

"Manik I need to talk to you for a sec.",Mukti said pulling him to a side excusing themselves smiling at Nandini.

" I was talking to her and was about to ask her to be quiet. Why did you pull me aside?",Manik asked irritated.

" Manik I think you have misunderstood everything big time.",Mukti said taking a big breath and Manik frowns at her.

"What do you mean?",Manik asked her.

"Who do you think is Cabir's girl?",Mukti asked him and he frowns at her silly question.

"What are you asking? Of course its Ms. Murthy. Why do you think I was trying to talk to her now?",Manik said irritated.

" I think you should take a look before answering again.",Mukti said him and made him look in Cabir's direction.

Cabir was leaning against the sofa with Navya in her arms as he sweet talked her making her laugh.

"Wait. You are saying that...",Manik paused to let in the fact completely.

" Navya is Cabir's girl not Ms. Murthy?",Manik asked surprised still not believing it.

Mukti nods and Manik felt a strange relief in him and frowns not understanding the reason.

He was still not able to digest what's happening.

"Are you sure?",Manik asked as he recalled everything from the start.

"I am he has shown me thousands of photos of them together and he just introduced me to her. ",Mukti said and manik runs a hand through his hair.

"I am fucked.",Manik said shaking his head.

"Big time. Now go and apologize to her.",Mukti said him and he stares at her.

" What are you crazy? ",Manik asked her and she glares at him.

" Fine I will.",Manik said and she smiles.

"Good luck.",she said him smiling enjoying his situation and he glares at her.

"You two? What are you gossiping? Join us.",Cabir said and Mukti smiles and walks towards him with a frowning Manik following.

Manik made eye contact with Nandini who was glaring at him and he realised how big of a mess he is in.

Mukti got in conversation with Navya leaving the three together.

"You two already know each other so I don't think I would have to introduce you properly. ",Cabir said and Manik nods.

" So Cutie tell me how is it working with Manik. Do you guys talk? ",Cabir asked her and she smiles before looking at Manik.

"Ohh yes it's great working with him. Every day is a new surprise. And we talk a lot. Everytime I talk to him i get to know something new. ",Nandini said and Cabir laughs.

" Manik I am so jealous. You must be having real fun working together. She is a sweetheart. ",Cabir said and Manik nods.

" Cabir come here , I need to show you something. ",Mukti called him and he excused himself walking near her.

Mukti smiles at Manik and gestured him towards Nandini.

He looks at Nandini and thinks of excuses to start talking but finds her ignoring him.

Manik stands up and everyone looks at him.

"Ms. Murthy wanted to look around the house. You guys continue talking I will show her.",Manik said and Nandini glared at him.

"No no its fine. Thank you Mr. Malhotra.",Nandini said gritting her teeth.

" Nandini its no big deal. Manik will show you around. You are gonna love the fishes upstairs. ",Mukti said with a smile and she nods forcing herself to get up.

" And what's this Mr. Malhotra and Ms. Murthy. Talk like humans in my house.",Cabir said and they both nodded.

"This way... Nandini. ",Manik said with a pause finding Cabir glaring at him.

She looks up at him and nods following him as he took her upstairs.

"I needed to talk to you.",Manik said as they reached upstairs.

"Oh is it that your misunderstanding finally got cleared because you realised that you were wrong all along. ",Nandini asked angry and he scrunched his face looking side ways.

"Yeah about that. We are totally good now.",Manik said trying to calm the situation but spoiling it further.

"No no no. We aren't. For last few weeks I kept wondering what I did so bad for you to behave with me that way and now I realised it was your fault all along. But seriously just because you thought Cabir was dating me you behaved that way. I am worried how you will be with Navya. ",Nandini said him angry and tried to get away but he blocked her.

" Look I will be good with Navya. She seems nice and Cabir likes her. His happiness matter. ",Manik said trying to handle her.

" Was it not implied for me when you thought Cabir was dating me? You are such a liar.",She asked with a scoff and he takes a deep breath.

"Okay I will be completely honest with you and I will start from the start. Cabir told me the day after the movies that he likes the girl from the movie. I assumed it was you because that day when we bumped I was more annoyed at you because I thought you were the one screaming inside the theatre. With each passing day Cabir kept talking about how he is really starting to like that girl and I kept misunderstanding you because of your friendly nature with others and I thought you were lying to Cabir but now I just realised that you weren't that girl so the lies weren't lies but truth. ",Manik explained and she listened surprised with mouth a little open.

"By your friendly nature do you mean that you thought I was playing with cabir's feeling by being with other...oh shit you thought I was playing around with Aditya? ",Nandini asked taking a step closer to him to try to scare him.

" I won't say that thought didn't cross my mind.",Manik said with a little guilt and she glared harder.

"Just how low did you think of me. ",Nandini asked and he looked at her and cursed himself seeing the hurt and anger in her eyes along with a little fear something he couldn't understand.

"I know I was at fault but Cabir and Mukti are my family. I love them and I am very protective of them. Cabir doesn't have good experience with girls and I thought you are one of them trying to fool him. I was just looking out for him. ",Manik said and Nandini shakes her head and looks away feeling her angry lessen a little hearing his honest confession and seeing the truth in his eyes.

"Guys if the tour is over come down. Let's have dinner. I am hungry. ",Cabir screamed from downstairs and they looked away and walked near the stairs coming down together.

"I brought the dishes out. Come have a seat you two.",Cabir said and they took the seats.

Cabir sat on the head with Navya Nandini on one side and Manik and Mukti on other.

"Let's eat.",Mukti said after serving the food.

"This is great. I didn't know you cooked so good. You win. ",Nandini said after tasting a bite and Cabir chuckles.

" I can cook but I wanted to make something special for you guys and I am not that good of a cook. Manik made this. I just helped him out.",Cabir clarified and Manik smiles a little but stops when Nandini looks at him.

"This is really great manik. I loved the food.",Navya said and Manik nods at her.

Nandini kept frowning at Manik keeping an eye on his behaviour with Navya.

They made small talks having the food.

"Navya you studied hotel management then why did you quit for being RJ.",Manik asked confused after Navya shared about her.

" Honestly I lost interest in hotel management and i got offer to live my passion. The choice wasn't tough. I love being a RJ. Do you hear to Radio?",Navya asked and both Cabir and Mukti laugh knowing fully well he doesn't like radios.

" No I don't but I will hear you. Just tell me your station.",Manik promised and Cabir looked at him grateful and Mukti smiled seeing him try.

"The dinner was great. Thanks for helping out, Man.", Cabir said hugging Manik and he pat him back making a face at his over display of emotions.

"Let's go sit by the pool and have some fun and play something.",Mukti suggested and everyone nods.

" I will put the music.",Cabir said and goes on to put some soft music and dimmed the lights a little.

Mukti forwards beer to everyone and sits by Manik and calls Nandini to sit beside her seeing her sitting alone watching Cabir and Navya dance.

"Do you guys wanna play guess?",Mukti asked and both looked at her.

"What guess?", Nandini asked.

"We will guess what Cabir and Navya will be doing next and who ever guesses right the most gets to make others do one thing.",Mukti suggested and Manik and Nandini looks at her.

" Okay I am in.",Manik said her shrugging confident he will know everything about Cabir.

"Nandini?",Mukti asked and she looked hesitant.

"It will be fun. Just think about how you can make us do anything if you win.",Mukti said and Nandini thinks about it looking at Manik and nods.

"Okay they are slow dancing now. Guess what they are gonna do next?",Mukti said taking a sip of her beer.

" Cabir is going to say something funny to make her laugh.",Manik said confident.

" I think he is gonna kiss her.",Mukti added.

" Nope he will whisper in her ear and Navya is going to hit his chest lightly blushing.",Nandini said shrugging taking a sip.

" So much details.", Manik whispered and gets a eye roll rewarded by Nandini.

" Okay wait let's see who is correct. ",Mukti said shushing them and they eyed to see cabir leaned in and whispered and Navya blushing hitting his chest.

"Shit",Mukti said and Nandini smiled.

"How did he not crack a joke? He always does that during dance. ",Manik asked surprised.

" He already cracked the joke. ",Nandini said with a smirk and he looked at her.

"What?",Manik asked and she smirked again.

"He did that the second they got to the dance floor.",Nandini said and Manik cursed himself.

" Stalker",he murmured and Mukti gives points to Nandini.

"Don't mind him Nandini. He is a sore loser.",Mukti said and she smiled at her glaring at manik in return.

This went on a few rounds and Mukti was yet to get a point. Manik was one behind nandini.

"Okay I have come to realised I am very bad at this game so I am withdrawing myself and now it's between you two. ",Mukti said and they nod getting hyped up.

" So what's going to happen now. Take a guess.",Mukti asked them.

"They both are gonna come here and Cabir will fall on the chair and say I am tired.",Manik said confident challenging Nandini.

" He will do that but he will say It was fun instead. ",Nandini said confident herself and they both waited.

Cabir and Navya walked down to them and Cabir lay down on the chair while Navya sat beside him.

"I am tired but it was fun. ",Cabir said smiling at Navya and Manik and Nandini looks at Mukti.

"Its a tie.",Nandini whispered her.

"No it's not. He said I am tired first so I win.",Manik argued looking at Mukti.

" I agree with Manik. Sorry Nandini. He wins the point.",Mukti said with a sad face and Nandini frowns.

" Okay this is the last round. Its a tie breaker. Whoever gets it right. Wins the game. ",Mukti said and they both leaned closer to Mukti.

"Its a tricky round. You two are gonna say in my ear.",Mukti said and both nodded.

Manik whispered and moved back and it was Nandini's turn to whisper.

She smirked before whispering something and then started fake whispering a little loudly.

"What are you guys whispering?",Cabir asked them and Manik frowns while Nandini smiled in victory.

" I won. ", Nandini said loudly smiling and both Cabir and Navya looked at her confused.

"Nandu what's going on?",Navya asked and Cabir nodded asking the trio.

"We were playing Guess what Cabir says next?",Mukti said and Navya laughed.

"I wanted in.",She said excited and Cabir narrowed his eyes at her.

"And I won.",Nandini said smiling and Manik glared at her for that.

"I can't believe you lost this. I know Mukti can be quite ignorant but I am so disappointed by you.",Cabir said pointing at Manik who rolled his eyes at his drama.

" And I am proud of you Cutie.",Cabir said making Nandini smile more.

"Wait I can't believe I got this one wrong. Aren't you hungry?",Manik asked him.

" I am hungry infact I was just going to say that but then I heard Nandini whispering and got curious.",Cabir said shrugging.

" You cheated. You knowingly whispered loudly.",Manik accused Nandini.

"I didn't. I played smart. I obviously knew he was going to say he is hungry and I knew you were going to say that. The one thing that can distract Cabir from food is curiousity. So I won fair and Square.",Nandini explained and others were impressed.

"You actually know about Cabir habits even when you just met him some weeks ago. How??",Mukti said and others wanted to know how too.

" Nandu is good with people. She reads them pretty well and observes a lot. She also have a good memory you can say as she remembers the conversation word to word. That's her talent. Gets backfired for me when we ever get in a fight.",Navya said smiling and Nandini gets embarassed while Manik just stared at her trying to read her.