Chapter 7

Cabir gets up and Navya looks at him.

"Cutie come with me. We will get some food and then play something fun. This time you are gonna loose.",Cabir said her and Navya smiled admiring his bond with Nandini.

" We will see.",Nandini challenged him.

"Wait I will also join you guys. Manik is boring me to death.",Mukti said getting up too.

Manik glares at her.

She puts out her tongue teasing him and Cabir laughs making Manik frown more as the trio went inside the kitchen.

Manik gave out a beer bottle to Navya seeing her empty hand and she smiled.

"Thanks.",she said softly.

"Tell me something about you Manik.",Navya asked and he gives a formal smile.

" Well I am busy with my business . Right now you know I am working for Couch Fashions.",Manik said and she smiled.

" I didn't mean business and office stuffs. Tell me about you guys. When did you guys became friends and stuffs.",Navya said and he smiled embarrassed a little.

"We three have been childhood friends. We met when we were 8 so its been a long time. Went to same school, same highschool and college. You can say we shared all of our life almost together.",Manik said with a smile thinking about the memories they all have together.

"You guys are like family for each other. I remember when Cabir would talk about you guys. He would get so happy and his eyes will be shining with emotions just like how yours is shining right now.",Navya said with a smile and Manik gives her a small smile back.

"So were you okay with us? I know we have been dating for like 2 weeks. Were you cool with it?",Navya asked and he looked at her.

" I understand if you weren't. Cabir is a businessman and has a very rich lifestyle whereas I am just a RJ. If I were in your place 6i would have my doubts too. Keeping in mind Cabir's past experiences.",Navya said him honestly and then laughed in the end.

" I see now why Cabir likes you so much. You are blunt and honest and have this personality that makes people talk to you.",Manik said with a smile taking a sip of his beer.

"And about being not okay then yeah. It was quite surprising for me. It's not like I have met you before to know you enough to have a problem with you but I had seen people in the past taking advantage of him and I didn't want a repeat of the same. He is an idiot when it comes to matter of heart, trusts people easily and gets his heart broken. So I wasn't okay with him coming the next day telling that he liked a girl he just met. But he is happy with you and I don't have any reason to be against it. You seem like a nice girl. Its his choice at the end.",Manik said and Navya smiled at him.

" I appreciate the honesty. ",Navya said and he nodded.

"If I share something with you. Would you keep it between us?",Navya asked him and he nods hesitant.

"Earlier when you asked why I would quit hotel management. I said its because I found my passion in RJ. Its not the complete truth. It was more of a hobby to me. I was interested and happy doing hotel management. I quit it as an act of rebel towards my father.",Navya said and Manik nods in understanding.

"Why did you ask me to keep it between us?",Manik asked.

"It's because I haven't yet told Cabir about it. He knows I liked doing hotel management but doesn't know the real reason I quit. It's not because I am trying to hide it from him. Telling him this means talking about my messed up family and we haven't talked about our families yet. I know it's a sensitive topic for Cabir too. I will tell him if he asks me. ",Navya said and Manik felt proud of his friends choice.

"When Cabir said you are different from the rest and the one for him. I thought he was being crazy to say that after 2 days of meeting. When he said he wanted to introduce you. I thought it was too soon but now I understand you are too good to waste time waiting. I never thought I would say this but I am proud of his choice for the first time. Thanks for being with him and making him happy.",Manik said sincerely and Navya gave a small smile.

" I feel like I have got the father's approval to get married to his only daughter. ",Navya joked and Manik laughed.

"Something like that. So should I tell embarrassing stories of my daughter too like a mother",Manik said mischief in his eyes.

Navya nodded immediately laughing loudly.

The trio who just came from the kitchen stops hearing their loud laughs.

The chip on Nandini's lip falls down as her mouth opens wide in shock seeing him laugh carelessly.

"Looks like they bonded well.",Mukti said smiling.

" They did. I am happy. ",Cabir said and they left the two alone and moved to the game area.

"Should I forgive him? He is good with Navya. Maybe he had a problem with me. ",Nandini wondered.

Cabir calls her and she went to play.

After some time Navya and Manik joined them.

Cabir wraps his arm around her pulling her in a side hug.

"You happy now after meeting them?",he asked in a whisper near her ears.

" Yes I am. I got both of theirs approval and they both are so sweet. Thank you.",Navya said and moved a little back to look at him.

He smiled and kissed her lips making the three of them groaned and roll their eyes.

Navya pulled back blushing as Cabir looks at them irritated.

Nandini stared at Manik seeing him so free and casual.

"Was it just me he had a problem with? He met Navya now and he was laughing with her when he haven't smiled at me properly even once all these days. ",She thought and looked away when he caught her staring.

"Why does she look so hurt? I should've handled the situation in a better way. Maybe she misunderstood me",Manik thought and frowned a little.

" It's getting late we should get going. You guys have work too tomorrow.",Navya said looking at everyone and they nod seeing the time.

" I will drop you guys.",Cabir said and Nandini nods in no.

"It's fine Goofy. I didn't drink much. I will drive. Don't worry.",Nandini said and he nods.

Mukti elbowed Manik and he looked at her annoyed.

" Did you apologize to her?",Mukti asked and Manik nods.

"I did it already. How many times do you want me to apologise to her.",Manik asked her.

" As many times you hurt her. She wasn't at fault. It was your misunderstanding that caused all this. So fix it with her.",Mukti said him and he nods as she left to bid them bye.

Manik saw Nandini walking near the washroom.

He leaned on the wall beside the door tapping his foot.

Nandini opened the door and stepped back in fear.

"You scared me. What are you doing here?",She asked him annoyed.

"I was waiting for you. Look I know you are angry and hurt because of me but can you just overlook this one time. It was a misunderstanding and I was just looking out for my friend I am sure you would do the same for Navya.",Manik said her immediately not giving her a chance to get away.

She looked at him and sighed seeing the sincerity in his eyes and cursed herself again for forgiving people so easily.

"Fine.",She said and a small smile appeared on his face making her smile a little too.

She cleared her throat.

"Just because I saw how good you are with Navya. Seems like you had a problem with me only. Anyways if you do such thing again I won't forgive you ever.",Nandini said him with a warning and he frowns at her statement before agreeing.

"I won't. Thank you.",Manik said and she nods walking away.

Mukti hugs the two of them.

"I had fun. I am glad to meet you two. Atleast I don't have to be bored with this boys all the time.",Mukti said and manik hit her head lightly making her glare at him.

The rest laughed.

Navya walks close to manik.

"It was nice meeting you. ",Navya said and he smiled and nodded.

"Same here.",he said and she nods and takes a step forward to give him a side hug.

"Hey this is not fair. I was waiting for you to hug me and you are giving my share of hug to him.",Cabir said wrapping his arms around Navya pulling him away from Manik.

" Seriously Cabir. So childish.",Navya said and he smiled sheepishly and kissed her cheeks making her roll her eyes and smile.

She smiles at manik and waves him which he returned back with a smile.

Cabir looked at Manik and nod and Manik smiled grateful at him.

Nandini watched the exchange and got confused.

"See you tomorrow.",Nandini said and he nods.

Nandini and Navya waved and sat inside the car driving home.

"You look quite happy.",Nandini said and Navya nods.

"Nandu I like him a lot. I haven't been so happy ever in my life.",Navya said and Nandini smiled for her too.

" You deserved it.",Nandini said with a smile and got lost in thoughts before shaking it out and focusing on the road.

"His friends are so sweet. I thought Manik would be a little uncomfortable as Cabir told me before that he doesn't open up to people easily and isn't comfortable having people other than his friends around but I am glad he gave me a chance. Mukti was a sweetheart. I feel like I am on clouds. All this happiness scare me. ",Navya said and Nandini looked at her.

" What if it's just a dream and it will pass away. How can I get so much happiness in my life? It scares me that something bad will happen. It always did. When something went good with me, something worse happened.",Navya said slowly scared looking down.

Nandini hold her hand and nods.

"I understand but it's time you deserve happiness. You have been through a lot. It's your chance to be happy. Don't let it go because you are scared. Cherish it.",Nandini said and Navya nodded.

They reached their home and Navya went to bed immediately.

Nandini walked inside her room and freshened up before falling on her bed.

She looked at the ceiling and get lost in thoughts.

"I am happy Navya found her happiness. Will I ever get my share of happiness?",She wonders before falling asleep looking at the window.

Nandini rushed to her office in the morning trying to hold her files properly.

She was late and the lack of sleep didn't help the headache she was feeling.

She was overthinking last night and could hardly sleep properly.

She put the files on her desk before sitting on her chair and putting her head down on the glass table.

"Here",Aditya said putting a cup of coffee on the table.

She looked up moving her hair aside with a frown.

He indicates towards the coffee and she smiles a little taking it.

"Just what I needed.",She said and he shakes his head.

"You have a meeting with the event manager team in an hour. Soniya was looking for you to talk. Get yourself sorted. I will tell her you are here. ",Aditya said her and she nods drinking the coffee.

" Did Kevin sent the photos from the shoot?",Nandini asked and he nodded.

"He is here for the same. He wants to have some discussion. C'mon get up now. You have many meetings and work lined up after this.",Aditya said finding her making a tired face.

She puts up a smile and he nods as he does some updates in the ipad he was holding and glance at her.

"What do you think about having lunch with me today?",Aditya asked her.

" I am fine Aditya. Just need a break. Once I am done with this fashion show I am going on a trip to relax. You don't have to do pity lunch to cheer me up.",Nandini said standing up and picking the files she will be needing.

"Hey I wasn't doing pity lunch. I just needed you to treat me to lunch because I forgot my wallet at home. ",Aditya explained himself.

Nandini watched his face.

" Okay I will treat you to lunch. Now let's go finish our work early.",Nandini said and he nods.

They walked out discussing about the event.

Nandini stopped outside Soniya's office before knocking and going in.

"Good Morning",Nandini said with a bright smile as Soniya narrowed her eyes at her for being late.

"Hello Kevin.",Nandini greets him as she saw him sitting on the chair.

"Take a seat, Nandini. Aditya, Why don't you check with the event planner if everything is going good. We will join you guys for the meeting soon.",Soniya instructed and Aditya nods before nodding at Nandini and leaving.

"Are the photos ready?",Nandini asked him taking a seat.

"Well I have the photos with me. Why don't you guys take a look.",Kevin said before turning his laptop towards them.

" Fuck... He looks so hot.",Soniya said and Nandini couldn't help but agree.

" He looks so professional and that's why I wanted to talk with you. Do you think by any chance would he like to do a photoshoot for me? It would be a great opportunity for me.", Kevin said and Nandini looks at Soniya.

"Kevin I don't think that will be possible. He was quite reluctant for this shoot too. You can ask him if you still want to. But if this helps you can use this photograph after they are featured in our official magazine and social media page.",Nandini said and Kevin nods in understanding.

" Thanks a lot. And I have something else too. Here is the behind the screen video if you guys want to use for publicity and grabbing attention and I have all the clicks here that I took other than this final one so if you want to check it out you can.",Kevin said and they smiled grateful.

" You have done a great job again. I will send you the payment soon.", Soniya said and he nods shaking hand with her.

Nandini smiles and hugs him goodbye.

"You know if you are free come around my studio sometime I would love to get some clicks for you. It comes out so natural its hard to believe you are a camera shy person.",Kevin said pulling away from the hug.

" Sure. Thanks",She said and he bid them bye walking out.

"I can't control my excitement. I am just waiting for the magazine to launch soon.",Soniya said excited and Nandini smiled a little at her.

"It will go well. So do you have the press conference today?",Nandini asked her.

" Yes. Do you want to join me? Manik and Sara will be there too. It will be our first public appearance together.",Soniya said her.

" Manik will be there?",she asked surprised.

" Yeah I called to inform and keep him in loop and he said he would join. It would be better.",Soniya said and Nandini nods.

" So want to have lunch with me? I have stories to tell.",Soniya asked her.

" How about some other day?Aditya asked me to treat him for lunch.",Nandini said her.

"Treat him?",Soniya asked her.

" Yeah apparently he forgot his wallet at home. I have to say he has become creative with his excuses because you know he bought me coffee with his own money this morning.",Nandini said smiling.

" I always liked that kid. He is smart and trustworthy and most importantly he cares a lot for you.",Soniya said her and Nandini agrees.

" He is a sweetheart.",Nandini said smiling as they walk down to the conference room to talk with the event manager and team.

After a long meeting discussing the budget, theme and everything else needed for arranging the fashion show.

Nandini and Soniya walked out satisfied.

"I feel like this is my first fashion show.",Soniya said and Nandini smiles.

" Well a first on this large scale.",Nandini replied back.

" Okay listen press conference is after lunch. So don't be late and I will see you later.",Soniya said and Nandini nods as they walked together till Soniya's office.

"So where are you treating me?", Aditya asked excited.

" I don't know. Where do you wanna go?",Nandini asked him.

He gave a goofy smile in reply as they walked to the reception to go the parking.

" You know I feel like you are going to cost me a lot.",Nandini joked and Aditya laughed.

Aditya saw Manik and Sara walking inside and elbowed Nandini.

She glared at him before looking at them and put on a formal smile.

"Hello",Nandini greeted them and Manik nods as Sara gave her a smile.

"Hello",he replied back at the two and checked his phone for any mails.

"You guys going somewhere?",Sara asked them.

"Just lunch. By the way Soniya is waiting for you guys.",Nandini said with a smile.

" Ohh nice. Enjoy your lunch. We will get going.",Sara said and Nandini smiled and looked at Aditya who was watching her awestruck.

" Do you guys want to join us for lunch?",She asked them.

" No its fine. Enjoy yourselves. ",Manik said and she nods and both Nandini and Aditya left.

Nandini drove to the restaurant Aditya choose.

" You sure know well to pick your treats.",Nandini teased him and he smiled.

" So what's going on with you? ",He asked as they took a seat.

" Nothing. ",She replied and he frowned.

" Nandini I know you quite well now. Okay, so stop lying and tell me what's bothering you. ",Aditya asked.

"I know I just don't want to bore you with my problems.",Nandini said and he looked at her.

" Talk to me. Lately you have been more dull than tired. You always said talking to me helps.",Aditya asked her.

" Well I don't know how to feel about things. Everyone around me are so happy. They have found their happiness and there is me. It's not like I am not happy for them. I am, I really am but I am tired of feeling sorry for myself and being left out. ",Nandini said and he gave her a small smile and patted her hand.

"Just hang in there. I strongly feel you will find your happiness soon.",Aditya said and she looked at him.

" How can you be so sure? ",Nandini asked.

"I am and there are signs too. You love your job and now see Manik Malhotra agreed to be your model. The fashion show is going to be one of the best people have ever seen. You will be one of the best designers the fashion world has seen. ",Aditya said and she smiled at him.

" Thank you.",She replied.

" You know I am the best.",Aditya replied and she laughed.

They came back to office after lunch and went inside Soniya's office.

"Hello",She said to get their attention.

"Hey Nandini, Come on in. I was about to show him the pictures from the shoot.",Soniya said and Nandini walked in nodding with a polite smile to Manik and Sara.

"I believe I am right on time then.",Nandini said taking a seat beside the empty chair near manik.

"Did you guys had lunch?",She asked looking at the three of them.

"We will have it later.",Soniya said looking for the three of them.

"Well its a good thing. I brought some sandwiches and coffee for you guys.",Nandini said with a smile and Soniya gave her a small glare and smiles later.

Aditya comes in with the bag and Nandini thanked him as he walked out.

"I am sorry Mr. Malhotra but Nandini here believes one should never work empty stomach. Please have some.", Soniya apologized and passed him a sandwich box.

"Sorry. This is not yours. Sara it's for you. Mr. Malhotra, this is yours with no olives.",Nandini said and passed the coffee around too.

" Soniya have a seat. I will explain the rest and show the pictures.",Nandini said and went forward and switched on the presentation to display pictures from the shoot.

"I will just show you all the pictures once and then we can select the ones that you like. Sounds good?",she asked and he nods taking a bite of his sandwich.

Nandini showed all the pictures to him.

"So what do you think?",she asked him.

"It turned out well.",Manik said a little surprised and Nandini watched him.

"I liked the first one. He looked great in that. His left angle looks much better.",Sara said and Nandini go backs to first photo.

"Well I don't know about which angle but this one is nice.",Nandini said and he agrees.

They finally selected some pictures after some discussions.

"Kevin have some bts photos and videos too. Do you want me to send you a copy of that too along with this.",Nandini asked him.

" Bts? I would like to see the photos if it's not much trouble.",Manik requested and She nods putting the pendrive.

She went through showing some photos with him discussing or touching up makeup.

"Wow",Soniya and Sara said looking at the photo and Nandini turned to check the photo and was surprised to see it was a close up of her in the photo giving him the coffee as he stared at her.

Manik just blankly stared at the picture.

"I think this is the best among all the pictures that I saw.",Soniya said and Nandini looks at her embarassed.

" I agree with you. Look at those emotions and intensity.",Sara said and Nandini cleared her throat.

" Moving on to next photo.",Nandini said and moved to the next to find another photo of them.

"I think there's not much photos. That was it.",Nandini said and closed the presentation.

Manik smirked a little as Soniya and Sara smiled.

They went to select a few pictures for the cover.

"Its time for the press conference.",Aditya said knocking the door.

" Great.",Nandini said and smiled at the three happy to get out of there.

The three of them took seats while Aditya and Sara stood at side.

After a long session of questions they were about to end.

"Sir one last question.",A reporter said from the middle and Manik nods.

"It's well known to everybody that you have always made distance with fashion industry. You have denied in the past to ever be part of it or do something related to it. So it's quite surprising to see you here being the showstopper for a start-up fashion company fashion show when well known brands are dying to connect with you. Can we know the reason for you choosing this company and why did you decided to be a part of it now?",The reporter asked and m6anik gave a nod and leaned back looking at Sara who was shocked and mouthed an apology.

Manik shake his head and look at him.

"Well my company has been a part of this fashion industry since long. I just never found a reason to personally be a part of it. It was never my thing but now I decided to give it a chance.",Manik said and gave a small forced smile.

" So why did you choose this company?",The reporter asked again and Manik stared at him for a while.

Nandini looked at Manik too curious about the answer.

"Well for starters do you think something is wrong with this company. If yes then do tell me I won't be a part of it. They pitched me the idea. I liked it and the company and its culture is great. They have professional people working for them. So I don't see any reason to why shouldn't I choose them.",Manik said and Nandini smiled a little.

" Are you open to working with other fashion industry now?",The reporter asked him again and Manik gave a look to Sara who was making a call panicked.

"We will see.",Manik replied.

"Thank you everyone.",Manik said and got up from his seat followed by Soniya and Nandini.

"I am sorry. I specifically told them not to ask anything about it but you don't worry I will take care of that.",Sara said walking alongside Manik.

" You better do.",Manik whispered with a smirk for the cameras and walked out.

"You okay?",Nandini asked Sara and she nodded walking out.

Soniya was answering some questions with the reporter and Nandini sneaked out.

She found Manik outside with a cigarette on his hand and frowned.

"You know right smoking is bad for your health.",Nandini said standing beside him.

Manik rolled his eyes in response as he took a puff.

"What do you want?",Manik asked her after finding her just standing beside him.

"Nothing. Just was feeling suffocated in there with all the cameras and people. Came out to get some fresh air.",Nandini said and Manik looked at the cigarette and smoke around them and smirked.

"You want to ask me something?",Manik asked her and she looked at him.

" Well I do but I don't think its the right time.",Nandini said and he looked at her giving her his attention.

" Go on.",he said taking another puff of his cigarette.

"Back then you gave a diplomatic answer to the reporter about choosing Couch Fashions. What's the real reason? ",She asked and he looked at her remembering why he choose them.

"You.",he said and she looked at him.

"You convinced me to give it a chance. For some time now I was thinking of giving it a chance. Sara denies all the fashion industry when they call. But you were lucky the call was directed to me and I was interested reading about the company. I know the answer was diplomatic but it was the truth. ",He said and she nodded convinced.

" So how is this fashion show preparation going on? ",He asked.

" Its going on as planned. ",She replied and he nodded.

His phone rings and he picked it up.

" Okay I will be there.",he said on the phone and then looks at Nandini.

"I will see you around.",he said crushing the cigarette with his shoes and she nods with a smile.