Chapter 8

Its been a week since the press conference. Nandini has been busy ever since making sure all the dresses are perfect the event is being organised perfectly and the models are prepared.

Soniya comes inside her office as she was working on a dress.

"Hey",Soniya said and Nandini turned around.

"Hii",Nandini said her.

"I need you to do me a favour.",Soniya said and Nandini nods.

"This is the sample of the magazine. I want you to show it to him and personally invite for the launch. ",Soniya asked her.

" Why me? ",Nandini asked as she went through the magazine.

"I wanted someone senior to go invite him. I would have gone but I have a meeting with the Oberoi's. ",Soniya said and Nandini nodded.

" Okay I will go.",Nandini replied and Soniya thanked her.

Nandini completed her work early and then took the invitation and the wrapped magazine and drove to Manik's office.

She stopped by at the flower store and brought some lily's.

She walked to the receptionist and introduced herself.

"Take the elevator on the left to 15th floor. Sara will be there for you.", She said and Nandini thanked her.

She had asked Aditya to inform about her arrival.

Nandini reached the 15th floor and found Sara there for her. She saw people working and a rush around.

"Aditya didn't come with you.",Sara asked making Nandini smirk.

"I had some work for him to do.",Nandini replied.

"He is inside his office.",Sara said as she stopped by her table outside his office.

"Thanks.",Nandini replied knocking on the door before entering hearing him say Come in.

His office was quite big with a sofa set and a table on the side for meetings, Book shelves around with his table on another side with a large window having a stunning view behind it. There were some plants too.

"Hey",he said looking up from his file and she smiled at him.

He closed his file and walked near her gesturing her to the sofa to have a seat.

"Thank you.",She whispered.

"So?",he asked and she took out the invite.

"I wanted to personally invite you on behalf of Couch Fashions for the magazine launch on Friday.",She said giving him the invite and the flowers.

" They are beautiful. I was expecting a cup of Coffee though.",Manik teased as he put them on the vase on the table.

"Well I wanted to but then found those flowers.",Nandini said and was surprised seeing him being a little casual with her in the office.

Sara came in with the coffee and Nandini thanked her.

He opened the invite and went through it.

"I will be there.",he said and she smiled in relief taking sips of her coffee.

"So how's everything going on?",he asked.

"Well everything is going great. I will be needing you to come over for fitting once sometime this week. Next week the rehearsal will be starting.",Nandini said him.

" I am free on Friday. I will wait after the launch. Sounds good?",he asked and she nodded.

" Great.",he said and then started going through the sample magazine she had given him.

"This looks great. The interview is well written and pictures are nice.",Manik praised and she smiled glad.

" I am happy to know that. I will get going then. See you on Friday.",She asked and he nodded.

"I will walk you out.",he said as they got up.

Nandini noticed how everyone went quiet seeing them and started making way. She saw people nodding at him as respect standing up as he passed by.

She was looking at them and missed noticing the pot on the side and stumbled loosing her balance.

Manik held her arms helping her up and she heard a gasp from around and looked down standing properly embarassed a little.

"Sorry. Thank you.",She said as they walked to the elevator.

"See you later.",Manik said and she nods and Manik turns to look at everyone and they go quiet again.

Manik walked inside his office and sara followed immediately.

"Do you know....",she as about to continue but stopped as Manik stared at her.

"I know. Just get back to work.",he said and she nodded walking out.

He started working on the file trying to focus when his eyes fall on the flowers and he gets lost a little.

Nandini reached home and found Cabir and Navya on the sofa. Navya laying on his lap.

"Hey.",She said to get their attention.

"Hey you back. So how was your day?",Navya asked sitting properly to look at her.

" Good. Tiring.",She said picking up a water bottle and walking near them to take a seat.

"Aww. Come here.",Navya said giving her a hug swaying her in her arms.

Cabir smiled at the duo.

"How was your day?",She asked the duo.

"It was lovely. We had fun. We are watching another movie. Do you want to join?",Navya asked and Nandini smiled.

" I have some work. You guys continue.",Nandini said them and Navya frowns a little.

" Cutie you will tire yourself out if you work so much. Have a little fun sometime.",Cabir said her.

" I have fun. I am just too busy and tired with the fashion show and all. ",She said and he frowned.

" You need to relax or you will get sick. Why don't you take a break this weekend. We will go out somewhere. I will ask Mukti and Manik to join too. We will have fun.",Cabir suggested and Nandini thinks about it.

" I have a fitting with the models on friday along with the magazine launch and next week we are starting with the rehearsal. I don't know.",Nandini said and Navya looked at her.

" Please you need it and it will be our 1 month anniversary too. Come on.",Navya said and Nandini nods looking at their faces.

"Okay. Where will be going?",She asked looking at them.

"Trekking",Cabir suggested.

" Beach",Navya said immediately.

They looked at Nandini.

"I am fine with anything.",She replied immediately and they started arguing on where to go.

"I will go get changed and start with the dinner.",Nandini said them.

" No need to make dinner. We ordered for you too.",Cabir said and she thanked them walking inside the room.

She put her things down and lay on the bed watching her ceiling.

She closed her eyes.

"You will be fine. You will get through this.",She whispered to herself and wrapped her hands around the pillow holding it close.

The next few days went in a blur with her meeting the models. Selecting the dresses, looking after the event and its progress, meeting the makeup and hair stylist.

She also had to prepare for the magazine launch along side.

It was not like she didn't enjoy working. She liked working and being busy but there was something that she couldn't figure out putting her moral down.

She was drawing some designs when Soniya entered her office.

"Hey.",She said and Nandini smiled at her.

"Is there any problem?",Nandini asked immediately.

"No no there's no issue. It's past the office time. You should get home. Tomorrow there is the event and fitting. You will be tired.", Soniya asked her.

" I am fine. I will leave in some time. What are you doing till this late?",She asked her in return.

" There was some misunderstanding with something. I was just clearing that out. I am so glad that you are here with me. I don't think I could have managed this business without you.",Soniya said and Nandini smiled.

" I am where I am because of you. It's the least I can do for you.",Nandini said grateful and Soniya smiled patting her hand.

"I wanted to talk to you about something.",Soniya said her and Nandini gave her the attention.

" There is a company abroad that wants me to come over and lead their new team. They are starting a new collections on Indian formal wear and they want my ideas and me to lead them. If things go well they want me to take over and be the head of that venture. ",Soniya said and Nandini looked at her surprised.

" That's quite a big news. I am so happy for you. I know you have always been waiting for something like this. It's practically your dream. ",Nandini said moving to give her a hug.

" But they want me to leave my position here.",Soniya said and Nandini dropped her arms around her.

"What?",She asked shocked.

"I know.",Soniya said and Nandini sat back looking at her.

"What are you going to do?",Nandini asked her scared.

"I don't know. It will be one of the hardest decision of my life because it's going to affect all of you. ",Soniya said and Nandini just stared at her.

"I am just not going to think about it now. The fashion show is more important right now. I still have 3 weeks to report back.",Soniya said and Nandini nodded.

" I will support your decision no matter what.",Nandini said with a smile and Soniya nodded.

"Thank you. I need to go now. Don't work till late.",Soniya said kissing her head and left.

Nandini dropped the smile and looked at the door blankly as she remembered how they started the company and worked together.

She could see the company falling without Soniya.

She wrapped up her work not able to concentrate and packed her things to leave.

She went into the parking and sat inside the car.

She started the car but it died down.

"What's wrong with you?",She said trying to start it again.

After a few tries she gave up and called the watchman to see if he can figure out something to fix it.

"Maam I don't know what's wrong. Do you want me to call a mechanic? ",He asked her.

" Yes please. I will leave the car here.",Nandini said and he nods in agreement.

She walked out trying to book a cab on her phone.

"Can this day get worse?",She questioned seeing no nearby cabs available.

She walked down to the nearby bus station looking for any taxi to stop by.

"Hey",she said picking up her phone.

"Where are you? Are you still working?",Navya asked her on the phone.

" No I just left but my car was not starting. So it will take me sometime to reach. Have your dinner don't wait up for me.",Nandini said her walking on the footpath.

" Do you want me to pick you up?",Navya asked.

"No it's fine. I am walking to the bus stop. I will see if I can get a cab. It seems hard at this time of night. ",Nandini said and Navya worries.

" I am fine. I will keep sending messages to you and will be safe.",Nandini said and Navya nodded.

" I will see you at home.",Nandini said and Navya nodded asking her to be safe.

Nandini watched the moon and smiled as she slowly walked in those heels.

She takes a seat on the bus stop and looks at the time for the next bus.

She keeps searching for any cab to show up but then give up.

Taking out a notebook she started sketching to pass time.

She heard a car horn and ignored.

She heard car horn again and looked up irritated.

The window comes down and she was surprised to see manik.

He waved her to come over.

She shut the notebook and walked closer leaning on his window.

"Hey",Nandini said surprised.

"I was trying to get your attention for a long time now.",Manik said and she smiled embarrassed.

" Sorry I just assumed it's some passerby. What are you doing here?",Nandini asked him.

" I had some work nearby. Navya messaged asking if I can pick you up. So here I am.",Manik said her.

" I am sorry for the trouble. She worries for no reason. I am fine. The bus is on the way. Thank you but you don't have to.",Nandini said him with a small smile.

" I am already here now and the bus will take a lot of time and its late. I will drop you home. If you are hesitant think it of as a thank you for not telling cabir or navya and forgiving me.",Manik suggested her.

She looks at him still not happy about the situation.

Manik opened the door from inside and she shake her head.

"You still don't have to do this but Thank you.",She said getting in and he nodded.

She put on her seat belt and he started the car.

It was kind of an awkward but somewhat comfortable silence.

"You were working till late.",Manik said breaking the silence.

"Tomorrow's the launch and rehearsals.",Nandini said and he nodded remembering.

She looked at the notebook in her hand and continued sketching.

Manik turned the radio on on a low volume as the continued driving silently.

She soon finished the drawing and looked up to see them waiting on a red light.

"What did you sketch?",Manik asked and she looked at him before forwarding him the notebook hesitating a little.

"This is beautiful.",he said as he saw buildings on the side with road on the middle and a back of a girl walking on the footpath with moonlight shining bright.

"Thank you.",she said and put it back on her bag as she looked outside the window.

Manik noticed there was something different about the way she was behaving today.

He started the car again and drove watching her from time to time.

His phone rang and he saw Navya's call.

"Hey",he said putting it on the speaker and Nandini turned to look at him too.

"Was she there at the bus stop? ",Navya asked him worried.

Manik smiled.

"She's here with me. We are on the way.",Manik said and Navya sighed in relief .

" Thanks a lot.",Navya said thanking him.

" It's nothing. Do you want to talk to her?",Manik asked her.

"No I will talk to her when she is here. ",Navya said and Manik nodded hanging up bidding her bye.

"She worries a lot for you.",Manik said and Nandini smiled a little.

"I told her I was fine.",Nandini said still annoyed at her for asking Manik.

Manik smiled and looked front.

"You two seem to have bonded nicely.",Nandini said and he looked at her before nodding.

"She is very much similar to Cabir if you keep his anger aside. So it didn't take much time also you know how blunt and straightforward your friend can be very well.",Manik said and Nandini nodded understanding it.

" Navya too has a temper that you are yet to see. I don't think Cabir can be angry like her. He is a goofball.",Nandini said him thinking about it.

" He is anything but a goof ball. It's scary.",Manik said thinking about Cabir's anger.

"More scary than yours?",She asked in the flow and he looked at her surprised.

"I don't get angry easily. I hate being angry.",he said and she scoffed in disbelief.

" I am being honest. As I said before you brought out the worst side of me.",Manik said and she looked at him.

" I see. So do I still bring out the worst side of you?",She asked and he smirked at her.

"Well if you think driving you home and joking with you is my worst side. I would like to know what you think my best side is.",Manik joked and she looked at him wide-eyed.

He smirked and slowed down as they reached her home.

"Thank you.",She said and he nodded.

"I will see you tomorrow.",she said getting out of the car.

"Do you want to come inside? Navya would be expecting you.",Nandini asked holding the door.

" It's quite late. We all are anyway meeting tomorrow. Say her I will see her tomorrow. ",Manik asked her and Nandini nodded.

" We are meeting tomorrow after office?",She asked him.

"Yeah for dinner at my house. I asked Navya to tell you about it.",Manik said and Nandini looked at him before nodding.

"Okay. Bye",She said shutting the door and he nodded.

He watched her going and pressed his car horn twice.

She looked back surprised.

He gets out of the car and walked towards her.

"Did I forgot something?",She asked looking down to check her purse.

"Yes. Your number.",he said and she looked at him surprised.

"Huh?",She asked to confirm.

"You forgot to give me your number.",Manik said with a smirk and she narrowed her eyes at him.

She took out her business card from her purse and forwarded it to him.

"Why do you need my number anyways?",She asked him.

" So that next time I can tell you about dinner myself.",Manik replied and smiled as she looked at him and smiled back.

"Goodnight.",Manik said walking back .

" Good night. ",She whispered walking inside.

Nandini entered the house and found Navya waiting for her.

" I asked you to not wait for me.",Nandini said putting her purse down.

"I was worried.",Navya said and Nandini slapped her head.

"You are an idiot. You asked Manik to pick me up and confirmed with him still you were worried. ",Nandini asked her going inside the kitchen.

" Well I am a good friend.",Navya replied and Nandini smiled at her.

"Still you didn't have to ask Manik.",Nandini said her.

"Why not? He was nearby and he didn't mind.",Navya said and Nandini nods.

Nandini put some food in a plate and came to seat near her.

"Looks like you have become good friends.",Nandini said and Navya nodded.

" He is just like you. ",Navya said and Nandini started coughing.

She drank some water calming down and looks at her.

"We both are opposites. If you think we are alike than maybe you haven't yet known him well. ",Nandini told her shaking her head denying it in her mind.

"Well maybe you haven't seen the side that I have seen. Trust me he is like you.",Navya said and Nandini looks at her.

" Ohh yess before I forget. Manik asked me to tell you about dinner at his house tomorrow. We will also plan about the weekend getaway. ",Navya said and Nandini nodded.

They talked for a while till Nandini finished the food and then went to their rooms.

She lay on her bed wondering for how long she will have to be patient.

Her phone pings and she looked at it to see an unknown number.

"Hey its Manik.",Nandini read the message and saved his contact.

"Hey.",She replied back.

"Thanks for the ride. Did you reached back safely?",She asked.

"Yes I did.",he replied and she sent an emoji before putting her phone aside and going to take a bath.

She changed into a comfortable attire and lay on the bed wrapping herself with the blanket and putting pillow around her.

She grabbed one in her arms and looked at the window falling asleep.

The next morning was a rush as she had to take a cab.

She skipped breakfast and reached office early to find everyone rushing here and there.

Aditya walked to her with a cup of coffee and she thanked him as they walked together, him giving her details and she nodding.

She got busy in checking if everything is perfect in the conference hall.

"Did you check with the media person?",Nandini asked him.

"Yes, they will be here on time.",Aditya told her.

"The guests?",She asked.

"All arrangements done. ",He replied.

" Magazine? ",She asked and he nodded.

"Food and drinks",She asked him.

" Checked. ",He replied again.

" Anything to worry about? ",She asked him.

" Nothing. ",He said and she gave a small relived smile at that.

" Let's check it again and then I will go check with Soniya about her speech. ",Nandini said and Aditya nodded.

It was almost time for the magazine launch.

"Go fix yourself. Everyone is arriving.",Soniya asked Nandini and she nods and went inside the washroom.

She touched up on her makeup and hair and run her hand over her white bodycon dress.

She walked out pushing her straight hair behind her ears and picked the file as she nodded at Soniya and they walked to the conference hall.

The media started clicking pictures and Aditya joined them as they reached at the front.

"Mr. Malhotra will be here in 5 minutes. Rest of them are here. We can start anytime. ",He informed them and Nandini thanked him.

Soniya got busy in talking with some people and Nandini looked around checking on everything and everyone.

"They are here.",Aditya came to inform Nandini and she nodded excusing Soniya from the guest as they went on to welcome Manik.

He walked in along with sara tagging behind and the photographer took pictures.

"Welcome Mr. Malhotra.",Soniya said and Manik nodded thanking her.

Nandini gave a formal smile and he nodded at her.

"Should we start?",Soniya asked him and he nodded.

Nandini walked them to their seats at the front where there was a stage and mic.

Everyone else took the seats too.

Soniya started off with the speech before they went on to launch the magazine. Nandini brought the magazine wrapped with the ribbon and gave it to Manik who opened it showing everyone.

After telling about the magazine a little and passing everyone a copy of the same.

"We will be seeing a video about the making of the magazine and also will give you a inside of our upcoming fashion event. ",Soniya said and everyone clapped as lights dimmed and the video started playing.

Nandini watched the video with Aditya and Soniya standing beside her.

She saw the video of her helping Manik with the dress and giving him coffee and gave a glare to Aditya.

He raised his hands in defense and she turns to Soniya.

"You guys looked good together and also it's good publicity for the fashion event and you. It's the first time someone with such a big following will be wearing your clothes. So thank me later now look at the video. ",Soniya said and Nandini nodded watching it.

She saw the clip of their previous fashion event along with the preparation of this event and saw some shots of her being busy and working instructing people and got embarrassed. There was a message from Soniya at the end about the upcoming event.

Everyone clapped as it came to an end and then went on to interact with people and talk.

Manik gave a little interview to the media about the magazine and the experience.

"You can go for the fitting rehearsal. I will handle it here. There's nothing much. ",Soniya said and Nandini thanked her.

She informed Sara who excused Manik and they walked to her dressing area.

" The rest of the models will be here in some time.",Aditya informed her and she nodded.

" Let's get started with you and then I will check on with the rest of them.",Nandini said and he nodded.

She asked the interns to get her the dress and they brought a rack of suits and formals.

"So these are the outfits I got made for the showstopper. Here are the pictures if you want to go through them. You can choose anything that you want to wear. We need two outfits. ",Nandini said forwarding him a book.

" What do you suggest?",he asked her.

"My personal favourite for you would be this.",She said showing him the bluish green suit.

He looked at it and nodded keeping it aside and then went on to search for another outfit.

He picked a light brown suit and a red one.

She picked a forest green suit and a pink suit and showed him.

"That's pink.",Manik said her.

"I know its in fashion.",Nandini replied.

" For girls. ",He replied rolling his eyes.

" Try it once atleast. ",She said putting it aside and picking out a mustard suit.

"Go on try them.",She said and he nodded and went in to change.

Nandini asked the interns to get the book for the accessories and she showed them to Sara and Aditya.

"Nandini, What do you think? Can I be your model someday?",he asked and she shake her head.

" Why someday? You can be my model now. I will replace someone with you. You will even cost me less. What do you say? ",Nandini asked and Aditya frowned at her.

"And who would handle your work here?",he asked and she gave him a smile.

"Why do you think I haven't yet made you model for me?",She joked and he smiled.

Manik walked in wearing the outfit she first choose for him.

She stared at him finding him quite good looking in that outfit.

"How's the fitting?",She asked and he nodded in satisfaction.

"The shirt?",she asked and he removes the jacket and show them.

Nandini looked at him and cleared her throat composing herself seeing him stand there in white shirt which did nothing to hide his well built physique.

"Okay looks good. I took the fitting from the cover outfits. ",She said and he nodded.

She showed him the accessories book explaining him the shoes and socks along with the watch and cuff links she had planned.

He then went on to try all the outfits one by one and she explained everything she wanted to be like.

"So which one from all of them?",She asked at the end looking at him then at the duo.

He keeps thinking about it.

" The first one you choose and i liked the pink one.",Sara said her opinion.

"I liked the green one. It gave a refreshing look.",Aditya said and Nandini looked at Manik.

" I am confused between the red or mustard.",Manik said and Nandini looked at the two outfits.

"Go with mustard. The black shirt and mustard suit will bring out your features well. ",Nandini suggested and Manik nodded agreeing as Sara and Aditya agreed.

An intern called aside Nandini for the help of the other models and she excused herself as she went to check in.

Nandini guided the intern explaining her about the fitting and showing her how to do by doing so herself.

She talked with the male models as the intern took the fittings.

"Isn't she quite lucky. She has the dream job of every girl. She get to be around so much sexy man and talk to them. I would give anything to be around such men. ",Sara said talking a little loud as she watched n6andini.

"You are already.",Aditya said and Sara raised her eye checking him out.

"What? I am handsome. Also you stay around him all day. ",Aditya said referring to Manik.

Manik ignored them but heard them finding it interesting.

" I never said you are not. Well no doubt Manik is sexy. It's just that I am bored watching his face everyday. ",Sara said and Aditya smiled.

" How about a change of face. You can watch me. ",Aditya said and Sara laughed.

" Sure. ",She replied.

" Smooth",Manik mumbled and looked at Nandini who was stretching her neck.

She came back and they finalised the outfit and all the accessories.

"Do you have a preferred hair and make up person or are you good with anyone? ",She asked him and he looked at her.

" I have someone.",He said and she nodded.

"Okay share his contact with me. I will hire him for you for the event and give instructions on how I want the hair and beard. ",She said and he nodded.

" Okay then I think that's all. If something is left I will come by but we are done for now. ",She said and he thanked her and they left the office.