Imma cry people if you guys will be so mean to me đ
Honestly, what sets Maanik and Nandini apart from our general youth show couple is the reality there character posses. They are not picture perfect, straight out of mills and boons. They are flawed, filled with insecurities, fear, hatred, a past baggage yet they are learning. They aren't someone who thinks themselves of supreme power who doesn't want to learn. Nandini will accept her fault in public while Maanik will do that in privacy of his solitude. They are, literally, what life shapes them to be. They learn, they grow. They loose, they win. As a individual that is something endearing to see.
As a couple what works for them is the fact that they are so different yet alike. Apart from music the common ground both share is attacks of Dhruv and Rishabh. But there is not instant liking or love at first sight in there case.
From Maanik's side its attraction, amusement on seeing such a innocent, caring yet bold girl. In his dark world character of her kind doesn't exist making him either want to prove himself that she is a lie or want to keep herself for him, to him, away from the world in fear of any harm to her, but, Mr. Monster Malhotra won't remove his facade so easily. He'll harm her, torture her but will make sure it is only him who does that. He has already grown possessive for her but not in love yet. It has long way to go.
From Nandini's side, she behaves how any normal girl with brains would. She doesn't go behind looks or bank balance but looks for the heart of the person. She believes what she see and she saw a golden heart peeking constantly from Maanik's cage. Bit by bit she is unlayering Maanik and what she comes across with leaves her ashtonished everytime. She gets closer to more humane side of Maanik and her respect and admiration for him increses by many folds but never does it take the form of love.
It will take time for both of them to fall in love till then it is the game all about admiration, respection, possessiveness and obssession.