Chapter 10
"Hello Mr Manik Malhotra and Ms Nandini Vashishth,accept my heartfelt gratitude to grace the Sehgals' Annual Charity Ball." Manik and Nandini were greeted by Cabir rather melodramaticlly,at the entrance of Oberoi hotel,one of the prestigious one of Mumbai,where the event was held.
"Pleasure is all ours,Mr Cabir Sehgal.I see you've taken up the role of the host,immaculately. "Manik replied no less dramatically . Cabir bowed down a little in response.Nandini rolled her eyes and laughed heartily forgetting all her nervousness.
"God!!! you two are just too much . Cabir,now that you're done with the welcome procedures,can we come inside ."Nandini said,her face adorned with her dazzling smile and eyes twinkling.
" Of course,come in,I mean go in . I've to be here to receive other guests . I'll see you guys in a while . Make yourselves comfortable and have fun."Cabir said and got back to his duty after ushering them inside . Manik was amazed to see Cabir deeply involved event conduction . He had never been actively indulged in the parties thrown by his parents.He attended those parties like another guests . He sighed and pushed the uneasy feelings aside . He was here to spend a lovely,charming evening with Nandini and he would ensure he does.
Nandini was stunned, at first,and then mesmerised to see the grandeur of the ballroom hall . The hall was shimmering with golden chroma . The ceiling was bedecked by Golden and light green drapes,apportioned radially and a huge solid golden mirror ball hung in the centre of it . The tables of four seats,matching the gold of the evening and adorned with colorful flowers, made way to the equally enthralling dance floor. A posh,smooth,almost frictionless floor, fenced with what looked like stratified arrangement of curtains, egressing glowing light through strings of fairy lights adorning the artificial flower-mounted pillars placed in front of them,framed a perfect ballroom dance floor . The perfectly synchronised orchestra completed the theme,having rendered the hall melodious.
" This is so beautiful."Nandini said awestruck by the classy and elegant hall,all set to bestow a promising evening ahead.
" Not more than my beautiful date."The charming and flirtious mode of Manik Malhotra switched on ,partly as a result of beautiful ambience and majorly for his beautiful date.
"Manik!!!stop being so so,erm,dramatic ."Nandini said trying to cover up her blushing face with laughter and failing miserably.
" I am genuine Nandini.You just don't take me seriously."Manik said mocking hurt.
" Someone once said 'Don't take life too seriously . And don't be too serious about not taking yourself too seriously'.Nandini gave back cheekily.
" Point noted,madame. " Manik replied as alluring as ever . Manik led Nandini towards bar counter amidst another round of light banter.
He ordered soft drink for her and wine for himself . Manik was telling her all the purpose of this event and the programs Mrs Sehgal run through her NGO as much as he knew,when he was crushed in a breath Knocking hug by Sarah . He always braced himself for 'Sarah attack' as he called it,before any party he attended . There wasn't a single party,he didn't cross path with Sarah in . This time,however,he completely forgot about her.
" Hey Manik!!!How are you?Its been long,we had met."Sarah practically shouted.
" I'm fine Sarah . How have you been doing?"Manik replied politely but uneasy and praying hard for the safety of his eardrums.
"I am perfect . You didn't introduce me to your date."Sarah said pointing towards Nandini
"This is Nandini,a very dear friend."Manik told Sarah,his mouth lingered around 'dear ' for considerable amount of time.
" New friend from college?"
"No...erm a common friend through Cabir."Manik replied not wanting to give away anything about his music course . Nandini greeted Sarah but her mind went overdrive to think why Manik didn't mention space . A lot of questions raised in just a few seconds,but this was neither the place nor the time for a Q &A session . After an insignificant chat,Sarah was exused by her partner.
"There are you guys.Enjoying the party?"Cabir asked them soon after Sarah left . Mukti had also joined Cabir till then.
" Yeah . It's great to be here Cabir and this place is amazing . I loved the decor."Nandini replied excited.
" I told you the party will be no less than Citrullus lanatus to you."Mukti said confusing boys with another of a botanical term.
"Now what is that?"Boys asked in unison,sounding irritated.
" Water melon " Girls too replied together,amused by their expressions.
" Guys water melon is one of the most refreshing fruits as this party is for Nandini and I guess Manik as well . so yeah I was speaking about water melon.It is rich in Vitamin A, B6 and -"Mukti was cut by all three of them not really in a mood to have to tolerate another of botany lecture . Cabir then took Manik and Nandini to meet his parents . They greeted his parents and chated with them a little.Older Sehgals excused themselves soon after.Many of Manik's friend were present there . They came to greet him.Nandini,though well acquainted with 'hug and greet ' culture of Mumbai by now,felt more than a little awkward and out of place . She couldn't leave as she didn't know anyone there except Cabir and Mukti who were busy with some other guests . Her uneasiness didn't fail Manik's eyes which were constantly trained on her but he couldn't help except to pray for an escape . As a answer to his prayers,an announcement was heard from the centre of the stage .
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen . We express immense gratitude to all of you to come together and stand for a noble cause . I hope we propagate the ritual every forthcoming year . Now I'd like to request you all to grace the stage and begin the evening . Thank you."Mr Sehgal gave a small acknowledgement speech and the dance floor came to life soon after that . Cabir and Mukti were among the first ones to climb up the stage . Years of experience on the dance floor reflected in their graceful and well synchronised dance movements.
"Ms Nandini Vashishth, would you do the honour of sharing the dance floor with me, please?"Manik asked Nandini standing afar the dance floor.
"I've danced only on few bollywood numbers till date and that too, at some weddings . I don't think sharing the 'ball' dance floor is a good idea . Why don't you find another partner? "Nandini replied.
" Ek secret batau...we're not performing at DID and I'm not an expert dancer . Come let's try it and I'll teach you as much as I know."Manik said,trying to convince her to dance.
" Are you sure,I won't mess it?"Nandini asked not really convinced.
" Cent percent .Shall we?"Manik put his hand out once again . Nandini placed her hand in his waiting one,albeit reluctantly.
As Manik held her from waist and made her put her spare hand on his shoulder,she jumped a little, innervated by some unknown mixed emotions. Tingling sensations,an unnaturally pleasant nervousness and an easy uneasiness,were getting hard for her genius brain to interpret . Manik realising her uneasiness, remained at dignifying distance and kept talking random stuff to distract her as well as himself . He needed the distraction from the warmth diffusing from her skin along with her innerself, distraction from the thoughts how perfectly she complimented him.He deduced in that moment that he was attracted to her . A thought took its first breath at the rear of his head;maybe he has started falling for her . His thoughts halted at once when he felt Nandini's pencil heels daggered his shoe clad foot,reflexively eliciting a painful screech from him.
" I'm so sorry . I didn't mean to hurt you."Nandini said apologetically.
" It's okay . I'm fine.Relax,it happens for the beginners . You'll get it right soon."Manik calmed her down. They started again . This time Nandini almost made him trip,accidently . After few more 'hits and misses' they gave up the stage not really wanting to endanger other people dancing . They discovered a balcony from the dance floor at the end of the hall and made way towards it . They started laughing hysterically imagining their antique dance moves.
" You dance really bad Nandini . It was so damn funny."Manik said still laughing hard.
"I told you . But I am good at all bollywood latka jhatkas, for your information. "
"Oh really!!!I'll agree only when I see you doing them."Manik said getting sober,mirth still dancing in his eyes.
"Are you challenging me?Kay,I'll show you sometime then and I am sure you'll be clean bowled by my thumkas."Nandini said putting hands on sides of her waist.
" We'll see."Manik said,tongue in cheek . And another bout of laughter started . After getting sober,Nandini asked him the question that was continuously occupying her mind throughout the party.
" Why did you not tell Sarah about us being together in music course?"There, she finally asked him . Manik was shocked to hear her question . His forehead creased in contemplation whether to tell Nandini about him pursuing the course against his parents and that too secretly,but decided against it not wanting to burden her with his mess especially on such a lovely evening;maybe some other time.
When he didn't answer her question and frowned instead,she felt like intruding his personal space.
"You don't have to answer,if it is too much personal."Nandini said curbing her curiosity.
" No,its alright . She doesn't know about my music course and I wanted to save the time of giving her all the details,you know . She would have consumed all of our time,to extract all details of me being in space . That's why, I didn't tell her anything."Manik told her, partially being true if not being complete honest.
"Oh okay."
They enjoyed the cool breeze coming from the balcony in a comfortable silence . Each one was busy with the thoughts of other one . One was revelling in the newly realised feeling while other trying to decipher the new, unknown feelings . Their peaceful trance was broken Cabir and Mukti who asked them to have dinner . The party concluded after some fun filled banters and nonsensical chats.
Manik drove Nandini to her hostel.The evening went very well but too fast for his liking .They reached the hostel in an hour . Manik swiftly got out and opened the door for Nandini,perfecting her fairytale evening.
Good night Manik.I had an amazing time tonight . Thank you."Nandini wished him warmly.
" Good night Nandini . I had an amazing evening as well . Bye,see you soon."Manik replied taking her hands in his and kissed her knuckles lightly. He smiled charming as ever,took the wheel and drove away leaving behind a stunned Nandini.
Of all the music that reached farthest into heaven,it is the beating of a loving heart.
Henry Ward Beecher
Hello sweeties,dearies and lovelies!!!!!!The party sequence is finally here.I hope it turned out well and you enjoy it.Do share your thoughts.
As always
Awaiting your feedback
Thank you!!!
Book Talk
Hindi TV Shows
Ishaani
Tum Se Tum Tak
