'WHEN MANIK MET NANDINI'(Ch-11 UPTD; 2/8/15, PG:41) - Page 17

Awesome
Wonderfully written
Continue soon

awww too cute!!!

pen wala scene was brilliant!! loved it as usual!! continue soon!! waiting... -Ananya😊

Hey plz post da next chap plzzz eagerly waiting for it😭😭😭

Thank you everyone for the comments ! Feeling extremely happy to read all your comments.. So here is the next chapter. Hope you all will like it ...

CHAPTER 8

"THE PRESENTATION"

The presentation day, @9 am :

Manik got ready and came to the bedroom to see Nandini. He knocked the door but no response. So he opened the door slowly and found Nandini coming out of the washroom. She was wearing a red kurti top with a dark blue jean. She was facing the other side and running her hands through her wet hair. Water droplets were dripping from the tips of her hair. Manik leaned over the side of the door and was just adoring her. Nandini wore her rosette studs and sat in front of the dresser. She applied some little makeup. Manik was admiring the way she was getting ready. She then turned on the hair drier. The way her hair fluttered in the air made her face more visible, making Manik mesmerized. She combed her hair and left it free. She then took a deep breath and started.

Nandini: (looking at the mirror and to herself) Good morning to one and all present here!...No no, not like this Nandini, you are not going to address an assembly of students... It's a presentation. Good Morning gentlemen!...What if there are ladies??...Good Morning ladies and gentelemen!... But I am not sure if there are any ladies...(irritated by herself after trying some more modulations) Nandini what's wrong with you?? Why are you so nervous, it's just a presentation... Relax Nandini !

Manik: You are right it's just a presentation. He came inside and stood behind her.

Nandini: Sir?!? (looking at Manik through the mirror)

She tried to get up but Manik made her sit and knelt down in front of her. Then slowly he took her hand in his.

Manik: It's just a presentation Nandini.

Nandini: I know sir but...

Manik: (putting his finger on her lips) No buts and ifs, I know you will do it well.

Nandini: Hmm... Hope so sir. Since it's my first presentation I am little tensed.

Manik: I understand. Everyone has a first time, even I was nervous when I first attended an official meeting as a CEO.

Nandini: Really??

Manik: Yeah, I didn't even know what should I talk and how to react. I totally murdered the first two presentation of mine, but u know na, Practice makes man perfect. But you don't worry, I know you will nail it today. So all the best.

Nandini: (smiling) Thank you sir!

Manik: See as I told you before, you always need to smile to kick off the troubles in your life.

This made Nandini a bit relaxed and confident. She received text from her friends wishing her all the best. She felt happy seeing the message, as her friends remembered each and everything of her. She then composed herself and closed her eyes to pray to her Aiyappa.

Manik: (shouting from outside) Nandini! Hurry up! We are getting late.

Nandini: (shouting back) Yes sir, coming!

Nandini took her laptop and whatever she needed for the day and rushed out. Both of them got into the car and left. They reached the hotel where they had the meeting. Both of them went inside the conference hall. Nearly 6-7 people were waiting for them. Mr. Sharma greeted both of them. Manik introduced Nandini to the rest of the people.

Sharma: So can we start the presentation, Manik?

Manik: Yeah, sure uncle (saying this he looked at Nandini)

All of them took their respective seats. Manik and Nandini were standing in front of the projector. The lights were turned off and it was completely dark. Manik bent down and went near Nandini's ear. He whispered "Best of luck, Nandini". She felt like current passing through her body, due to the closeness of Manik. But she closed her eyes and composed herself. Then Manik switched on the projector and took a seat in front of her. Nandini took a deep breath and started. The presentation went off very well. She never looked at Manik even for once, because she know what will happen if she looks at him. She then completed her presentation in a best way she could and waited for the response. After a moment of silence, Nandini got a standing ovation from the group of businessmen which included Manik. Nandini was happy to the core. She saw Manik, but he didn't say anything.

Sharma: Fantastic!! I mean, I am really impressed. Your views and objectives were really good and also the way you presented it was very clear and commendable.

Nandini: Thank you sir. It really it means a lot to me.

Sharma: I am sure our clients will be happy with our proposal. Just add some details regarding the quoted amount, it will be perfectly fine then.

Nandini: Yeah sure sir.

Then Sharma got a call from Arpit. He excused himself and went outside to attend the call.

Sharma: (on the phone) Hello Arpit, how are you??

Arpit: Yes I am fine. I just called you to enquire about the meeting.

Sharma: Well, what should I say. I am immensely impressed with Nandini. The girl has something in her. Our clients were more than satisfied with her presentation. I should say Manik's choice is the best.

Arpit: Oh well, after all he is my son.

They both laughed together and continued their conversation.

Meanwhile, here inside the cabin Nandini was waiting impatiently for Manik to appreciate her. He was simply standing looking at her. She got little upset and turned to leave.

Manik: Nandini, wait, Where are you going?

Nandini: (angry) Where will I go? I am going to the resort.

Manik: Why are you looking tensed? What happened?

Nandini: (still upset) Nothing sir, I am fine.

Manik: Say me, what's the matter?

Nandini: You didn't like my presentation na. Everyone appreciated me except you, it's okay if you don't want to...

Manik smiled and hugged her immediately, not giving her a chance to continue. At first she didn't know how to react but after few seconds she too slowly placed her hand in his shoulder.

Manik: Thank you so much Nandini! You will never know how this project was important to me. I am very happy and you really nailed it today.

Nandini was on cloud-nine hearing his words. She closed her eyes tightly in happiness. They were still hugging. She then came back to her senses and slowly took her hands back and they broke their hug. Both smiled at each other. Then Sharma came back to them, after the call.

Manik: So uncle, as planned we'll discuss about the quoting amount tomorrow.

Sharma: It's not necessary Manik. I am sure that you both will bring up this project well. So you guys carry on, I have full confidence in you both.

Manik: Uncle, are you sure?

Sharma: Yeah, I am very sure. Now stop getting official, my family is waiting in the restaurant. Let's have our lunch together.

Both Manik and Nandini had their lunch with Sharma's family. Then they came back to their resort. Manik was little tired so he went to take a nap. Nandini called her friends in conference and informed them about her presentation, because she knew that they will be eagerly waiting to know what happened. She hang up the phone soon, as she was aware that they will be busy in their office. She switched on the T.V as she was not feeling sleepy. She was just randomly swapping the channels. Then finally she decided to see a movie. In that movie she saw a scene where the hero hugs the heroine and she couldn't resist herself from thinking of Manik's hug this morning. She got goosebumps when she thought of this.

Nandini: (to herself) Aiyo... Aiyappa, why do I get this strange feeling all over my body whenever I think of him??

She decided to distract herself so she went to the kitchen and made some tea. She left the tea leaves on the stove with water to boil and went to the washroom hardly looking at Manik who was still asleep on the bed. She washed her face. Meanwhile Manik got up and stretched his hands and he looked at his watch, it was 6 in the evening. He went to the washroom, the door was opened but he heard the water sound. He peeped in and saw Nandini there. She splashed water on her face for the last time, the water droplets were streaming down her face. A small drop of water trickled down and landed on her slightly parted pink lips. She pulled out a towel and wiped her face gently when she noticed Manik. His eyes were glued to her. She went near him and waved her hands, but no reaction. She splashed a little water on his face and he came to his senses. He looked here and there to avoid the embarrassment. Nandini smiled at his actions and went back to the kitchen.

Manik: (looking at the mirror) Why do I always freeze when I look at her. Right from day one I have always been attracted to her. Am I crazy or is this really just another crush or something else??

He was confused. He splashed some water on his face and came out of the washroom. Nandini was back with two mugs of tea. She kept one on the table in the balcony and took a sip of hers from her cup. She leaned towards the grill and was looking at the waves. He came to the balcony where she was standing. He took the other mug of tea and stood near her, maintaining a small distance, because he knew what will happen if he goes near her and remembered the previous day's incident.

Manik: So what's the plan for tomorrow?

Nandini: (confusingly) Tomorrow???

Manik: Yeah, you impressed Sharma uncle and our meeting for tomorrow is now cancelled. And we don't have any flights for today. So I thought we'll go somewhere out tomorrow... Only if u wish.

Nandini: (excitedly) Why not? We'll go for shopping!! And also beach!

Manik: What!! Shopping?? No way, I know how you girls spend a lot of time in the name of shopping and buy nothing.

Nandini: Oh come on sir, it will be fun and by the way it's my reward.

Manik: Reward???

Nandini: Yeah, reward for me, for the successful presentation.

Saying this, she winked at him. How could Manik say no when she asks something in such a cute way. Manik nodded his head in agreement. She was too happy and jumped in excitement. They both sat there and chit-chatted about their experiences in shopping. Manik was going on complaining about his mom, how she will take hours to select a saree and how he and his dad will be waiting there doing nothing. Manik continued to explain about his mom. Hearing this, Nandini started to remember about her parents. Her eyes were welled up with tears, but she managed it and gave a fake smile to Manik who was continuously talking about his mom. But her tears didn't go unnoticed by him. She turned her face to avoid the eye contact with him.

Manik: What happened Nandini?

Nandini: Nothing, it's just something had fallen in my eyes. (She lied)

Manik: Come on Nandini, please don't try to lie, you are not good at it.

Nandini couldn't control her tears anymore, it started to flow through her cheeks. Manik couldn't see her like that, he holded her hands and asked her to relax.

Manik: What's the matter Nandini? You can share it with me. I am a good friend of yours, more than your boss.

Nandini: I miss my parents.

Manik: Then call to them and talk na, why are you crying?

Nandini: I wish. I wish I could talk to them.

Manik gave a confused look.

Nandini: They are no more, they left me when I was 11.

Manik: I am sorry. I don't know about it, I really didn't mean to hurt you. Sorry!

Tears were still flowing from her eyes. Manik become so hurt seeing her like that. He went near and hugged her. She started to cry even more and consoled her by patting her head.

Manik: Sshh. Enough Nandini, enough of crying. Relax !

Nandini slowly broke the hug. She saw Manik and gave a fake smile. He knew she was still hurt, but he didn't know how to lighten up her mood. The night had fallen and it became dark. He slowly moved her towards the corner of the balcony.

Manik: You know what, my mom used to say that, when someone dies they become stars and live with us forever. So your parents are also staying there, seeing you. (showing the stars)

Nandini: (looking at the stars) My Amms also used to say the same.

Manik: Amms???

Nandini: I mean my grandma.

Manik: So then why are you crying? You can talk to them whenever you want, they are always with you.

Manik gave her an assuring smile and she also smiled back lightly. Both stood there looking at the stars for some time. Then the door-bell rang, the waiter was standing there with their dinner. Manik went to get it, meanwhile Nandini's phone rang it was Amms. Amms enquired her about her presentation and they both had a conversation for some time. After she hang up, she came out and saw Manik serving the food for both them. She smiled at it and sat next to him. They both had their dinner, doing some chit-chats. After their chat sessions got over, they went to their bed and drifted to sleep, but not before thinking of each other for few moments...

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So, how was the chapter ?? Do post your reviews in form of long comments... And please buddy me, if you want pms.. And yeah, I will try to post the next chapter by this weekend. A dayout @ Goa, coming soon, get ready.. Till then, take care.. Bye !! 😊

awesome part waiting for nxt part for their romance more keep writing it😊

Nice n awsome one n ppz pm me na wenever u update ur next part

Excited for a day out in goa, hope this bring them much closer, waiting for next part.

Heyyy..i loved thus update. The story is sooo sweet..waiting for the next update. 😊

Awesome plz continue the next chapter soon