Part 3
-----
Location: Mezbaani
“Puneet Sir… Do you mind checking this list?” Mannat asks Puneet and a clearing of the throat diverts their attention. It is Vikrant, standing by the table, looking at Mannat with eager eyes and a shy smile, hoping she would consult him too.
It's been a few days since Ronnie had introduced the idea of diversification and Puneet had been spending time with Mannat at Mezbaani. She had come up with a good amount of research and Puneet had been impressed which he dared not say aloud. But Vikrant was making agonizingly slow progress in his attempts to talk to Mannat. Puneet was observing with a keen eye now that he had some idea about what Vikrant feels for Mannat.
Just then Malla entered the restaurant. Puneet didnt miss the cold vibes Mannat and Malla shared, who were once good friends. But even more surprising was Vikrant's sudden move towards Mannat, he got up from the chair and in one quick stride he was next to her like a cat, almost crowding her personal space. Mannat shifted slightly in whatever space she had.
Malla tried to talk to Vikrant and he ignored. She greeted Mannat and was reciprocated with a curt smile. Malla then turned her attention to Puneet and the papers in front of him.
“What is this Punnu?”
“It's Puneet Malla… and this doesn't concern you…” Puneet retorted, irritated with the abridged name she calls him with.
“Oh come on… cant you just share… main vaise bhi bahot bore ho rahi thi ghar pe… tum aur Vikrant… and ofcourse Mannat tum bhi… koi bhi nahi hai mujhse baat karne, masti karne….”
“Kyunki hum sab kaam karne main lage hue hai Madam….” Puneet replies without letting her finish…
“Haan vahi to… I thought I will join you… are we ordering something???”
Puneet laughed at her… “Are you m….? Why would we order Malla? This is our restaurant… we can make whatever we want… and we have great chefs like Mannat here….”
Before he could even control, Puneet had made a huge gaffe…. He had not only acknowledged Mannat's skills but also said it aloud in front of her…
Puneet wished the ground would open up and swallow him… The Puneet Saluja, Head Chef had unknowingly broken his tough task master facade and that too for Mannat.
He turned to look around the table and his embarrassment touched the zenith.
Malla who was sipping water from her Stanley cup was stuck in limbo, her lips pursed around the sipper.
Mannat was awestruck, her eyes wide with surprise. Puneet could imagine the million thoughts running in her mind.
But he got stuck on Vikrant, who was gaping at him, his eyes betraying the slight anger and frustration that Puneet could feel… as if Vikrant will skin him alive…
He quickly tries to recovered and said… “Haan to… Mannat ko maine train kiya hai… The Puneet Saluja, Head Chef… how can she not be perfect….”
His words didnt make the desired impact.
Trying to divert the attention, he quickly asks Vikrant…
“Vikrant… Shall we go for a market survey today? Kya bolte ho?”
Vikrant is barely able to control his anger, her voice is laced with frustration that Puneet praised Ms. Mannat, his Ms. Mannat when he has not been able to talk 2 full sentences to her in past few days.
“Nahi… mujhe kuch kaam hai… tu jaa…”
The frustrated reply doesn't miss its aim, and taking a wild shot just for the livid glance Vikrant had given him a few moments ago, Puneet decides to take his chance…
“Mannat… what are you doing? Tum chalogi??”
Mannat looks at him in surprise… appreciation first and now a request to accompany him?
Mannat wonders if Puneet has grown some imaginary wings… since he was behaving like an angel around her. But she also quickly realizes the company she will have if she stays back… 2 people in the world she is most eager to avoid right now…
With quick decision, she replies… “Sure Sir… why not? Do you mind if I change? I can go home directly with you if we are late and unless you are not occupied!!!”
Puneet, who was expecting her to refuse, is stunned by her quick acceptance and rush of words.
He nods and she quickly moves to the service area with a faint smile.
Vikrant who is dumbstruck with the situation keeps looking at Puneet, his frustration palpable.
Puneet walks off with a shrug, whistling his way to the car.
In the parking lot, Mannat is sprinting… eager to escape Mezbani as fast as she can.
She is about to climb the front passenger seat when she gets a tap on her shoulder.
“Ms. Mannat, move aside please. I need to sit...” Vikrant tells her with a stern resolve.
Mannat looks at him in shock, while Puneet sniggers in the driver seat.
Composing himself, since he had low key expected this…
“I thought tum busy the Vikrant… kya hua??”
“Ummm… vo main baad main kar lunga… I thought I will join you guys too….” he replies, looking pointedly at Mannat.
Mannat is still holding the door… confused by Vikrants behaviour.
He grabs the door handle from hers and opens the rear door.
“Ms. Mannat, please get inside… we need to go…”
Mannat finds her voice somewhere… “But Sir… aap boss hai… aap piche… “
Vikrant mentally bangs his head for going back to the boss realm again ... “Ms. Mannat… corporate protocol… a female employee will sit at the back… even with her bosses… go and sit please… we are getting late…”
Mannat has no choice but to slide in on the back seat… Vikrant takes the front passenger seat and finally relaxes.
Puneet snorts, is met with an eyebrow raise by Vikrant… when he doesn't reply, Vikrant motions him to move and trio head off to the market.
Such a fun update, jealous vikku is a treat to watch! 
Itti Si Khushi Sab TV
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
542