Chapter Two
Manik Malhotra.
Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't look him up on the internet once I got home. And checked his Facebook profile. And Instagram. And found out stuff about him. And stalked him a bit. Through the internet... for now.
What?
I shook my head, trying to get rid of these stupid thoughts. I had no time to obsess over some arrogant, spoiled, rich guy; I had to get to work to find my soul mate. That was what was important now.
"You know," I started, looking up to my friend, Navya, who sat across the table, "he was acting so rude. All I asked was for an apology, but look at his attitude! What a massive ego this guy had."
But I just couldn't stop talking about it.
"You've told me about a million times now, Nandu," Navya said.
"Well, yes! Why shouldn't I? It's an important subject," I argued. "And when I asked him as to who did he think he was, he said-"
"That I am Manik Malhotra,' yes, I've heard that one before," she completed. "Want to know why? Because it's all you've been talking about since yesterday."
"Because this Mani-"
"Nandini..." she slowly spoke, dragging the word. "I get it; he was very rude, but you've got to stop obsessing over this."
"You're saying that, seriously? I've never complained when you rant hours on the phone talking about how much you like Harshad!" I brought up; referring to the guy Navya had a huge crush on. Almost immediately, her cheeks went bright pink.
"W-well, that's because I like him! You don't like this guy, do you?"
I paused for a moment, taking in her words. In a sense, she was right. I didn't like this guy. He was rude and had no manners whatsoever. I've never actually met anyone like that since, most of the time, I was nice to people and they were nice to me. I guess I was probably just slightly - slightly - fascinated with him because of that, but that was it. I didn't like' him, so why the sudden obsession?
Maybe I should just let it go.
- x -
In the afternoon, I found myself back in that place. In that same coffee shop, sitting in that same table, with the same untouched coffee cup. Hey, just because I had one disaster, it shouldn't stop me from finding my own coffee shop romance. I was certain I would find my soul mate, and I was determined to do that today. Nothing could stop me now.
"You again," a very familiar voice spoke, taking his seat in front of me.
Except for that.
"Are you stalking me?" he took a sip of his coffee, not turning to look at me. "I mean, I understand if you are. I'm really quite irresistible."
"Vain much?"
"Very much," he corrected, letting a smirk take over his face, leaving me baffled. "But, back to my question, are you stalking me?"
"I'd say it's the other way around, Mister Manik Malhotra."
"You remembered my name?" he raised an eyebrow, and immediately I cursed myself. Damn you, Nandini! What was the need of using his full name?
With an amused expression, and another smirk, he merely said, "I guess that answers my question."
"It doesn't!" I lamely tried to defend myself.
"What's your name, though?" he asked, completely ignoring my attempt.
"Why should I tell you?"
"Well, you know mine, so it's only fair if I know yours too."
"I'm not telling you."
"And why not?"
"Why are you so interested?"
"You're interesting," he shrugged.
"Really? How so?"
"Well," he started, "first of all, you have a funny face."
"I do not!" I raised my voice, offended.
"And you make funny expressions," he continued, completely ignoring what I just said.
"When have I eve-"
"There," he pointed, "you're doing it now."
I paused, and then coughed, straightening up. "Well, whatever, I'm leaving," was all I said before getting up and gathering my things, once again.
"Do you have a habit of not finishing your coffee?" he called out, but this time I didn't look back. Not until I was at the doors, anyway.
I turned halfway and, in a low voice, said, "Nandini. My name is Nandini."
Afterwards I left that place immediately, never turning back again, but with a faint smile on my lips.
- x -
A/N: If you're not disappointed already I don't know what to say.
Cricket
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