An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 36

As Manik and Nandini arrived at Malhotra Enterprises, Nandini, who was there for the first time, couldn't help but notice the recognition in everyone's eyes. It was clear that they all knew her now, thanks to her official relationship with Manik. Manik, as usual, exuded the commanding presence of the Malhotra heir, while Nandini greeted everyone with a warm smile as they wished her.

Once they reached Manik's cabin, he looked at Nandini and smiled at her in a way that surprised her.

Nandini raised an eyebrow. "How do you switch like that so quickly?"

Manik, with a confused look, asked, "Switch? What do you mean?"

Nandini laughed, shaking her head. "I mean, outside you're all attitude—Mr. Malhotra, all powerful and commanding—but as soon as we step in here, you're back to being the Manik I know."

Manik thought for a moment before replying, "I don't know. It's not intentional. It just comes naturally."

Nandini smiled and teased, "You've got to keep that smile on you at all times from now on. Deal?"

Manik chuckled, "That's going to be difficult, but if you say so... okay."

Nandini smiled brightly and pecked him on the cheek, making his heart race a little.

"Thank you," he said, still caught up in the moment. "Settle down now. Coffee?"

"No, no, I'm fine," Nandini replied.

Manik nodded, his mind already shifting gears. "I'll call the designers in, and you can tell them everything you need for the designs."

Nandini nodded in response as the designers entered.

Manik shook their hands with a warm smile, which caught them off guard. It was a new side of him they hadn't seen.

"Mr. Sheikh, this is Ms. Nandini Murthy, the owner of the restaurant chains. You'll be working with her on this project," Manik introduced them.

Mr. Sheikh greeted her. "Hello, Ma'am."

Nandini returned the greeting with a simple, "Hi."

Manik turned to Nandini. "I'll be in the conference room. You guys discuss the designs, and Mr. Sheikh, I want the best from you this time."

"Of course, Sir," Mr. Sheikh replied. "It's for family, after all."

Manik smiled and left the cabin.

The designers showed Nandini a presentation of modern interior designs, and she picked out a few she liked.

Mr. Sheikh then asked, "What about the counter designs, Ma'am?"

Nandini hesitated for a moment before replying, "I'm sorry, I'm not great with counters. Manik can help you with that. And besides, it's our project now, not just mine."

Mr. Sheikh smiled and nodded in understanding. "I'll take my leave then, Ma'am."

Nandini shook his hand before sitting on the sofa in the cabin, casually browsing through Instagram.

About an hour later, Manik entered the cabin and found her speaking on the phone.

She looked up and gave him her signature million-dollar smile, even though she was still on the call. Manik's heart skipped a beat, and he returned the smile, feeling something shift inside him.

"Yeah, finalize the deal and call me when it's done. Bye," Nandini said, hanging up the phone.

"Hey," Manik greeted, his eyes softening.

"Hi," Nandini replied. "All done?"

"Yeah," Manik said. "What have you been doing all this time?"

"I took a short nap, I guess, and then Pia called about a deal. I was just sorting it out," Nandini explained.