Manan - Hold My Hand

Chapter 72

"Do you think he will be okay?", Nandini asked eyeing him as he stood near the stage with Shravan and the chairman, Yash Malhotra. 

Watching them stand close to each other, she can now see the similarities in all of them.

"He will be fine Cutie, Stop worrying so much.", Cabir assured her and she nodded still worried for him.

Manik walked up to the stage and smiled looking at his friends as he greeted everyone as they all took a seat as he gave his speech talking about the achievements of the company over the past 30 years.

The speech went on for a while before he started the ceremony. There were some awards given for recognization of the employees over the years along with a charity donation.

Nandini relaxed as time flew by and interacted with everyone.

"Hi ", She heard Manik whisper and smiled turning to face him as she excused herself.

"You were amazing out there. Everyone was staring at you. I have heard so many people whispering how hot you are looking.", Nandini praised him and he smiled putting his hand on her back.

"Thanks, Darling. I wanted you to come to meet a few people.", Manik said and she nodded following him as he guided her to his clients and introduced her.

He smiled watching Nandini interact with them fluently and felt proud of her.

He was distracted when he watched Shravan and the chairman approach their group with two other people. He recognized one of them as Mr. Singh and the other woman looked to be his daughter. Nandini narrowed her eyes and held Manik's hand in hers to support him. They interacted with everyone before turning to them.

"Won't you introduce me to your friend?", Yash Malhotra asked eyeing Nandini and Manik wrapped a hand around her waist.

"She is Nandini Murthy, the founder, and designer of the clothing line Meraki and my girlfriend.", Manik introduced and Nandini looked at him surprised. Whenever he introduced her before he never mentioned his girlfriend himself and let people assume it.

She remembered Shravan told her what the chairman had said about her and knew it was his way to support her and get back to him.

"You are a fashion designer?", The chairman asked turning to her and Manik scoffed at the way he was acting as if he didn't know anything about her.

"Yes I am.", Nandini said proudly.

"Weren't you one of our employees before? You have come so far so soon. I can see why.", The chairman said in such a way Nandini knew he was insulting her and making it look like she had it easy and was using Manik for it.

Manik was about to open his mouth but Nandini stopped him.

"Yes I was but before that, I was the part of couch fashions since the day it was founded. I have been one of the head fashion designers training interns under me at the age of 24. I have done a lot of successful fashion shows including the one collaborating with the Top businessman of the year for three years in a row. I was a finalist in the biggest fashion festival and contributed to making Malhotra Group's name in the fashion department. I believe I have really come so far being one of the youngest fashion designers to have her own clothing line and being a part of the upcoming Lakme Fashion week at just 26. But I still have a long way to go Mr. Malhotra. I am not giving up so soon.", Nandini said with fire in her eyes as everyone listened to her. 

Yash Malhotra was fuming by the time she ended. Shravan was amused as he drank his wine to stop himself from laughing out loud. Manik had a proud expression on his face while the others were amazed at her guts to give back to the chairman of the Malhotra Groups.