Celebrity Castaway | COMPLETE | MaNan Fiction

17| Dirty Publicity

A/N: Hello Readers, how are we doing? Firstly thank you for the extra votes for my last chapter! 192 huh? I'm so elated! I know I requested for 200 but you guys almost made it & every vote has given me so much joy! Thank you so much, once again.

Also, it was Lohri two days back, so happy Lohri to all you peeps, and happy Makar too! Now let us begin with the chapter (this is the longest chapter so far :D). On that note, happy reading!

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"Nandini, are you ready? We leave in ten minutes. Manik sir, is ready." Abhimanyu knocked on her bedroom door and reminded her.

"Yeah, Abhimanyu, coming, just need a couple of minutes more." she replied, applying her lipstick hurriedly, as Mukti quickly gave finishing touches to her loose curls.

"Hurry up, Mukti.." Nandini implored, not wanting to make Manik wait.

"Yeah, done. Okay last thing, Nandini, just walk up & down and check the fit of the baby belt. This new one is a slightly bigger one, made for mid second trimester. It will be a bit uncomfortable, but just see if you can manage." Mukti directed towards her belly. The bump was now slightly visible over her lemon yellow day dress, selected for the occasion.

"Yaar, Mukti, that's why I always insist that you guys give me two three days trial time, when changing the belt size. This is quite heavy, it's tiring me out already!" grumbled Nandini, but Mukti gently explained, it was as light as it gets & she needed to be prepared for heavier add ons. Nandini rolled her eyes, while adjusting the belt with her hands, as she walked out of the door to see Abhimanyu waiting for her.

"Ready, Nandu?" he asked. Nandini nodded with a difficult smile.

"What, do you feel unwell?" he asked, concerned, seeing the discomfort on her face. Nandini waved it off with a smile.

"She is wearing a new & bigger belt, she needs time to break into it. She might be uncomfortable today, please take special care." Mukti's faint voice floated from behind them; it was directed at Abhimanyu, who looked at her for a second and nodded silently before turning to leave with Nandini. If she wasn't mistaken, she thought she heard a sigh from Mukti.

They were going to the first unit location for Manik's new film with Innaya that was to be produced by Mr. Dhruv Vedant. This was the same movie Manik & Innaya had snatched from Aryamann & Jeff Irani, Nandini remembered. She felt bad for Aryamann for a moment, because today was slated for the 'muhurat shot' after which they were to engage in a press activity to let the media know about the official commencement of the shoot for this movie. She knew, by tomorrow this time, Aryamann would be reading this news in the entertainment supplement of his daily newspaper. Did he deserve this?

"Aah Nandini maám, please have this. Manik sir has sent it. This is charcoal infused mineral water, it will keep you properly hydrated in the heat of this outdoor schedule. So that you won't faint or anything..!" Zubin handed her a glass with a fizzy drink, which she nodded and accepted before gulping.

"Arre wah, Nandu, Manik sir is taking special care of you, now?" Navya teased her in a hushed voice & Nandini gave her an indulgent smile. She knew this was all for the camera. He didn't want her fainting at the set before the media, again triggering questions on whether he was taking good care of her, or not.

Soon they headed to the lobby where Manik was impatiently waiting for them, in a white tee, dark blue denims & a red NY baseball team cap. Nandini stared at him, he was a movie star by every right. Not many can look so gorgeous wearing such casual outfits.

"Shall we?" he asked, looking up from his phone, as he walked towards Nandini. She nodded. He casually reached her and kept his hand on her lower back, and pulled her gently towards him, before walking out of the door. It was show time now.