TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP

Chapter-21: Puppet Encounter

The morning sun bathed the palace in a golden glow, promising a beautiful day. Everyone was getting ready in their rooms for another day of exploration and adventure in Jaipur.

In the room shared by Nandini and Navya, Nandini was busy selecting her outfit, her mind focused on the day's plans.

Suddenly, she heard a faint rustling sound and turned around in surprise, her eyes widening as she saw Manik sneaking into the room.

"Manik, what are you doing here?" she whispered, her voice a mixture of shock and panic. "What if someone sees you?"

Manik grinned, stepping closer to her with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Relax, I saw Navya going out with Mukti and Alya for coffee. She won't be back anytime soon."

Nandini's heart raced as he closed the distance between them, his presence filling the room with a sense of excitement and anticipation.

"Still, you shouldn't be here. I have to get ready," she protested weakly, her resolve faltering as he gently took her hands in his.

Manik's grip was firm yet tender as he pulled her closer, his breath warm against her skin. "I don't think you need to get ready just yet," he murmured, his voice low and enticing. "Besides, I couldn't resist seeing you."

Nandini's cheeks flushed with a mix of shyness and desire as she felt his arms wrap around her, holding her in a secure embrace. "Manik, please," she pleaded, though her resistance was waning. 

Manik chuckled softly, his lips brushing against her ear as he spoke. "You know, you look even more beautiful when you're flustered," he teased, his voice laced with affection.

Nandini shivered at the sensation, her heart pounding in her chest. "You're impossible," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

With a playful smile, Manik tilted her chin up, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her knees weak. "And you love it," he replied confidently, before closing the gap between them and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.

Nandini's initial shock melted away as she surrendered to the kiss, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck. The world seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the moment, their kiss deepening with each passing second.

When they finally pulled away, breathless and flushed, Manik's eyes sparkled with mischief. "See? Isn't this better than getting ready?"

Nandini couldn't help but laugh softly, her head resting against his chest. "You have a way of making me forget everything else," she admitted, her voice tinged with affection.

Manik gently lifted her chin, his gaze tender and filled with love. "That's because you mean everything to me," he said, his tone sincere.

Nandini's heart swelled with emotion as she looked up at him, her fingers tracing the contours of his face. "I love you, Manik," she whispered, her voice filled with certainty.

"I love you too, Nandini," he replied, his eyes shining with unwavering devotion.

For a moment, they simply held each other, savoring the closeness and the quiet intimacy of the moment. Then, with a playful glint in his eye, Manik leaned in and whispered, "But you still need to get ready, or we'll miss all the fun today."

Nandini laughed, playfully pushing him away. "Then let me go, Mr. Romantic. I can't get ready if you're holding me hostage."

Manik released her with a dramatic sigh, feigning disappointment. "Fine, but only if you promise me another kiss before we leave."

Nandini rolled her eyes with a smile, reaching up to give him a quick peck on the lips. "There, happy now?"

Manik grinned, his eyes twinkling with satisfaction. "Very. Now hurry up and get ready, or I'll have to come back and distract you again."