fake boyfriend

chapter 4

Nandini's POV:

I stand there in stunned silence. Did he just say what I think he said?
Manik Malhotra, the Manik Malhotra, wants to date me? This has to be some kind of joke.

Nandini: "What do you mean, let's date? Is this some kind of prank?"

Manik chuckles, running a hand through his hair, clearly amused by my reaction.

Manik: well not date -date . Just fake date . Think about it—if we date, you can make some actual progress .do you really think a letter would help you .nooo.
Look when we pretend , everyone will start talking and he will look at you in a complete new light , and it'll get his attention.

Nandini: "This isn’t some rom-com, Manik! People don't just date to make others jealous. Besides, Abhay isn’t even into drama."

Manik: "oh please everyone is into drama. They just pretend like they're not Maybe, but it’ll work. Trust me. And if it doesn’t, at least you'll have some fun. What do you have to lose?"

Nandini: "And what exactly do you get out of this?"

Manik shrugs.

Manik: "You get Abhay, and I get some peace from all the unwanted attention. People might actually stop throwing themselves at me .Plus, it'll be interesting to see where it goes."

Nandini: "so you want to fake date ,so that girls might stay away from you ?

Manik : we'll yes kinda..

Nandini : so you are using me as a pawn.?

Manik : hey ! The complete opposite. I'm asking you to use me as a pawn. It's a win - win.

Nandini : I don't know...

Manik: Life’s boring if you don’t take risks. Come on, Nandini. You’re already halfway there—what’s the worst that could happen?"

I think about it. I’m still not convinced

Nandini: sorry ! I don't think I want to ..

Manik : think  about it . If you change your mind . My offer's still available. Just saying ...

He says and starts to leave .

Nandini : don't hold your breath on it ! Bye..
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The next day at school.

Me and mukti were in the corridor walking to class . Manik was passing by .

Manik :hey ! Good morning ..

He waves and leaves before I could replying. Talking to his friends .

Mukti : what did he wanted to talk yesterday  ? He even asked about you in the class .

Nandini: you won't believe it !

I tell about the locker thing and our talk in the cafe. I just left about the fake dating thing . I wasn't doing it anyways..so.

Mukti : oh my god .

She starts laughing hard .really hard.

Nandini : are you done ? Or you need to laugh more .

I say with a tight smile.

Mukti : okay sorry sorry let's go..

She says controlling her laughter, we go into the class.
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Later at lunch break .

Mukti suddenly gets a subway craving. So she left .

I'm left alone now . I see abhay passing.
He didn't even glance at me and walked past.