HIS FATHER'S MANAGER'S DAUGHTER

Alone Time

The sun streamed through the large windows of Mannat, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of fluffy parathas and spicy aloo sabzi. Laughter and chatter filled the air as the family gathered for their morning meal.

Gauri, her eyes sparkling with excitement, exchanged glances with Pooja, who was equally animated. Their playful banter seemed to hint at a secret.

AbRam, his little brows furrowed in confusion, looked up from his plate. "Mama, why are you and Pooja  aunty smiling so much? Did I do something funny?"

SRK, trying to suppress a smile, looked at Gauri with a mock-serious expression. "Gauri, care to enlighten us? What are you and Pooja plotting?"

Pooja laughed softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, nothing too mischievous, I promise! We were just discussing a little getaway."

Gauri chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious. "Yes! We should head to Chandigarh for a few days. It's been ages since we've seen our relatives, and I think a change of scenery will do us all good!"

AbRam perked up, eyes wide with excitement. "Can I come too, Mama? I want to see the park there! They have the best swings!"

SRK, shaking his head playfully, replied, "Of course, buddy! We can make it an adventure! Just imagine the fun we'll have!"

Aryan and Nandini exchanged glances, sensing the excitement in the room but also the underlying intention behind the getaway. Aryan raised an eyebrow at Nandini, silently questioning her thoughts about the family's plans.

Nandini, trying to maintain her composure, offered a slight smile. "Sounds like a great idea, Ma. I hope you all have a wonderful time."

Gauri, her eyes glinting mischievously, responded, "Oh, we will, but it wouldn't be the same without you and Aryan here! You both will have to keep each other company while we're gone."

SRK nodded, his expression now serious. "Yes, Aryan, you and Nandini will have the house to yourselves. I trust you both to keep things in order."

Nandini felt a flutter in her stomach at the thought of being alone with Aryan for an extended period, while Aryan couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Pooja continued, "And who knows, you might find this time together to be quite enlightening!" Her eyes twinkled knowingly as she exchanged glances with Gauri.

AbRam, oblivious to the underlying tension, jumped in, "Can we have ice cream every day while we are gone?"

Everyone laughed, easing the moment, but Aryan's gaze lingered on Nandini, who was suddenly lost in her thoughts. The anticipation of having the house to themselves for a few days filled the air with a sweet tension.

Aryan, breaking the brief silence, added with a smirk, "Just make sure you pack enough snacks for us, or Nishu might starve."

Nandini shot him a playful glare. "Excuse me? I can cook just fine!"

Gauri laughed heartily, "Well, if we leave some snacks, we know you'll both survive! Now let's finish breakfast so we can finalize our plans."

The conversation continued, filled with laughter and light-heartedness, but the underlying tension between Aryan and Nishu hung in the air, unspoken but palpable. As breakfast came to an end, both Nishu and Aryan could sense that the coming days would hold surprises, challenges, and perhaps, new beginnings.