MaNan: Unadulterated Love|| Completed

2. First encounter!

~ Everybody I met believed my smile. It was you who didn't, no matter how much convincing it seemed.~

The sun came out of his hiding place and brightened up the world a little too soon. As the sunrays fell on Nandini's face, she stirred a little and then sat up. The clock showed 6:30 in the morning. She got off her bed and stood by her balcony admiring the view with a chirpy smile. It was her first day today and she wanted to make the most of this opportunity and see the proud glint in the eyes of her loved ones. By 8:30 am she was ready with her bag and phone. She quickly called her mother and told her she was leaving for office. Her mother wished her all the luck and then she called for a taxi, her heart beating wildly in her chest.

By the time she reached her new office, the shining building of THE MALHOTRA INDUSTRIES, it was five minutes to nine. She hurried inside and went to the reception. As she entered she saw all the employees happily chirping and talking with each other. It confused her. Didn't such rich businessman normally were very rude and hated office politics or their employees just talking? All the fan fictions and stories she had read had the same and it made her frown at the thought.

By that time,  the receptionist had noticed her and she asked her how could she help her. Nandini snapped out of her thoughts and told the receptionist that it was her first day and she had to join as Mr Malhotra's PA. The receptionist smiled at her warmly and told her to wait in the lounge for Mr Malhotra had not still arrived.

Suddenly outside the horn blew and Kaka ran to welcome him. Manik entered with his usual smile, wished him and then wished the whole staff as per his daily routine. As he entered his cabin, he could feel a gaze following him but then shrugged the thought. Nandini on the other hand was visibly shocked. She had never in her life thought or heard that a boss could be so friendly. She was lost in her confusion when the receptionist called her and told her to meet Mr Manik. Gunjan collected herself and entered the cabin. Nervousness was visible in her body language.

"May I come in sir?", Her voice trembled as she knocked the door.

Listening her voice Manik glanced up and frowned for he could not recollect knowing this petite girl. Moreover she was so nervous, and he usually made sure his employees were comfortable with him and not scared of him.

" Yes?", He asked and she gulped.

" Good morning sir, I am Nandini Murthy. I had been appointed as your new PA, by Rohan sir", she said in one breath and her eyes were all the time on her sandals.

" Oh! Hello, Ms Murthy. Welcome to The Malhotra Industries. I am sorry I didn't recognize you", he welcomed her with a smile, in an attempt to relax her but it made her more uncomfortable.

To be honest, Nandini was shocked. Her boss was saying her sorry on her first day. When she didn't move from her place for few more minutes Manik again called her in. He gave her a diary containing his daily schedules and the other meetings to be followed up this coming week. Then he dialed a number and a few seconds later a lady walked in. Nandini recognized her as the same  receptionist she had met earlier.

Seeing her enter Manik smiled and uttered, "Kavita ji, this is my new PA, she is replacing Rohan from today but I don't know why she is too nervous ", he laughed and Kavita ji chuckled too.

Nandini was embarrassed at herself. Manik signalled Kavita something and she nodded. She then addressed Nandini and asked her to follow her. Nandini was relieved to leave the cabin. Aa she came out she realised she had been holding her breath. Kavita chuckled at her condition. She held her hand and dragged her towards the reception. She made her sit and handed her a glass of water. Nandini was grateful of her for that. She had the water and sighed.