MANAN- FRIENDSHIP OR MORE

CHAPTER -30

Continuation of Manik's p.o.v-

I excused myself from the table and went in the direction where Aliya went.

She was so busy in the phone conversation that she didn't realise that I was watching her.

I kept looking at her for a long time. The way she was making pouts while talking was just too cute.She was adjusting her hair which kept coming back on her face due to the heavy wind outside.

I don't know for how long I kept staring at her with a smile playing on my lips. I was brought back to reality when Aliya snapped her fingers infront of my eyes.

She said- Excuse me Mr. Whatever Were you checking me out? If it is so then it won't be good for your health.

I let out a small chuckle and said-
Oh hi. I am Manik Malhotra. I am a big fan of yours. Actually I am a photographer by profession and I have a huge collection of your snaps.

Aliya- Impressive..... So I am being stalked.......

Both of us laughed followed at the statement.

Aliya was very down to earth.
Though she was one of the top models she didn't have even a little bit of arrogance like other top models.

That was something I liked about her.

Aliya - Waise I have come here with my friends. So why don't you join us.

I said - Thanks for the wonderful offer. I would love to join the most beautiful girl in the world but the thing is I have come here with my family.

Aliya - Oh that's ok. Family comes first.

I escorted her inside and introduced her to Mom , Nandini and Bua.

Mom and Bua were really happy to meet her.

Mom liked Aliya instantly and gestured me through her eyes that Aliya was a perfect girl for me.

Ye Mom bhi na. I have just met Aliya and she is ready for matchfixing.
I smiled at her gestures.

I looked at Nandini who was least interested in the conversation.

Then Aliya's friends called her and she had to leave.

But before going, she gave me her contact number .

OMG!!!!!! Am i dreaming or is this real.

Mom started teasing me .

Mom- Not bad huh Manik. She is really a good choice. Aur first meeting me hi phone number de diya usne tujhe. You have made such a good impression on her.

I blushed hearing this and said- Mom come on it's just that we are in the same field so may be that's why usne diya hoga number.

Mom ruffled my hair and said- Haan Haan pata hai. Isi liye tu ladkiyo ki tarah blush kar raha hai. Hain na??

I adjusted my hair and said - Mom please stop doing this. Bal kharab hojayenge.

Both Mom and Bua laughed at my childish complaints.

But there was one person who wasn't happy at all.

NANDINI......

I intentionally tried to include her in the conversation but she was just giving one word answers like yes, no....

We finished our lunch and went back home.

I wanted to talk to Nandini as what had happened to her but she made an excuse that she wasn't feeling well and she needed rest and left from there without giving me a chance to ask any question.

Nandini avoided me for the rest of the day and didn't even come down for dinner.

I thought to give her space so didn't force her to come down.

After dinner I went to her room and knocked.

Nandini opened the door and asked- Manik aap is waqt.... Kuch kaam tha kya?

I said- Nandini can we talk?

She said- Manik kya hum subah baat karsakte hai. Please don't mind. Hume neend aarahi hai.

I nodded and left.

I came to my room and lied down on my bed thinking about Nandini.

I don't know what had happened to her.

Since the incident of kidnapping, I had observed that she was keeping silent. And most of the time she was ignoring me. I couldn't understand the reason.

I had asked her but she avoided the topic.

Am I missing something?

She always used to giggle even at my silliest jokes but now.......

Nandini had said that she is over that kidnapping incident then what is it that is troubling her?

Did anything else happen that night?

I tried to recollect the incidents of that night.

After Bua and Lata went to sleep, I was playing and chatting with the kids and Nandini was sitting on the bench. Then I had that drugged juice and then.......

Why can't I remember what happened after that?

I tried hard to remember but couldn't.....

I was really worried now. What could have possibly gone wrong?

It had become my habit to share even the slightest happiness in my life with her and now I had a lot of important things to share with her about Aliya but Nandini was avoiding me. I couldn't digest this fact.

Nandini had become my best friend and now she was completely ignoring me.

No I can't let this happen. I know that I can't intrude her personal space but then I can't let her go back to the darkness again from where I was trying to bring her out.

I think keeping her busy in her fashion designing would help her overcome her sadness.

I have to talk to Dad about getting her a job in some reputed Fashion House as a designer.

Yes I will make sure it happens.

Thinking of all this I went to sleep.

End of Manik's p.o.v.

Done with another update...

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Trailer Studio -

Hi guys I have started a new book.

I will be making trailers for Manan stories.

So any new writer interested in getting a trailer/ teaser made by me kindly pm me.

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And one more thing guys.

I know a lot of you have been waiting for my story - Second Wife.

Sorry guys right now i won't be able to give any update.

I am keeping that story on hold for few days.

But will be back with an update very soon.

If you guys have anything to say about it please pm me.

I mean any suggestions as to what you guys want in the future chapters in that story.