Mission Manik Malhotra - A MaNan FF [Completed]

Chapter 18 - Sparks fly.

~The emotion that can break your heart is sometimes the very one that can heal it. ~

Manik noticed an anxious pout form on Nandini's lips and her eyes crinkled a little in worry as she approached the steps to the stage. He unwillingly tore his eyes apart from her captivating face and followed her gaze to see what was the reason behind that expression. He felt furious seeing her wearing high gold stilettos over which she stumbled a little as she walked alongside Navya. In any other situation, he would have no option but to approve of her fashion choice, but at the moment she was pregnant and that choice could prove extremely risky.

Nandini panted slightly as she reached the top of the stage atlast. To walk in heels was normally as easy as pie for her, but given her current weak and fatigued physical state, she found it difficult. She sighed and finally looked up to gauge her surroundings - her footwear had taken up her whole attention until now. The classy and tastefully decorated interiors made her smile in approval.

She then took a quick look at the people beside her on the stage and gulped on noticing Manik's eyes already on her, as he stood imposingly beside Cabir. He looked gorgeous, no doubt.. Almost like a dream in that red sherwani with rolled up sleeves, a Rado watch and the well set hair. A glimpse of his toned chest peeked out the open top buttons of his kurta. She would have admired him properly if he hadn't been glaring at her so fiercely.

She drew her eyes apart, his angry looks creating waves of annoyance within her. She had seen herself in the mirror before stepping out and she knew she looked pretty good, if not amazing. Words of approval from him were not expected, but deep down in her heart she had atleast wished he would grace her with one of his approving, passionate stares. Instead she was receiving looks that seemed like she had just committed the biggest crime in the world.

Navya distracted her about then, by introducing her to the elders present there and Nandini politely folded her hands and greeted them, putting on a smile. A few light banters and fun exchanges between the bride and groom's family and it was time for the ring exchange. Everything went smoothly and Nandini allowed herself to revel in her friend's happiness for the time-being.

Soon, it was time for dinner and Navya urged Nandini to sit next to her at their dinner table. Nandini took up her seat at the round table around which were seated the newly engaged couple and their respective parents. Cabir noticed the empty seat on Nandini's other side and his hyper-active mind instantly formed a quick plan.

''Manik!! Buddy, please join us here.'' Cabir shouted out, spotting Manik walking towards another table. Manik couldn't refuse his friend and he nodded, approaching them. Nandini noticed him purse his lips in annoyance once he reached and it didn't take her much time to figure out why. The only seat vacant at the table was the one beside her. She silently cursed her luck as he frigidly sat next to her, himself looking unhappy with the arrangement. 

The server first bought a bottle of champagne to the table. Cabir's family was Punjabi and though Navya's conservative family wouldn't serve alcoholic drinks at such occassions, they had to adjust for them. Afterall, Mr and Mrs Dhawan had been so cooperative with their sudden demands and wishes. The drink was poured into all their glasses and Nandini immediately grabbed at it. Her throat felt dry because of nervousness, just by sitting so close to the monster. She raised the glass to her lips but before she could take a sip, Navya screamed out ''NOOO.. Put that down!! You can't have alcohol when you're pregnant!!''

Nandini's mouth dropped open, her eyes popping out as she lowered the glass and a collective gasp escaped the table at the same time. Navya face-palmed herself realising the slip up, an apologetic expression settling on her face. Nandini wasn't really mad at her.. She knew that her friend only did it out of concern. She just hadn't wanted anyone to come to know of her pregnancy and give them a chance to pass their unrequired judgements.