For Infinity

Part 38: Lay By My Side

Two damaged people, trying to heal each other is love.
___

It was around 7 in the evening, when Manik parked his BMW in the parking lot of Murthy Industries. The nervousness and anxiety didn't stop him, from gaping at the grandeur of the 15 floored building, with stained glasses. Located in the prime spot of BKC - Mumbai, it definitely gave a tough competition to the highly coveted Malhotra Towers. Brushing off the thoughts of his father, Manik patiently went through the stringent security check. Giving a nod at the Guard's greetings, he walked towards the reception area. "Excuse me, miss?" A young and poised looking receptionist looked up at him and, when she did, all that professionalism left her in a moment. Why wouldn't it? It's not everyday, that a Greek God walks into the office. "Ye- ahem.. Yes, Sir?" Manik truly felt bad for making her speechless yet, he enjoyed it thoroughly knowing, how he affected the ladies. "My name is Manik Malhotra. I am here to meet Mr. Vishnu." Her doe shaped eyes widened in realization, as if she was expecting him to visit. "Oh Yes, of course Sir. Mr. Murthy had already informed me about you. Sorry to keep you waiting. You can take the lift to the 15th floor and, from there his PA will let you to him." Manik thanked her for the instructions and, was about to walk away when he abruptly turned around. "Have a good day, beautiful." The way her face lit up at his mere compliment made it worth. The Manik before Nandini would have never done that. Manik before Nandini was a foggy past. Returning back to the lift, his heart reminded him, no one is as beautiful as your girl.

....

The soft ping of the lift, indicated that he had reached the desired floor. His heart thumped wildly, as he was just minutes away from meeting Chacha. What would it be? Various dreadful thoughts ran through his mind, as he entered the highly secured 15th floor. The very floor, which held the office of the Murthy Scion. Just exactly opposite to the lift was another reception booth but, way bigger than the earlier one. Something was written in bold letters on the wall above it which caught his eyes.

"Bury the hurt deep into the the dirt. Grow flowers from your failures."
-Mahesh Murthy.

Manik felt a pang of pain when he read Nandini's late father's name. If alive today, he would have been so proud of his little girl. "Mr. Malhotra?" A woman in her late 40's dressed in a crisp business suit, stood before him with a warm smile etched across her face. "I am Nitya, Vishnu Sir's PA. I'm here to take you to his office. Please follow me, Sir." Not giving a chance for Manik to reply, she turned around and walked towards what seemed to be the office. Leaving him without a choice, he obediently followed her. They walked till the end of the long hallway, where a beige coloured wooden door stood proudly. "He's in. I will leave you here. Have a nice day, Sir." Saying that she left him alone in the deserted hallway. Straightening himself, he knocked softly on the door and, not even seconds later an authoritative voice, boomed from the other side. "Come in." Taking a deep breath, Manik swiftly opened the door and let himself inside. "Hello, Chacha."