In love with my boss ✔️

29. Sealed With A Kiss

Hello Fam :)

@Itz_Me_Adi Because you are more than excited for this chapter. :P

Happy Reading...

Malhotra House, Evening

Manik after coming from office was busy playing games on his mobile when Nandu barges in with something in her hand.

Manik(casually): Hey, Nandu. How are you?

Ignoring Manik's greetings, she crosses her arms over her chest.

Nandu(sternly): Manik Malhotra. I need a few answers from you.

He glanced at her. Something about the look on her face screamed trouble to Manik. He gulps his saliva before scratching his head in confusion.

Manik: Why are you calling me by my complete name? I hope I didn't mess up anything?

She doesn't reply instead hands him the book that she was reading the other night. Manik's eyes get widened seeing the book confirming Nandu's guesses.

Manik(stuttered): Where..did you get this book from?

Nandu(raising an eyebrow): So, you are the author, Aarav Raj. What's all this Manik? What's going on?

Manik(whispered): Nandu, listen to me, please?

He almost pleaded for a chance to explain. She nods still devoid of any expression. He asks her to take a seat and she settles on the couch. Manik settles opposite to her on the bed so as to maintain a safe distance. Taking a deep breath, he looks at her.

Manik: Nandu, remember, after mom's death, I was in my own grief? I left for London to stay away from her memories, from uncle and aunt's memories. I was just into myself without much interaction with others when Cabir and Mukti became my friends. While Cabir adds the fun element to our life, it's Mukti who used to read my unsaid thoughts. She suggested me to write down my pain. It all started on that day. And I never stopped writing for it gave me the peace, I craved after that accident.

Nandu(softly): This book?

She asked pointing towards the book that was kept on the bed beside Manik.

Manik(informs): This is my first book which got published a month back. But I don't know how this came to you?

He stared at the book in confusion.

Nandu(casually): With the promotional magazines. But what's with this name? Why didn't you use your name or most importantly, why did you want to maintain the secrecy?

She poured down all her doubts in front of him. Manik shrugs before informing as it's the most obvious thing.

Manik: My name is associated with the Malhotra Industries. And hence, I wanted to go by a pen name. It gives me much more freedom to my thoughts without being judged. Nandu, do you know "Aarav" is the nickname my mom used to call me with?

Nandu gets surprised. She has spent years with the Malhotras, since her childhood, but never knew about this. Manik, getting an expected reaction from her, reveals the reason behind it.

Manik(chuckles sadly): I used to hate that name and always used to fight with mom asking her not call me with it in front of my friends. After the accident, I missed her but there was no one who calls me Aarav. Hence, when I decided to go by the pen name, it was my first choice. The nickname my mom called as my name, the first name of my dad as my last name and a book dedicated to the girl I love. Isn't it the perfect way to make my first book special?

Nandu stares into his eyes, expressionless, before asking him her most dreaded question.

Nandu: And the girl is?