Do opposites really attract?

Chapter 15 - New friends!

Nandini's P.O.V :

Did I just actually open up to a stranger! Okay not a stranger, but I don't even know him for that long. I, Nandini Murthy, who hardly opens up to anyone, opened up to Manik Malhotra today! A man she has barely known. I just felt like I could trust him. I felt like he would understand my pain. I've not shared about the real reason why I don't want to get married to anyone but my Nana and Nani, after them I shared it with Manik. Was it because he needed to know why I didn't want to marry him? Was it because I just felt like I could trust him? Why did I feel the need to explain anything to him? My mind is so messed up right now! And whilst trying to clear my mind, I made him upset. He was only trying to help me. He's such a kid though, he could've understood that I was stressed out and that's why I didn't realise what I was saying. Manik Malhotra, you will drive me crazy! But then again, why should he be the one understanding all the time? Why can't I understand for once? He's always understood me, he's always beared me and my tantrums, I should be the one bearing it for once! "Even I have the right to be upset", his words echoed in my ears. He was right!

"Manik! Manik!" I shouted as I ran behind him on the beach. He had long legs so he could walk fast, my poor little legs had to run to catch up to him. I received so many stares from people but I paid no heed to them. Those people clearly have nothing better to do. He finally stopped at a pani puri stall. Thank goodness he stopped! Otherwise, I would've collapsed of all the running. I stopped in my place and caught up with my breath. Phew! I didn't think I was this unhealthy! Then again, he made me run a lot! As I looked up towards him, I saw him eating pani puris, continuously! One after the other! None stop! Is he mad? I quickly ran towards him!

"Are you mad? Itni pani puris kon khaataa hai? That too continuously!" I said in shock.

"Madam abhi to sirf paanch pani puri khaayi hai! Aur khaanay do naa!" The pani puri seller spoke.

"Exactly! I've only had five!" Manik said plainly. Only five? That's enough to make you ill!

"And when you fall ill, will his pani puri help you recover? Or my medicine?" I said irritatedly.

"Anything but your medicine!" Manik said as he rolled his eyes and ate another pani puri.

"Hawww rude!" I exclaimed.

"Waise bhaiya, only you said that you can only stand at this stall if you are eating pani puri!" Manik said cheekily to the pani puri waalay bhaiya.

"Maine kahaa thaa?" He asked cluelessly.

"Haan! Aray abhi to kahaa tha!" Manik said as he winked at him.

"Ohh haan! Madam sorry but aap koh jaana parega! Unless aap pani puri khaa rahe ho, then you can stay!" The man said to me. I am not leaving without talking to Manik.

"I don't want pani puris! I just want to talk to Manik!" I stated like a little kid.

"Sorry Madam! No pani puris, no talking to my customer!" He said as he folded his hands.

"Ridiculous!" I said as I rolled my eyes in dishelief.

"Now will you please leave! And let me enjoy my pani puris in peace." Manik exclaimed.

"Who said I'm leaving?" I said with a smirk.

"Urm I did! Because you're clearly not going to eat pani puris! You know being the health freak that you are!" He said sarcastically as he put another pani puri in his mouth.

"Oh Mr Malhotra, trust me I will! Mujhe bhi pani puris dijyai bhaiya! And keep them coming until I say stop!" I said with enthusiasm.

"Yes madam!" The pani puri seller said as he handed me a plate.