Are We Destined To Be?

Chapter-12 Brownies!

The seminar started and Nandini stepped on the stage confidently. She was flawless! She was awarded a thunderous round of applause. Manik too was extremely impressed by the way she carried herself on the stage.

Nandini- How was it?

Manik- Well I told you, You'd kill it and look you did!

Nandini was jumping with joy just like how a child jumps when you give them a chocolate! Manik grinned looking at her and thought will he ever be able to laugh like this

Nandini was squeling in happiness!

Nandini - Oh gosh I can't keep up my excitement! Thank you so much Manik for prepping me up for the seminar!

Please don't say thanks! he said

Nandini - Okay so to celebrate I'll take you to this amazing place which sells irresistible chocolate desserts.

Manik - I'd love to but what about our boundaries he said teasingly.

"Chuck it I'm just so so happy today. The treat's on me come!" said an overexcited Nandini

Manik smiled listening to her. He mentally danced and was thinking Another date?

As they walked towards the parking lot Manik asked "Nandini aren't you feeling hot in this saree."

"No no I'm fine. Oh crap I forgot my car keys in my cabin. I'll just go and get it."

As she turned Manik held her wrist and said Wait I've my keys we will go in my car okay?

Nandini looked at her wrist and Manik immediately left it. Nandini giggled as he quickly left her wrist as if she's gonna slap him.

Nandini- Okay we'll go in your car

Manik opened the door for her and offered her his hand and said " Hold my hand as you might trip because of your saree.

Nandini held his hand tightly and Manik just kept staring at their entwined hands.

Manik's Internal Monologue

When she held my hand, the warmth of her hands started building a tiny hope inside me. A hope that the ruckus going inside me shall soon be wiped off. That warmth gave a soothing feeling.

I suddenly realised that I'd been holding her hand for quite some time now.
I looked at her and saw her looking at me she was smiling and she said-

What were you thinking Manik? You'd been staring at our hands since like forever laughed Nandini!

Manik blushed listening to her. Forever! He thought

Nandini left his hand and said now go on your seat and drive.

They reached the place pretty quick. Nandini kept telling him to drive slow but all he said was This is not called driving fast Nandini!

They entered the place and Nandini ran to the counter to get the menu card.

Nandini- Hey do you like brownies? You want to try my favorite one?

Love? Manik hated brownies! But of course he won't say that. He said what everyone says in front of their crush. A lie.

Manik with a fake smile said I absolutely love brownies! Their brownies arrived. Nandini's face lit up seeing the brownies.

Nandini- Looks mouthwatering na!

Manik fake smiled.

Manik's Internal Monologue

Mouthwatering? I can't even stand looking at it. But I'll have to eat it. Nandini took a bite and grinned. She started eating like this was the last brownie on the planet!

Manik gulped down a lump in his throat and took a bite. He saw Nandini eating like a six year old .
She was totally into the moment. She didn't eat with sophistication instead didn't give a damn if the melting chocolate was on her face.

Manik unconsciously finished the whole brownie while he was noticing her little details.

Yummy na? asked Nandini wiping her face.

Yeah really good! said Manik and this wasn't a lie. The brownie did feel tasty. Maybe it was Nandini's company or maybe something was in the air!

Love? maybe!