𝐈 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐞 𝓦𝓪𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 ✅

Chap 6

When both were lost in their own world, Mr Murthy excused himself & had already went in search for his wife, who had been looking out for him.

And the 2 people who were now left alone, fidgeted with words to start-up a conversation.

For Manik, it was usual.. not being able to talk freely with people. And to add up to that, the person he had to start a conversation with was her.

And things automatically turned out to be a little more harder, a little more difficult for him, when it was related to her anyways. Be it to control his racing heartbeat or to focus on what he was supposed to do.

For Nandini, even though she was a naturally talkative girl, she didn't know how to start talking to the guy standing in front, him.

She had always been a tease to him since childhood. And when they were grown-ups now, even the flashes of those silly, stupid pranks made her feel like to hide her face somewhere, or run away from him..

Cause she had always teased him saying how he could never get fit & would become a balloon one day and give tough competition to elephants.

And now seeing the same boy, who has now turned into such well formed handsome guy, who made the 'oh I don't give a damn to anyone' Nandini Murthy spellbound with his dashing aura, Nandini felt tongue tied. No words came out of her mouth.

"Hi!",said Manik. In an attempt to remove the awkward silence that had crept between them.

"Uh- hey.." And again that awkwardness jumped in between.

Both were silent, while Manik was trying to read her face and Nandini couldn't even look at the face she had been ogling until a few minutes back.

Just then she heard Manik clearing his throat, "I can understand you might be feeling ashamed or awkward right now. But, please don't be! I know we were kids, and playing pranks on one another is very much normal!! You don't have to feel low about that."

Nandini gave a goofy smile at that. And slowly chirped, "I know, but I had been such a tease on such a childish topic.."

Manik was looking at her keenly, how she had been looking here and there on the floor and talking to him so slowly. But he didn't say anything and let her finish her talk.

She then added being guilty, "I am very sorry for all that I did.. I never meant any of it, trust me! I always did those just for the sake of timepass, for fun.. and you even never complained to our parents, so I didn't get any reason to even stop doing those either.. And I also know it was utterly childish of me.. Please forgive me..."

Manik smiled at how cute she's, still now.. and said, "I already told you it wasn't your fault! You were no where at fault ok!! It's a very small, a very pity issue.. no need to exaggerate it after so many years. And not a word more of forgiveness. Alright?!"

Nandini stared at him in awe, for how he is so much understanding, so considerate. Nandini gave him a sweet smile and nodded in agreement.

Once that awkwardness had eased between them, there was no stop to Nandini's talkative self. And Manik even participated in an equal enthusiastic way much to his surprise..

She asked him loads of questions, about how his was life going on, what he had been doing all these years, how astonished she was to see him so fit from being an obesed kid when she saw him last as a kid and so on..

Even Manik had reciprocated those questions to her & replied to all she asked.

She got to know about his hardships when his Dad passed away, for she knew his mother left this world when he was only 5 in a sudden severe heart attack. She knew how close he was to his Dad..

He got to know about her bakery 'Dream Pies', even promised to visit that someday soon. He also got to know about her fascination for Navy, her LARGE friend circle and much more.

He was happy being able to have a 'normal' conversation with her, with that racing heartbeat of his, which increased to folds when she cirped & giggled.

Though it was more of a formal, introductory conversation, but he was content with that too, for he didn't even expect he'd be able to spend time with her or even talk to her..

Their conversation was broken when a guy of his age maybe, came calling out for Nandini. Who was kinda overly dressed or rather in a not-so-suitable dress for a defense party atleast, as Manik thought.

And dragged her with him asking why was she here for so long leaving all her friends.

Maybe he didn't notice Manik or simply ignored him even after noticing..

While leaving, Nandini quickly turned to his side and said, "Gotta go now sorry.. See you around!"

She had already left before he could say anything. Manik kept looking at her retreating figure or rather the hold of that guy on her.

Manik thought of not thinking whatever was coming on his mind. And went to meet Mrs Murthy who had wished to meet him earlier at that party.

After a long heart-to-heart conversation with Mrs Murthy, Manik went to the dinner corner and had his food with Cabir, whom he met at the food counter only..

All the while, he had been looking at her direction every now and then, who was chatting and laughing her heart out with her friends and that guy.

Attending the party after office, had already made him hell tired. And he wasn't feeling good at that place anymore.

So he thought of leaving early and bid adieu to Cabir and informed Mr & Mrs Murthy, not before promising to visit their home whenever he's free.

Just before leaving, his eyes automatically shifted to her for one last time, who was having her dinner on a table with that guy beside her.

Manik didn't know who that guy was or what relation he had with her. He didn't understand why he felt a slight pang in his heart seeing him with her, when he himself knew nothing.. an irritating feeling.. jealousy? He didn't know. And he didn't want to know either.

~•~
A/N: Here you go 1000+ words!!! Cause I'm very happy today❤️❤️
Thanks to all my readers for such awesome response, for making my story such a huge hit!! 5.8k+ reads, 1k+ likes, 370 comments and these ratings😭❤️
I love you all❤️