Hustle For Love |COMPLETE| MaNan Fiction

2. The One Where Friendship Brewed

A/N : Honestly, its a bit disappointing to see so little traction for the story here. I will be patient for now, hoping the that with more chapters I will gain readership.

One request to the existing readers, if you think this story seems good, and you want me to write and publish the full story, please help me garner readers by giving a shout out for this book here, in Insta, In Twitter etc. 

As much as I am dedicated to write this book for the few peeps who are reading, but I will be truly motivated only when more and more readers give this a chance! :)

Happy Reading,

A.

***

Walmart, 5th Avenue, New York circa 2011

(International Food aisle)

Nandini Murthy

Ayappa!! Why did you have to make me so damn short? I scolded the dude sitting on the clouds and currently laughing at my misery. And if He decided to make me short, then why'd He give departmental store designers at Walmart, the brilliant idea of placing super high shelves in their stores, with essentials!?

"Damn it!" I cursed as I tried jumping up to reach the topmost shelf; needless to say, I failed. I looked around quickly, there was no attendant around, and the only other person present there was an old caucasian lady, who was, can you believe it, even shorter than me! We both looked at each other helplessly and smiled, before she moved on to make her purchase.

"Ahem ahem, need some help there, Miss Miniature?" I frowned at the familiarity of the voice and turned around. There he was, in his full glory, in a red V-neck tee and pair of blue ripped denims, sporting a grey jacket and his ever favourite NY cap. Manik Hotness Malhotra!

"What are you doing here?" I asked, surprised.

"Same as you, I came here to chat with the merchandise on the top shelf there" he said rolling his eyes, pointing at the shelf, I was trying to get my things from.

"Very funny" I mumbled, looking down, going slightly pink in embarrassment, as I tucked a loose strand of my hair behind my ear. Ayappa, why can't I ever come back with a witty reply before this guy!?

"What do you want from there, Nandini?" he sighed, after a moment. I looked up surprised, did he just call me Nandini? I mean, I know, that's my name, but didn't he always call me Miss Rule Book or something? But I liked how he pronounced my name, with the extra emphasis on the 'Nan'..aww.

"Can you stop talking inside your head, and reply to me for once?" he asked exasperated now.

"What, what nonsense. I wasn't talking inside my head, Manik! I was thinking what all I need from that shelf." I managed to save my ass really shabbily this time.

"Enlighten me, ma'am" he replied bored.

"Chettinad chutney from there" I pointed out, as he removed it from the shelf for me. Dude he is tall like a giraffe that way; here I was jumping like a frog just to make it to the fourth shelf.

"What else?" he asked, looking at me.

"Powdered curry leaves and that packet of instant mix for idli, to your right" I called out.

"God, seems like you're turning our kitchen into 'Chota Chennai'" he commented as he got those packs I requested for.

"What, don't you like Southie food?" I asked, surprised. Really? I am going to deduct a full 5 points for this, from him. How can anyone not like South Indian food, man!