Hey guys!!!!
Hope you all are doing well.
Sorry for the late update. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter, and I apologize in advance if you find it disappointing.
Happy reading☺️💗
.
.
Nandini and Manik settled into Vikram's office, the delicious smell of Nandini's homemade lunch filling the room. Manik didn't waste a moment and jumped to help Nandini set up the food, washing the plates himself feeling bad that Nandini had done all the work alone.
As they were getting comfortable, Vikram walked in, looking both surprised and happy to see Nandini.
Vikram's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but his eyes softened with warmth as he took in the sight of Nandini and the spread of food.
Vikram: Nandini, what a nice surprise!
And What's that lovely smell?
Nandini spoke up eagerly, her eyes bright with anticipation.
Nandini: Hi Papa! I brought lunch for you and Manik. I hope you don't mind.
A hint of uncertainty flickered in Nandini's eyes, but her smile remained hopeful as she awaited Vikram's response.
Vikram chuckled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners with affection.
Vikram: Silly girl, why would I mind? You're like family to us. And homemade lunch? Of course, I'm happy! (Who isn't happy about homemade food, right readers?)
Relief flooded Nandini's expression, and her smile widened with gratitude as she felt a sense of belonging wash over her.
Nandini felt good hearing that. She was grateful to have such a welcoming family.
As they started eating, Rohan barged in, making a fuss about them starting without him.
Rohan's eyes widened dramatically, his hands flailing in mock outrage as he addressed the group.
Rohan: You guys started without me? That's not fair! Save some food for me at least!
Manik shook his head, but there was a fondness in his eyes as he watched Rohan's antics.
Manik: Stop being dramatic, Rohan. Come, sit down.
Rohan saluted Manik with a grin, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
Rohan: Yes, boss!
Vikram chuckled at their antics, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he watched the playful banter unfold.
Vikram: These kids never grow up.
Nandini sat quietly, her gaze wandering around the room, taking in the animated conversations and the warm atmosphere. Manik noticed her thoughtful expression and felt a pang of concern.
Manik: "Nandini, why aren't you having anything? You should join us for lunch too."
His voice was gentle, laced with genuine care as he reached out to her, urging her to join them.
Nandini's eyes flickered with surprise at his attention, grateful for his consideration.
Nandini: "Oh, it's okay, Manik. I'm not really hungry. And I had some while preparing it."
Her response was polite, but Manik could sense something beneath her words. He leaned in closer, his expression soft and reassuring.
Manik: "Come on, Nandini. You've gone through so much trouble to prepare this lunch. It wouldn't be right for you not to enjoy it with us. Please, join us."
There was a genuine sincerity in Manik's invitation, a silent plea for Nandini to feel welcomed and accepted.
Nandini hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting Manik's with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. But ultimately, she relented, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Vikram noticed the exchange and chimed in, his voice warm and encouraging.
Vikram: "Nandini beta, have lunch with us. Don't be shy."
Nandini's smile widened at Vikram's words, feeling the warmth of his fatherly affection.
Nandini: "Okay Papa, okay Manik. I'm having, don't worry."
Her voice held a note of appreciation as she reached for a plate, her heart touched by their kindness and concern.
Meanwhile, Rohan remained blissfully unaware of the exchange, fully engrossed in enjoying his meal.
Vikram thanked Nandini for the food, making her feel proud.
Vikram's eyes sparkled with delight as he addressed Nandini, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.
Vikram: Thank you for the food, beta. It was delicious. I'm all energized now.
Nandini's heart swelled with pride, and a shy smile played on her lips as she basked in Vikram's praise.
Nandini smiled back, feeling happy.
Nandini: I'm glad you liked it, Papa.
Rohan couldn't resist joining in the conversation, his mouth full of food as he spoke.
Rohan: Yes, Nandini. I haven't had such amazing food in the office for ages. I barely get a moment to eat in between Manik's busy schedule. He's always on the go, and he doesn't even let me have a proper lunch break.
Manik raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he responded to Rohan.
Manik: Oh, of course, Rohan. Because I spend all my time stopping you from eating, right?
Rohan grinned mischievously, undeterred by Manik's sarcasm as he continued his playful banter.
Rohan: Oh, you forget, I'm your assistant too. It's in the job description, isn't it? To be starved during working hours.
Manik rolled his eyes, unable to suppress a smirk at Rohan's antics.
Manik: Haha, very funny.
Their banter continued, the sarcastic remarks adding a humorous touch to the lunchtime atmosphere. Nandini couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange between Manik and Rohan, enjoying the playful dynamic between them.
Vikram noticed Nandini sitting silently, lost in her thoughts, and decided to strike up a conversation with her.
Vikram: "Nandini beta, how are you feeling in the Malhotra house? Is everything to your liking? Is there something that you want?"
Nandini looked up, her eyes reflecting genuine contentment as she responded with a smile.
Nandini: "No papa, everything is great and I'm really happy. I'm the happiest I've been in my entire life."
Vikram's heart warmed at her words, pleased to see her adjusting well to her new surroundings.
Vikram: "That's good to hear, beta. I'm happy that you are comfortable."
Nandini smiled warmly at Vikram, her mind swirling with thoughts about her work and her longing to return to it. She contemplated whether she should voice her desire or keep it to herself. As she mulled over her options, Vikram noticed the pensive expression on her face and sensed that something was weighing on her mind.
With a gentle and understanding tone, Vikram reached out to her, his eyes filled with paternal concern.
Vikram: "What are you thinking that intently, Nandini? You can ask me anything, you know that beta?"
Nandini hesitated for a moment before deciding to confide in Vikram.
Nandini: "Yes papa, that... I actually wanted to join back to my work. I am getting bored at home, having to do nothing as nobody allows me to do anything at all."
Vikram nodded understandingly, offering her reassurance and guidance.
Vikram: "Areyy beta, Ma already told you, na? You don't have to ask for anything. You can do anything. Just inform us, okay? Remember it for the future."
Touched by Vikram's understanding and support, Nandini felt a rush of gratitude and emotion.
Nandini: (teary-eyed) "Thank you, papa."
Rohan, trying to be funny, joked about Nandini crying.
Rohan's eyes danced with mischief as he addressed Manik, his voice laced with playful exaggeration.
Rohan: Manik, look! Vikram uncle is making Nandini cry!
Manik gets all concerned about Nandini, and then realizes what Rohan was doing. Suddenly, for some weird reason, he plays along, pretending to scold Vikram and joins him, which he never does.
Manik: "Papa, what's going on? Why are you making your daughter-in-law cry? Not good, Papa. Not good at all. Didn't expect this from you."
Both Vikram and Rohan were taken aback by Manik's sudden involvement, surprised to see him joining in the playful banter.
Nandini, initially startled by Rohan's comment, hastened to assure everyone that Vikram hadn't caused her distress.
Nandini: "No, no! Papa didn't do anything. It's just a misunderstanding."
They all suddenly burst out laughing, and even Nandini joins in, realizing they were just fooling around.
They soon depart for their work, and Nandini goes with Manik. He wanted to show her around but ends up getting more work on his table. Eventually, he asks Rohan to give Nandini the tour instead.
.
THANK YOU FOR READING AND WAITING PATIENTLY 🥹🥰