After breakfast, Nidhi and Nandini had spent some time. Later Nandini changed her saree and wear a comfortable dress. She came to kitchen.
Butler helped Nandini with all the things. She started cooking. She prepared kheer, halwa, then some varieties of curies which butler said that they are Manik's favourite. Some are Harsha favourites. She almost prepared twelve varieties. For Nidhi she specially preparedRajasthani khadi.
Tara informed Nandini that it's 1 o'clock. Nandini once again checked things came to her room dressed up neatly even called Abhi to come by 4. Then she called Manik after thinking for ten mins and repeatedly consoling herself.
"Princess is everything ok?" Manik asked worriedly
"Yes, it's lunch time I just want to remind...... if your busy..... I am sorry"
"I am coming"
"Can I invite krishna sir and druv?"
"I invited even Geetha aunty too. Never ask permission just inform I will happy"
"Ok ..... then... bye"
"I will be in ten mins"
She took a deep breath
"Manik what are we doing??? We both are struggling to gather words to talk. It's not good" she closed her eyes with hurt
Manik reached home. Nandini is at dinning area. He walked to dinning table she is checking the food arrangements. Manik smiled.
"Princess!!" He called softly
She startled, but when she found Manik back of her smiled. It is a broad smile. He too smiled back and gave her red roses bouquet.
She took it " thank you it's beautiful."
Tara was about take it, but she didn't give her "let it be with me. Wait" she took a flower from it and pinned it on her right side of hair.
Manik eyes sparkled. Lips parted with smile.
"Keep it near our bed, safely" she gave it to Tara.
Krishna and Geetha came. " princess!!! Thank you for invitation"
"Pleasure is always mine uncle." She smiled sweetly
They came in and took place. Nidhi and Harsha too came rushing " are we late?"
"Not at all ma. Uncle and aunty just came"
"Krishna!!!! Did you bring pickle for yourself?" Harsha asked
"Why will I??? Princess hand made food is mine only mine. I will just give you some mirches to eat" krishna rebelled
"No way it's only mine"
"No only mine"
Both started fighting Nidhi and Geetha are laughing
Manik is just admiring smiling Nandini
Druv came "what happened why are you fighting?"
"Is this the time to come? Today you starve" krishna shouted
"A old man, you have diabetes so you starve"
"Come on guys food is waiting fight afterwards" Nidhi dragged everyone
Nandini served each item in a plate in very little quantity and took a spoon. She started to eat krishna stopped her
"Princess I already told you you have to eat after testing"
"Yes uncle!!! It's for Prince, as I am the one who cooked I am tasting them and please let me do it for only once" she requested.
Everyone are surprised and silent
Manik looked at her "princess it can't be happened, if anything happens to you?"
"But I was the cook today as per Royal rule I should be the one to test it"
"Yes, but it's not for you" Manik said sternly
Nandini without listening took a gulp and within no time she started eating one by one.
Manik got up and held her wrist "stop it princess! I can't take risk on you it's better I will do it"
"I can't risk you prince" she gulped last item in one go plate is left with some left over
Manik clutched his jaw and left her hand took his seat
Butler is serving food to everyone Manik stopped him and said " serve me in princess left over plate and give her fresh one"
All are starring at him
Manik started to eat. Having no choice to speak all started eating
"Krishna don't eat all you have pickle for you"
"Harsha I will sacrifices that to you"
"Both stop fighting first. Nandini I must say you have good talent in cooking. I loved khadi it's yummy. After a long time I am having this flavour in it"
"Yes madam she is amazing cook each item is prepared with simple ingredients, in so less time and she did it with neatness." Butler praised her
"Thank you"
"I loved my favourite curry" Harsha said eating it.
Manik smiled " druv I think you are starving today, krishna isn't it?"
"Yes and his portion is to me"
"Mamu first complete your plate, and Manik you enjoy your food na when you eye on mine?"
He started eating fastly
Lunch was delicious and enjoyed to full extent. Manik walked to his floor, Nandini want to go with him, but seeing all elders she couldn't
Geetha insisted Nandini to take rest " princess you can take rest this people won't stop now" Nandini smiled and came to her room.
Manik is waiting for her. When she came. He smiled.
"Are going to your house now?"
"Bhai will come by 4"
"Food is delicious I loved it"
"Thank you"
"But...... please next time don't pull such stunts on me...... I can't take any more"
"Stunts?" She asked shockingly as he said with please word
"Yes, that.... tasting food.... what if.... anything happens to you?" He said while staring at controlling the urge to hug her
"What if anything happens to you?"
He became numb but composed " butler can taste"
"From now on what ever food you take will be tested by me that's it"
"What?"
"Yes" she answered stubbornly
"Nandini" he yelled in anger "I know you are angry on me but punish me na why to do such things?"
"Who said i am angry on you?"
"Princess look taking such risk after what happened to us is dangerous"
"That is the main reason I want to do so"
Manik came near her held her arms "you won't"
"I will"
"Look if you don't listen what I will do I don't know"
"Still I will" she said looking straight into his eyes
Manik came more near and staggered her to his chest looking at her eyes "you won't and if not I will..." he leaned on her their noses are touching
"I will" she said in low voice taking heavy breath
"You won't" he is touching her face with his soft lips not kissing
She is gasping. The proximity of his making her more weak, she is giving axis to him more touch
"I won't" she said in trance
Manik smirked
Nandini all of sudden came to sense and "no... no.. I will"she is stammering
"You are princess once said is said" he smiled
"It's cheating" she complained like a kid
"So?" He smiled
"So.....?" She got confused
"Princess!!! You are so cute" he dragged her cheeks and kissed on forehead
"I will come in the morning to meet you"
"Ok!!" She lowered her head
"You want to go?" He asked her
She looked at him "it's ritual so I have to go"
"Ok....... had your packing?"
"Yes Tara did"
"Can Tara accompanied you?"
"Why? I don't need her"
"Ok I know it's tough to adjust but there is no choice"
"I will take time but I will adjust"
"Good"
Both are silent.