After manik not giving a clear answer and almost everyone gotten a chance, they decided to end the party and everyone returns to their homes.
While going manik has a steady gaze on nandini which she tries to avoid and retreats to her room, not saying bye to anyone.
-----
Nandini's room
Nandini is sitting on her bed lost in thoughts, preeti comes and suddenly shouts in her ear.
P : bhoo
N : aaah.. , what the, what are u doing?
P : what am I doing, talking to you
N : it is not funny
P : oh but it is
Nandini just stomps her feet childishly and walks over to the balcony, preeti realized she has to make her spit out her thoughts so she goes and sits on the swing.
P : penny for your thoughts
N : just thinking
P : thinking what, about why manik took that shot, or why was he looking at you.
Nandini scowls at her but then shakes her head realizing it is of no use.
N : so u know
P : navya might be interested in being a journalist , but I also have eyes which can read my besties expression easily. U were the first kiss.
Nandini knew preeti wasn't asking, rather it was a statement.
N : I am his as he is mine.its something that happened in childhood.
Preeti nods and waits for her to speak, on seeing no sign she encourages her.
P : oh flashback time.
Nandini smiled at her interest and started narrating
Flashback
N : hey Manik, what are you doing? And why did you not come to my house today.
A seven year old nandini, was looking at Manik curiously ,innocence evident in her eyes. Manik pulled her alongside him on the couch.
M : I am watching a movie,
N : is it more important than coming to meet me
M: no, I was actually waiting for you to come, so we can watch it together
N : good, let's watch
They both sit side by side, a bowl of popcorn on Manik's lap, totally engrossed in the movie.
N : manik
Nandini calls him but he doesn't respond, when this happened again she became agitated and started poking him.
M : what princess, let's watch or else later u will tell me to rewind again.
N : I have a question
M: and I have no choice
N : manik, why did the girl kiss the boy?
Manik looks at her shocked, not knowing what to say. He just looks at her which makes her irritated.
M : because...... Because she likes him
Nandini nods her head cutely then something sparkles in her eyes, she turns towards Manik's and lightly pecks his lips, leaving manik stunned.
N: oh u are my best friend, I like u too.
Manik has no words and nandini gets irritated by his unresponsive behavior. Angrily she stomps her feet and leaves.
Manik is still sitting in the same position left bewildered.
Flashback over
N : so this was what happened that day. I didn't even know what that kiss meant, I was just stupid and I don't think it meant anything. That is why manik saying it, I just can't understand .
Preeti has a knowing smile on her face and her eyes sparkled amusement at her still naive friend.
P : I think it meant to Manik. But anyways forget about it, I am sure it will all make sense with time.
Nandini nods in understanding, bidding each other goodnight, preeti leaves the room.
Nandini gets changed and makes herself comfortable on the bed, but sleep far away from her eyes. She gets up and walks towards the balcony. She sees shivaay entering and frowns on seeing the clock. Wondering this she leaves towards shivaay's room.
-----
Shivaay's room
N : why are u so late?
Nandini asks sitting on the bed.
S : work, I have a business to handle, and with dad overseas, the load just increases.
N : I know, but u looked stressed, and it's not something common.
S : princess, u don't need to worry
N : bhai, come on u know u can tell me.
Shivaay sighs and sits beside her.
S : we have an important business proposal, one which will favour us a lot
N : and there is a but
Shivaay nods
S : but the investors do not trust one company to do it alone, and so we need a partner. Also the malhotra's are trying for the same deal.
N : so that the best part, we can join hands with them.
S : u forgot manik and adi. They won't let this happen. They will work on thousand other projects to get the same gain but not work together.
Nandini understands the scenario but then an idea come to her mind.
N : bhai we need them to become friends and this is the best way out. To make them business partner. We know how dedicated they are towards their work.
S : and how do u plan on doing this?
N : that's for me to know and u to know tomorrow. For now just make sure they both are present well before the meeting with the investors. Rest all I will handle.
Shivaay is doubtful but agrees. Nandini leaves the room soon after.
------
Next morning
Murthy industries
Shivaay's cabin
Shivaay was sitting behind his desk, Aditya in front of him. Nandini entered the cabin just then.
N : good morning bhai.
S : good morning princess, I will leave you to talk. The meeting will start soon.
Nandini nodded and shivaay left the cabin.
Ad : what is it that u wanted to talk so urgently about princess?
N : adi u know how important this deal is for the company right.
Ad : yes and we will be doing our best to get it. U don't need to worry
Nandini was hesitating to speak but then decided to go with the flow.
N : dad and bhai have worked really hard and u know personal and professional lives should not be mixed.
Ad : nandini, where are u going with this.?
N : adi I think, no I know that we get the maximum benefit by collaboration with malhotra's.
Adi gets angry and stands up. Nandini following.
Ad : no, we are capable enough on our own, we don't need them.
N : adi don't be irrational, moreover it's Manik u have problem with, Raj uncle owns the malhotra industries. We have known them since we were so small. Think about this, it will benefit every one, just because of ur rivalry with Manik, u will be letting everyone down.
Adi had a thoughtful expression on his face which made nandini go on.
N : moreover I am not telling you to be friends again, just one deal. Please adi.
Adi agrees to her although reluctantly. Manik and shivaay entering just then.
Shivaay asks nandini through eyes and she nods in happiness.
S : so we need to go, the meeting starts in fifteen.
Ad : yes bhai, let me just get some files from my cabin.
Manik goes to the conference hall. Adi towards his cabin.
N : one down, one more to go.
S : great job princess, but Manik won't be easy.
N : I don't do easy.
A determined expression setteling on nandini's face.
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That's all for this chapter. Do vote and comment.
The credit for the cover goes to mahi016 .thank you for this beautiful cover.
Precap : nandini to convince manik.
I would like to hear ur views on this chapter. It would also increase scope for improvement and know what kind of scenes u like.