"Damn. Why did I have to get so angry?"

Manik could only think and curse himself as he stared at his table in annoyance. It was a mess in every sense - files thrown upside down, open and closed with stationery scattered all over and his phone? Yes, Manik did own one but there was no sign of it at the moment.

He was going crazy, realising how bad of a decision it was to shout at Stella yesterday. Like what was he even thinking?

He had managed to pass yesterday but how in the hell was he supposed to manage today without his secretary? And as if his messed up table was not enough to drive him crazy, his schedule was an all together an another story. He had missed his black coffee which Stella makes sure to drop at his table at time and then, he had to pick up every damn phone call she took each day to manage his schedule.

Manik wished he could have been a bit smart but nevertheless what was done was done.

"Now, where did I keep this file?" He was almost on the verge of pulling out his own hair in frustration when out of nowhere the file he needed came in his view.

His eyes shined and he let out a sigh of relief but it only lasted for a few seconds because holding it was none other than Nandini. Of course. Who else other than her?

Nandini had a teasing smile on her face as Manik sat back on his chair and turned away his face. "Why are you here, Ms. Murty?" He tried to make it sound as professional as he could but when Nandini shook her head at his childish behaviour, he frowned. "Are you here to make fun of me? You know what, I really really hate you."

With that he snatched the file from her hand, opened it and pretended to read the content.

Nandini only let out a laugh in response. "Why are you so messed up, Manik?" She asked.

Manik frowned, shrugging and she shifted closer to ruffle his hair making him pout in return. "I am angry." He reminded her with a side eye.

"Yes, I know." She smiled. "That's why I am here."

And a small smile crept on his face as she helped around cleaning his table for him. Anger now long forgotten, Manik didn't even realise when she broke into his heart, and managed to make to smile so easily.

"Nandini. God. I can't believe it!" Manik was loud and with a wide smile stretched over his face as he looked at her. "I can't believe it is done. We are going there, after three damn years, I am going to see her."

Manik's happiness knew no bounds when she told him they were travelling to Mumbai for a project. It was not a simple project, but closely associated with Dhruv Kapoor, Aliya's husband. They had been trying for it from the last year and finally, they had gotten the opportunity.

Manik would not even sit at one place and he was nearly hopping around the whole house like an overexcited bunny, forgetting the evening tea that was cold by now.

Nandini could only laugh seeing him so happy. The shine in his eyes was so bright and somehow Nandini hated how much it stung her. It shouldn't have. Nandini was betraying the friendship they shared. She should have been happy but the bitter reality of how he had never looked this happy in all the years they spent together broke her heart to pieces.

She could not deny the fact that Aliya's mere mention was enough to make him this happy. Nandini could never. Never had she been able to make him laugh this way. Never had she been the reason for this smile on his face.

Nandini could be anything. She could give him millions of deals, she could sing him hundreds of songs and yet, Manik would never look at her the way her heart craved her. She could be his business partner, his best friend, his well wisher, his inspiration but never the woman he loved.

"Nandini!"

Manik whined realising Nandini was not even listening to him anymore. She had zoned out in the middle of their conversation once again.

"Yes. What?"

"Listen to me." He demanded.

"I am listening, Manik. Tell me."

Manik fell silent for a few moments, avoiding her gaze because he knew he really didn't need words to tell her what was going inside his head. She knew him better than he knew himself.

"Manik?"

Manik shook his head, finally looking up and letting out a sigh. "Do- Do you think Aliya hates me now?"

"Why would she?" Nandini frowned.

"Because I left her. I did not even check on her. What if she - what if she does not like me anymore?"

She left you. Not the other way.

Nandini wanted to tell him because he seemed so worried. She also wanted to tell him the possibility of the latter but she smiled instead, "You know, she would be happy when she sees you, Manik."

"I know, right." He mumbled after a moment of silence. "Let's go out for dinner tonight, my treat." He exclaimed suddenly.

Nandini had realised and accepted it long ago, that if there was anything she didn't have, except for Manik's love - it was the inability to say no to Manik. She loved him way too much to deny him. Thus, Nandini found herself nodding her head in return.

And maybe, maybe it must be the last time he was asking her out for dinner. Maybe, Nandini will never see his sparkling eyes directed at herself ever again. Maybe it was a last chance for her to make more beautiful memories with him because when Manik will be back with Aliya, all Nandini will be left with are the memories to cling to.

An hour later, when Nandini walked down the stairs wearing a dull brown colored jump suit, Manik's face adored a frown seeing her.

"That's seriously the worst color you own, you know?" He definitely had some personal enmity with such a classy piece in her wardrobe. "Wear something else no!" He whined when she only dismissed him with an eye roll.

Manik himself was wearing black and she at least needed to color coordinate with him. What is the use of him sending her those countless Instagram posts where best friends twin all the time?

"But I am already wearing it now, Manik! Next time-" She trailed off, stopping in the middle when the realisation that it might be their last dinner together washed over her.

Manik shook his head in disbelief. "Don't overuse your tiny brain. We will be going out with Aliya too, okay?" He said, "I am sure you will love her."

"And what if she didn't like me?" She ended up asking.

Manik frowned, shaking his head, "Then she doesn't have to come with us?"

"Manik."

"Fine, fine. But seriously, we can plan dinner on different days then. I am not leaving you behind, okay?"

"Why?"

"Because it is you, silly." He smacked her head from the side before wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Nandini smiled in disbelief, You are my best friend, Nandini. I can leave everything behind but you."

Nandini was not sure if Manik even knew what his words did to her heart or how cruelly they clawed at her insides. She could not stop the shaky breath that left her and when Manik stared at her with worry, she shook her head with a smile.

When Manik stopped the car in front of one of the lavish restaurants in New York, Nandini's face fell faster than the light striking the sky while all the man beside her did was let out a chuckle.

"Madam, where's your head today?" He complained and turned her head to the smaller cafe beside the restaurant. "Did you forget your own favourite place or what?"

Nandini shook her head, a smile making its way back on her face and she saw him sigh in relief for the first time since she had walked down the stairs. It suddenly felt like they were walking on the eggshells around each other.

Manik opened the door for her despite her protesting and they walked side by side inside the cafe.

"Do you remember the last time we came here?" Of course, Nandini remembered. It was an embarrassing story which Manik loved to mention all the time.

Nandini did remember running to this cafe the last time they came here. She also remembered falling down in the middle of the road and spraining her ankle and the way Manik had shouted at her because aggression was the way this man described his emotions.

Manik worked on anger and while he was not really proud of it, it was what made him, his character. He was so used to expressing his love, worry, and concern, all through his anger that now it was a part of him he could no longer change. Nandini really didn't mind because she could still read him all the same. Anger or concern, she knew what he was conveying.

She knew that day he was concerned for her. He was scared she hurt herself in her excitement and Nandini knew how much she meant for him in that moment. So the anger she displayed on his scolding was all a pretense she could follow for a day before he managed to make her smile.

Seeing her lost in her thoughts once again, Manik shook his head. Something was definitely wrong with her but he couldn't pin point what it was. Manik flicked his finger at her forehead, gaining her attention as she let out a whine while rubbing her forehead.

"It hurts!"

"Of course it does." He chuckled. "It was a punishment for ignoring me! I bet you didn't even realise I placed the order!" Manik side eyed her until she let out a sign muttering a sorry.

"I just -" Nandini didn't know what excuse would make him believe her. "It is about business, Manik. I - I am just stressed, nothing else."

Manik nodded along even though he didn't quite believe her. He hummed and looked around, trying to find a topic to talk about and when he couldn't, he slumped down on his chair.

"You know, you and Aliya are so different." Nandini raised an eyebrow at the sudden exclamation. "I mean you like to eat in small places but she enjoys restaurants more. Totally opposite."

"Well, what do you like more?" She asked, even though she knew the answer. All his life, Manik had been insulted for being poor, of not being able to afford the luxuries. So when he gained enough money, he never really looked behind. It was only when Nandini demanded or for her that he would willingly eat in a place like they were sitting in.

"You already know." He answered and Nandini just nodded her head.

"Let's go to a restaurant next time?" She offered and frowned when Manik shook his head.

"What matters is we are eating and we are happy. The place matters less when it is you." Manik smiled, he dared to smile at her after punching her heart in that way.

The order was served soon and words flew like water in the river and time never seemed to pause when it was them speaking. Nandini cherished every moment as much as could, all the while ignoring the lingering stares Manik gave her.

"Manik?" Manik blinked his eyes and realised he had been staring at her. When Nandini raised her eyebrow in question, he just shook his head.

"I was thinking," He spoke, staring at her face all the while, "Shall I book the tickets for tomorrow?" Manik was really trying to gauge her reaction carefully. He watched the way her eyes lost the shine even when her lips tugged up in a smile.

"Sure."

Earlier, Manik had thought he was being paranoid but now he was so sure there was something bothering her. He really could read it off her face so when they walked to their car and Nandini opened the passenger side door to slip inside, Manik banged it shut and towered upon her taking her by surprise.

"What are you doing? What's wrong, Manik?"

"You tell me." He asked, "What's wrong with you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Nandini, I can really read it off your face. You are not happy that we are going to Mumbai?"

Nandini's eyes went wide and she shook her head immediately. "Why won't I be happy, Manik? I am happy."

"Then what is wrong baba?" He asked calmly and the way he looked at her, it made tears brim in her eyes. Nandini was so stupid because the man in front of her panicked, "Wait! Why the fuck are you crying? Nandini!? Did I scare you? Shit. I am sorry, please stop crying."

Nandini sniffed in response. "Are you a green eyed monster with flaring nostrils?"

"What the fuck? Of course I am not."

"Then why would you scare me, dummy?"

Oh. Yeah. Ofcourse.

"Then?" He tried again, trying to think of all the times he had seen her mood drop. He already had a doubt and this was just making him sure. Manik knew what was wrong. "Nandini, please don't tell me you think I am going to forget you once we go there?"

Manik really hoped it was not the case.

To his horror, Nandini looked like she had been caught in an act. She wouldn't even look into his eyes. "You will. I know." She said, "You are even cancelling our movie plan tomorrow, Manik. You have never done so before."

Nandini was aware how childish she sounded at the moment but she was too hurt to even acknowledge it. Manik has never cancelled a plan with her unless it was an emergency that could not be helped.

But Aliya was that important to Manik. The thought alone made her want to curl and cry. Nandini hated how weak she was when it came to her feelings for him.

"Nandini."

When Nandini looked up, Manik was staring at her with guilt in his eyes and it only made her feel more bad about her own feelings. "I won't forget you." Nandini didn't believe him, he could tell. "You are my best friend, Nandini. You are the reason why I am here today. I can forget the world, but not you and I really mean it."

Manik had never thought much about his friendship with Nandini but now acknowledging it out loud - it was the first time he had actually felt the depth of their friendship.

He couldn't help the small curve of his lips when Nandini smiled at him in return.

"Really?"

"Yes, really. And don't you ever cry thinking such stupid things. If at any point you think I am forgetting you, you know you have the right to slap the shit out of me, right?"

Nandini laughed, nodding her head and he made a bad face.

"Com'on! Let's go back now."

"Goodness! It is so good to be back here." Manik was literally shouting as soon as they stepped into the Mumbai airport. His happiness knew no boundaries as walked backwards, facing Nandini who laughed at his excitement.

"I am so so so happy!" Manik mirrored her laugh with ease. "You know, Nandini, you are going to love this place. I will show you around. Everything here is just so amazing!" He exclaimed, and it came as a surprise to Nandini because every time Manik talked about this place before, there were hints of sadness or regret in his tone.

"You are going to trip, Manik." Nandini warned and he rolled his eyes before turning. "Good, let's go to our place." She said before he could start another 'How much I love this place' rant. As much as Nandini was happy to hear him, she was tired after a long journey.

Nandini didn't have any relatives in Mumbai and Manik had nothing here before he left. So, their only option had been either renting a place or buying a new one. Of course, Manik Malhotra went with the latter option and here they were.

"It looks bigger than it did in photos." Nandini had liked this place instantly when Manik had shown her the pictures. It was a perfect mix of modern and traditional architecture in white and golden color. It wasn't exactly grand but it did scream luxury.

"So you do agree I have good taste?" Nandini rolled her eyes and he let out a laugh only to end up calling her name in panic as Nandini tripped the next moment. Manik moved forward immediately and held her hand before she could fall down.

"Manik!"

"It is okay." He pulled her up and sighed. Good lord this woman was going to drive him crazy one day. "You are worse than kids. I swear. You fall down in the middle of the road and you don't tie your shoe laces properly!"

"How is it my mistake if my shoe laces don't want to stay tied up?" She pouted as Manik sat down to tie her laces. "And I knew you were there, even if I fell, you would pick me up."

Manik agreed, standing up. "Yeah, I would but what if I wouldn't have been here? What if in the future I am not here?" The moment his own words registered in his brain, Manik frowned. "Wait. Listen, Don't fall here and there in anyone's arms when I am not there!" He sounded so serious that for a moment, Nandini couldn't decide how to react.

She hated the way her heart jumped then. Manik cared about her. He was also not okay with the idea of someone else saving her.

Trying to get rid of her own feelings, Nandini could not stop the bitterness taking place in her as she muttered under her breath, "Yeah, right. You will be with Aliya." And as soon as the words left her mouth, she cursed herself. She looked up and to her luck, Manik who himself had been taken aback by his own words, didn't hear her.

He looked at everything more than her. "Let's - Let's see the whole place once." Before Nandini could say anything, Manik held her hand and dragged her from one corner to another.

After what seemed like an hour and a thorough tour of the whole mansion along with Manik's never ending rants, Nandini sat down on the stairs huffing.

"What about the terrace?"

"I am tired, Manik." Nandini said, "We can see it later. I want to rest now."

The next second, Manik pulled her up and in his arms. Nandini was not even surprised, so she quietly snuggled in his arms and felt him climbing up the stairs.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier, Nandini? We could have seen the place some other time." He entered one of the rooms and made her lay down on the bed.

"You were so excited, so I didn't want to upset you."

He sighed, "If anything, you are upsetting me by saying that. You know me better." He gave her no time to protest as he moved down to remove her footwear. Manik helped her take the pins out of hair and removed her watch, earrings and all the rings she was wearing for her.

"You keep spoiling me." Nandini complained once he was done.

Manik laughed, "Then shall I help you remove your makeup too?" He teased making her whine. "Fine, fine. Have a good sleep." He kissed her head and covered her with the blanket before leaving the room.

The moment he closed the door behind, Nandini, whose sleep had vanished the moment Manik kissed her head, sat down on the bed.

Had she not known Manik really well, Nandini would have mistaken his care for love. But Nandini knew it was just him being himself, the caring best friend. Manik was a type of friend who would get hurt willingly to help a friend and he had never failed to show her how special she was to him.

Nandini didn't realise when tears rolled down her cheeks. She did press the blanket close to her chest to comfort herself a little bit and it was how she fell asleep.

Nandini had no idea for how long she slept but the moment she opened her eyes and moved, pain rushed through her lower back. There were fingers tracing her cheeks which still had the dried tear marks.

Seeing Manik sitting in front of her, she couldn't help but lean in to hug him.

"I tucked you into bed, and this is how you slept?" He sounded angry, and upset at the same time. "Why would you cry yourself to sleep?

Nandini pulled away from his embrace. "I- I miss Appa." It wasn't a complete lie. Nandini did miss her old man.

"Did you know, Nandini?" Nandini looked up in question. "Telephones were invented in 1876, and came to India in 1914 and mobile phones in 1976."

Nandini frowned. "Are you google?"

"No."

"Then why are you giving me this sudden information?"

"Because you seem to have forgotten, we use phones to contact people." He chided. "If you miss uncle than you should call him. In fact, I haven't talked to him this week either. Say sorry to him from my side when you do."

Nandini made a bad face but nodded anyways. It was then her eyes fell on the food tray Manik had kept on the side.

Nandini's stomach grumbled seeing the tasty food and she extended her hand to pull the tray but Manik slapped her hand immediately.

"You just woke up. Go and freshen up first." He passed on a glare when Nandini opened up her mouth to argue.

They had gotten the house all cleaned and set up, there was no dirt anywhere. And then, she was only going to touch the spoon.

Manik didn't seem to agree with her as he eyed the bathroom. "Go."

"Fine. I am going to do the same next time when you try to eat anything without washing your hands!" With that, she was getting down the bed.

"We will see." Manik laughed.

Nandini fumed in anger and picked up a pillow to throw on him. Did she mention how good Manik was at catching random things? She hated him so much.

"You know what! No one else can handle you beside me! Idiot."

"Did you just call me an idiot?"

"Yes. Because that's what you are. I.d.i.o.t."

"Nandini!" Manik stood up too, all ready to throw a fit but Nandini was quick enough to run to the bathroom and lock it behind her.

"You do realise you will need to come out at some point, right? I am not going anywhere, Nandini." He huffed standing near the door while Nandini laughed from inside.

Around ten minutes later, Nandini opened the door slightly and peeked out through it. She looked all around and seeing the room all empty, she stepped out with a smile only to shriek the next moment as Manik came out of nowhere and pulled her hands behind her back.

He laughed. "Did you think you could run away from me?" Nandini opened up her mouth to speak but he cut her off in between. "No Nandini, I am not a third grade villain from a shitty movie."

"You do sound like one though." She muttered nervously. "Look, I am sorry, Manik. I was only kidding. Please leave me."

Manik did, and then he was standing there with his hands crossed against his chest as if she owned him some good millions and he was waiting for her to return it to him.

"What do you want?" She asked.

It must fuel his ego as he widened his stance and smirked. "Ten sits up for calling me an idiot."

"Manik. I am your best friend." Nandini really tried to pull up her best puppy face. "Are you going to do this with me now?"

"I wouldn't have." He was being honest. "But do you remember making me do fifty sit ups that one time when I broke your lipstick?"

"It costed me some good zeroes. It wasn't just a lipstick." She argued. "And you only broke it because it wasn't a color you liked.

"Whatever."

Nandini pouted and when he didn't budge, she held her ears and was about to start doing it. But before she could, Manik stepped forward in a hurry and held her hands. He looked at her completely flabbergasted.

"What the fuck is wrong with you? Crying to sleep and now this?"

Nandini shook her head. "I told you, Manik. I just miss Appa."

"Fine. Don't tell me but please stop lying to me again and again."

When Nandini only looked down and said nothing, Manik sighed and changed the topic.

"Let's eat."

And if he refused to let her eat on her own and insisted that he feed her because Manik thought it would uplift her mood, Nandini felt no better. Every morsel felt tastier and made her crave for more even when she knew, there was a limit to what she could take in.

"Mr and Mrs.Kapoor are celebrating their third Marriage Anniversary." Manik looked from his phone and Nandini let her lips curve up. "We are invited."

"I would have been surprised if Dhruv Kapoor hadn't invited us."

"Yeah. From what I have heard, he sounds like a really nice person, minds his own business but has good set of friends."

"Obviously. That's why Aliya's father chose him above me."

"Manik." Nandini let out a sigh. "He didn't know better. He judged you on your outer appearance or your back balance."

Manik said nothing. However, after a moment he looked at her suddenly. "Help me. I need your help, Nandini."

"For what?"

"I need a present for Aliya. Help me decide what I should give her." Nandini stared at him sternly and he made sure to give her the most innocent look she would have ever seen. He knew it would work on her and for sure it did as she nodded.

"How about a diamond necklace? She loves diamonds, right?" Manik nodded, smiling wide.

"Perfect." He stood up. "Let's go and shop."