MaNan: It all started with a lie

Its My Birthday!

Nandini

Overwhelmed.

That's exactly what I was after manik surprised me. The beach, those candles, the calm and peaceful ambiance, the gentle waves hitting the sandy shore, the stars and that happy birthday message, everything was just perfect. No one ever had put in so much efforts to make me feel special and trust me I really felt so special and ecsastic today after such long and I knew that only manik can make me feel that way.

Yes I was somewhere aware about my attraction towards manik but I also knew that I wasn't sure about my feelings one bit and in that case I surely did not want to risk our beautiful friendship and the unbreakable bond that we have built over the years. I won't let my stupid hormones ruin it. Not now, not ever! I needed some time to think and analyze my feelings cuz I am a complete mess right now.

Today when I was at home alone, I spared my time in thinking over all this and ended up scrolling through all the pictures in my gallery, reminiscing every crazy and beautiful moment of my life stored in those pictures and the stories behind them. Some made me laugh hard that my stomach would ache, some made me cry while some made me smile in content. That's when I came across with a photo of me with Mr. Khadoos and the next moment I found myself getting angry.

That idiot! What does he even think of himself haan?

When I shifted to India, that douche promised me that he would stay in touch and he even complied but just for some time and now its been months since I last heard from him. That guy will have to pay hard because I won't spare him that easily.

I was a bit upset with the thought and a little too angry that time when manik made his entry and settled down next to me smiling like a fool that he is all the time....okay not all the time but sometimes yeah he is...ugh whatever!! I got back to sulking after acknowleding his presence next to me, staring ahead, at nowhere in particular. Manik greeted me enthusiastically but I snapped at his greeting. I wasn't in a mood then. I did not waste my time apologizing and explaining him why I did that cuz...hey he is my best friend and ofcourse he has to deal with all my mood swings without complaining and I know he knew me too well to take my snapping at him suddenly in a wrong way.

Manik tried to calm me down and then asked me about what occurred in me to make me behave all snappy. I told him about that stupid Mr. Khadoos and that asshole started laughing! Like what!? Ok I know that Mr. Khadoos sounds quite childish but then i can't help it. We talked for a while after that, gazing at the starry sky when manik stood up suddenly making me stand along and informed me that he was taking me out somewhere. I glanced at the clock to find it was 11pm already.

Where is thus guy taking me at 11 in the night?

Not that I didn't trust manik, it was just too late and all I wanted to do was just cuddle in my comforter and sleep but manik had different plans it seemed. I quickly got ready and found him waiting in the hall, engrossed in his phone. He looked up feeling someone's presence around and his jaw literally touched the floor.

Good job nandini murthy! You left manik malhotra speechless I mentally patted myself.

We finally reached our destination which was still unknown to me. The entire way I tried every way possible to find out where we were going but manik had to be stubborn. I hopped out of the car, excited as hell when I felt a tug at my wrist and found manik stopping me. He tied a blindfold around my eyes and then led me forward. After a while here we were, standing in a beach decorated beautifully with candles which made the place glow brighter. It was as if I was surrounded by fireflies all around. I was busy admiring the mesmerizing view when manik said that there was still more to it and led me to a kinda wooden gazebo making me gasp.

Gosh! What is this guy upto? So many surprises?!

I was not able to form any words to thank him and so I just hugged him tight to tell him how happy I was to which he grinned. I then put forward my question and asked him about all these surprises. He was shocked at first but then stated that he didn't believe that I would forget today's day. I thought for a while but nothing came in mind so I simply asked him but he asked me to wait. He had just finished speaking when those fireworks in the sky grabbed all my attention. I always loved watching fireworks and I was really happy that moment when suddenly the fireworks stopped and the stars started forming something. I started reading whatever it was forming but as it was complete I didn't know what to say....it read- Happy Birthday!  And then realization dawned upon me.

Oh freak! It is my birthday today! How on earth could I forget my freaking birthday!? Like how!?

I had tears of happiness in my eyes as manik took me in a backhug which I didn't care to notice at that time and whispered a 'happy birthday' to me. "Is this real?" I asked him, not believing my eyes to which he nodded smilingly, wiping my tears away. It was all so overwhelming. I hugged him happily and thanked him while he just tightened the hug in response.

We stood there enjoying each other's warmth for god knows how long. I felt peace in that embrace. Manik slowly broke the hug and I unwillingly let go of him. He chuckled at my annoyed face only to get a glare in return.

End of POV

Manik: lets take a seat? Tumhara toh pata nahi but I am very much hungry right now

Nandini: same here! So what are you going to feed me Mr. Malhotra?

Manik: your favourite chocolate icecream Ms. Murthy

He said while uncovering the vessel kept on the table as they sat on the mattress in the gazebo.

Nandini beamed clapping her hands excitedly listening to chocolate icecream. Soon they settled down on either sides of the table and began eating the yummy icecream. Needless to say nandini was eating it with her fingers while manik was staring at her with allthe love he had for her. Nandini looked up feeling a gaze on her and raised her eyebrow at manik asking 'what' while he mouthed a 'nothing'. Nandini resumed eating her icecream and offered some to manik. Instead of taking it from the bowl, he got hold of her finger and licked it, sending shivers down her spine but she composed herself anyway.

Nandini: so...
Nandini said breaking the silence.

Manik: so?
Manik raised his brow.

Nandini: lets play something na manik...I am getting bored here

Manik: 20 questions?

Nandini: cool...me first

She said gushing making manik chuckle a bit at her babyness.

Manik: oh...kay!

Nandini: great! So your first crush?

Curious to know who was Manik's first crush? Then wait for the next update.

Happy reading.
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