I NEED U TO BE THERE..... for a little more than Always!!

CHAPTER 37

I Need u to be There... For a little more than Always!!
Part 37:

I close my eyes to forget the world... I close my eyes to forget my problems... I close my eyes to forget everyone around... I close my eyes to forget even myself.... But there I see ur face, with a beautiful smile on ur lips as ur eyes sparkle like stars!! And there I find my peace. Not on some deserted hill top, not at the silent beach, not at any known temple, but there... There in ur smile, i find the peace that I needed...

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Another day started with the same old routine, Manik and Nandini went to office, all ready for a very important meeting. As always Nandini prepared for it a night before and gave Manik a brief. This time unlike always she was not so confident over herself, but then she knew she didn't need to worry as in her absence Manik himself had prepared for this. Just 10 minutes before the meeting time, she knocked Manik's cabin.

Manik: Nandini... Come in...

Nandini entered the room and said,
Nandini: Manik we need to-

But manik stopped her and asked,
Manik: First u tell me one thing.... Is there anyone else allowed on this floor??

Nandini: No

Manik: And are u my friend??

Nandini: Huh... Obviously Yes!!

Manik: Then why do u need to knock. Friends don't knock before entering, they just enter. At home also, its You.... U Don't need to knock before entering my room.

Nandini: But Manik... No matter i m ur friend or not!! I m ur secretary so i should-

Manik again interrupted her, this time by standing up and walking towards her. He moved closer to her and placed his hands over her shoulder.

Manik: Nandini.... U need to stop with this secretary thing okay!! I don't want it to come between us...

Nandini: Between Us!!
Nandini whispered but it was enough for Manik to hear. But at that moment he ignored it and said,

Manik: I don't want us to always keep this professional life in front and act according to that in our personal life as well.... What u r to me personally has nothing to do with what we r professionally...

Nandini smiled at him and nodded at which Manik stroked her nose slightly and said,
Manik: Now remember that always or else I'll fire u from this job and keep u on hoise arrest.

Nandini's jaw dropped listening to this as she punched him slightly on his stomach.
Nandini: Haww.... U r so mean!! Seriously! Like house arrest??

Manik held her hand and pulled her closer as they both laughed and he wrapped his arms around her taking her into a hug, still laughing.
Manik: Hehe... Just kidding!!

Nandini: I wonder where was this Manik hidden for all these years... Coz i guess I hv been missing out a really amazing friend all this while!!

Manik: Well lets just say that he was hidden... Hidden behind a shield which u successfully crossed.

Nandini: Yeah... The shield known as Monster Manik...

Manik laughed further and asked,
Manik: By the way, why were u here... U were saying something!!

Nandini: Ayiappa..... U distracted me!! We have a meeting in 10 mins ,which is apparently now just 2 minutes.

Manik: Come on lets go!! U keep on talking to ur Ayiappa and we'll get further late.

Nandini rolled her eyes at his comment and turned around while Manik smirked as he picked up his phone.
Manik: I saw that Nandini.... Don't roll ur eyes on me.