Chapter 11

"Efficient employee." Manik interrupted. Sensing some tension between Maddy and Nandini. Nandini was beyond confused and shaken by now. She was thinking furiously "Why can't even my weekend be normal. Woww what a Saturday evening. God bless me."

She gave a perplexed look to Manik " Say what now?"

She that mostly to herself she realised.

Everybody settled down. Nandini was feeling awkward to face the notorious brothers so she decided to keep quite and leave as early as possible, giving some excuse. They were all pretty jovial and casual to each other enjoying every bit of their conversation. They decided to help themselves for snacks and drinks.

Manik's attention turned to Nandini as he sauntered into the living room from the dining room, a handful of cookies in one hand and cold drink in other hand.

Nandini was completely lost in her thoughts. With his ball cap turned backward on his head and a glum expression on his face, Manik looked pretty much the same as he did every day. Well dressed up as far as Manik's standards went. A navy t-shirt and a pair of faded Levi's seemed to be his version of holiday casual versus the usual grunge they were used to him being decked out in.

Manik was one fine man, she thought. He was almost 6ft. Lean and Tall and Handsome. When she remembered about certain "Baby" ,she had to give break to her thoughts. She knew nothing about him. It was better that way. Boss is not someone whom she dared to have a crush on. No matter how he looked. She thought she has to maintain a very good distance from these brothers. They were both trouble with capital T.

Nandini was glancing into the living room, trying to avoid eye contact with two brothers who were trying to get Cabir riled up, she noticed that the guys were too casual and playing around. Not only that, but she had been listening to them teasing each other, shouting and laughing.

"Do you want me to get you some lemonade?" asked Cabir.

Manik groans and replies hoarsely, "Yes, please, bro " taking eyes off from his phone. Cabir asks him to accompany him

"Now tell me what's going on? Have you decided when to inform your parents about your girl? Don't you think sooner the better," Cabir looked worried. Manik was about to reply by then Veebha came and asked them to join for some game.

They decided to know about each other as Veebha and Nandini were kind of new to them.

Maddy declared "Relationship status everybody answer in 10 seconds and definitely honest and non diplomatic answer"

Veebha : In serious relationship with Cabira

Cabir : In serious relationship with Veebha.

Alya : Committed from my side. Waiting.

Maddy : Serious relationship with many.

He winked.

Nandini : Single not ready to mingle.

Maddy snickered. Got dirty looks from Alya.

Manik: Its Complicated!

Next, Cabir said "Craziest thing you have done in your life!"

Veebha : Got drunk and parents didn't allow to get in home so stayed at Nandu's place, of course she picked me at 1am in the midnight.

Cabir : kidnapped my annoying neighbor's doggy. They complained to the police. Got scared. Sent back the doggy by feeding him tons of treats.

Alya : Applied 24 hrs stay on lipstick on my brother's lips while he was sleeping so he had very hard time in his school. Girls and boys were teasing him a lot since then.

Maddy : Proposed my science teacher in 10th grade and was suspended for a month and cut my craft teacher's skirt thinking it was paper and later she resigned. He winked proudly.

Nandini thought "OK, so this guy is nuts since ages. No wonder he is the same even now. Pervert!

"

Nandini : Bunked important class in B School.

Everybody burst out laughing, infact, Maddy was holding his tummy. Nandini was surprised why they were all laughing so hard. Cabir managed to say few words "OMG!!! Is that even considered as crazy thing? That's like the birth right of early student." He continued laughing. Nandini was embarrassed now.

Veebha said "OK guys, Nandu is too innocent so better don't trouble her please."

Everybody decided to stay calm.

Manik: Very soon I will be doing the craziest thing!

All went quiet but decided to stay mum.

Maddy declared next is "Are you a virgin?"

Nandini decided to give this a miss and heads to washroom thinking this is just too much for her. Before she leaves the washroom, she checks her reflection in the mirror. She loved her hair. It was long and slightly wavy, shiny and voluminous. With her red pouting lips, dark brown eyes and curvy body, she slayed. Definitely every man's girl. She exited the restroom and headed back to the living room.

Thankfully the game was wrapped up and all were watching some movie by then Veebha called everyone for dinner they had sumptous meals with lots of talking.

"Thank you so much for dinner and this fun evening. I better leave now," Nandini waved by to Veebha.

"My pleasure, honey," Veebha replied.

Everybody decided to leave as it was already 10 p.m. Veebha asked Cabir to drop Nandini as she had not got her car. He agreed.

Madhyam and Alya left in their car. Cabir got an urgent call so he requested Manik to drop Nandini. Both Manik and Nandini didn't really look that happy, with a scowl on their faces, obviously not willing to be with each other. Nevertheless, they had to agree.

Once they were in the car, Manik turned towards her "Ms. Nandini," . "Hmmm, "she looked at him after securing her seat belt. For a moment he lost what he was about to say by looking at her angelic face. He snapped out of his thoughts.

"Look Ms. Murthy, you..you..you are too beautiful," he realised he had mumbled this and not loud thankfully. She asked him what did he say. He groaned.

"OK. Here's the deal. You and my brother need to grow up. Stop behaving like kids. Since its not hampering your or his performance I am not letting this escalated. But you have to understand this is unacceptable. Take this as your first warning." He finally said what he wanted to say.

She wasn't too happy to see the biased nature of her boss. But she just said "Okay". He was too surprised to see her not retaliating.