Chapter 9

Ever since that incidence, Manik and Nandini were at loggerheads. Manik never let go any opportunity to trouble her. He started giving her more work and more responsibilities. Nandini was more than happy to work but not at the cost of her self respect. She started ignoring both Manik and Maddy and only worked as much as she could.

It was Manish Malhotra's 50th birthday. Grand party was organized at a 7 star hotel for the entire staff on Friday evening. Everyone gathered for the party. Nandini was looking gorgeous with one peace black gown and her hair tied in a messy bun with minimal make up. Manik was wearing black suit so coincidentally, they both were matching. They ignored each other as much as they could.

The party began and after celebration, everybody headed towards food counters. Nandini served food for her and sat on a chair which was placed in the corner. The moment she took her spoon and started to eat, Maddy appeared from nowhere singing

"Tujhe mirchi lagi toh main kya karun(If you find it spicy what should I do)...." after that he disappeared. Nandini was so furious she decided not to have food thinking he might have again added something. So she went to the deserts section and served chocolate cake for herself and now Manik appeared and said "You never know there could be pepper inside pchhh," saying this he also disappeared. Nandini was now feeling like to kill these guys. So much for being hungry.

She just thought she should leave but then Alya appeared with lots of food for both of them and insisted her to have it. Nandini hesitantly started having food. Luckily, it was normal food without any extra spice. She thanked Alya and headed towards washroom to wash her hands.

She got back to her seat and then Manik appeared with two plates of desert in his hand and asked her permission if he can join her. She was reluctant but said yes.

He passed on plateful of desert to her and her eyes popped out thinking she would definitely puke if she even had one bite she was more so very full. Manik chuckled "I don't know why but you are Dad's favorite employee, he asked me to take care of you today so please have this desert." Actually, Manik knew Nandini was full and so he decided to trouble her again.

Nandini was thinking hard to avoid but couldn't as he kept on forcing her to eat. She thought she will slowly finish it. Manik got a call and he left saying "Finish all of this. I will be right back."

"Oh God. Thank-you so much you are my saviour." She thanked her God, which was a regular thing now.. She was jumping out of joy. She took her untouched plate and gave it to her colleague who was waiting in desert queue.

As soon as she came back to her seat Maddy appeared with 5 different flavoured ice creams. He grinned "I am sorry Ms. Murthy, because of me you couldn't have your food properly so here you go, ice creams, please have it."

Nandini was totally flustered by now she was holding her head "Why me!"

"You said something?" said Maddy.

She ignored answering him and took the plate and as soon as she put spoon inside the scoop, all the liquid splashed on her face. She talked to her inner rage "Calm down Nandu, calm down don't react Think something. Don't give up."

She took a tissue paper and started wiping her face hatching some plan.

Maddy was laughing like fool "Sorry Ms. Murthy, glued chair was bad compared to this. I was still lenient. Now we are equal." He got up from his seat and suddenly Nandini put her leg forward and made him trip so he directly fell on one fat lady who was coming from the opposite direction.

There was pin drop silence in the hall. Everybody's jaw dropped. Maddy was literally crushed under fat lady. That lady was enjoying this more than anything. She was grinning ear to ear. He was struggling to get up but failed miserably. Nandini had victorious smirk on her face. Few employees helped Maddy to get up . Everyone was trying hard not to laugh. Maddy fumed and left the place giving revengeful glare to Nandini.

After some time, everybody started dispersing and Nandini decided to leave too. She was coming in the corridor and Maddy was hiding behind one of the doors. He was planning to make her trip just like she made him. He saw one chef coming with big vessel in his hand in the opposite direction. He thought this is the best time to make this girl pay for what she did and she will have curry shower. Nandini was in hurry and was walking looking at her phone. Suddenly, next moment she tripped and directly fell on someone.

She closed her eyes in fear slowly, she opened her eyes only to see Manik. Oh no! I fell on Manik oh no...both were staring at each other as if there was any staring contest going on. They went on and on. Suddenly, a shrill ring on Manik's phone spoiled the moment. Nandini looked towards his hand and the caller id and whispered "Baby calling." She gasped. Manik said "Please get up so that I can receive the call." Nandini was blushing so hard by now. She slowly got up and ran away from that place. Manik took the call and walked off.

Maddy was really sad that Nandini was on Manik than showered in the curry, the chef was carrying. He was smacking his forehead.

Nandini was panting heavily as she ran as fast as she could. She sat in her car and started her engine. For her bad luck, car was taking hell lot of time and finally she gave up. Oh God is there any day which is just normal for me sans all troubles. I need to call for cab."

She came out and after some time she bumped into someone in parking lot. She snapped her head up and again it was Manik "Not again!" both said in unison. Nandini decided to walk away but Manik grabbed her arms and said "Wait for a moment please."