Chapter 2

Manik.

He was handling his own MMCorps private bank in Mumbai and the bank was doing pretty well being one of the top ten banks in Mumbai. His dad Manish Malhotra was CEO and had left almost ninety percent of the management to his two efficient and capable sons. Madhyam(Maddy), two years younger than Manik was coolest younger brother and was assisting Manik in business in a very efficient way.

Nyonika was very sweet and caring mother who handled some of her own NGOs. Their family indulged in philanthropic work as much as they could. She never interfered in the bank business, it was a small, happy, loving and contended family.

Manik was very much introvert and he hardly smiled but gelled along well with everyone. Him being the most eligible bachelor and extremely good looking was enough for every female to go gaga over and his absolutely no nonsense attitude made him all more appealing. He had finished his masters in business management, finance stream in one of the most reputed universities in USA. Just at the ripe age of twenty five he was handling this bank business like a pro and an experienced person.

Manik and Maddy were on their way to office discussing about the work and about hiring new employees. Manik mentioned he wanted very shrewd and intelligent employees to manage one of their crucial project in a better way. Maddy agreed, and said he would start the hiring process as soon as he could.

Both reached office and got busy with their respective work.

Maddy started to follow up with the Human Resources department to get the best employees on board who had applied which included both experienced and freshers. They narrowed down on the best candidates and sent out mails to start the recruitment process.

Nandini who was disturbed by a call, now had a smile on her face seeing Veebha as the caller.

"Nandu, Nandu, Nandu I m so excited for my birthday I am turning twenty two, can you believe it? and this has to be my best birthday as I will be independent soon done with my course yayieeeee!!! " she finished saying in one breadth. Nandini could sense her excitement.

Nandini smiled and said "Awwww, someone looks really happy so what are the plans for the big day my dearest soul sister?"

Veebha replied, "Well, I am throwing a lavish party at our Lonavala farmhouse, this weekend and you aren't allowed to give any excuses and yes, you are supposed to get Amms and Rishu as well, Ok?? So deal final." Veebha didn't even allow Nandini to answer. "Great!! See you, bye, I have got loads of work to be done. See you soon Nandu." Saying this, Veebha ended the call, again, without listening to Nandini's answer. Nandini smiled looking at her friend's overly enthusiastic nature.

Nandini thought how she would convince Amms for Lonavala, a place which was almost hundred miles from where they stayed. Seemed like a very difficult task.

She decided to talk to Amms, so she waited until evening, came down from her bedroom which was upstairs and went to Amms who was busy on the phone talking about dance and music workshops. After she finished talking she turned to Nandini "Yes baby girl tell me."

Nandini put her head on Amms shoulders and said "Amms, Veebha called and she has invited all of us for her birthday party at her Lonavala farm house and she has said our presence is mandatory, so lets all go, we will have great fun. It's been ages since we had a get away."

Amms said she was too busy with work so she can't accompany them but gave Nandini permission to go along with Rishu as she knew veebha and Nandini were childhood best friends and their family friends as well.

Nandini was super happy. She thought she should start shopping for her best friend's birthday. She got lots of exotic stuff and a beautiful gift for Veebha, shopped until she got tired. A beauty parlor visit too made her feel rejenuated. She came back and pestered her younger brother to join her, after making him agree she went to her room and drifted off to a peaceful sleep with a smile on her face.

Soon the weekend arrived. Amms asked Nandini to take a driver along with them and leave as early as they can and to return back only in the morning. Nandini agreed and decided to leave by five in the evening. Rishab also joined her, but the driver couldn't accompany them for some reason. So they headed on their own, Nandini driving. Meanwhile, Rishu got a call from his friend saying they had organized important seminar in his college and it was mandatory for him to attend the seminar, and also he was part of some committee. Rishab asked Nandini to drive him to his friend's place. Nandini fumed, "What is this Rishu you know very well Amms won't let me go alone and that too without a driver this is really not fair!"

Rishu made a puppy face saying "Its matter of my grades for this semester. I have to make it, it will add up to my final grades. I would not say a word to Amms about you going alone to Lonavala. Moreover, I would be bored there, just with you girls." He winked and got off the car.

Veebha had already called her hundred times asking where she was and what time she would be there. Knowing her friend very well, Nandini messaged her saying she would be there in two hours max.

Nandini had no other option but to attend the party all alone. After dropping Rishab at his friend's place she continued to drive towards her destination. It was already getting dark, she thought she has to reach soon and call Amms and tell her about Rishu's change of plans. If she called her now she wouldn't be able to hide anything and she didn't want to go back home either. After stopping for her strong dose of coffee, she continued driving listening to some romantic songs and humming along.