Manik entered Murthy Industries, greeted by Cabir’s secretary along the way. He remained composed until he reached Cabir’s cabin, and the scene unfolding before him threatened to burst him into laughter. Cabir was sprawled on the couch, attempting to draw closer to his girlfriend, who promptly and forcefully shoved him off. *Ouch*, Manik thought. *Serves you right.* + 

“Ahem. Are you two quite finished?” Manik asked, struggling to contain a booming laugh that would surely embarrass his already flustered friend. + 

Cabir hauled himself off the floor, grinning. “No, not until she kisses me.” He glanced at the girl, Siya, with a hopeful look. He liked her, but she was entirely preoccupied with her public image, indifferent to his advances. *Why can’t she be like my sister,* he mused, *always hopelessly in love?* Though, honestly, even Abhi’s fiancé, Murphy, is madly obsessed with her. + 

“Cabir, where’s your father? I need to finalize our meeting with him.” + 

“Dad’s in his cabin, Manik. And Nandini will be here tonight, staying with us for three days.” Cabir’s words reminded Manik of his sister’s arrival – an invitation he’d received, and the thought of seeing the little girl who used to follow him around. + 

“Nandini’s coming. Good. I’d like to see her reaction when she sees her old crush.” Manik chuckled, remembering when eight-year-old Nandini had confessed her undying love, declaring him handsome enough to blur the world around her. + 

It had been a lovely day, he recalled, kissing her cheeks as she erupted in laughter. She was the only girl who’d ever felt close to him as a child. + 

Manik met with Mr. Murthy, completing the business formalities with a speed that belied the shock he felt when Mr. Murthy dropped a bombshell: he wanted Manik to marry Nandini, and today was intended as an opportunity for them to reconnect. + 