Manik, Abhimanyu, Mukti, Alia and Dhruv took their flight while Nandini got busy with her training. Except her computer skills, she had learnt fighting and shooting also. Nandini was putting her whole in her training. These days were very important for her. One side Manik's deal and on other hand her own mission. Nandini and her team were going to break in the base of the smuggler.

,

Manik and his friends went to the Party held by "Pace Technologies". They were all enjoying and Manik was having a good talk with people of other companies.

Then Mr. Sethi, GM of Pace came and Manik went to meet him. He was quite happy and interested to meet Manik as he heard about Manik and his team being the young talent. During thir chat, team from Aura Techs came. Mukti was getting angry to see one of her ex colleagues in the team who was not able to meet their eyes. Manik was all calm and smiley while his friends were kind of angry but were trying to hide.

Mr. Sethi invited both teams to a private dining area to have some chat with them.

Mr Sethi - I actually called you guys privately because I want you guys to meet and talk to someone who is really very important for this project. She has helped us a lot with the development of THE REIGN. You must know we got an incredible results with this game, and she is the one to get equal credits.

Mr. Sethi signalled his secretary and she connected a video conferencing but it was declined. She told Mr. Sethi who sighed thinking he should have informed her in advance. But the next moment there was voice call from the same id, her secretary accepted and put laptop on table infront of everyone.

Mr. Sethi - (to the person on call) I am so sorry to disturb. I totally forgot about informing you in advance.

Person on call - It's alright Mr. Sethi. I was free.

Manik's eyes shot up recognising voice but he quickly turned to a calm face. While their friends were kinda shocked but still put on a calm face. The person was MK aka Nandini.

Mr. Sethi - By the way, MK, I called because I want you to talk to both the teams competing for THE KINGDOM. They both are present here. Uni-Tech and Aura Techs. I hope you don't mind.

The staff of Aura tech were shocked and too excited as they will get to talk to one and only MK.

MK - Oh! I would love to Mr. Sethi. Hello there, myself MK. Nice to talk to you guys.

All - Hello!

MK - (chuckled) Let's go for introduction in alphabetical orders. Aura's first.

Aura Techs staff introduced their company and head to Mk.

MK - Uni Tech please.

Manik - Hello, we are from Uni-tech. Myself Manik Malhotra. We are here as a team of 5 to present our design of THE KINGDOM.

MK - Great! You guys are sounding really young.

Manik - Thank you. Also, you too MK.

MK - Thank you Manik. I am happy to know that you both teams are here.

Mr. Sethi - Happy to know you like it.

MK - I just hope you both teams present YOUR OWN works in the best way and the best will win. And yes, remember one thing: No tricks or cheating. I hate it and I know everything!

The members of Aura's team got flustered and uncomfortable. Manik just had a small smirk.

Mr. Sethi - Woah! Already leaving your impression by scaring them.

MK - Nothing like that. Just being straightforward as I am. Normal.

Mr. Sethi - Right. You are too straightforward.

Mk - And yeah, my treat to the team whoever will get the bid.

All - (clapped)

MK - Thank you. Thank you. (chuckles) Now give your best. ALL THE BEST TO ALL!

All - Thank you.

MK - Fine, I have some work I will go now. Bye!

All - Bye! Take care!

MK - Remember to call and tell me the results Mr. Sethi!

Mr. Sethi - Of course Mk. Take care!

MK - You too.

They hung up. Manik was smiling after talking to her. Mr. Sethi asked for drinks and snacks and they all talked for some more time.

Manik pulled out his phone from pocket and texted Nandini.

Manik - So, this is why you were not coming? Public appearance was just an excuse.

Nandini - Oops! I am caught.

Manik - Of course!

Nandini - What else could I have done, if they get to know that I helped you guys, they will have contract with you even without seeing your design and work.

Manik - Ya, ya!

Nandini - And it would be wrong with Aura's

Manik - Oh! You still wanna think about them after what they did? huh?

Nandini - Yah! Man, be serious! Stop teasing around

Manik giggled quietly and smile never left his face from the moment he started texting Nandini.

Manik - Ok, I will be serious! (slightly pouts) Love, I am getting bored and missing you already

Nandini - Oh big baby! Grow up and mind your business. Will meet you soon!

Manik - I am baby for you only!

Nandini - I know! Lucky I am!

Manik - Hmm.

Nandini - Okay. I will go now. Bye! Love you and miss you!

Manik - Bye! Love you and miss you too!

Manik smiled widely looking at his phone. Mr. Sethi noticed and decided to tease him.

Mr. Sethi - Mr. Manik, what's in your phone making you smile so widely?

Manik - Ahbb Nothing.

Mr. Sethi - Your girlfriend?

Manik - Actually.... fiancé.

Mr. Sethi - Oh! Congratulations for your engagement.

Manik - Thank you Mr. Sethi.

Mr. Sethi - I would like to meet your fiancé, I want to see the lucky lady.

Manik - I am sure there will be many chances in future.

Just like that, they kept chit chatting and then moved to hall and had dinner. Manik and his friends left party to reach their hotel. They took the cab.

Mukti - Manik..... It's the second time you mentioned Nandini as your fiancé but we never heard or saw you two getting engaged.

Alia - Right! You are not even wearing your ring. How could you say you are engaged?

Abhimanyu - (scoffs) LIAR!

Manik - (smile) Believe it or not! We are engaged!

All - PROVE IT!

Manik - (weird face) Are you guys even serious?

All - WE ARE!

Manik - oh. Come on. Forget it guys.....

All - No

Manik - I really need to prove?

All - YES!

Manik sighed as this time he was caught up badly. Manik opened his first two buttons of shirt and pulled the chain out which was having ring. Everyone was focused on his actions. Manik took the ring in his hand and showed them.

Manik - Here! My engagement ring!

Everyone gasped.

Alia - (snapped) Wait! I remember, Nandini also wears a long chain always is she also....

Manik - Yes!

All - Woah!

Dhruv - Bro! (forwarding hand for a hand shake) Here, congratulations.

Mukti - (yanked away Dhruv's hand) What congratulations? Manik, you better tell us, when did you two got engaged behind our back.

Manik - (deep thought and then stuttered) aa... that.... aa. If I tell you Nandini will kill me.

Alia - You deserve it! Tell us or we will kill you.

Manik - I can't! I really can't! For this, you have to ask Nandini. This is all I could tell you.

They all reached hotel, freshen up and went to sleep. Manik grabbed his laptop and had some formality work. Then he sent out all the e-mails he had to. Manik did all his work and then went to sleep.

Manik and his friends decided to go around the city next day as they were free.

On the other hand, Nandini.....

Jass