"Manik I don't drink except on occasions!" Sonakshi reminded Manik, who had just offered her a glass of whiskey. "Come on now have it, you can break your rules for one evening." He replied. "Get me a cold drink." Sonakshi answered, royally ignoring his suggestion. "Do I look like a waiter to you? Drink if you want otherwise don't, I'm not losing anything." Manik replied brusquely. "You are losing your temper." Sonakshi remarked. "Whatever" Manik said, and handed over the other whiskey glass to a passer by waiter.

"Honestly tell me, what do you even do at such events? They're so boring." Manik remarked. "Tumi ekano ekai!" Sonakshi complained while Manik rolled his eyes and said, "What tumi tumi? Speak in a language I understand!" "I said you're still the same, still find such events boring." Manik was about to reply but someone cut him off

"Manik, right? Dr.Ashok's son...it must've been difficult for you, hope you're doing well." Manik forced a smile and said, "Yes I'm better now, but I'm sorry I don't recognise you..." "Oh, I'm Dr.Patel, Ashok's friend. Good to hear you're doing well." Manik nodded in acknowledgment and once Dr.Patel exchanged salutations with Sonakshi and left, he turned towards her,widened his eyes and said, "Seriously, why?"

"Oh hello! I didn't force you to come, you're the one who chose to come along because 'what if someone flirts with you like I did 3 years ago and you fall for it?' Possessive Monkey!" Sonakshi answered. Manik said, "Alright alright, but come let's get going, you've given your attendance now let's go." "Home? So early?" Sonakshi asked. "There's no way I'm staying here any longer, I'll take you around a few more good places in the city and we'll have dinner at my favourite place." "Ok, let's go."

***

Manik was looking wistfully at Sonakshi as she was very keenly reading the menu.

"Have I told you this before? Your eyes are really beautiful!" Manik spoke, interrupting her food hunt session. "Where did that come from?" "Oh it was genuine. I was observing how beautifully your eyes were moving sideways then up and down as you were reading." "Then a genuine thanks in return." Sonakshi said and went back to reading the menu.

"You look cuter when you're keenly into something." Manik complimented again. "Sonakshi put down the menu,crossed her arms and questioned, "What is up with you?" "Uh...no, well technically this is like our first proper dinner date so I'm trying to get that vibe."

Sonakshi facepalmed herself, "You don't have to be all filmy about having dinner with me." "I'm not being filmy I'm just stating the technicality." Manik replied. "Ok, so should I prepare myself for random cute compliments throughout dinner?" Sonakshi asked with a hint of sarcasm "Not just cute 'compliments'", Manik replied winking, and Sonakshi almost ignored his gimmick.

Manik very slyly moved his hand closer to Sonakshi's when she was busy relishing her favourite pink sauce pasta.

She looked up from her plate once Manik gently placed his hand on hers, "What are you doing?" she asked. "I told you be prepared for more than just cute compliments." "Who eats like this? One hand on the fork and the other in someone else's?" Sonakshi argued. "Uh...a girl and a boy who are on their first dinner date." Manik replied. Sonakshi pulled her hand away to which Manik commented, "You should write a book you know, '101 ways to kill the romantic vibe'", Manik complained.

"You can't eat and romance together!" Sonakshi replied. "I can, YOU can't. Nevermind you already spoilt my mood, eat." Manik replied making a puppy face.

***

Sonakshi was about to get down from the car as they reached Manik's place, but Manik stopped her, "I was expecting a kiss atleast at the end of our date." "Unrealistic expectations!" Sonakshi answered. "Ya I realised that now but..." Manik stopped midway and closed the gap between them as he kissed her cheek..."if you don't I will." He completed. Sonakshi's cheeks turned a light shade of pink as she pushed him away and headed towards the house.

***

I Know It's Crap 🥺 Sorryy🥺