The Girl He Was Paid to Forget
bittersweet café
The morning sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains of Manav’s room, casting shadows over the untouched breakfast on his table. The silence inside the mansion had grown heavier over the past two days. Not because of the lack of voices—but because of the lack of her voice.
Nidhi had been speaking to him only when necessary, and even then, only in cold, formal phrases. No more casual glances. No more light-hearted taunts. Just quiet service.
This morning was no different.
manav kapoor
“Nidhi,” he tried, finally, his voice lower than usual.
nidhi shrma
“Yes, sir?” Her tone was calm, distant.
By the time lunch came around, the silence had grown unbearable.
manav kapoor
“You didn’t eat anything?”
nidhi shrma
“I already did, sir. Your food is warm.”
Again, she left before he could find his words.
That evening, a loud knock came at the door. Then, without waiting for permission, Khushi stormed in with the enthusiasm of a firecracker.
Khushi kapoor
“You’re literally rotting in here, Manav!” she declared, arms crossed. “It’s been days. You need to breathe some fresh air. You’re coming out with me.”
manav kapoor
Manav blinked. “Out? Where?”
Khushi kapoor
“Anywhere. Café, maybe. Or shopping. Or just walking around. You’re not staying here anymore. No arguments.”
manav kapoor
He sighed, rubbing his temple. “Fine. But Nidhi comes with me.”
Khushi kapoor
Khushi’s smile faltered. “What? Why?”
manav kapoor
“She’s my personal maid,” he said, almost too quickly. “If I go, she goes.”
Khushi kapoor
“Manav, seriously?” she scoffed. “You can’t even sip coffee without her?”
manav kapoor
“I didn’t ask your permission,” he replied, sharper than intended. “If she doesn’t go, I don’t go.”
Khushi opened her mouth to protest, but the look in his eyes made her stop. She huffed.
“Fine. Whatever. She’s your problem.”
And just like that, the plan was set.
The Riverside Café sat quietly by the lake, warm lights twinkling as dusk approached. It was one of those places that made you want to take deep breaths and sip something warm and sweet.
Khushi walked ahead like she owned the air around her, bright in a yellow sundress that fluttered with every step. She didn’t wait for Manav or Nidhi.
Manav walked silently, hands in pockets, stealing glances behind him. Nidhi followed them at a respectful distance, her face unreadable. She hadn't spoken a word since they left.
They settled into a cozy corner by the railing, with the lake shimmering beside them. A soft jazz tune played in the background.
Khushi kapoor
“I already ordered,” Khushi said, flipping her hair. “I know your taste better than you do.”
Nidhi stood quietly behind him, eyes on the scenery, heart somewhere else entirely.
Their food came soon—pasta, fries, iced coffee.
Khushi picked up a fork and made a dramatic face.
Khushi kapoor
“This fork is ruining my vibe,” she said, twirling a bite of pasta. “I’ll just feed you myself.”
manav kapoor
Manav raised an eyebrow. “What?”
manav kapoor
“You heard me. Don’t be so uptight. Say ahhh.”
He looked at her, then at Nidhi—who didn’t flinch. Didn’t look. Just stood tall.
He hesitated. Then parted his lips and let her feed him.
But behind him, Nidhi’s hands clenched into fists inside the folds of her dupatta.
So this is how it feels, he thought. To see her pretend she doesn’t care.
Khushi kapoor
“Want dessert?” Khushi asked, leaning close, brushing invisible dust off his shoulder. “You’ve lost weight. But I can fix that.”
manav kapoor
“I’m fine,” he muttered, eyes drifting back to Nidhi.
She stood there, a perfect portrait of indifference. But inside, her chest was tight.
After the meal, Manav stood and walked slowly toward her.
manav kapoor
“You okay?” he asked.
nidhi shrma
She blinked at him. “Yes, sir. Why wouldn’t I be?”
manav kapoor
His lips pressed together. “You’ve barely looked at me.”
nidhi shrma
She tilted her head. “Is that necessary for my job?”
And that—that—was the final crack.
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