Nandini's eyes narrowed slightly as she asked, "What was that?" but Manik's response was effortless. He flashed a charming smile, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Nothing, just thought to have fun with my brother-in-law," he said, his tone light and playful. Manik's innocence was convincing, and Nandini's gaze lingered on him.

Nandini's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she asked, "Mr. Manik Malhotra, how come you act so cool, unbothered around Mr. Maheshwari?" She huffed, her tone laced with skepticism.

Manik's response was laced with a hint of sarcasm. "Maybe because now he's not only my rival but your brother as well," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "I know you didn't accept him as your brother, but truth doesn't change by your acknowledging it or not."

Manik's words hung in the air, and he added with a smirk, "So it's better I mend my relationship with him... Well, it was fun." His tone implied that he was enjoying the game of cat and mouse with Sanskar.

Nandini's giggle was music to Manik's ears as she playfully scolded him, "You are impossible." Manik's smirk grew wider "my brother in law looked like he was sitting on a time bomb which will explode anytime."

Nandini's eyes sparkled with amusement "He will for sure, no doubt," she said, her voice has sparkled with mischievous.

With a swift movement, Manik pulled Nandini into his lap, resting his chin on her shoulder. The proximity sent a flutter through Nandini's chest, and she felt her heart skip a beat as Manik's warm breath danced against her skin.

"Uff I missed you my baby doll" Manik's whispered words sent shivers down Nandini's spine as he tenderly called her "my baby doll." His voice was laced with emotion, and his eyes seemed to bore into her soul.

Nandini's brave facade crumbled, revealing her vulnerability. "I was scared," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes welled up with tears as she confessed, "I thought I wouldn't meet you again."

The fear and uncertainty in her voice touched a chord in his heart and Manik's hold on Nandini tightened as he whispered reassurances, his voice a gentle hush. "Sshhh... That's not going to happen, Micky," he murmured, his words a promise of protection.

"Before any harm reaches you, it has to go through me." His tone was sharp and conveyed a deeper meaning - he would stop at nothing to keep her safe.

As Manik's stubble grazed her skin, Nandini squealed, "Mani, your stubble is giving me tickles!" Her laughter was infectious, and Manik's face lit up with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Nandini's giggles turned into playful protests as Manik continued to rub his stubble against her neck, teasing her mercilessly. "It's your punishment for thinking something stupid," he said, his voice low and husky.

"Haha, stop it!" Nandini tried to wriggle free, but Manik's hold was unyielding. She squirmed and laughed, her attempts to escape only seeming to amuse Manik further.

The playful struggle between them was filled with laughter and affection, their chemistry palpable as they enjoying in each other's company.

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Sanskar's eyes remained fixed on the laptop screen, a dark chuckle escaping his lips. Yet, beneath the surface, a sense of calmness and satisfaction simmered. His gaze seemed to bore into the images or information unfolding before him, a hint of a plan taking shape in his mind.

The faintest glimmer of a smile played on his lips, betraying a sense of anticipation. The calmness in his eyes belied the storm brewing within, a storm that would soon make its presence known.

Sanskar's eyes narrowed as he watched the CCTV footage, his mind racing with analysis. It was clear to him that the attackers hadn't intended to kill Nandini, but to kidnap her. His gaze lingered on the figures, their movements, and their intentions.

As he watched Manik Malhotra's timely intervention, a storm brewed in his eyes. The coldness that emanated from his gaze could freeze anyone's heart. A deadly obsession for his sister's safety burned within him, an obsession that could potentially burn the whole world.

Lakshya Mehta, Manik's most trusted ally, was a formidable force to be reckoned with. His reputation preceded him - a ruthless and cunning individual who would stop at nothing to protect Manik. The phrase "impossible" seemed tailor-made for anyone who dared to breach the wall that was Lakshya.

As Manik arrived with his entourage, it was clear that these weren't ordinary bodyguards. They exuded a primal intensity, their movements fluid and calculated. They were beasts guarding their queen, their loyalty unwavering and their determination palpable.

The air was electric with tension as Manik's force asserted their presence, a palpable warning to anyone who dared to threaten their kingpin. With swift and calculated movements, they neutralized the goons, taking them into custody.

As Manik shielded Nandini, his men worked efficiently in the background, handling the situation with precision. The goons were taken aside, where they would face... "persuasion." The distance between Manik and the interrogation site was deliberate, a buffer to shield Nandini from the ugliness.

The men handling the goons were ruthless in their methods, driven by loyalty to Manik and a desire to protect Nandini thier innocent Queen who only rules them without knowing.

"Impressive" Sanskar smirk "maybe it's time to know more about you"

Sanskar's face remained calm, but his eyes told a different story - a story of vengeance, protection, and unwavering determination. The footage had ignited a fire within him, a fire that would fuel his actions and decisions from now on.

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Swara's eyes sparkled as she entered the Maheshwari mansion, her presence announced by the maid. Nandini's warm welcome, "Hi, my future bhabhi," brought a sweet smile to Swara's face.

The term "bhabhi" seemed to bring a flush to Swara's cheeks, her complexion turning a soft pink. It was clear that the affectionate greeting had touched her heart, and she felt a sense of belonging.

Despite their limited interactions, a strong and unspoken bond had formed between Nandini and Swara. Nandini's playful nature led her to tease Swara, often poking fun in a lighthearted manner. Swara, on the other hand, took it in stride, enjoying Nandini's company and letting her antics slide.

The dynamic between them was endearing, with Nandini's teasing bringing out a softer side in Swara. As they spent more time together, their connection grew stronger, built on mutual affection and trust. Swara seemed to appreciate Nandini's genuine warmth, and Nandini valued Swara's quiet strength.

"How are you?" Swara asked

"I'm cute," she said with a childish grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Swara couldn't help but smile at Nandini's antics.

Just then, Manik entered the scene, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Nandini. "Baby doll, where did you put my watch?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

Swara's eyes widened in shock as she took in the sight of Manik standing in the Maheshwari mansion. Her mouth hung open, and her eyes bulged out like a cartoon character's. Nandini burst out laughing at Swara's comical expression.

"Bhabhi, close your mouth or Manik will see your yellow teeth," Nandini teased, her laughter infectious.

Swara's face turned bright red as she glared at Nandini, retorting, "I brush twice a day, you naughty girl!" The playful banter between the two was clear, and Manik's presence only added to the lively atmosphere.

Swara cleared her throat, attempting to compose herself after the teasing. "Where is Mr. Maheshwari?" she asked, trying to steer the conversation back on track.

Nandini's response was predictable - playful and mischievous. "Bhabhi, you should start calling him Sanskar, or jaan, sanku, baby, darling, hubby," she suggested, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Swara rolled her eyes good-naturedly, shaking her head at Nandini's antics. "You are so boring," Nandini added with a grin, before pushing Swara toward the stairs. "Well, he's in his room," she said, urging Swara upward. "Go, go, meet your saiyyan." Nandini's teasing tone left Swara's cheeks flushing, but she couldn't help but laugh at her sister in law's silly behavior.

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As Swara pushed the door's holding knob, she froze, her heart racing like a metro train. The sudden stillness belied the turmoil brewing inside her.

Whole surround vanished

Her mind went blank, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still

The sound of her own heartbeat was the only thing she could hear, pounding in her ears like a drumbeat.

She forgot to breathe

Sanskar stood in front of the mirror, a single towel wrapped around his waist, showcasing his chiseled physique. The dim lighting highlighted the contours of his bare body, and his hair was slightly damp, messy strands framing his face. her eyes fixed on the sight before her.

Sanskar's eyes widened in shock as he turned to face Swara, his expression a mix of surprise and embarrassment. "What the hell are you doing here? At this time?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of irritation and discomfort.

As he attempted to compose himself, Sanskar strode towards the wardrobe, his long strides eating up the distance. However, his plan to grab some clothes was foiled as Swara's hands pinned him in place, her palms flat against the wardrobe on either side of him. The sudden move trapped Sanskar, leaving him sandwich between Swara's arms, with no easy escape.

Swara's gaze seemed to hold Sanskar captive, and he felt a surge of self-consciousness. "Swara, what are you trying to do?" he asked, his voice a little softer than before.

Without realizing it, Sanskar wrapped his arms around his chest, almost as if shielding himself from Swara's intense gaze.

He always lived a life of solitude since his parents' passing, where he learned to rely only on himself. This newfound vulnerability in front of Swara made him feel uncharted territory. The intensity of her gaze, the proximity of their bodies, and the silence between them all combined to make him feel exposed, like a part of him was laid bare. For the first time in a long while, Sanskar felt like he was losing control, and it was an unsettling sensation.

"I didn't knew that my boss is so sexy that I'm loosing control of my mind and heart" she whispered husky tone sending Shiver through his spine.

"When did role reverse like this?" Sanskar thought "please somebody save me, my dignity is at stake" his mind screamed.

Swara smirked like she read his mind "no one will save you from me"

Sanskar's eyes widened as Swara's words cut through the tension. "Do you have any idea what you're doing to me?" she asked, her voice husky and charged with emotion.

For a moment, he stood frozen, his mind consumed by the darkness of his past. Shadows danced in his eyes, and it seemed like the weight of his memories threatened to overwhelm him.

But then, Swara's lips touched his chest, and Sanskar felt a jolt of surprise. The gentle kiss was like a spark that lit up the darkness, bringing him back to the present. He looked down at Swara, his expression a mix of shock and wonder.

"I came to give my engagement party invitation," Swara said, her voice steady, "but thank you for my surprise gift, Mr. Maheshwari." The kiss had been a bold move, making him wonder did some spirit have possessed his wild cat who is now bold cat...

Swara's fingers grazed Sanskar's abdomen as she tucked the invitation card into the towel wrapped around his waist. The accidental touch sent a shiver down his spine. Her soft, delicate fingers seemed to leave a trail of warmth on his skin, making his heart skip a beat. He couldn't help but wonder if the touch was intentional or just a fleeting moment of closeness.

Sanskar stood frozen, his eyes fixed on Swara's retreating figure as she walked away. He couldn't shake off the feeling that the dynamics of their interaction had shifted in a way he couldn't quite grasp. The tables had turned, and he was left wondering when and how it had happened. The surprise kiss, the gentle touch, and the playful invitation card gesture had all combined to leave him feeling bewildered and intrigued. He was still trying to process the unexpected turn of events, his mind racing to catch up with the newfound chemistry between them.

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Hey readers! 👋

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