Manik: Guys, I guess I have heard that tune before also. I don't remember exactly where but I strongly feel I have.

As Manik said this, the other four looked at him shocked. How was it even possible?

Dhruv: What?

Cabir: When?

Mukti: Where?

Manik: Yes, but I don't remember when and where.

Aliya: How's this even possible, Manik? Di never sang in public.

Dhruv: You must have misunderstood, Manik

Mukti: Yes, that's possible, Manik and then maybe two people can play guitar in the same way? Even we could connect your tune with hers.

Manik: Guys, Believe me. I am not having lying.

He let out a sigh, not knowing how to make them believe. He literally breathed music. There was no way he could mistake the tune like that.

Cabir: Guys, If Manik is saying so then there must be something we are missing. Don't worry, Manik.

Manik: How Cabir? With each passing second, the opportunity to find everything is also slipping away from my hands.

Mukti: Wait! Manik, Cabir? What's going on?

Manik and Cabir looked at her then at Dhruv and Aliya who were also giving them Tell-us-What-Is-Happening look.

Manik: Guys, I will tell you everything once we get home.

Cabir: You sure you want to share with everyone?

Aliya: What do you mean by this, Cabir? You know there are no secrets allowed in Fab5 .

Dhruv: Cabir, Aliya is right. And maybe by sharing we can solve the problem.

Cabir: Guys-

Manik: I will tell you after reaching home guys.

He interuppted in between and Fab3 nodded while he assured Cabir with his eyes that he is okay with sharing with them. They were his friends, the only people who loved him apart from his father. Infact, at some time point of his life, even his father wasn't there physically, but they were, always.

As they reached Murty Mansion, without wasting any time they freshened up and gathered in Manik's room.

Mukti: Manik, Now tell us what's happening?

Manik looked up at her and then at Dhruv and Aliya. He could see the worry in their eyes for him. Suddenly a tint of guilt aroused in him as he realized he broke their rule. Rule of not keeping any secrets from them. He looked down being ashamed and the trio understood what he was thinking.

Mukti sighed loudly and looked at Dhruv and Aliya, who nodded. She held Manik's hand tightly squeezing it which eventually forced him to look up while Cabir was smiling all the time.

Mukti: Why are you looking down?

Manik: I shouldn't have hid things from you three. I am really sorry guys.

Dhruv: Com'on, buddy. It is your life. You can hide your personal things from us.

Aliya: And we all have the right to hide about our personal things, Manik. There are many things that me and Dhruv haven't shared with you all because we want privacy.

Manik: But you were saying-

Cabir: They were worried for you, Manik. That's why they said all that.

Aliya: My sister, She is a mystery Manik. You don't realize it, but the more you are trying to solve her mystery, the more you are losing yourself.

Manik: Aliya, I-I- you do know I feel for Nandini, right?

Dhruv: We all know this, Manik.

Mukti: We all can see it Manik. We aren't blind. The way you react when it comes to her or the way you smile seeing her old pictures made it all so obvious.

Aliya: We know you like her but things doesn't ends here, Manik. It is not as simple as you think it is.

Manik: I- I actually proposed her.

Cabir who was drinking water spitted it out on the floor. Mukti, Aliya, Dhruv looked at with wide eyed as he looked down seeing their reaction.

Manik: Guys, take it easy Yaar! I just proposed her for friendship.

They all relaxed but the next second they shoot their questions at him one by one.

Cabir: When?

Mukti: She said yes?

Aliya: She didn't slap you?

Dhruv: She didn't burst out on you?

Manik: Shut up, Guys! Aliya, why will she slap me and Cabir, I told her that day after leaving Aliya's room. I actually went to her room and talked to her.

Aliya: The hell Manik! Talk and she? and that too without talking harshly and slapping you?

Manik: No, she did shout.

Cabir: I knew it! And you listened to her without a word?

Manik fell silent as they all sighed. They knew how much he hates when someone shouts at him without any reason and here, he took every word silently which she threw at him?

Mukti: She accepted?

Manik nodded in a no. His eyes downwards as a sad smile appeared on his face. He really wanted to be friends with her but she, she pushed him away without any second thought and it hurted him.

Dhruv: That's why you were so stressed?

Manik nodded his head in yes and Fab4 took him in a group hug. Breaking the hug, Cabir came forward and kept his hand on his shoulder, patting it slightly.

Cabir: It is okay. She will definately accept it soon.

Manik: She has to. and Guys one more thing,

Dhruv: What happened?

Manik: I told Dad about my feelings for Nandini

And before he could complete Fab4 pounced on him and started beating him saying why didn't he tell them.

Mukti: When were you going to tell us, you idiot!

Aliya: He was not going to tell us Mukti!

Cabir: You didn't even tell me, you traitor!

Dhruv: Buddy, this isn't fair!

Manik: Guys-Guys Relax, I was not sure about my feelings so I called dad.

After an hour of lecture, they left him. Spending some time everyone decided to go to their rooms. Cabir was the last one to go. When he was about to go Manik stopped him.

Manik: Cabir,

Cabir: Yeah?

Manik: I have a plan

Cabir: Plan? What plan?

Manik told his plan to Cabir and at the end both of them smirked.

Cabir: Fantastic! Now we just have to talk to Abhi

Manik: I will talk to him.

Cabir: Manik, look dare you say anything to Abhi. You will ruin everything.

Manik: I will try.

Cabir nodded his head in disbelief while Manik just ignored his look.

Cabir: Manik, you will ruin everything for yourself. He will never approve you for his barbie.

Manik: Okay, fine! I will try my best not to fight with him

Cabir: That's better and I am happy for you bro.

Manik: Even I am happy for you.

Hearing his teasing tone, Cabir was taken aback for a second. Did he know? He frowned and stared at him who had Nothing-is-hidden-from-me-look on his face.

Cabir: For me? Why?

Manik wrapped his arm around his shoulder and walked towards the door.

Manik: You think I am dumb?

Cabir: What is there to think about it, Manik? Everyone knows that you are the dumbest creature on this world.

He smiled nervously and Manik ended up laughing at him.

Manik: Really funny, Cabir

Cabir made a bad face seeing which Manik patted his back hard.

Manik: Chal Chal! Don't make these faces now. I know everything. Ah! What was her name? that Instagram girl, Abhi's sister, ah yes Navya. I saw few of her posts saved there.

Manik suddenly burst out laughing as he saw Cabir closing his eyes tightly as if cursing himself for doing such a big mistake.

Cabir: Disadvantages of sharing passwords with your bestfriend! There's nothing li-like that, Manik

Manik was just nodding his head with his arms wrapped around his chest while Cabir was getting more and more nervous.

Cabir: Don't give me these looks, you know how she is, talking is far behind, she doesn't even look at me properly.

His voice held complaint while sadness took over his features seeing which Manik frowned.

Manik: Cabir, Is it love at first sight?

Cabir: W-What? No! Just crush.

Manik nodded and Cabir sighed.

Cabir: Love is a very big word, Manik. What you have for Nandini is near to love while what I have for Navya is not even close to it.

Manik: I know.

Cabir: Good.

He smiled. Manik was not someone who was very vocal about his feelings. Though he was very jovial around his loved ones but never did he express his feelings properly. And knowing his nature, Aliya, Dhruv and Mukti believed that he won't even express his love to his soulmate but Cabir always knew this won't happen. He knew, if Manik will be vocal infront of someone, it would be his girlfriend, wife or in Manik's words, his Soulmate and today, Cabir was happy for Manik.

It was two in the morning but sleep was far away from Manik's eyes. He kept thinking about Nandini and her equation with her friends. After tossing and turning on the bed over and over, he finally decided to go out and get some fresh air thinking it might help him to sleep peacefully.

He was walking towards the garden when his eyes fell on Abhi, who seemed to be hiding from someone behind the door. His eyes were fixed at the door as he waited for the same someone. Probably, for Nandini.

And Manik was not wrong. Indeed, Abhi was waiting for Nandini who entered inside after few minutes with her eyes casted down, her lips in a straight line and her shoulders thumped down, a posture she doesn't let anyone see in the day time.

Manik's gaze soften as he saw her looking in the direction Abhi was standing just after he walked away after making sure that she reached safely. A smile made it's way on his face as he realized that Nandini was aware of Abhi's care and didn't stop him.

He walked ahead and came in her view. She looked surprised for a second before she composed herself and maintained her as usual stern face.

Nandini: What are you doing here, Mr.Malhotra? It is two in the night, aren't you suppose to sleep?

Manik: I can ask the same question to you, Mam.

He smiled sarcastically. She glared at him in return which didn't make any difference to him. Ignoring him, she started walking to her room and he followed her.

Nandini: Are you following me?

She tried to sound irritated but she wasn't and Manik could make it out easily. He didn't know why, but he did.

Manik: Thought of giving you company, Mam.

She closed her eyes, this time really irritated and he stopped on his place followed by her.

Nandini: I don't need your company, Mr.Malhotra.

Manik: Nand-

Nandini: You are just an another client for me, Don't try to become more than that.

She smirked, seeing the hurt flashing on his face. Satisfied, she turned around to go but stopped hearing him.

Manik: and what if I want to be more than that?

Taken aback by his innocent demand, she crossed her arms against her chest and looked at the other side.

Nandini: You are not allowed to.

Manik: Why?

This time, his tone held mischief even though he genuinely wanted to know the reason.

Nandini: Stop acting innocent when you aren't!

She snapped and he couldn't help but rub his nape sheepishly. She glared at him and this time, he stepped ahead and gently held her shoulders. She tried to come out of his grip, but his one stare was enough to stop her.

Manik: I don't know about being another client for you but I definitely know that you know me a lot more than you should. Your actions and your words don't match, Mam.

He stressed the word Mam at the end and Nandini could feel her breath hitching in her throat. She stared at him with her eyes wide and her heartbeat faster than usual. He smiled and bend down, near her ear.

Manik: Sleep well, Babygirl. Tomorrow is gonna be tough for you.

And with this, he was walking to his room while she stood there, trying to calm down her crazy heartbeats.

The next morning, Manik didn't waste any time and talked to Abhi, who at first was not sure but later agreed for his plan. Not wanting to delay, they decided to do it today itself.

The whole day passed, though Nandini hadn't taken Manik's words seriously, still her heart was beating at abnormal speed everytime she would come across him.

It was night and everyone excluding Nandini were at the dining table, eating their dinner. Though Manik, Cabir and Abhi were more of playing with their food instead of eating.

Abhi was looking at the door time to time while Cabir and Manik were stealing each other's glances.

Suddenly, the silence was erupted by Nandini's loud shout which came from the hall. Cabir jumped at his place while Manik looked worried.

Abhi: Barbie's Aayiappa! Please save me!

He muttered under his breathe. Shelika was uninterested while Harshad was worried but didn't show on his face. Abhi looked at Manik and Cabir before walking to the hall.

Nandini: Mr.Abhimanyu Thakker, Where the hell are you!?

Abhi: I am here.

He tried his best to keep calm but seeing Nandini's glare, even he was scared. She looked ready to kill him any moment. However, he was taken aback when she threw few papers right on his face.

Nandini: What is this?

Abhi: What?

She glared him, her fists tightens at her both sides. Closing her eyes for a second, she looked right into his eyes.

Nandini: Acting innocent, are we? You know what, I have no time for you, just tell me why the hell you signed deal with Siddharth Kapoor without asking me?

Abhi sighed while others except Manik and Cabir were shocked. It was Manik's idea to sign deal with Siddarth's company so they could remain in contact with them.

Abhi: The deal will be beneficial for us, Mam.

Nandini: I am not dumb, Mr.Thakker. I very well know what you are doing but I want to hear it from your mouth. What is all this? Why are you doing this? What do you want to prove by doing this?

Abhi: There's nothing like that, Mam. When Kapoor uncle came to me for this deal, I couldn't say no. It will-

Nandini: Don't feed me lies, Mr.Abhimanyu Thakker. If you think I don't know you, you are wrong.

Abhi: If you know me so much, then you must be knowing why did I do this.

He smiled, accepting it this time which made Manik and Cabir worried. For a second, they forget Abhi knew Nandini more than the two of them.

Nandini: Ofcourse, I very well know. But now you should also know what I will do.

Abhi: You can't do that.

He warned her with his eyes and she smirked.

Nandini: Did you forget that I am the owner and I can do whatever I want?

Abhi: Barbie, I am telling you calmly, let this deal happen. Don't force me to become the Abhimanyu, you hate. You do know what I am capable of, Don't you?

Nandini stared at him, hurt flashing in her eyes as she realized the time he was capable of saving her life from getting ruined but he didn't.

Nandini: I know what you are capable of, what you were capable of but then it doesn't matter. I am the owner and I will decide if I want this deal or not, and I don't want to do deal with Kapoors!

Abhi understood the silent accusation in her sentence and lowered his eyes for a second. Composing himself, he walked to the side table and threw the vase, carefully not to hurt her.

As the others realized what he was going to do, they shouted his name but he stopped them showing his hand. He picked up the broken piece of vase and looked at Nandini sternly.

Abhi: The deal is happening.

Nandini: No!

He fisted his palm, piercing the glass piece in his hand while she clenched her fist. Manik looked at Cabir worriedly who himself was tensed.

Drop by drop, the blood dripped down on the white marble floor turning it red. Nandini had her face on the other side while Abhi's stare remained stern.

Harshad: Accept the deal, Nandini. Don't be so stubborn.

Mukti: Can't you see how much he is bleeding! Just accept it damit!

She looked at Abhi worriedly who didn't spare her any glance today.

Abhi: I swear on you barbie. I am not leaving this glass piece unless and until you promise me to not to break this deal.

Nandini: Fine! Stop making my floor dirty with your blood. The deal is on!

Abhi smiled faintly, releasing the glass from his grip and it fell on the floor, crushing into more smaller pieces.

But soon his smile changed into frown as he saw Nandini staring at his hand blankly.

Nandini: You will pay for it, Mr.Abhimanyu Thakker.

Abhi: Barb-

He was stopped by Fab5 and Shelika who rushed to him hurriedly. Nandini silently removed her footwear and walked on the same broken glass pieces. Blood oozed out from her feet and a hiss escaped her lips which not only caught his attention but also, Manik and Harshad's who had seen his teary eyes.

Mukti: What was that Abhi!? Why did you do this? For whom? For that selfish girl who doesn't care for you at all?

She cried in frustration by the end while Abhi chuckled.

Abhi: You think she doesn't care. Just turn around and you will see the traces of her care in the form of her blood.

Her eyes widen and she turned around only to gasp seeing the blood drops on all the pieces. There were even footprints of her blood on the floor which led to her room.

Abhi: I am such an idiot! I knew she will do this. I should've known that she won't ever let me go easily if I hurt myself. I should've known that she will hurt herself more. How could I do this!?

Cabir: Abhi, sometimes to gain something we have to lose something. I know she shouldn't have done this but at the end of the day it is a proof that you still mean the world to her.

Manik: Guys, I will just come.

He stormed upstairs abruptly which confused everyone except Abhi and Cabir. Sighing, Cabir also went behind him.

To Be Continued.