As Manik rushed upstairs looking quite angry and Cabir followed him, Harshad turned to Abhi to question him but stopped seeing tears in his eyes.

Mukti was standing beside him. She had bandaged his hand but still didn't leave it. She didn't know why but apart from her friends, he was the first person she was concerned for. She wanted to make sure he was fine and if he wasn't, she was going to be with him.

She tighten her hold on his hand and unknowingly he gripped it more tight.

Here, Manik reached Nandini's room and saw her sitting on the bed with her back supported against the bed rest while her feet were at a side so that the bedsheet doesn't get the blood which was still dripping from her feet.

Though, downstairs she had managed to control her pain but now it was really difficult to. She wasn't even able to move her feet.

Manik: Nandini-

She opened her eyes with a jerk and looked at him sternly.

Nandini: Why are you here? Leave!

Manik: You are bleeding.

He stated, his eyes soft seeing the bleeding wound.

Nandini: Leave, I said!

Just then Cabir, who was standing at the door from the time Manik said she was bleeding, came inside. Seeing him, Nandini's anger reached it's peak.

Nandini: Mr.Cabir Dhawan, Who the hell gave you permission to enter inside my room? Leave my room right now! Leave, I said!

She shouted by the end and even in this serious situation Manik didn't fail to notice how she shouted at Cabir for entering inside her room without her permission while when he came there that day and even today, she didn't.

However, this time Manik lost his calm. He stepped forward and glared at her.

Manik: Will you shut up and listen to me for a second?

She glared back at him for shouting at her but ignoring it, he turned to Cabir.

Manik: Cabir, Get me a first aid box.

Cabir nodded and walked out of the room to get a first aid box while Manik settled on the bed near her legs. He bite his lower lip, wondering if he could touch it or not.

Slowly, A tear fell from his eyes on her foot and Nandini, who was all ready to shout at him again remained silent. Her eyes soften and a single tear managed to fall from her eye as well which she wiped away hurriedly without his notice. She cleared her throat and he looked at her.

Nandini: I don't need your help Mr.Malhotra. You can go and console your new friend.

She taunted. He was a fool if he thought she didn't know it was him behind this deal with Kapoors. It wasn't difficult to join the dots after he warned her yesterday night. However, hearing her innocent complaint, he chuckled.

Was she jealous that he became friends with Abhi?

Manik: I am not friends with Abhi. I just took his help.

Nandini: I don't care, Mr.Malhotra. And what are you huh? If it was someone else on your place, he would've left after all the words I said to you, so why are you here?

She was surprised. She knew nobody would have stayed after so much insulting remarks but he was here. Sitting right infront of her with the pain of her wounds in his eyes.

Manik: Listen to me for once and all, Nandini. I am not someone else. Let me dress your wound and I will leave without a word but till than, not a word from you.

He warned her and she sweared nobody will ever dare to talk to her in that tone. And she was sure he knew what he was doing and to her surprise, he seemed to be enjoying it. However, she wasn't someone to be messed with. She looked right into his eyes as he challenged her to go against him.

Nandini: You also listen to me, Mr.Malhotra. You cannot order me around. I am not your servant. I am your boss.

Manik: For now, You are someone I want to be friends with, not my boss. So let's keep this boss and mam for office. And I am not asking you, I am telling you. Now keep quiet and let me do my work or else I also know how to do it without your consent and I don't think I want you to see that side of mine.

Though his order did make her angry but she was scared by his warning too. She knew if he is saying, he will do it. Either by force or by consent, her feet will be bandaged today.

She was about to say something but stopped as Cabir entered inside with the first aid box.

Cabir: Manik, Here.

Manik took the box from him and silently cleaned her wound with the cotton and detol before wrapping it properly with a bandage. He did notice the way she hissed in between but didn't say anything for he was actually angry at her stunt.

As he was done, he closed the box and stood up. Nandini took a deep breathe to calm herself.

Nandini: Leave now.

Manik: Sure, as I said I will leave if you stayed quite and let me bandage your wounds, I am leaving. Take rest.

She didn't reply and continued to look at the other side which made Manik sigh. Cabir patted his shoulder silently and he nodded.

He gently kept his hand on her head and ruffled her hairs slightly, leaving both Nandini and Cabir surprised.

Manik: Sleep.

With this, he walked out of the room followed by Cabir who was looking at Nandini's calm reaction with wide eyes.

Soon a smile made it's way on his face, realizing that it was not only Manik, but Nandini also feels something for Manik.

While Nandini was not only surprised, she was taken aback. She didn't know if she should feel happy for someone was there for her or shout at him for doing that. She had never allowed anyone to do this with her after that tragedy which left them scattered and bruised, specially her.

However, she couldn't think about it much as her mind was diverted to the accusations she knew she have to face tomorrow.

Nandini: You didn't do right, Mr.Thakker. We both will face the consequences.

She sighed in frustration and decided to sleep.

°°°

Manik and Cabir reached downstairs and found everyone still in the hall except Shelika. Harshad was there too and he looked worried. What came as a surprise was, he didn't even try to hide it like all the other times.

As soon as Abhi's eyes fell on them, he rushed to them followed by the others.

Abhi: Is Barbie fine?

Cabir nodded his head in yes making him sigh in relief.

Abhi: I shouldn't have done this. If Sid came to know about all this, he will kill me.

They frowned hearing him.

Dhruv: Abhi, why are you so scared of Sid?

Abhi: Not just me but even Nandini is scared of him.

He chuckled as everyone looked at him surprised and he continued.

Abhi: If anyone can truely scare Barbie then it would be Sid.

Cabir smiled mischievously looking at Manik who averted his eyes with a sheepish smile.

Abhi: Don't you all remember the way she was scared of him that day, in the hospital? I still melt infront of her but Sid doesn't. And now imagine if he can scare the rudest NM, then what I must be infront of him.

He made a scared face making them chuckle.

Manik: Let's sleep now. It is late.

They nodded and everyone walked to their rooms to sleep for they all were tired today.

Surprisingly, even Nandini was able to sleep peacefully today. Instead of the horrifying nightmare, all she could think of was Manik today.

The next Morning, She was also a little late. All were at home, in their respective rooms taking their own time to get ready when Siddarth entered inside the mansion, he looked as if he would kill every single living organism who comes infront of him. However, today his target was Nandini Murty.

Sid: Nandini! Nandini! Come out!

Hearing him, Nandini, whose room was soundproof, didn't come out but others did. Abhi was scared would be an understatement. He stood as far as he could from Sid.

Abhi: Sid, You here?

Sid turned to him still fuming in anger.

Sid: Where is she?

Abhi: Who she?

Sid: Don't act, Abhi. Call her right now.

He warned scaring Abhi more. He looked at Harshad who came forward with a sigh.

Harshad: What happened, Sid? Is it about that deal?

Sid: Yes, That damn deal! Ask her to come out. Why is she hiding now?

He ran his fingers through his hair, going completely red in frustration. However, Abhi was about to tell him Nandini wasn't hiding but before that the sound of her heel tapping the floor rung through the hall. They turned to the stairs and saw Nandini coming down. She looked calm as if whatever happened last night, never happened.

Nandini: I don't hide, Mr.Kapoor. I am right here, infront of you.

By now, she was standing at some six-seven feet distance from him. He frowned. His features twitching as he felt the indifference in her posture but he couldn't point out as she wore high-heels which covered her bandages.

Seeing his look, Nandini was confused but still she cleared her throat as she didn't want him to know about her injury.

Nandini: Mr.kapoor, Can I know what brought you here?

Siddarth came out of the trance and marched to her. He held her shoulders in his tight grip and as a hiss escaped her lips, Manik had his fists clenched. Harshad and Abhi looked visibly angry but nobody interfered. Manik, for he knew he holds no right to and Abhi and Harshad, who knew better than to interfere between these two.

Siddarth: How dare you, Nandini Murty!? How dare you sign this deal when I fucking told you not to!?

He shouted right at her face and as another whimper escaped her lips, he left her with a jerk and even before she could compose herself, he started accusing her again.

Sid: Oh, I got it! It is your new plan, right? You want to come in our happy lives again and destroy it like before? Is this what you want, Nandini?

His each word held so much venom that each and every person present there could feel it while Nandini kept looking down, with blank expressions. She didn't dare to look at him even for a second which increased his anger.

Abhi: Sid, Listen-

Abhi tried to interuppt for he couldn't see her getting treated like this all over again. No, the history wouldn't repeat. He won't stay silent this time and let his Barbie face everything alone but Sid stopped him showing his hand and it was enough for him to take a step back.

Seeing the silent exchange between them, Nandini decided to come forward and close the matter for now.

Nandini: Mr.Kapoor, let's talk about business in office. I don't want to make a scene here. Let's-

She could not complete as Sid clutched her shoulder again in his tight grip, his expressions rigid as he glared at her.

Sid: I warned you. Didn't I? I couldn't deny him but you could do that, right? Why did you sign this deal?

Though his voice was calm but they could feel the anger behind it. Abhi, having enough of Sid manhandling his barbie came towards them.

Abhi: You are hurting her, Sid. Leave her. She is already injured damit!

And as if her touch burnt him, Sid backed away with a jerk. Nandini stumbled slightly but managed to balance herself within seconds and put on a stern face.

Sid: Injured? If she is injured then why can't I see any wound on her? (To Nandini) Is that a new drama of yours?

Nandini: Some injuries aren't physical, Mr.Kapoor. Some wounds stay hidden behind a smile. I guess you know it better after all you are more experienced.

Sid's head snapped in her direction and he fumed in anger which made her smirk at the little victory.

Nandini: Oh sorry, I forget you don't like me making jokes on your age, actually you don't like me at all. I know, but you know what, I don't care. I don't care what you think about me. And you know, You are right. All this, it is acting. Such a good actor I am, Nai?

She blinked innocently with a fake smile and he averted his eyes. Her smile widened and a chuckle left her lips. She stepped forward and raised her hand to touch his shoulder but before that he stepped back.

Nandini: This drama, it is a trap for you and your brainless friends.

Sid: You-

Nandini: Shut up!

She raised her voice for the first time ever infront of him and he was taken aback. The finger he had pointed at her, he took it back and she took a deep breathe, realizing what she did.

Nandini: You know what, this deal will happen now and I will make sure you work with me.

Sid: It means you agree that you have signed this deal deliberately?

He was hurt and he tried to hide it behind the accusations he was throwing at her while Nandini just chuckled hearing him.

Nandini: When did I deny signing it? Let me tell you, I signed this deal with my own will and deliberately. You think I am planning something, then you are right. Be aware of me!

She crossed her arms against her chest, giving him a challenging smirk which angered him more.

Sid: Oh Shut up! You can do nothing-

Nandini: Ah! Did you forget that I killed your bestfriend, Mr.Kapoor?

Harshad who was silent by now and even angry at Sid for accusing her without her fault, lost his calm hearing her.

Harshad: Nandini!

Nandini: Not now Mr.Murty!

She shouted showing her palm to him but didn't face him. Harshad fell silent seeing her red eyes while Sid looked at her, hurt writter all over his face.

Sid: Why!?

Nandini: You know the reason!

She taunted and silence prevailed there. Sid could feel the bitter taste of his own words in his mouth but his anger was way more than that. He wanted to hurt her, the same way she had hurt him, hurt them.

Sid: You know, you know they hate you.

He tried for the last time so she would back out but Nandini just chuckled.

Nandini: It includes you too, Mr.Kapoor

Sid: Whatever!

He turned away his face, not expecting such a response from her and she just smiled.

Abhi: It is enough, Buddy. Stop treating her like that.

Abhi came ahead in anger. It was enough. He couldn't see his buddy hurting his barbie like this while Sid turned to him. Shock and disbelief clearly visible on his face.

Sid: So you are supporting her over me?

Abhi: Yes!

He turned his face away in anger. What did his buddy think? He could hurt his barbie and he will stay silent? Sid shaked his head in disbelief.

Sid: You are supporting the wrong person, Buddy. You will regret.

Abhi: I don't mind. As long as I am not standing at your place, I am fine with regretting too.

Sid: Buddy-

He continued only to be interuppted by Nandini in the mid.

Nandini: That's enough for today, I guess. Can you just go from here, Mr.Kapoor?

Sid: Why, Miss.NM? Now do you have problem with me and buddy talking too?

His voice was sarcastic and Nandini rolled her eyes hearing him.

Nandini: I don't but at present, you are standing in my property. So, Just Get Lost! Why are you even here? I am a murderer, I killed So-

Sid: Nandini!

He shouted, raising his hand in air to hit her and she flinched, taking a step back immediately. It shocked others too.

Out of nowhere, Sid was pushed away roughly and punched hard on his jaw. He looked up and found Abhi standing there.

Abhi: Enough is Enough, Sid! How dare you raise your hand on Barbie? How could you, Sid?

Sid looked at Nandini in anger and then turned to face Abhi.

Sid: And what about you raising hand on me for her?

Abhi: You deserve this!

Nandni: Can you two stop this? Mr.Kapoor, I am warning you the last time. Leave my property right now or I will have to call the guards.

Sid: Fine!

He started walking towards the exit and Nandini spoke from behind stopping him.

Nandini: You know, I wish you never get to know the truth, Bha-

She gasped, realizing what she was about to call him and he clenched his fists tight. She hurriedly walked away from there, limping and Sid noticed it and turned away his face.

As she walked out, Sid turned to Abhi who rolled his eyes seeing the guilt in his eyes.

Abhi: Told you not to react like that but no! Siddarth Kapoor never listens to anyone!

Sid: How did you get hurt?

His sudden question caught Abhi off guard. He had made sure Sid doesn't see his injury then how come he noticed it?

Abhi: I-I slipped.

He lied and Sid chuckled.

Sid: Do you think I don't know you enough to know if you are lying or not?

Abhi: Buddy!

Sid: I got it. It has to do something with her, right? Even she was injured.

Abhi: Sid- You did wrong, buddy. Actually Yesterday-

Suddenly they were interuppted by the guard who came there running as if someone has left dogs behind him.

Guard: Abhi Sir, Nandini Mam is waiting for you.

Abhi frowned while others were just silent spectators.

Abhi: Waiting for me?

Guard: Yes Sir, she said she is waiting for you to come.

Abhi: (in mind) Why is barbie calling me all of the sudden? Is she trying to save me from Sid? Damit! Why Barbie!?

Abhi: Sid, Listen-

Guard: Sir, Please. If you didn't go out within a minute, I will lose my job.

Abhi: Damit! I have to go, Sid. I will talk to you later.

With this, he walked away while Sid shaked his head in disbelief. He turned around and his eyes widened as it settled on Manik who looked confused with his sudden change of expression. As Sid walked to him, Manik felt self conscious. It was like Sid knew him but Manik couldn't remember if he has came across Sid in past except for the accident days.

Sid: You? You are Manik Malhotra, Right!?

He asked and Manik frowned. He knew he was famous in India but this kind of reaction that too from a businessman was unexpected.

Manik: Umm, Yes. I didn't know I was so famous, in NewYork also.

He rubbed his nape in nervousness and looked at others who looked confused as well.

However, Sid without saying anything walked out from there leaving confused Fab5.

Later, Fab5 had to go to office. They practised for sometime and sat there itself with silence all around the place. Aliya broke the silence making them look at her.

Aliya: I cannot believe, their friendship- it was so beautiful but now, they hate each other.

Cabir: They don't!

Aliya, Dhruv and Mukti looked at him confused while Manik knew what Cabir meant.

Manik: Right! Cabir is right, guys. They don't hate each other. Didn't you see how Sid was looking at Nandini and didn't you people noticed, Nandini never talked to Sid the way she talks to others. She never for once raised her voice. It clearly shows his importance in her life. She was very calm while talking to him though a little rude, but kept her calm. And you also didn't notice Nandini didn't let Sid know that Abhi was the one who signed the deal, not she. She took the whole blame and let him accuse her.

Cabir: Yeah, Abhi clearly said that Sid will kill him if he came to know about his stunt. And Nandini, she saved him. If she hates him then why didn't she tell Sid everything? She wanted to get rid of this deal and she could've easily done that by telling Sid the truth but she didn't.

Aliya: So you both mean to say that they still matter to each other?

Dhruv: but if they have concern for each other then why don't they just show it and get back together?

Mukti: Because their love for Soha always overpowers their love for each other. They are still misunderstanding each other.

Manik nodded thinking something deeply and others sighed.

After sometime, when they were busy in pratice, Nandini came there and seeing her, they stopped.

Nandini: So, How's the work going on?

Cabir: Going well , Mam.

Nandini nodded and turned to others. Her eyes rested on Mukti as she waited for her to speak.

Mukti: Yeah. Everything is good. We have written the lyrics, and even tried to tune it which came out quite well.

Nandini: Okay, Show me.

Aliya nodded and passed a paper to her. As Nandini read them, they noticed her expressions turning soft. Nandini, on the other hand was lost in her past reading the lyrics. It was a soft, slow and romantic song, the type which used to be her favourite before two years.

Nandini: Impressive. Who wrote this?

Everyone looked at Manik and he smiled. Nandini looked at him.

Nandini: Good job, Mr.Malhotra

Manik: Thankyou Ma'am.

He smiled. Nandini nodded and then discussing something she left from there.

Cabir: Good Job, Mr.Malhotra. Good going Manik.

He teased and Mukti joined him.

Mukti: and the way he smiled! see guys how our Manik is smiling for a mere compliment.

"It was not mere compliment, Mukti."

They heard Abhi from behind and turned to him. Abhi smiled while they looked confused hearing him.

To Be Continued.