Abhi: Manik!

Abhi was angry. Didn't this guy told him sometime back that he trust Nandini. Then what changed now? Did he label Nandini as a murderer just after listening the half story?

Manik: What?

He snapped back seeing the shocked faces of all of them.

Manik: Yes, I have a doubt. I want to know if you people didn't trust or should I say accused Nandini of Soha's murder just because Soha took Nandini's name before breathing last?

His voice was stern by the end and laced with confusion. His eyes held questions, to which he needed answers desperately.

While hearing him, his friends and Abhi sighed in relief. They thought he doubted her innocence while Manik hadn't even thought about it. For him, Nandini was innocent and no matter how many proofs they would show him, he would trust her.

He had seen her in all these days they stayed in Newyork. There was no way he would doubt her innocence. However, seeing their expressions, Manik was confused for a second before it striked him.

Manik: What? Are you guys mad? I told you people I trust Nandini. I love her damit! How can you people think I would doubt her?

Abhi: Manik, We-

Manik: No, Abhi. I know I haven't given you reasons to trust me or my love isn't years old but that doesn't mean it is any less. Also, for me, love means trust and I trust her enough to know she wouldn't kill someone.

Dhruv: Buddy, we are really sorry. We just thought you are confused.

Manik shook his head in disbelief hearing him.

Manik: Guys, all of you said today, but don't say it again. I am very possesive for my people and now Nandini is one of them and I can never get confused regarding her. So please!

He was completely pissed off. He looked at Abhi who went silent hearing him.

Manik: I am sorry, Abhi but I guess you people left a lot in the past. I am not saying Nandini cannot protect herself but being her bestfriends, you people should've atleast comforted her. I am sure if you had put some more efforts, she would've told you the truth-

He was constantly speaking and seeing it Cabir nudged him to stop. He pointed at Abhi and Manik sighed seeing his head bend down and tears falling from his eyes.

Manik: You crying isn't going to change the truth, Abhi.

This time Mukti held his hand stopping him and he let out a huge sigh. He knew he will end up saying something or the other things. He already didn't share any good bond with Abhi and now it was just worsening.

Abhi was the only person from Nandini's past whom she never threw out of her life and he didn't want to stain his relation with him.

Shaking his head, he gestured Cabir to console Abhi who nodded.

Cabir: Manik is right, Abhi. The damage is already done. Crying is of no use now. It is better we work on to making things right since we can't change the fact that you people have hurt Nandini a lot in the past.

Abhi nodded hearing him and wiped his face, his heart breaking realizing how he couldn't oppose it.

Manik: Abhi, what happened next? I want to know everything today itself.

Abhi looked at him and than glanced at his wrist watch.

Abhi: It is already nine, Manik. You all must be hungry, so let's eat first.

Everyone except Manik nodded and started walking when he stopped them.

Manik: I don't feel like eating, guys. You continue.

They all looked at him and then at each other. Cabir kept his hand on his shoulder and opened his mouth to say something but before he could, Manik slide his hand from his shoulder.

Manik: Cabir, Please. I want to be alone for sometime.

Understanding his situation, they walked away while Manik went to his room.

He sat down on the floor near the bed and went into deep thoughts.

He couldn't understand how come Nandini was so strong. She was accused of her own bestfriend's murder. He couldn't even imagine being in such a situation while she had lived it.

She had been hiding her pain from the last two years. There must be so much in her heart and she literally had no one to speak to. The fact alone was enough to crumble his heart. He wanted to be there for her. A sudden urge to see her crept in his heart.

She might be at home. If not talk to her, he could atleast see her from far, right?

Thinking so, he walked to Nandini's room and found her sitting on the bed with a file. He saw her going stiff for a second before she looked in his direction as if sensing someone's presence. He immediately hid behind the window and sighed.

Knowing she would become more angry if she saw him there, he walked back to his room where the others were already waiting for him.

Aliya: Manik, Where were you?

Cabir: Yes, we were waiting for you in Aliya's room.

Manik: I was just here. Leave it.

He dismissed the topic making them nod their head.

As they sat down, Abhi finally muttered some courage and looked at Manik.

Abhi: Manik, I don't know how you will react listening to the whole past but always remember, Black Shinners love Nandini. They loved her, they love her and they will always love her no matter what. Yes, they-

Manik: I know, Abhi.

Manik's voice was anything but understanding. It dripped with sarcasm. He wanted to chuckle loudly hearing Abhi.

Abhi: Manik, I know you are upset with us but-

Abhi started was but was again cut off by Manik in between.

Manik: Abhi, I am not upset. I am angry at you people. You people don't deserve Nandini's friendship.

He ended up taunting him in frustration. Believing the same, Abhi let out a sigh and nodded.

Abhi: You are right.

Mukti: Abhi, what happened after Soha's death?

Mukti diverted the topic seeing Abhi's falling face. He looked down and started narrating everything to them.

Soha's death was a big turning point for all of them. They all were crying in the hospital when Harshad looked at Nandini and held her hand.

Harshad: Where did you call her, Nandu? What happened with you both?

Nandini: B-Bhai- I-

She stammered as they all looked at her.

Sid: Tell us, Nandu. What happened with you both?

Aryaman: Who failed your car's breaks?

Before Nandini could reply them, her mobile rang catching all of their attention while Nandini looked surprised. She didn't even know she had her phone with her anymore.

However, seeing the unknown number, she didn't receive it. Her cell rang again and this time before she could click the red button, Sid snatched her mobile and picked it up. He kept it on speaker.

Caller: So, Nandini Murty, How do you feel now? You have successfully killed your own band member. I have to agree hah, look innocent but you actually aren't. Anyways, I called to inform you that I have received my money for messing up with the car breaks. I hope you are satis-

The caller couldn't continue as Sid threw away the mobile in anger. It striked with the wall and fell down breaking into pieces. Nandini flinched with the sound while others were too shocked to even react.

Sid: What was that, Nandini?

Sid almost barked at her face making her take a step back instantly. It took her a moment to react back.

Nandini: I didn't- I didn't do anything. I don't even know him, bhai.

She cried clutching her hands near her chest and tears fell off Sid's eyes too. His eyes screamed helplessness but he masked it with anger.

Harshad: You are lying, Nandini! You did all this. Tell me, why did you betray us?

Nandini: Bhai! What are you saying? I didn't b-betray you!

She screamed this time seeing him accusing her. Her own brother believed a random call rather than her?

Navya: How much you will lie, Nandini? Atleast now accept that you were behind all this. I get it now. You were always jealous of Soha.

Nandini: Navu, Soha- She was my bestfriend! Why would I be jealous of her?

Harshad: Enough, Nandini! Stop playing innocent now! You know what, Mom was always right- you are a jealous soul. You can't accept someone getting more love than you. She is right. You are a curse, first because of you our parents died, and then dad also died because of your worry.

Their heads shot in his direction as soon as the words left Harshad's mouth. They stood shocked, trying to process his words while Nandini was numb.

Nandini: I-I didn't-

Aryaman: How do we trust you, Nandini? We heard the caller stating it was you who gave him money and Soha took your name while br-breathing last. It is you who did everything.

Madhayam: Harshad is right, you are the bad omen in our life. You killed Soha! How could you, Nandini!

Nandini: Bhai! I told you I didn't kill Soha! Why don't you people trust me? I am innocent. I didn't do anything! Please trust me!

She cried loudly and looked at Sid who was looking down all the time.

Nandini: Bhai, you trust me, right. You know I can never kill Soha! Please tell them.

Sid closed his eyes as he fisted his palms at his sides.

Sid: Just shut up! Why Nandini? Why? Where did we lack? Didn't we love you enough? All this, for what? For name and fame? You could've told us, we would've stepped back, Soha would've stepped back but no you had to deceive us. Why damit!

He shouted in rage, punching the wall beside him and Nandini took a step back seeing the rage in his eyes.

Nandini: Bhai-

She looked at Harshad who was crying and shook his shoulder to get his attention.

Nandini: Bhai- Please list-

She couldn't complete as Harshad jerked her hand and slapped her harshly.

Harshad: Stay away from me, Nandini! Just stay away!

Nandini: Bhai!

Sid: Leave from here, Nandini!

She sniffed and looked at everyone before resting her eyes on Abhi who hadn't spoken a word from the start. She walked to him but as he also turned away his face, she stopped in mid.

Sid: Just go!

Nandini: B-But Soha-

Harshad: Don't even take her name from your mouth. I don't want to see your face, just get lost!

He shouted but Nandini didn't move. She looked back at the bed where Soha's body was still laying. Seeing this, Harshad came forward and held her shoulder. He dragged her out of the room and threw her out.

Too numb to react, Nandini left from there and was determined not to come back.

She couldn't believe, her own family refused to believe her. They thought she could kill someone.

While, Day by day, Abhi was getting more restless. Somewhere, in his heart he knew Nandini couldn't do this. Thus, trusting his heart he started searching for her after a month she went missing but in vain.

After six months, suddenly she came back but with a complete different personality. She decided to reopen the companys that were on her name and started working silently. She didn't try to talk to them and stayed aloof.

Abhi tried every possible way to meet her, to talk to her and one day when we went to her office, he found her taking anti depressents, and it proved him she was indeed innocent.

Using his own ways, he ended up becoming manager in her company. He was determined to get back together with her.

Abhi stopped in between as he felt a harsh punch being thrown on his face. He gasped, stepping back and opened his eyes only to find Manik standing there, his eyes spitting fire. The others were standing shocked beside them.

Abhi: Manik!

Manik: How dare you, Abhimayu Thakkar! You people- you threw her out of your life just like that! Are you even for real?

He screamed and Abhi felt guilt taking over him all over again.

Abhi: Manik I was confus-

Manik: Stop it Abhimanyu!. Just stop justifying yourself saying you were confused. Your confusion cost Nandini two years of her life! Can you imagine what she must have gone through! Tell me, do you know where was she in those six months? What happened to her? Was she safe?

He paused as Abhi palmed his face and sobbed nodding his in no.

Manik: Bravo! Abhimanyu Thakkar!

He clapped loudly and looked at others who didn't know how to react. They all were standing silently.

Manik: A mere phone call, Abhi! A mere phone call was enough to break your friendship?

Cabir: Manik, please calm down.

Manik: Calm down? Did you hear him, Cabir? They didn't trust Nandini because a stranger called them and said rubbish about her!

Dhruv: Buddy, we can talk calmly. Please calm down.

Manik: No, there's nothing to talk now, Dhruv. I have got my answers and I wish to never see such people's face. I am leaving!

He started walking to the door but stopped in mid way and turned around.

Manik: After listening your story, I don't think you are right person for Mukti, Abhi. Yesterday you were confused so you left Nandini's hand tomorrow if Mukti would be at Nandini's place and you again got confused, you would leave her hand too. Nandini was strong, she didn't let it break her but Mukti, she won't be able to take it. So, it is better you stay away from her.

He turned to Mukti who was standing there numb.

Manik: and Mukti, same goes to you. If you really consider me as your bestfriend, and I hold some value in your life, stay away from this man or else don't talk to me ever again.

With this, he left slamming the door loudly, leaving them completely shocked. Mukti sank down on the floor, crying silently. Cabir, Dhruv, and Aliya immediately moved near her to console her.

Abhi who was also standing numb at his place, composed himself and turned to Mukti. He raised his hand to touch her but before he could, she stopped him.

Mukti: Manik is my bestfriend, Abhi. He is my brother. I can't go against him. I am sorry.

Mukti knew she was being selfish. She left his hand when he actually needed her. She bend down her head and cried as Abhi silently took back his hand and left from there.

Cabir: Mukti, Don't cry. I will talk to Manik.

Aliya: Yes Mukti, we will make him understand.

Dhruv: And you know buddy, right. He is just angry for now.

Mukti nodded but Cabir somewhere knew this time making Manik understand would be difficult. Manik would never risk Mukti's future.

However, he didn't say anything regarding it and consoled Mukti before going away from there.

He came out and called Manik who didn't pick up his call. Sighing, he walked to the terrace and wasn't surprised when he saw Manik standing near the railing. Sending a quick prayer to the God to save him from the monster's wrath, Cabir walked to him.

Cabir: Manik-

Manik: If you are here to be Abhi's lawyer than leave. I don't want to hear anything!

Cabir: What is wrong with you, Manik? What are you even doing?

Manik: The same I should be doing.

He turned around and Cabir let out a sigh seeing his mad expressions.

Manik: You tell me, you want me to go and console Abhi when he is wrong? If yes, then sorry to burst your bubble, I am not going to do anything that sort of. Neither I am going to console him nor I am going to say sorry for the decision I took today. Mukti deserves better!

Cabir: Ofcourse, Manik. You are right but then even you deserve better.

Manik: Cabir!

Cabir: What wrong did I say? How can you love Nandini? She was accused of her own bestfriend's murder and the proofs were against her! What if tomorrow something like this happens and she is really at fault?

Manik: She won't be!

Cabir: How are you so sure, Manik?

Manik: I love her damit!

Cabir: Exactly, Manik. You love her and you believe she won't ever do it. The same way, Mukti loves Abhi and trust him. She know he won't ever leave her hand in mid. Whatever happened has happened Manik. You cannot change it and there's no use of being angry over it.

Manik: What do you mean?

Cabir: Manik, what I mean is, I am not asking you to go and console Abhi. Neither I am asking you to take back your decision. You thought about Mukti's safety and it is right but I am telling you to control your anger. Your anger is going to destroy everything, Manik. It is not the time to be angry and break things. You know we have to go back also. Instead of getting angry, taunting Abhi or breaking things, go and try to solve everything. Try to find the truth.

Manik: You mean, I should prove Nandini's innocence?

He asked, this time more angry and Cabir looked at him disbelief.

Cabir: You don't want to?

Manik: Cabir, if- If only it would've done anything better to her, I would've really but after seeing or hearing about her friends behaviour, I don't want to. Because if we proved her innocent, they will come to her, asking for sorry and then what? She will forgive them-

Cabir: She won't!

Manik: She will, I can see it. I know and I don't want that.

Cabir: But Manik, Don't you think Black Shinners deserve to regret? They should also know what gem they had lost, right?

Manik went into deep thoughts as he heard Cabir. He wasn't wrong, and it wasn't that Manik didn't want them to regret but, he didn't want them near Nandini again. From what he had heard from Abhi, Nandini seemed to be a naive heart woman and he knew she will forgive them and he didn't want that.

He wanted them to regret, to repent but he didn't want them to get Nandini's forgiveness.

However, he muttered a small fine, agreeing with what Cabir said which made Cabir smile.

It was time, to set the things right.

To Be Continued.