Manik: Two days. I will find the entire truth in two days, Nandini.

Nandini: You can't find the truth until I want you to. And why are you so interested in my past? The people who should find the truth do not even care and you all are so desperate, especially you, Mr.Malhotra.

She frowned not knowing why did the truth matter so much to him while Manik averted his gaze not knowing what to tell her. How much he wished that he could confess his feelings to her right then and there.

And it was not like he couldn't. Even now, he could simply step ahead, go down on his knee and confess it. The only thing that was stopping him from doing so was her.

He was scared. What if after knowing his feelings, she shut him off? Not that she was very open to him but at least she talked to him.

However, seeing her standing there in confusion, completely unaware of his feelings, Manik could no longer have control over them. So he simply closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Manik, in life, if you ever fell for someone na, do not hesitate to confess your love to her."

His father's word rang in his mind and opened them again only to stare into her eyes.

Manik: Because you are precious to me, Nandini.

And much to everyone's surprise, Nandini gasped as if knowing where this was heading. Never in her wildest dreams she had expected him to say something like that.

Nandini: W-What did you say?

"Life is too short to wait for the right opportunity, Manik and love doesn't need it."

"So, when you are sure that she is the one, just do it, right then and there."

Manik took a deep breath again, remembering his father's words again, and finally let it out.

Manik: Because I love you, Nandini.

She gasped, her hand palming her mouth the next instant while others stood shocked with Manik's move.

Did he just confess his feelings for her?

And just like that.

Without any preparations, planning, or even seeing the place and time.

However, it surely didn't set well with Nandini who shouted the next moment.

Nandini: Are you out of your mind, Manik Malhotra!

Manik: Do I need to be out of my mind for loving you? If yes, then I am out of my mind.

His voice held so much sincerity that for a second, Nandini forget that she had to be angry at him.

She hadn't expected this.

She wouldn't lie saying she didn't know he had feelings for her but Love?

Out of all the feelings, he had to choose love?

Nandini: L-Look, Mr.Malhotra, t-this isn't funny at all.

Manik: Exactly, it isn't funny at all. I want to find the truth, for you. So, Let me.

Nandini: No, A big no!

She turned to the others who were still in shock due to Manik's unexpected move.

Nandini: Are you people deaf or what? Your friend is uttering nonsense from the last ten minutes, and you aren't even stopping him.

Nandini hadn't realized but she had started panicking which snapped others out of their trance. They looked confused at her reaction. However, it soon changed into worry as she took a step back, her whole body shivering. She didn't realize when her hand hit the glass kept there, knocking it off. It fell on the ground shattering into pieces and Manik rushed to hold her but before he could, she stopped him by showing her hand.

Nandini: Leave.

Manik: Nandini-

Nandini: Leave from here.

Abhi: Barbie, Calm-

Nandini: I said leave!

She yelled this time and Abhi was about to come forward again when Manik held his hand and started walking out followed by others.

However, before going out, Manik turned behind.

Manik: Nandini, Please calm down. I am not forcing you to reciprocate my feelings. Trust me, my feelings will never bother you. So, please calm down.

He requested and could see the way her shivering hands stopped shivering slowly. Though she didn't let him look at her, her calm figure was enough to tell him that she was okay now.

Although, he had thousands of questions in his mind regarding her reaction to his confession, yet he didn't ask anything. He simply walked out of there and was surrounded by the others.

Abhi: Manik, what did you do? Why did you confess!? She was so scared, Manik!

Manik: I-I couldn't hold myself back, Abhi.

He defended himself making Abhi sigh.

Aliya: But did you see how she reacted!

Aliya let out a frustrated sigh while her sentence had Manik and Abhi glaring at her. Before Abhi could utter a word, Manik did.

Manik: Aliya, what do you want to say?

Aliya: What I want to say is, you are simply wasting your time on her, Manik. She doesn't deserve your love.

Manik: Aliya!

He shouted and she almost flinched back in fear but it didn't lessen Manik's anger even a bit.

Manik: Aliya, I don't know what equation you share with Nandini. To be honest, I don't even care. All I care about is, Nandini is precious to me and I won't tolerate a word against her.

His voice was so stern that Aliya could feel her eyes tearing up. The others wanted to stop him but knowing that it was Aliya's mistake, they couldn't.

Aliya: Bu-But Manik

Abhi: Aliya, it is true that you are like a sister to me, but Barbie, Barbie comes first for me and I won't tolerate a word against her.

Abhi warned before Manik could blast at her again and she looked down.

Dhruv: Abhi, Please calm down. Manik, you too. Aliya was just being concerned.

Cabir: Being concerned doesn't mean she can say anything, Dhruv. She isn't a child anymore.

Mukti: Cabir isn't wrong, Dhruv. We all have seen that Nandini has never said anything to Aliya. Agree, it is quite clear that Nandini doesn't like Aliya and her mother but still, I have never heard her starting any kind of argument or something.

Aliya looked down, knowing they were right and feeling guilty of her words.

Manik: Aliya, look. I didn't mean to be harsh on you. It is just, please, just don't say anything about Nandini.

He requested at the end. His friends and Nandini, both were equally important to him. Neither he could hear anything against her nor could he fight with his friends.

Aliya and Nandini's equation did make him doubt his feelings at the start but it didn't stop him to fall for her and he was sure he would always keep it the same.

Aliya: Manik, I am sorry. I didn't mean to offend you.

She apologized and looking at her, Manik knew she was genuinely guilty. Shaking his head at her, he looked at others and sighed.

Manik: Now that Nandini has asked us to leave, let's not waste our time.

Dhruv: Yeah, Let's go.

They all nodded and drove to the spot where the accident happened. Though somewhere they all knew it might not be fruitful, yet they were hoping to find some clue.

Reaching there, they decided to disperse in two groups and started asking vendors or the shopkeepers there.

After ten minutes of continuous search, they came near their car and nodded in no. Disheartened, they stood there for few moments, trying to think of something when all of the sudden, Manik's eyes fell on an old candy floss vendor.

Manik: Guys, look. The man there, he looks quite old. Maybe he can help us.

Abhi: Let's try.

They all walked to the old man and Cabir came forward.

Cabir: Excuse me, Can we please know from when are you working here?

Old Man: From last five years, dear. But may I know why are you asking me this?

Their faces lit up in happiness as they glanced at each other in happiness.

Abhi: Uncle, An accident happened here two years ago. We want to know about it.

Old Man: Numerous accident happens here almost every day, son. It is impossible to remember each one of them.

Manik: Uncle, please try to remember. There were two girls and their car's break had failed.

The man tried to remember something and then looked at them.

Old Man: Can you show me their picture?

Abhi instantly nodded and took out his mobile. With his heart thudding loudly in his chest, he extended it towards the man who again went into deep thoughts.

After what seemed like an eternity, he looked at them and started speaking.

Old Man: Yes, I remember.

Cabir: What, Uncle. Please tell us.

Old Man: I don't remember this girl, but I do remember her.

He pointed at Nandini's picture and they all frowned.

Mukti: But they were together, uncle.

Old Man: Yes, but she was pushed out of the car before it banged with the tree and the accident happened. So I didn't see the girl who was in the car. I was going to help her but before that, a man came there. They even argued before taking her to the hospital.

The old man's story did nothing but confused them more. Soha pushed Nandini out of the car.

Does that mean the accident was meant for both of them and Soha deliberately pushed her out of the car to save her life?

All of the sudden, Abhi drew back his mobile and searched for something. After a minute, he extended the mobile towards the old man again.

Abhi: Is he the same guy?

Old Man: Yes yes, He is the same one.

Manik snatched the mobile and looked at the screen to see the face Abhi has shown the old man. The others too saw the picture.

Manik: Who is he, Abhi?

Abhi: Who else? It is Trilok!

Mukti: The same, Pandit?

Abhi nodded as Manik stared at his picture in utter disgust. Knowing the fact that this man had a bad eye for his Nandini, he couldn't help but have the urge to beat him black and blue.

Abhi: I won't leave him!

Aliya: Bhai, you know where he is?

Abhi: I don't, but I will know soon.

They thanked the old man and left from there.

°°°

Abhi stopped the car in front of a moderate medium-sized bungalow seeing which they all got confused.

Cabir: Whom does this beauty belong to, Abhi?

Abhi chuckled as they all moved out of the car.

Abhi: All mine, Cabir.

He smirked seeing their dreamy looks. However, it was the start because as soon as they entered inside, they were simply left awestruck seeing the interiors.

The whole house had white and grey finishing, giving it the classy look while the walls had their beautiful moments captured in the form of their pictures.

Abhi: Do you guys want to freshen up first?

Dhruv: Yes.

Abhi: Cool, I will show you the rooms.

He showed them their rooms and Mukti was at last. As they walked to the last guest room, she was about to enter inside when he held her wrist, stopping her.

Abhi: Can I h-

And even before he could continue, Mukti turned and wrapped her arms around him. He stood stilled as her hand traveled up to his hair.

A tear left their eyes as they tried to absorb each other's presence through the hug.

Abhi: You aren't angry, right?

Mukti: Shouldn't I ask this?

Abhi: No, answer me.

Mukti: I am not.

Abhi: And you are all mine, right?

Mukti: Yes, All yours.

He tightened his hold more as she chuckled at this man child. Breaking away, he cupped her cheek and that was when Mukti realized what she did.

She immediately backed away and he realized what happened.

Abhi: I am sorry!

With this, he stormed out of there while Mukti stood there still looking in the direction he went with tears dropping from her eyes.

After some time, they all came back in the hall where Abhi was talking to someone on call.

Abhi: Yes, good. I will be reaching there as soon as you get him. Yes, okay.

Cutting the call, he looked at them and sighed in relief.

Abhi: It is as if destiny is also with us today, we are going more and more close to the truth.

Dhruv: Did you find another clue?

Abhi: No, I have found Pandit.

Manik: What!

Cabir: How?

Abhi: I was searching for him for the past one year and today, I have finally caught him. My men are bringing him here.

Their eyes widen as they heard Abhi. Sure, they had been searching for the truth desperately, but now when it was finally the time, they couldn't believe it.

As it would take time for Pandit to reach, Abhi asked them to have their lunch. They agreed, even though nobody was in the mood to eat but then, health couldn't be ignored.

It was almost evening when Abhi got his men's call regarding Pandit. After cutting the call, he turned to the others.

Abhi: Guys, Pandit is here. In the basement.

They all nodded and walked to the basement immediately. Since it was dark, they had to walk with caution.

Cabir: This basement is so cool, Abhi.

Dhruv: But it is creepy.

Abhi: You are acting as if your mansions don't have a basement.

They both smiled sheepishly and Abhi shook his head in disbelief.

They reached inside and found a man, who they recognized as Pandit, tied on the chair in the middle of the place with his mouth taped. Abhi's men were surrounding him from all sides.

As Abhi walked in front, the men got aside to give him space.

Manik: Abhi, Call your friends here so they won't have any doubt after this.

Though Manik's harsh tone hurt Abhi, he didn't show it on his face. He silently nodded and called everyone there.

It took the others some time to reach there even though they were in the same city.

However, as soon as the gang walked in, their eyes fell on Pandit who was struggling with his ropes. Since his mouth was tied, he couldn't utter anything.

Sid: Buddy, What the hell is he doing here?

Abhi: He is here to tell the truth, Sid.

Aryaman: What truth?

Abhi: That he is behind Soha's accident, Arya. Barbie was innocent and he is going to prove it.

Sid: He might be lying, Abhi. I don't want to hear anything from him. Just set him free.

Abhi: Sid, It took me a year to find this bastard and you want me to leave him? That too without proving Barbie's innocence.

Navya: Bhai, How are you so sure that he will tell the truth?

Madhyam: Exactly, Maybe Nandini has sent him.

Abhi: Navya, Maddy, you both don't know anything. So stay out of it.

He turned to Sid who was looking everywhere except at him.

Abhi: Sid, I can't believe it is you. You are asking me to set this man free! Don't you remember he is the same person who has his bad eye on our Nandu?

Maddy, Aryaman, Harshad, and Navya looked at them shocked as they knew nothing about it.

Harshad: Bad eye?

Abhi: Yes Harshad, he bloody looked at Barbie with wrong intentions!

Sid: I remember everything, Abhi. But don't you remember Nandini was with him-

Manik: Nandini wasn't with him, okay!

He snapped back immediately making Sid stare at him. Sid's stare wasn't stern, neither was it soft, it didn't make Manik uncomfortable but it did make him nervous.

Abhi: Sid, He will tell us the whole truth.

Saying so, he removed the tape from Pandit's mouth who laughed out loud the next moment.

Aryaman: Stop laughing, Pandit! There's no comedy show going on!

Pandit: It isn't even less than one, Mr.Aryaman Khurana! I mean, you people still fight like animals.

Abhi: Shut the fuck up, Pandit! And tell us the whole truth or else, I won't leave you.

Pandit: Okay, Okay fine. I will tell you people the truth but not because I am scared, but because I want to see your guilt-ridden faces.

And every single person who had doubted Nandini felt scared now.

Manik: Stop talking in riddles, Pandit! Tell us, it was you behind everything that happened two years ago.

Pandit: Excuse me, who are you?

Manik: That's none of your business! Tell us the truth or else-

Pandit: Okay fine, I am fed of hearing the same thing. I will tell you the truth and the truth is, Nandini was innocent all of the time.

He revealed earning multiple gasps and sighs along with disgusting glares.

Pandit: Com'on! Wasn't that too obvious seeing me tied up here?

Harshad: Pandit!

Navya: Nandini!

Harshad who had raised his fist to hit Pandit stopped in mid hearing Navya's whisper. He turned back and was shocked to see Nandini walking inside the basement.

They all except Abhi were shocked seeing her there and seeing this Abhi stepped forward.

Abhi: I called her here. I couldn't have confronted this bastard in her absence!

He turned to Nandini who was still staring at Pandit with her fists clenched on her sides.

Abhi: We want to know the truth Barbie. We know you are innocent and he is the culprit.

Nandini: You came to know about it very soon, Mr.Thakkar.

Manik: Nandini-

Manik tried to interrupt but as she turned to him with a stern look, he fell silent.

Manik: I am sorry for interrupting, but there's nothing to hide now, Nandini. Let it out. Tell them the truth.

Taking slow steps he walked to her making her friends eyes go wide in surprise except for Abhi.

He gently held her hand and opened her fists, all the while, a little scared of her reaction. He was expecting her to push him away the moment he laid his finger on her but to his surprise, she stayed silent as if listening to him. Seeing so, he took another step ahead, hiding her from others' view completely.

Manik: I know you are angry at them and they don't even deserve to know the truth after what they did with you but you deserve to be free of your past, Nandini. Tell them the whole truth.

Nandini: Truth.

She muttered making him nod his head. However, his eyes soften as he saw her laughing the next moment. Her laugh, anything but happy.

Nandini: You are right. I should tell the truth to everyone.

Abhi: Barbie-

Showing her hand, she closed her eyes and moved a step back before opening them again.

Nandini: 17 June 2016 -

To Be Continued.

Author Note- Guys, even though I am adding or deleting scenes from the book, the main theme is the same. So some scenes might appear childish considering the fact that it was my first proper MaNan book. I didn't know much about writing that time and this is the reason- the starting chapters focus on Black Shinners more and has less Manik and Nandini's scenes. Okay, Actually there aren't any noticeable scenes at all but it is for few chapters also. After that, they will be the main focus of the book.