Time flew by easily. It had been three weeks already that Fab5 came back. They fell back in routine in a matter of few days. Although Nandini plagued Manik's mind without any doubt - he did manage to keep himself busy.

Constant meetings, signing up new deals, recording and writing up new songs, well that's how Manik kept himself busy. He was desperately waiting for Nandini to approch him. He still had that tiny hope somewhere that she will come to him but slowly, all his hopes were shattering.

Nandini didn't contact him.

And Manik was famous for being impulsive. He was more famous for making wrong decisions in upset mind. He was way more famous in ruining things due to his temper.

Yeah, Manik was an idiot because when Niyonika came to him with a wedding alliance between him and one of their business partner's daughter - Miss.Veebha Khurana - Manik said yes.

Yes, that's how stupid Manik really is.

Now, he was busy sitting in his office and checking some not so important files. He sighed when the door opened with a thud and a furious Cabir walked inside only to thump his hand on his table.

Cabir: What the fuck is fucking wrong with you, Manik?

Manik: What?

The indifference in his tone and on his face made Cabir stare at him in disbelief. Manik knew very well what was Cabir talkin' about.

Cabir: What is even wrong with you, Manik?

Manik: I don't know what are you talking about.

Cabir: Why did you agree to marry Mr.Khurana's daughter?

Manik shrugged, and as Cabir continued looking at him he couldn't help but smile sweetly at his bestfriend.

Manik: Trust me, Cabir. I know what I am doing.

Cabir shook his head in disappointment as he sat down on the chair.

Cabir: You don't get it, Manik. Mr. Khurana is such a manipulative man. Haven't you seen the way he talks? He seems so desperate to please Malhotra's. I don't understand why would you marry his daughter!

Manik: So, are you saying Aliya is manipulative, and insensitive?

Cabir: What? When did I say that?

Manik: Shelika Murty did all of that. Aliya is her daughter.

Cabir let out a huge sigh at this. He had no idea what had gotten into Manik. Did love get into his head and messed up with his system? Certainly, that was the only conclusion Cabir could come to.

Cabir: Manik, this is not only about Mr. Khurana.

Manik: then what?

Cabir: Nandini, Manik.

Manik chuckled.

Manik: Glad to see you care for her, Cabir but don't worry, all of this is for her.

Cabir: What? You marrying someone else is for Nandini?

Manik let out a laugh, shaking his head.

Manik: Yes, because Nandini is going to this wedding.

Cabir: and if she didn't?

Manik shrugged.

Manik: Then I will marry Veebha.

Cabir: Manik, you have clearly lost it. Fine, do whatever you want. You won't listen to me anyways.

With that Cabir stood up to go. Manik smiled because he knew Cabir was just being angry so he listened to him.

Cabir: And I wouldn't have said that for Veebha had she not been Niyonika's choice. Knowing how much Niyonika hates you- I know what kind of girl she would choose for you.

Manik smiled.

Manik: I know.

Cabir sighed and sat down back with an eye roll. Manik chuckled.

Cabir: What do I even do with you, Manik?

Manik: I don't know. Maybe you can come with me when I go to meet her two days later.

Cabir: and remind me why should I come with you?

Manik: Because you Mr.Dhawan - you are my bestfriend and if I go down, you go down too.

Cabir: ofcourse.

Cabir could only nod his head in disbelief. At the same time, someone knocked at the door and Manik told the person to come inside.

It was Mukti who entered inside with a tensed face.

Manik: Mukti? Everything okay?

Cabir: Why do you look like you have seen ghost?

Manik: Cabir. Be serious.

Mukti: No, there's - It is Nandini again.

Manik: What did she do?

Mukti: Abhi called her, for the wedding. Invited her but she refused straight way. Abhi is so upset, I don't know what to do. Should I talk to her?

Manik: No, let me handle this. She will be here definitely.

___

Manik had a solid plan. It was very simple actually. Nandini respected his father and his father was aware of the whole matter. So Manik decided he would call his father, convince him to help him this once and that's what he exactly did.

Manik: Dad, please you do something. She won't deny you.

His father smiled on the other end.

Raj: I know she won't deny me. But why should I help you?

Manik rolled his eyes in return. Now his father and Cabir were teaming up against him, asking him same questions.

Manik: Dad!

Raj: You got yourself in this mess, Manik. I told you this plan won't work.

Manik: But it will work! I know Nandini, she won't let me marry in peace.

Raj: So? Do you realise how hurt she will be?

Manik: Am I not hurt, Dad? Do you think I want to marry to to someone Niyonika chose for me? You think I am willingly destroying my life?

Raj sighed, understanding his situation but he couldn't just sit and watch his son make a mockery out of his life. This plan depended on an if. If Nandini didn't stop, Manik will marry Veebha and with that temper of his, Raj knew he would do it.

Raj: Manik. Listen bacha, All I am saying is - Involving Veebha or Khurana's in this mess is a wrong idea. If tomorrow, Nandini stops this marriage, what will you tell Veebha?

Manik: I will make her understand, dad. I will apologise to her also. I won't lead her on.

Raj: Okay then. If you have everything figured out. Go ahead.

Manik: With you being angry on me? Are you disappointed, dad?

Raj: Manik, I may not be happy with your way of dealing with this but you are my son. I love you, and I am not angry at you. Neither am I disappointed. And I also know Nandini is not the only reason you have said yes. It is for that land I told you, right?

Manik fell silent, wondering how did his father even knew but then, Raj was his father. He knew everything.

It was about the land which Raj told Manik, it was in the area which was still progressing. Raj had told Manik how there was no hospital near that area and he wanted to build one there but the land was under Khurana's who wouldn't give it away. Now they were ready to sell it to Niyonika and Manik and her had a deal. He would marry Veebha and she would hand him the ownership of the land.

It was twisted. Niyonika had a bigger agenda. Maybe she wanted to control him through Veebha? She would suck out more and more profit once he married Veebha. The land was like a bait. Manik was not an idiot to not know.

Raj: You can't destroy your life for me like this bacha.

Manik: Dad, I am Manik Malhotra. You think Veebha and whoever she is, can destroy me? Nobody is capable of doing that, dad.

Raj: And Nandini?

Manik didn't say anything.

Raj: She might destroy you. She is capable enough. You know, right?

Manik frowned, not liking how his dad was talking about Nandini.

Manik: She can, dad. She can destroy me because I gave her that right when I told her I loved her. I gave her that right when I decided to play with her feelings by agreeing to marry Veebha.

Raj: Manik. You know I don't like this. But okay, Fine. I will talk to Nandini and if she refuses, I will talk to Niyonika and cancel this wedding.

Before Manik could protest, his father had hung up right on him. Manik sighed, not knowing where this was going.

Nandini was fire, and he was playing with the fire so carelessly. He is meant to get burn.

And even then, Manik didn't stop himself when his fingers punched in her number and dialed it.

She picked it up immediately, as if she was waiting for it only. She must have got the news. He smiled and waited for her to speak, but she didn't.

Nandini: Did you call to hear me breathe?

Manik: No.

Nandini: Then?

Manik: To invite you.

Nandini: I have already told him about my decision. I am not coming, I have so much work lined up. I am not free.

Manik: I am not talking about Abhi.

Nandini: Then?

Nandini felt her breathe hitched in her throat. It was true then. The news that had came up to her - Manik was getting married. How could he!

Manik: I-Its for my marriage.

Manik waited for a response, a taunt or a congratulations. Anything but it was if Nandini was not even there anymore.

Manik: Nandini?

Nandini: Y-your marriage? With who?

And Manik did fear for Veebha's safety even if he didn't know her.

Manik: Going to see a girl tomorrow.

He paused, waiting for her to speak but Nandini said nothing. Furious typing and he knew she was searching for the news to confirm if he was bluffing.

Manik: You will come, right? For my marriage?

Nandini: No, I am not free. So much pending work.

Manik: Is it even important than me?

Nandini: No, more important than your marriage.

Manik smiled.

Manik: Okay.

With that the call was cut from the other end. Manik chuckled. Atleast she didn't dare hide her emotions to him. With her tone and words, she had made it clear she was indeed effected by this.

____

Nandini was having a hard time herself. Three weeks, and she was still trying to process everything and now Manik's call.

He was getting married. Cabir had messaged her, in anger expressing how they both were hurting each other. He had written how they both were idiots, one marrying someone else and other closing herself up.

Nandini's ego didn't let her ask him who was Manik marrying and then she was way too shocked to even think of anything.

She was debating whether to call him or not when his own name flashed on her mobile screen.

Nandini was an emotional mess. One minute she would feel numb and the other moment, everything would hit her at once. She had no idea how to handle her own feelings.

Black Shinners had not stopped their efforts. They were still trying to get her forgiveness but Nandini was adamant. She was not going to forgive them. She didn't want to.

Months and years of anger had changed into hurt. Nandini was no longer angry, she was hurt. Everytime she looked at them, she would remember how they treated her, how she was without them.

They left her, and now they wanted her back. They tried to justify. They tried to do everything but Nandini hated it. She needed a break, from them.

Manik. Manik had plagued her mind completely. No matter how much she tried, she couldn't stop thinking of him. No matter how much she tried to run away, her feet would stop infront of him.

Nandini had never felt this helpless in her life before but her feelings for Manik had messed up her mind.

Manik was a dream she wanted to make her reality, but Nandini was scared of reality. Closing shut her file with a huge sigh, she threw back her head and closed her eyes. Maybe, she will soon find a solution.

The next day went in hurry. Black Shinners were wrapping up their work so they could go to India and attend Abhi and Mukti's wedding.

Raj called Nandini and personally invited her and true to Manik's word she couldn't deny the old man and agreed to come.

Happy with her response, Manik along with Cabir went to meet Veebha as per their plan.

Manik: Cabir, do you think it is her?

Cabir looked in the direction Manik was referring too, there a woman was giving order to a waiter.

Cabir: I don't think so. She seems sweet. Look for a spoilt brat. I heard around the news, she is one.

With that Cabir looked around and there, they found another woman, dressed in green typing on her phone. She looked so rich to be sitting in between all the people.

Cabir walked upto her before Manik could protest.

Cabir: Hey.

The woman looked up, a wide smile on her face and her eyes twinkled as she stared up at them, or more like at Manik.

Veebha: Hey, Manik - right?

Manik nodded, and before he could understand or do anything, Veebha stood up and gave him a hug to greet him. Manik moved back, trying hard to not touch her.

Veebha said nothing as she broke away and greeted Cabir with a handshake. They all sat on the table and placed their orders.

Manik: Veebha, Can I ask you if you are willingly saying yes for this marriage?

Veebha: Ofcourse, Manik. You are the Manik Malhotra - why would I not be willing to marry you?

Cabir: So you mean to say, you are marrying him because he is 'The Manik Malhotra'?

Veebha: Is there anything wrong with it?

And Manik just gave her a tight lipped smile.

Manik: No ofcourse not. What are your plans for future?

Veebha: Oh, I have studied buisness. Mom said, I can join you after marriage. I will be the half owner, right?

Veebha was referring Niyonika as Mom. Manik wanted to stand up and walk away. His mother was doing this purposely. She was tormenting him with this alliance. Manik knew. He knew everything.

But he told himself it was for his father, and for his Nandini.

And for them both, Manik could even die. The spoilt woman sitting infront of was nothing.

Manik could take it.

To Be Continued.