Past It Is !

Don't forget to read the note at the end of the chapter ❤

Nandini was in the kitchen, cooking dinner, but she couldn't concentrate on anything. His words kept echoing in her mind—"You have to share a bed with me, by marrying me." Nandini felt suffocated and cheap. She tried to push those words away, but they haunted her relentlessly. She had seen a strange mixture of rage, lust, and dominance in his eyes—nothing that even remotely resembled love.

Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly heard a voice. She jerked upright and looked toward the speaker—it was none other than her dad.

Dad (turning off the gas burner):
"What are you lost in, han? The food is burning!"

Nandini:
"Wohh... I'm sorry."

Dad:
"Who, who kya? Waise bhi mere paas paisa nahi hai, aur tum upar se khana barbaad kar rahi ho."
His words were harsh and rude, and they pierced Nandini's heart. He didn't even notice her hand was slightly burnt from the flames—his only worry was money.

Nandini:
"I'm really sorry, Dad. I didn't do it intentionally."

Dad:
"You didn't do anything intentionally, but everything happens, hai na? Chalo, whatever it is, if you're done, please serve the dinner."

Nandini nodded and began placing food on the plates. He left the kitchen, and a lone tear escaped her eye. She quickly wiped it away and carried the plates out.

Nandini's POV:

Somewhere deep inside, I'm responsible for this—my mom died giving birth to me, my real dad left me at an orphanage, and you adopted me after your wife died the day I came into your life.

I cannot let you ruin yourself any further, Dad. If I have to ruin myself—my self-respect—to save you, then so be it.

She remembered how Manik had handed her his card. Trembling, she dialed his number.

Nandini:
"Nandini here... Nandini Murthy. I'm ready to—"

Caller:
"Meet me at the address."

Nandini rang the bell and wiped away her tears for the last time. You have to do this. You have to. She gulped and rang again. Then a voice grabbed her attention—a rude, authoritative voice.

"Come in."

Who knew who would be at the door at this hour? Still, the order came with no hospitality.

Nandini gathered her courage and stepped inside, clutching her purse tightly, shivering despite herself.

Inside the cabin, her eyes fell on the monster—Manik Malhotra. He sat on his leather sofa, buried in some files.

Manik lifted his gaze and looked at the petite figure before him. His eyes met Nandini's tightly shut ones—eyes that spoke volumes of pain.

He got lost in her innocence for a moment, then smirked, standing up and walking toward her with arrogant steps.

Manik:
"So...?"

He leaned toward Nandini and spoke in a husky voice. Nandini kept her eyes down, trembling.

"Nandini, right?"

Nandini looked up briefly, then closed her eyes and swallowed hard, unable to speak.

"I asked you something, Nandini. Is it right or not?"

His voice dropped to a dangerous low. Nandini nodded fearfully.

"Yes, sir. Nandini Murthy."

Manik:
"Hmm, Nandini... are you ready to marry me?"

He smirked, raising an eyebrow. Nandini just gulped, unable to answer, and that irritated him.

He grabbed her shoulder, pressing himself against her.

"Yes or no? I don't like silence. Use words—answer yes or no."

Manik sighed as Nandini said nothing. He released her and said sharply,

"Get out, if you have no answer."

Nandini:
"I'm ready to marry you."

Manik: (smirking)
"Come again?"

Nandini:
"I'm ready. But I have a condition."

Manik: (smirking wider)
"Condition? Haan? Tell me the cost."

Nandini: (gulping)
"I... I will do everything you say. But you have to promise Dad won't know the real reason behind the marriage. And the marriage will be hidden until my studies are complete. Please, sir—I want to study, but not with your tag on it. Dad can't bear the truth... Please, I beg you."

Manik:
"Are you sure you're ready for this? Because I'll fulfill your conditions. Anyway, I'll be marrying you respectfully."

Nandini:
"Yes. I'll do this for my dad. He's my only family. I'll do it."

Manik: (extending a pen)
"Sign it."

Nandini looked confused but glanced at the papers. Manik explained it was a contract stating she would never divorce him and stay with him. Her every breath would belong to him now.

She gulped and nodded, her hands shaking as she signed. She handed the papers back to him.

And it's a wrap.