Nandini Pov.

Manik ?

What has got him here ?

And why ?

Why did he choose to get involve with a case like this ?

I still remember he would never show interest in something like this which involved any religious beliefs.

Was I hallucinating.

I stared at him while he had a blank look.

He looked more handsome than I remember.

So beautiful and greek with his reading glasses on.

He was discussing something but his eyes were stuck on me.

Sarah too share same colour of orbs.

Until he removed his glasses and....

Andrew pulled my attention towards him as he handed me some papers to read.

I looked back for Manik while Andrew continued speaking something.

And when my eyes searched for Manik again he wasn't there.

Was I hallucinating yet again ?

What's wrong with me ?

I looked around to spot him but he was no where to be found.

Andrew: We need to get in.
He said making me looked at him.

Nan: Who's against ?
I asked again while he stared at me with astonishment.

Instead of replying he handed me the file to read on my own.

Public Prosecution:Manik Malhotra

Nan: So it's Manik Malhotra isn't it ?
I questioned him yet again not believing my eyes.

He looked at me as if I have grown two heads but later simply nodded.

I was scared would be understatement it's
THE MANIK MALHOTRA.

I have to face him.

Who can beat him Christ ?

What is this ?

But I can't give up.

Hope is the last thing I have.

I have to fight for Sarah and mine future.

No one is going to support us or feed us if I don't earn enough to meet our needs.

I am not giving up.

And thinking about past is the last thing I want to do.

I made a mistake leaving him 6 years ago but now it's done.

I walked in for the first hearing.

Christ help me.

Manik Pov.

I walked away from Nandini sight to answer the call.

To hear a loud shriek from Amara.

Amara: Manik how are you ?
She yelled from other side.

Man: I am better.
I answered while I heard here sob.

Ohh God now what's this new drama.

This girl, no doubt is beautiful but she is dumb and moreover so sensitive.

And her beliefs !

She should have been A Nun.

I sighed

Man: Amara what's wrong ?
I tried to be polite for once.

My Mom had to create this new problem in my life.

Amara: Ohh Manik.
She cried.

While I rolled my eyes.

Amara: Abhimanyu told me about that note stuck on your windshield and than you got fever with sore throat.
She said making me cruse Abhimanyu in my mind.

That fellow couldn't keep anything to himself.

Amara: Don't you realised they are signs. Signs of the evil who is trying to harm you. I beg you please come back to New York or moreover come to LA to meet your mom. That case is of no good. Everyone who tried to fight ultimately are death.
She said dramatically while I closed my eyes in frustration.

My head felt light with high temperature it gave me a headache and now this nonsense.

Man: I am fine don't stress Mom too. And I got to go bye.
I said ending the call.

Heights of stupidity.

Now some ghost is giving me headaches and sore throat.

Really ?

This is a third class horror movies climax.

Sh*t.

Pressing my temple I walked in.

The hearing starts in 5 minutes.

'Let the curse case finally start.'

It will be fun.

I chuckled.

Nandini Pov.

I sat with the file and papers until Father Joseph came in with assigned officer.

I stood to greet him.

Andrew sat there with a frown.

He still feels I am making a mistake yet again.

Nan: You are finally here.
I said while he nodded taking a seat next to me.

After sometime I noticed him staring at my bandaged wrist as the little white bandage showed from underneath my full sleeved shirt.

Nan: Nervous ?
I asked him while he shook his head in a No.

Father Joseph (FJ) : You ?
He asked me back

Nan: Alittle.
I chuckled while continuing.

Nan: It's an unusual case.
I said looking away to notice Manik on the next table.

He had his full focus on something what he was reading from the book.

That made me realized he was well prepared.

I hope I can match him.

I have to win at any cost.

I sighed boasting my inner self esteem.

The Judge soon walked in making us all stand in respect.

The Judge was a woman in her late forty might be that's what it seemed.

Her name was Elizabeth Forbes

The proceeding begins.

She announced hit the gavel making Manik stand to put forward his case.

He stood infront of the Judge confident, tall handsomely.

As he started I couldn't pay attention on a word what he said all I could think about was my past with him dija vu hint me hard.

My faults

My mistakes.

My failure.

I had ruined everything.

I was so stupid to ask for a divorce.

If I would have waited for another month things would have changed.

I would do anything for us to be together so Sarah could have him in her life.

She could have a father, to protect and love her.

A complete family.

I was doze out for so long that I didn't realize that everyone eyes were on me when Andrew nudged me.

When our eyes met Manik eyes were already on me while I simply looked away.

They still affected me in many ways.

It took me by surprise when the Judge repeated her question again.

JEF: Your turn Miss Murty. Your lack of attention surprises me.
She taunted.

While I notice Manik chuckled in return.

I stood but felt light head as I immediately holded Andrew's shoulder to balance myself.

What's wrong with me ?

Judge Elizabeth Forbes (JEF) : You okay Miss Murty ?
She asked with concern while Andrew tried to stand to support me but I pushed his shoulder down to stop him.

Nan: I'm fine.
I said pressing back of my neck.

I felt too stiff.

I walked infront of her.

Nan: On behalf of Father Joseph I plead not guilty.
I said turning around to go back on my seat.

While the Judge nodded writing down

While returning on my seat again I notice Manik

He was glaring at me.

What was he expecting ?

I sat besides Andrew who had a questioning look.

Ohh he didn't know who Manik Malhotra was infact except me but obvious no one knew who he was to me.

He was a famous personality after getting separated from him I never used his name anywhere it would only attract unwanted attention and moreover he would think I am using his name.

My attention was drawn back when I heard the Judge voice.

JEF: Further proceedings with true fact and witnesses will start from next week 12/04/2004 at 9.00 am till then the court is adjourned
She announced hitting the gavel.

I sighed deeply as Father Joseph stood to return back to his cell.

Andrew left immediately saying he will see me at home handing me car keys

Nan: Are you prepared for the proceedings ?
I enquired while he looked at me before saying.

FJ : I am prepared from long back.
He smiled.

Nan: I will give my 100% to prove you not guilty.
I said with determination.

FJ : I don't care whether I am proved guilty or not. I just want everyone to know Emma Watson who she was and what happened to her.
He said making me stared at him with disbelief.

Nan: But I want to win the case.
I replied to him controlling my anger.

He stared at me for a while and than said.

"Then you are on wrong place dear. Out here winning or losing doesn't matter,how strong is your faith that does".

Nan: I don't care Father if you are guilty I will myself make sure you end up getting rotten in that cell for as long as you live. But before that I will prove you innocent and then file a case back on you. Remember that.
I said sternly.

He spare me a last glance before walking away.

Gritting my teeths I looked away until I heard his strong versatile voice.

Man: Miss Murty.
He called out drawing my attention.

Nan: Mr Malhotra.
I acknowledged his presence.

Man: I can't say it's good to see you for sure now.
He said making me frown.

Man: What have you become?
He said bitterly while I looked at him bewildered.

Nan: Sorry.
I said with a frown.

What was he talking about ?

Man: Deals ? Settlement outside court ?
He asked with a glare.

While I looked at him shocked.

Man: You were better than this Nandini. I can't imagine you doing something like this, I am more than shock.
He said looking away but I saw concern behind his angry deep brown orbs

Nan: What do you mean ?
I asked glaring at him.

How dare he accused me ?

Man: The chruch had called me too and told me about your deal with them.
He said angrily while I glared at him.

Nan: I have changed my decision.
I said looking away.

Man: Good because they don't care much about your deal be ready to get stab back by their words soon. I don't do settlements outside court without a good fight you know that Miss Murty.
He spoke arrogantly I looked away to find that the room was empty by now.

He turned around but then looked at me again.

Man: I don't really care what have you decided but remember one thing Miss Murty. I play fair and some ghost spooky tale will be the last thing I will ever loose from so better be well prepared. You know I won't stop until I win.
He smirked walking away finally.

Leaving me shocked.

I walked out of the room getting near my car I felt light headed.

And then a shotting pain in my neck left me breathless.

Stressing on my wind pipes for intake of oxygen I kept my hands around my neck and I felt on my knees.

I felt some liquid coming out from my nose as it felt down on my dress I realized it was blood and finally I saw black dots.

_____________________________________

Do listen to the song.

'Inner Demon'.

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