Nandini don't know what she should do. She have to go home since her engagement is fixed. All these years she never went against her parents and always did what they asked her to do. But this marriage is no what she ever wanted. Most importantly her parents was too determined to marry her off. Why? Why didn't they want to know about her feelings? She understands her parents raised her, they have right on her but doesn't she has right on herself too? Doesn't she has right to chose whom she want to marry? With whom she wants to spend her life? Just because Aniket had money and belong to a well settled rich family they thought she will be happy? Is luxurious life gives real happiness?

Nandini felt devasted inside. Because she was tangled in a situation where she don't want to agree not she want to hurt her parents. Afterall because of them she could see this world. As their child it was her responsibility to accept their arrangements but what about her heart? Which has already given to someone else. It she be happy when she loves someone and marry another man? Will god forgive her for this? She will be destroying three lives. But she couldn't find a way to solve this problem.

She got ready and went to office. When she entered her department she saw Samara and Yadav talking and laughing. They stopped once they saw her.

"Nandini, I thought you wouldn't come" Samara said.

"Why is that?" Nandini frowned. She sat on her chair and turned on her PC.

"Well, you are always early so I thought you wouldn't come"

"I got a call so I was little late" Nandini replied.

"Hey, you look distressed. What happened?" Samara dragged her chair towards Nandini.

"My engagement is fixed" Nandini replied making her gasped.

"What? Engagement fixed? So soon?" Samara couldn't believe herself. "I mean you just met the guy and you haven't say yes yet. How can it be fixed?"

"My aggreement doesn't mater. What matters is the agreement of the elders. If they says yes then it's yes and no then no" Nandini sighed. "This is the tradition in our family. The decision of marriage is taken by elders"

"I understand but it's you who's going to marry not them. Your consent is important too. It's a injustice to fix your marriage against your will. I understand parents has right but at the same time you have the righ more than them. It's afterall a lifetime matter" Samara shook her head.

Nandini gave her a smile, "I wish if everyone has the same thought as you. Bug my family tradition is different. My parents had given me everything since I was a kid. I accept that, I know they love me and I love them too. But how can I marry a man who I don't want to. They just sees it as beneficial for me to live with a rich man. They thinks living in US with a ruch husband would success my life but ... this is not what I ever wanted"

Samara felt sad and patted her back, "I don't know what to say in this matter. I can't understand what's parents think when they fixes a marriage so forcefully. But one thing is sure, if you want any help, then I will definitely help you"

"Yes, I am also here, Nandini if you need us, then just say it. We will help you no matter what" Yadav said.

Nandini smiled, "thank you. I know you are worried about me and want to offer help but I really can't do that. You don't know my father, he is a politician and knows dirty tricks which I really want any of you see. I have to think of something myself"

Later Nandini met Manik. They both sat in restaurant to have lunch. While they wait for food Nandini told Manik.

"I have to go home"

Manik frowned, "you just returned from there". He picked up a glass of water.

"Mom called again. She said they fixed my engagement and I have to go back" 

Manik who was drinking water almost spilled out "What?"

"Yes" Nandini's expression was natural. "I am getting engaged"

"What the hell" Manik couldn't help but get angry, "you can't marry another man. I won't let it happen specially after last night. Fuck it, I won't let any other man touch you"

Nandini stared at his angry face and felt her heart warm. But she also don't want Manik to get hurt because she knows how dangerous her father could be.

"What can you do?" She stared at him. "When there was a time you didn't take it, and now that there's no chance you are claiming me? Don't you think you are little late here?"

"What the hell are you saying? I know it's my fault first. I was a dumb for not considering my own feelings and let you go. But that doesn't mean it's too late. Our meeting again proved it. There's no way I will let you get married to another man. Not when I am alive. I have already taken you, and for god's sake you will remain mine for whole life"

Nandini was quite surprised by his sudden change of attitude. She never seen him to be this possessive towards her. Now he was freely claiming her as his and looked so determined for it. Now mixed feeling raised in her heart which made her confused and tangled the situation more. She couldn't defy her parents nor she could agree to their arrangements. At this moment she felt she was standing in desert. No matter where she looked, she couldn't find a right way to step in.

"Manik what are you thinking?" She sighed,"my dad is a politician and I don't want you to get hurt too. Don't be too reckless"

"Do you have any other options?" He asked which made Nandini purse her lips.

"I don't know" she sighed.

"When you are returning back?" He asked.

"Tomorrow, I will take few days leave from boss" she said and he nodded.

Their order arrived and they had food before leaving. The conversation stopped there and both of them had different thought in their mind. Later that night Sunaina called again but Nandini didn't bother to return the call. On the other hand Manik called his mother and talk for a long time.

Next day Nandini left early in the morning to catch flight. It was before noon that she landed and went to home. She could see her house was decorated. Everyone looked happy except her. When Sunaina saw her she was happy.

"Ah, you are finally here" Sunaina hugged Nandini. "I have been missing you. Last time you left so early and didn't even met me"

Nandini did say anything. She just stared at the decoration in the hall blankly. Rima who walked out of the kitchen saw Nandini.

"Oh Nandini you have arrived. Do you feel hungry? I will make something for you" Rima walked towards her.

"No thanks Chachi. I am fine. I will make something for myself later" Nandini replied.

"You must be tired, go and take a bath then rest. After that we will go for shopping. You need a engagement dress" Sunaina was happy.

Nandini didn't reply and went to her room. Sunaina and Rima looked at eachother.

"She still looks off" Sunaina exclaimed in worry.

"Don't worry. Later when we go for shopping after seeing those gorgeous dresses, she will feel happy. Girls are always crazy about new cloths. Why don't you call Aniket's family too. I mean Aniket wanted to meet her isn't it? In this way, we can talk and Nandini and Aniket will also meet"

Sunaina nodded, "you are right. I will call them now". She felt satisfied with the arrangements.

Later when Nandini went to kitchen to make a coffee for herself she heard noises in the hall. She didn't gave much attention to until she heard until laughing sound. She was holding the cup of coffe as she walked out of the kitchen only to find Aniket and his mother were sitting in the hall and chatting with Sunaina and Rima. Nandini suddenly felt frustrated.

"Ah, see this child" Sunaina looked at her, "why did you brought only one cup?you should have bring two cups at least"

Nandini wanted to scream "it's mine". But she stayed silent. Aniket who was smiling got up from the couch.

"It's fine aunty. Looks like Nandini only expected me here" he said jokingly making others laughed. He grabbed the cup she was holding.

"For me?" He smiled.

"It's mine" Nandini hissed in low tone.

But Aniket didn't get bothered with her anger, "what's yours is also mine" he said and took the cup without waiting for her reply. Nandini clenched her fist in anger. She couldn't lesh out at him infront of everyone.

But their interaction seemed pleasing to others. Sunaina thought their bonding was improving while Chandrika and Rima thought they are coming closer. On the other hand Nandini couldn't control herself anymore and turned around before leaving abruptly.

"She is little shy" Rima chuckled making other laughed again. Aniket stared at Nandini with a some. He was drinking the coffee she made and felt satisfied.