The mornings were good these days. I used to sleep well in fact petty tight, I never realized when he got up and left. It was his routine or to be precise the deal to leave before sun blazed its rays. Nobody knew that he spent his nights here. It was Mr. Malhotra's strict orders that Manik came in after the house staff retired to their quarters and left before anyone came.

I sat up on the bed with a feeling of something missing which was pretty regular now, with the peace that I slept with the same uneasiness I got up ALONE. We had done IT last night yet again. It was strange but true that now I was used to nights with him all over me. Not that we did it every day and whenever we didn't I had this slack kind of a feeling in the mornings. But today even after having done IT I was feeling restless maybe because he was pissed. Well I knew I had given him fair enough reasons to be pissed first the silly attack and then Mr. Bansal. It was only usual that we behaved like that with each other. But these occasions when I gave him extra reason to be annoyed ana ruthlessly rough on me, my wrists still had the marks of his strong clasp and I also felt a little soar down there. I looked down to realize that I was still clad in the bathrobe; my hair was all frizzy in short I looked nothing less than a zombie.

I quickly got down the bed and got to my bag. I had to have the pills, those were my only savior or else I would have been pregnant 20 times over. But it was secret restricted only to me. Mr. Malhotra would snap my neck if he came to know of it but I knew what I was doing, I couldn't be played along yet again until I was sure about it.

"DAMN!!!", I muttered under my breath with the empty strip in hand. How on earth had I forgotten that I had run out of pills. It was almost after a week's gap that we had s*x. I made it a point that I popped in one pill each of the next morning's after our encounter. I slammed the empty strip on the ground irritably just when Mrs. Lucy pushed the door and came in. Her sudden unwelcomed entry stumped me a bit. I tried to glance at the strip lying on the floor. All hell will break lose if she saw that. I quickly stepped ahead and stood on it.

"Good Morning Madame'", she greeted bowing her head a little for the sake of formality. I knew she wasn't very fond of me and interacted with me just for the sake of it because I was her master's wife. My eyes still traveled somewhere on the ground to check if the strip peeped out from somewhere.

"Mr. Lucy how many times have I told you please knock before you come in?" and she gave me a look like there is no point trying to hide things from me. Thankfully she meant Manik and not the strip. Yes she knew about Manik's night visits in my room. Not that she approved of it completely but that was her master's orders so she had to be okay with it. Well that was yet another reason for her to dislike me. I had clearly marked the difference in her behavior towards me since I started sleeping with Manik.

She didn't bother to apologize even after pointing out instead ignored my objection and continued, "Mr. Malhotra wants to see you downstairs...now"

"Yeah okay I am coming", I replied affixing myself at the same spot. She waited for two minutes for me to move or at least show some signs that I had heard her.

"NOW", she repeated

It was not very usual of Mr. Malhotra to be calling me early in the morning but mostly I tried to join him for breakfast because that was the only time of the day that I saw his face nevertheless he never insisted. So it was a little strange to be invited by him, my heart sank with the sudden thought what if Manik told him about the attack. Manik was quite capable of doing that if he wished to and as such Mr. Malhotra looked for opportunities to pounce on me.

"Wh..why?? Is it something important?", I stuttered nervously, "I mean I would just freshen up otherwise"

She inspected me from head till toe; I was already in my bathrobe so my proposition confused her somewhat. She rolled her eyes annoyingly and went back without a reply. I heaved a sigh and kicked the strip under the cabinet and rushed to the bathroom.

***

I tugged my blazer and hopped down the stairs to find an empty breakfast table. Mrs. Lucy gestured me to proceed to study.

"Mr. Malhotra are you sure that these are the changes you wanted to make"

"Yes Mr. Luthra...I think this should be it"

"Okay", he nodded closing the file in front of him

I knocked once and popped my head in. It was slightly disturbing to see Mr. Luthra our lawyer sitting there, it had to be definitely something regarding the will. Mr. Malhotra called me in, he wanted me to sign some papers but wouldn't tell me what it was about. I wanted to protest but hardly had that choice, since the day I had said yes to his deal I had been nothing less than a puppet with my only string in his hand. At times I felt frustrated but now that I was a part of it I couldn't back out, my only dream was at stake. I quietly put down the pen on the table after signing the papers.

We heard yet another knock at the door, "Can I come in?", it was him. Mr. Malhotra gestured Manik and he walked in.

"Manik I am really sorry I called you early in the morning...actually I wanted Mr. Luthra to have a look at the registration deed..he will be out for a fortnight and it was kind of urgent"

"Sir..its okay..please don't apologize...this is a part of my job", he eyed at me while saying the last part of the sentence.

He handed over the file to Mr. Luthra who began going through it and discussing it with Mr. Malhotra as well while we both got busy passing tough looks at each other that was something we had plenty in store for one another. Manik swiftly moved by my side brushing his arm on my shoulder. I purposely pulled my sleeves up to make him notice of his sordidness on me last night. He looked at the light bruises on my wrist and a lop sided smile appeared. He was happy to see that I bore something from him at least even if it was a wound.

"Okay then Mr. Malhotra I should take your leave now...I will do the needful regarding this", he tapped the file and refrained from venturing into much details in front of Manik.

"Thank you Mr. Luthra but please give me the honor of having breakfast with you at least..I hardly get to treat you", Mr. Malhotra insisted and after an initial hesitation Mr. Luthra gave in for the invitation.

That was another session of awkwardness; Manik took the opportunity and sat beside me. He literally knew how to irritate me. If I needed toast he wanted that, if I had butter he need that before me. Silently Mr. Malhotra kept noticing our tiff and tried to maintain a straight face and concentrate on Mr. Luthra only. It was the perfect moment when the three began discussing the auction, well even I should have been a participant to it but right now there was something more important. I quickly excused myself and went outside. My. Luthra's car was parked right near the gate, I engaged the guard with something else and stealthily used my hair pin to blow out air from one of the tyres

***

In the next 15 minutes my trick worked

"Oh no!!", Mr. Luthra exclaimed looking at the flat tyre and I made an appearance from behind.

"Is there any problem Mr. Luthra?", I asked in a polite generous tone

"Umm actually yes I got a flat tyre...I have a important meeting in a hour but anyways I will call for a cab", he tried to step aside.

"If you don't mind I can drop you in my car..I am leaving for office as well...wont be a problem"

"No Mrs. Malhotra..it is absolutely fine..please don't bother"

I insist Mr. Luthra and please you can call me Nandini...I am the age of your daughter", I tried to do the senti things and he smiled back.

I occupied the driver's seat and offered him the passenger's seat and just as he was about to get in the unwanted person intruded.

"Sir why don't you sit in the rear seat comfortably and I will adjust here besides I have something important to discuss with MAM", he said stressing extra on the MAM part. He hated to address me like that but in public he didn't have much of an option. I gave a pathetic scowl at him and he didn't bother much. Mr. Luthra nodded happily and hopped in and we set out. I tried to purse my escalating temper as both the men were having a gala time discussing so called important things.

Mr. Luthra asked Manik about his background and he just left no opportunity to taunt me. Apparently he had had a tough life. He began doing odd jobs in caf's and call centers to support his family and education. He made sure he didn't forget to mention how hard he had worked to get to this position in Synox, being honest and dedicated towards his work unlike few other who chose shortcut to get name and money. His mean looks at me while talking about the few people part was enough to say that he was talking about me and probably Mr. Luthra too got a hint of that.

I so wanted to throw him out of the car. Manik was getting onto my nerves pretty badly. I really wanted to talk to Mr. Luthra regarding the will, if I missed this opportunity then I wouldn't be able to find out what were the changes that Mr. Malhotra had done in the will. I never got any good vibes from him in terms of his philanthropic nature towards me. I had been toyed around for almost a year and even now I wasn't sure if I had any claim on his property. I was the MD of Synox for namesake or so to say for signature sake, I hardly any say over the anything apart from some petty administrative decisions but otherwise I had hardly any powers laid on me and it irritated me immensely. At times I literally cursed the old man to die so that I could claim my rights on his property. I knew Mr. Malhotra would never discuss it with me and so Mr. Luthra was my only hope regarding this.

Manik continued whining, "So basically you see Mr. Luthra we middle class people have to really toil hard to achieve the smallest of things in our lives...I am not as lucky as some people to trap a billionaire and climb the ladder of success and fame without any capability", his eyes wandered around my frame while talking. I started coughing while Manik continued labeling the likes like me as gold digger. I coughed more and it went on quite vigorously. I pulled in the car by the roadside and continued coughing incessantly.

"Mrs. Malhotra..I mean Nandini are you okay...do you need water", Mr. Luthra dabbed my head for me to relax.

Manik inspected my condition without a dash of sympathy, he huffed indifferently and I was almost losing my breath with the continuous coughs. Somewhat uninterestedly he looked for water in the dashboard but there wasn't any.

"Manik what are you waiting for...go get water from somewhere..she is choking", Mr. Luthra instructed him and he finally got down.

The moment he was gone, I tried to hold onto my breath. I quickly pulled out a bottle from my bag and sipped in the water and relaxed after a few long breaths.

"I..I am fine now..Mr. Luthra...I..I think it was the dust...the city is really getting polluted but don't worry I am fine now", I said clearing my throat

"Thank god for that..I really got worried"

I didn't have much time to waste so I straight got to the point, "Umm..I wanted to ask..was there something really important that Mr. Malhotra called upon you urgently..I mean..last time I remember he had told me 2 days back that we were supposed to meet you..is there some change in the will or something and what were those papers that I signed?", I spoke to him in an alarming tone simultaneously watching the road to see if Manik came back.

Mr. Luthra observed my restless body language for a while and may be also got an idea that I had put everything up to be able to talk to him privately.

"Nandini..I mean Mrs. Malhotra", he corrected himself slowly, "I think you should take up these questions with your husband...I understand your rights to know certain things but then it is only Mr. Malhotra who should be letting you know about it and not me", he slowly and steadily clarified his stand and paused for a while and got out of the car.

"Mr.Luthra please..", I tried to persuade him but it was futile

"I will take a cab from here", he turned to leave and we saw Manik coming with a bottle of mineral water in his hand. He left and Manik walked up to me eyeing suspiciously

"I so knew that this was one of your tricks", he charged me tossing the bottle towards me. I caught it and tried to move away to escape his peering gaze and he immediately drew his hand out to block my way, "What were you trying to do?", and now he demanded to know what was running in my head.

"None of your business..now just move and let me go", I tried to push him apart but he closed on me further, "Manik are you crazy? This is a street for heaven sake..people are watching us", it was pointless to make him aware to the unabashed species he belonged to.

"Really...this is new..you getting conscious about what people say or think...I almost thought you belong to the shameless batch of women who are ready to do whatever for money", he spoke with slow building hatred. I don't know why it pinched so hard when he spoke to me like that. It affected me when he had that impression about me. He wasn't wrong, it was all indeed about money but then there was something more as well. I didn't want to justify but couldn't take his words as well.

"Why do you pretend to be such a saint Manik? If I am a gold digger you are an opportunist too..you had the choice to say no to Mr. Malhotra...why would you anyways want to sleep with a filthy woman like me other than money", I replied with equal disgust. I understood my words affected him too when his fingers dug on my waist brutally. I squealed in pain but didn't attempt to get out of his fierce grip. Slowly the disgust in his eyes transformed into an intent gaze of longing. I was used to this pain now and I wanted more of it so I worked towards that.

"And who are you to judge me Manik... you are worse because you choose to mingle in this dirt...you are harsh and cruel..you force yourself on me...I am a filthy woman at least but you don't even deserve to be called a MAN", I grabbed his hand that was gripping me like he wanted to squeeze me in his hold.

A tide of fury ran through his eyes. I could sense he was struggling hard to shackle his temper, had we been at home, He would have probably thrown me on to the bed yet again and taken out all his frustration on me. He slowly closed his eyes and loosened his grip. I wasn't sure if I should poke him further or try to move away from him, I couldn't even see his face as he looked sideways. I moved my hand to his shoulder but didn't dare to touch him, he could erupt any moment but after a quick debate with myself I placed my hand on his shoulder lightly. He instantly looked at my hand and his eyes halted at the bruises on my wrist that were a gift from last night.

"And you my woman don't deserve anybody's love and care", he stated curtly looking straight into my eyes. He pulled something out of his pocket and threw at me and left without looking back for even a second. I saw him walking away and getting lost in the crowd. It was one of those few times when I actually witnessed him walking away from me and I just realized it was immensely painful. I kept looking at his direction till I lost even a trace of his shadow. I straightened myself to come out of the trance and looked down to find an ointment tube lying on the ground.

***

Throughout the day I was disturbed, I couldn't concentrate on any of my work, I even goofed up at the regular staff meeting. Manik's words kept ringing in my ears that I did not deserve anyone's love and care. It was true may be and that was exactly why I was abandoned by my biological parents right after my birth. Some roadside people tried to sell me when the police raided and thereafter I was dropped me in an orphanage. Life had been an endless struggle right from that age, relationships meant nothing because I had none. The orphanage taught me the hard way, our needs were as limited as our resources. I was a fairly bright student but hardly had any means to support me. The orphanage arranged for our minimal education and I did odd jobs to keep me going till high school. I couldn't take on my exams because I didn't have enough money for the examination fees and so my educational career ended then and there. After a point I had grown so frustrated that I was ready to do just about anything for money because that was the very reason for all my misery. A few more odd jobs for the next few years and then I landed in Synox. With my qualification I wasn't even eligible for a P.A's job but thankfully I was blessed with presentable looks and more importantly a smart mouth and its all history after that.

Every time Manik was close to me, he managed to make me contemplate on all the mistakes I did in life and maybe that's why I hated him more.

***

I sighed annoyingly to find Manik having dinner with Mr. Malhotra when I came back. He had become a permanent guest in my house. As such I had had a rough day with him in my mind and now I had to see him again, after the morning spat I thought he wouldn't show up tonight but he loved to surprise me err shock me. I tried to ignore them and take the stairs up when Mr. Malhotra stopped me, he wanted me to join them for dinner.

"No I am fine..I had a late lunch today..I am almost full", I declined politely and tried to make another go.

"Nandini come here..I need to talk to both of you", Mr. Malhotra ordered firmly. Manik focused on his plate and I joined them making sure there was a distance of 4 chairs between us.

"Come and sit here", he directed again gesturing the chair beside Manik. I was too drained to protest so I just picked myself up and sat where he wanted me to. Manik kept his spoon on the plate and braced himself whereas Mr. Malhotra pushed the plate in front of him slightly away and looked at both of us, "I was really being patient all this while but I think it is about time that we talk about some things..Why don't I see any results so far...its been roughly over 2 months and I don't see anything happening..why is it so?", his thumbs rubbed with each other and look shifted from me to Manik and back to me in an alignment, "Is there any problem that I need to know about", he hinted regarding any medical issues and we both nodded in a no, "then is there any other issue between the both of you"

Manik stealthily looked at me through the corner of his eyes and I licked my lips nervously, "No..no problem", I muttered in an inaudible pitch.

"Really Nandini..incase you have forgotten I spotted you guys yesterday in the garden in the middle of your so called no problematic tiff", Mr. Malhotra's bones could have given up but still he had sharp senses.

"No sir..there was nothing like that..we were just", it was Manik's turn to defend us but even he stopped midway when his boss fixed his questioning gaze on him.

"I am neither blind nor deaf...I heard you guys as well..last night..remember"

I passed a grim look at Manik, I had asked him to be quiet. Mr. Malhotra wanted to blast us right there but just then one of the helps came to serve us dessert. He waited for the help to finish the work. Mr. Malhotra dispersed the helps for the night and got back to us, "Look Nandini..Manik..I know it is not as easy as I am saying..you guys find it awkward and I totally understand that..I dont want to force things on you...I know these things need time..you guys need time to open up to each other probably and I am totally fine with it...may be it is a little difficult under these settings so I was thinking why don't you guys have some alone time"

Mr. Malhotra's propositions always took both of us by a storm, it was as if spending nights wasn't enough that he wanted us to spend days together as well. I glanced at Manik who in turn looked a little nervous. After the morning squabble he probably didn't want to look at my face and now we might just have to spent entire days together.

"I have a very nice way out...Nandini you are as such going to Dehradun for the auction tomorrow so Manik will also accompany you for that...I have arranged a cottage for you guys...you can go there after the auction and stay there for a couple of days, spend time, get to know each other, be comfortable and bring me what I want ", he made sure he didn't sound like he was suggesting and it didn't take us a moment to gulp down that we had to do it next so neither of us protested. Mr. Malhotra looked at our faces and his lips curved to form a content smile, "It will be easier...you guys can leave early morning because you will be driving to Dehradun and you get some more time..good isn't it now come on Manik lets talk over a drink"

I gave a grumpy look at Manik and he wheezed infuriatingly. The men went to the bar to satiate their thirst after the elaborate dinner and I sulked back to my room. I so wanted to grab a bottle and empty the entire thing down my throat to settle the upsetting feeling in me.

***

After an hour or so in my room

Even if it was for 2 days but I had to pack my stuff for a forced trip with that jerk. I laid out my bag and stuffed some clothes 1 formal pair for the auction and a few more casual outfits along with other essentials. I hated myself for doing it, spending nights and humiliating myself time and again was not enough that I had to be now with him 24*7. Sometimes I really didn't understand what took Mr. Malhotra to pair us up together, with advanced technology we had so many more convenient options, artificial insemination being one of the handiest out of them but that would also mean a few other people coming to know about it which was a big no no for Mr. Malhotra or maybe it was his fascination with the surname. I remember him once saying Manik reminded him of his younger days when he successfully handled a labor break out on site. But still how and why on earth did he think we both could give him the best heir for his business empire.

After the so called arrangements, I freshened up a bit and changed into my mid thigh night dress.I stood in front of the mirror to have a look at myself, I almost looked cute in it like a little Barbie princess. I had hardly given myself that leeway to be categorized in the adorable looking things but frankly I was one, with my modest height, not so skinny features, big round doe eyes, pouty luscious lips and chubby cheeks I qualified well for the cute species. But in that dress today I was a combination of cute and hot, I admired myself in the mirror when suddenly my eyes fell upon the idiot gawking at me leaning on the door with a sly lop sided smile. I quickly straightened myself and looked back.

"Ahhahh someone is trying to look beautiful", he commented sarcastically and started walking towards me in slow strides.

His eyes had something in them, it wasn't lust neither love but something in between. I fidgeted with the hairbrush in my hand as he inched closer, "Listen we have to get up early tomorrow so tonight we are not going to..", I tried to sound rational to the most irrational being.

He stopped at a hands distance from me and tried to capture the little details in me, "Why do I feel...you..you look beautiful", he cringed his brows and titled his head. I never expected a compliment out of him but the way he made it sound like I felt irritated. I tried to walk past him but he grabbed my arms and pulled me to him, one of his hands got busy with discovering my facial contours while the other had to take care of the rest of my body. His nauseated breaths fanned my face. I flinched as his hands travelled on my waist. It was the very place he had hurt me in the morning, he slid his hand inside my dress and caressed it softly with slow strokes.

"You have lot of complaints na that I am harsh on you", he spoke a millimeter away from my lips.

"You are drunk", I tried to remind him in case he had forgotten because this side of his was new to me.

He chuckled a little, "Yes that sort of helps to not be harsh..on you...I can be gentle with you only if I am drunk because that sort of makes me forget who you are", he bent down and fused his lips with mine ever so softly. He kissed me keeping aside all his bitterness and pouring out all his passion. His hands bound me within his limits and he devoted his soul into the kiss. Could he actually be this tender? How could it feel so good so right amidst all the wrongs? How could he make me feel so special? He picked me up and walked to the bed with our lips still engaged in each other in sync. My heart fluttered at the thought that he was going to be gentle on me tonight.