A/N: Guys, sharing today's update a little early, not only because I am supremely excited about sharing this one with you, but also because, I gotta step out of home for the afternoon and didn't want to leave you guys hanging!

Do read, like, comment and vote!

Happy Reading!

***

Cafe Nero, East Village, 5th Street circa 2012

(The cafe next to S.P.A.C.E. Residency)

Manik Malhotra

It had been a couple of days now, in fact we were two days away from my birthday, and never have I ever felt this low. This year was a first for quite a few things. It was the first time Mukti was here, celebrating my birthday with me, also this was the first time Fab 5 wasn't around me, ever since its inception. Cabir has been around of course. Although he doesn't say it, I can feel that he is miffed with me too. Can I blame him?

Here I was sitting in the cafe, sipping my latte, when the waitress Stella walked up to me and winked. I smiled back at her. She was sweet, I met her first when I'd come here with Nandini. I laughed remembering how jealous she had gotten because of her; what was that she used to refer to her as, aah yes, Medusa! She was so insecure of her, that he had gotten all bold on me that evening, which led to....never mind.

Manik focus.

As I sat there, Stella tried initiating some conversation with me, which I reluctantly responded to, my mind still re-playing disturbingly hot details of that evening with Nandini. All of a sudden, there was this despair in me. I never had any feelings for that girl, never - but in those moments with Nandini, I hate to admit there was this warm, comfortable and happy feeling inside me. Although I always knew what I was doing to her was a sham, but truth be told, that warm happy feeling in me was genuine. I don't know how in a world of lies that I had built around us, in those few weeks, I was closest to happiness. Was that even possible?

"Whaaa-- you made waffles? I pity your customers" a known and much hated voice broke through my reverie, as I sharply turned around, just in time to see AK walking in with Nandini and the Murthy boy. Thankfully Mukti wasn't around so I was hopefully going to be spared from another tete-e-tete I suppose.

"Not only that Aryaman, she even tried convincing us folks at home, that she's doing a fabulous job here - making the best waffles in town!" added the Murthy boy with a sarcastic laugh.

I noticed Nandini, they hadn't seen me yet; she was quiet. If one noticed carefully, there was a slight frown on her face. Was she not enjoying her time with 'her guys' I thought savagely; but there was this really annoying part of my brain that popped a question, maybe this place reminded her of our last visit too - just like it had reminded me? Was Nandini missing me?

Huh. Like I care.

"How'd you guys catch her lie?" I heard AK asking as they settled on a table to my right, immersed in their conversation. Nandini was quietly looking into her phone pretending to read. Yes, pretending. That woman had the attention span of a bird, and you want me to believe she is focusing on reading something amidst a conversation that was around her?

What a joke.

"Well, she lost her job didn't she?" The Murthy boy teased further, and both the boys sniggered, irritating the life out of me and as it seemed, Nandini too. I was irritated because her cooking wasn't thaaa-t terrible, okay! I mean, agreed she made some really crappy food back in the days when we were together, but it wasn't job-losing worthy now. She lost the job because we had planned it, Cabir would complain about her, even if she made good waffles! Hadn't Cabir once mentioned, her waffles were much better by the end of her stint? Also, didn't anyone ever notice the amount of effort and love she put in while she cooked every time? Didn't that count?

F*cking morons!

"Guys, enough now" I heard her disturbed voice and glanced at her. She even sounded upset. Damn. But, what the hell, what do I care about?

I turned around, just in time to see Stella coming back to me with my snacks; as she walked towards me slowly swinging her hips, with a flirtatious smile up her face, I don't know why, suddenly I felt conscious of Nandini's presence. I glanced at her sideways and to my shock, she had finally noticed us. Me and Stella, I mean. Also, this wasn't as much of a concern, as was the fact that, of all reactions I expected on her face, indifference wasn't one. I wasn't ready to take that - it irked me. How was she suddenly so okay with Medusa here?

"Babe, here's your order" Stella mouthed sexily, and I barely nodded in acknowledgement. She stood there hopefully for a moment for more engagement, but sensing that none was coming her way, she quickly left. I sighed in relief - but my relief was short-lived.

"If it isn't Manik Malhotra!" There, I was caught. I shut my eyes in deep frustration before covering it up with a smile, then I turned around.

"Aah. Abhimanyu" I replied, extending my hands.

So it was like deja vu for me now. Again, Nandini and I were sharing the same table, only Mukti was replaced by AK this time, which made it seem like Manik vs. World in my head. As we exchanged a few words, most of which was provided by the Murthy boy thankfully, I couldn't help notice how comfortable Nandini was around AK and how unfazed she was, of my presence. If she fell so deeply in love with me, how'd she fall out of love with me as easily? Was I not worth her time?

Manik, what the f*ckery is your brain conjuring? Sh*t up, already!

"Nandu, you have to share that eclair with me once that arrives okay!" AK demanded once they placed their orders. I shot a daggered look at Nandini. Oh so Arya dearest was allowed to call her Nandu, wasn't he? Also sharing an eclair; my foot! I turned around to see AK smirking at me, I gave him the cold shoulder - was he doing this on purpose, he did know that Nandini and his equation bothered me - I was stupid enough to give him the upper hand the other night.

Scr*w you, man!

Nandini on the other hand seemed like she was about to argue, but then seeing AK's fake, silly, stupid puppy face, she agreed with a gorgeous smile.

Gorgeous smile, my foot. Hmph.

As if I was going to let them share any food. Nandini used to share food with me. That's it. Just me. Not that I cared if she shared it with anyone else, but not AK for sure.

As the order arrived after ten minutes, I was ready to action on the plan I had hatched in my head by then. As the waiter approached us, I swiftly put my foot forward and he tripped on it and the eclair along with the ice tea promptly landed on the Murthy boy. Aah, slight miscalculation there - I wanted it to land on AK! But poor eclair, whoever was going to eat it now?

"I am so very sorry sir" the poor waiter exclaimed, I tapped his shoulder in assurance and nodded for him to go. Meanwhile the Murthy boy looked hilariously devastated!

"Oh my God, I was going to meet Mukti in thirty minutes" he cribbed, as he quickly ran to the washroom to clean up the mess.

"Ooops. What a waste of an eclair" I said silkily, I swear I couldn't hide my glee looking at AK's irritated face and Nandini's confused frown.

"You did this on purpose, didn't you. You maniacal jerk" AK barked at me. I simply smiled at him before looking at Nandini.

"Was that the last eclair, Nandu? Aww." I picked on her, and soon her nose went adorably red. I always found that the cutest - an angry Nandu meant a Rudoulf nose! Nevermind.

"Nandu, eh? Familiarity, much?" again, the snitch had to intervene, isn't it?

"Mind your business, AK" I glared at him.

"I'm minding my business, Nandu is my business" he said holding her by the shoulder protectively. I glared at Nandu this time, some really idiotic part of me actually expected her to flinch at his touch and remove his hands - but why'd she do that? How silly of me - she was in fact enjoying it.

"Not running after Aliya anymore, are we?" I mocked AK. I felt a stab inside me, to mock Aliya again, after our fall out, but I just couldn't see his closeness with Nandini, I had to break their tie. I had to hurt him as much as he was hurting me at that moment.

"Last time I checked, she was your girl. That pretty much tells me how pathetic a choice she has in men! As for Nandini, she already knows how rotten you are, Malhotra! You can't play your dirty tricks on us" he said this with so much venom that I almost stopped; I was red in anger - how dare AK, how'd he think he has the audacity to say such sh*t to me?!

I looked at Nandini, I know it was plain stupid of me to hope, but I still wanted to see if she would berate him.She did't.

Like that's new!

But as I looked at her, I suddenly realised she was it. She was the real reason why everything that went wrong with me, was going wrong with me. If she hadn't decided to get back at me by cosying up with AK, I wouldn't be bothered, if I wasn't bothered I wouldn't want to handle AK; had I not gone to Cabir's and insisted on calling Fab 5 to handle AK, then all this discussion wouldn't have happened - Fab 5 would still remain! But no, Nandini ruined it all for me. She was the reason I didn't have Fab 5 with me today, and here she was enjoying AK's support, love and was surrounded by friends and family, when I had none. This thought hit it as randomly and as hard as it could, and I was blinded in rage. I towered toward Nandini, ignoring AK, and grabbed hold of her elbow and pulled her to me.

"Nandini Murthy, you haven't yet seen my dirty tricks, oh no. You had it easy! Just a little heartbreak eh? An eye for an eye. You cried only as much as Mukti cried for your rotten brother. That's hardly any torture, darling! Try me for real this time - and you will know what getting ---" I couldn't finish my sentence, when I heard my name being called. I steered away from Nandini's shocked and panic stricken face and looked at AK, he was looking at me with disdain in his eyes. I turned around to the source of the voice and I froze.

Mukti.

She was chalk white in shock. Beside her stood the Murthy boy, with bloodshot eyes.

Holy Sh*t

S.P.A.C.E. Academy, New York circa 2012

(Manik's bedroom, S.P.A.C.E. Campus, Staff Accommodation, East Wing)

Wow, can life get better? It was ten minutes to my birthday, and here I sat all alone in my balcony gazing at the great beyond. It was a cloudy night, not one star was visible. It seemed like, even they were shunning me like the rest of the folks. This was supposed to be my best birthday; I was to celebrate it with Fab 5 and Mukti together! But how the f*ck did I forget I was Manik Malhotra, if there was even an ounce of happiness written for me, it came with an insurmountable amount of grief. For those wondering, Mukti left yesterday.

Back at the cafe when Mukti and Abhimanyu came to know about my doings from my own f*king mouth, they were shocked beyond their wits. I remember panicking and looking at Nandini, I knew only she could fix it, only she could save Mukti and her brother's relationship; but would she? I know she had said, her brother's happiness meant more to her than her ego or heart break, but was that true? If it was, well it was time she could make good on her promise!

"Nandu, do something!" I whispered, panicstricken, turning back to her for a moment. She seemed to come out of her shock hearing me. She nodded at me with a grief stricken face and dashed to her brother.

"Bhai?" she barely whispered, but Abhimanyu looked at her with livid eyes. I don't know what she conveyed to him through her eyes, but he relaxed a little - all I saw was Nandini nod her head, whispering a 'no'. I turned to Mukti, she was still staring at me, was she shivering slightly?

"Muk--" I began.

"Sh*t up, Manik" she barely whispered, as her teardrops finally came out pouring. My insides churned, I never wanted to bring tears in her eyes, in fact hadn't I done all this to stop her tears? Hell, I had even accepted Abhimanyu for her, but here she was, weeping because of me. What was with us broken children? Why couldn't we ever find happiness?! Mukti was so close to happiness, but her b*stard of a brother ruined it for her!

Damn!!

I turned to Abhimanyu, and happened to glance at AK's face, that rat was smirking seeing me! I could handle that mother-f*cker later. I looked at Abhimanyu and never in my life had I thought I'd ever say this to him - but at that moment, for Mukti, I pleaded with him.

"Abhimanyu please, it wasn't Mukti's fault" I almost choked on my words. I heard Nandini draw a sharp breath at my words, but I didn't care. I had literally one person for family, and I didn't want to be the reason for ruining her happiness. I could do anything for her.

Abhimanyu huffed at me and looked away. I was panicking, any moment now, he'd break up with Mukti and ruin her chance at happiness. How the f*ck could I let this happen?!

"Of course it wasn't Mukti's fault. You think Abhimanyu would leave her for you? You think you're that important, Malhotra?" I heard AK's voice thunder beside me. Abhimanyu glanced at him unsure, so did I. Nandini looked like she would pass out in anxiety, as she kept rubbing off the incessant tears that fell from her eyes.

"What do you mean?" I asked AK, with whatever dignity I had left.

"Simply that, there is no decision for Abhimanyu to make here, Malhotra. He loves her, and obviously won't punish her for your fault! It is Mukti's time to decide actually - whether she'd still choose you, who recklessly was about to ruin her life or Abhimanyu the man who never wronged her, or hurt her." he replied with a mad gleam of victory in his eyes. In that moment my mind went on an overdrive. Unknowingly, AK had helped me today. Whatever shit he said, if it sounded legit to Abhimanyu, he'd not break up with Mukti, now only Mukti had to choose him. I knew her choosing him would come at the cost of losing me, but I f*cking deserved it alright. I didn't deserve to be the brother of the world's best sister! She deserved better. If by shunning me and my darkness from her life, she could find her happiness, so be it. I could do anything for Mukti.

Everyone was quiet for a moment, and suddenly all eyes were on Mukti, who was calmer now as she looked straight at me with an unreadable expression. I shuddered. Although I was bracing up for parting from my last thread of family, there was still a tiny selfish corner in my heart that wanted Mukti to choose me over Abhimanyu. That Manik had no right to win, but he hoped anyway. Mukti slowly came to me, and the guilt in my shook my head, I couldn't meet her eyes.

"Manik, you have been a monumental disappointment" she whispered, and even before I knew it, a whimper escaped me. I slowly looked up to face her.

"I'm sorry, Mukti. I didn't want to do this to you. Ever. Guess I just turn everything dark around me. Go to him, I'd understand, I will always love you" I barely whispered, choking in my tears.

"You know it Manik, you are my only family, and I would never choose Abhimanyu over you" she whispered, with a sigh. There was a sad smile on her face, as she looked down, probably reminiscing our simpler, happier days. My head shot up, I glanced at Abhimanyu, he looked pained, there was a layer of tears in his eyes too. Nandini was standing next to him, supporting him. She was crying silently too. In fact, even AK looked shocked.

"Mukti.." I whispered, as her head shot up and she looked at me dead in the eyes. I couldn't read her expression.

"But I will choose Nandini over you today, Manik - for you have done the unthinkable with her. She didn't ever deserve this hurt." her voice was dull and crisp now, it didn't seem like her voice at all. There was no love or affection for me there. It was like Mukti was talking to a stranger.

With that she slowly walked away from me and held Abhimanyu's hand assuringly. They smiled at each other through tears and in that moment I knew Mukti had chosen happiness. I was happy for her - as for me, I didn't dare think of what I lost at that moment, I blocked it - it was my survival instinct.

I saw them hug Nandini dearly, and in some time all three of them left. Seeing Mukti's retreating figure, never looking back, I had realised she was going for good from my life.

I was finding it hard to breathe.

"And that is what a heartbreak feels like, Malhotra! Finally you know." I heard AK's malicious voice behind me. He was gloating at his victory today, for getting even with me for what I did with him and Aliya.

I didn't care.

"Better me than Mukti" I whispered to myself, before slowly leaving from there.

***
A/N : Well guys? A little sympathy for Manik maybe? I know he isn't justified, but that's the thing, he wasn't raised right, he wasn't taught the right values. So basically, from what life taught him, he is justified. He in his twisted way feels justified because he was doing it for his family. While his actions are debatable to us, but he is made that way - that's our Manik! 

What do you think, what is there in the future for Manan? You think Nandini should be the way she is, or do you guys feel she should soften a little? Also, please do share your thoughts on Manik in this chapter, I am always intrigued to see how you receive his character growth in every chapter!

Until next Saturday!

Much love,

A.