Wearing my wedding dress I was feeling little cold but my face was burning. My hands were getting sweaty and cold. There was strange uneasy feelings in my heart. Typical situation, any bridle will get through. At the other hand heavy rain was making outdoor events much more difficult. Unforgiving weather was totally unexpected.

It is the most important day of my life. I am getting married to the most loyal and caring person who loves me beyond limits. I could see that unconditional love in his eyes. I looked at myself in the mirror. Wearing that same dress I chose and some one said it was looking ugly at me. I could see my figure looking more good in this dress but his insulting words were still messing with my brain.

"Since when You started thinking about others. Specially that monster....!" I scolded my own silly self. My make up was done with red lipstick and shimmery grey smoky eye shades.

"Oh my God. Nandni you looking so beautiful.....!" Aanya squealed and rushed over to me as Mrs Diya and Mrs Anvi entered behind her as well.

"Oh my goodness. Pretty lady Abhimanyu is really lucky man....!" this time it was Mrs Diya who complimented. The surprise on her face was evident.

"Thank you so much....!" I managed to say through my nervousness. I felt my cheeks flamed after receiving so much attention.

"Ok girls. All guests are already here. We just waiting for groom. I will come to call you when Abhi and his whole bunch of friends will come. I called Ishan and he told me, almost they are ready. It's just they are waiting for Sameer who still didn't come. I'm sure he is still being ready at home. He is taking more time than a bridle.....!" Mrs Anvi chuckled and shook her head while talking about her son.

"You know Aaryan bhaie is out of country regarding his any political tour. He asked me to convey his best wishes and blessings to you.....!" Mrs Diya told me and I just smiled. My head was still stuck at Sameer's unusual behaviour. After that bachelor party I didn't see both, neither Sameer nor Manik. At my engagement Sameer came just for few minutes but before I came outside he was gone. About Manik, I wasn't surprised. Obviously why would he come at my engagement when my only one glimpse makes him angry.

But something was really wrong with that boy. Riya saw him coming out of one hospital and according to her he was looking like a horrible drug addict. It's not like he isn't horrible all the time and can't go in hospital but the main point is that his family wasn't aware about it. He told them he is out of city while he was in hospital. But why.....? Once again I have no answer.

I shook my head to get ride of my messed up chain of thoughts. When I tried to give attention to three ladies in my room, they were talking about baraat and whole arrangements. Then Mrs Anvi and Mrs Diya left and Aanya came towards me. Wrapping her both arms around my shoulders she back hugged me. I looked up at our reflection in the mirror.

"Awww look at you, you already looking red and blushing bride. What will you do tonight....!" her brows wiggled as she looked at me through the mirror. I couldn't help from getting more red. I elbowed her to shush her, when she laughed teasingly.

"Aanya you are doing worst job of being a friend. Instead of giving me moral support you are making me more nervous.....!" I said while turning around to face her. This was the time when I saw her properly. Wearing royal blue dress and 4 inch long heel she was looking like a model. She was born in wealthiest family of our town and her classy looks was showing the money she spent on her dressing.

It's still surprising how she became my friend when me and Riya were totally from opposite status and class. May be because she is always down to earth, no show off and arrogance. Cause of her I met Sameer and her whole family. Instantly I grew to like him because he was replica of his sister. Sweet, handsome, cute and caring.

It's just two hour for the wedding rituals but still groom is missing. I don't know why these boys taking so much time like girls....!" Aanya said while taking her mobile out. She dialled Ishan's number.

"Hello....!" after ringing for a while he picked the call. Aanya straight away jumped on the point. She asked him when they will be here.

"Aanya we are almost ready, I will call you later when we will leave.....!" Ishan replied, his tone wasn't as relaxed as it should be. May be being a close friend of a groom isn't that easy. I smiled feeling how all these boys are beside him when he have no blood relation with any one of them. Same like me, but at least I have baba.

"Hey beautiful ladies, I'm here.....!" we both turned towards the door to find Riya with bouquet of red roses in her hands. She was wearing golden dress and looking amazing.

"Always late.....!" Aanya teased her, and Riya just rolled her eyes. Typical reaction. I stood up from the stool and she gave me flowers. I laughed looking at her pouting lips. Riya engulfed me into her arms. For a minute I felt if she didn't break the hug I'm gonna die all breathless. As she made me free from her arms I huffed out lots of air.

"Sorry, it's just I'm gonna miss you. Without you hostel life won't be like before.....!" she smiled sheepishly. Her eyes making me more sad that I would shift with Abhi at his apartment. I placed flowers at dressing table. Riya hugged me once again But this time it was comforting and reassuring and it is exactly what I needed.

"Don't worry you both will see each other every day. Remember you are class fellows...." Aanya spoke cheerfully. Making both of us smile.

"Aanya and Riya I need both of you for some arrangements. Baraat is here. Dinner have been served already. Come and Nandni, sweetheart you want something to eat.....!" Mrs Diya asked me but I refused her offer kindly with sweet thanks. My make up artist strictly asked me to eat whatever I want to, before she could start her paint over my face. So I had few bits forcefully when I had lost my appetite already.

As time was coming closer I was feeling more anxious. I was trying to push my negative thoughts away but still I felt like something bad going to happen. May be because I'm getting married and every bride feels the same way so I just simply tried to shrug it off.

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I felt my throat getting dry like I didnt drink any thing since days. Pouring some water into glass I walked off a little further towards the huge window. Looking at street lights in the darkness, everything was quiet and calm. This was exactly I needed at the moment.

I felt I need to gather my nervous self for the up coming events. I couldnt help from thinking about Manik. Why he is so mysterious. Did he behave same way with every one outside of his family or it's just me. Why he hates me so much. And why the hell I'm thinking about him.

Suddenly someone entered in my room. First I thought it might be Riya but heaviness in those steps weren't like hers. I swallowed thick lump in my throat when familiar scent hit my nose. I can recognise that scent even when I would be dead and buried six feet under the ground. I didn't want to turn around and face him. Why the heck he came in my room.

"Damn....!" Manik cursed under his breath. I clenched my fists around the glass at front of My stomach to keep it from falling down. I didn't bother to turn around and face him. Because I knew if I did I will lose my patience.

"Why are you here....!" for once I tried to keep my tone calm but shrills of irritation weren't hidden. He didn't reply. If his scent wouldn't have presented in the air, I could have though he was gone already.

"I was missing you. Couldn't breath without seeing your one glimpse. Like a crazy lover I was looking for you every where. And see finally I found you....!" and here his mocking words dripping into thick sarcasm came crushing on me. I wish I could mention over wedding invitation card that whole Malhotra family is invited except Manik freaking idiot Malhotra. This boy had sworn that he wouldn't let me live in peace. My annoyance took charge over my hardly calmed senses. Finally I turned around to face him but to my bad luck I bumped straight into him. My whole glass got spilled over his white shirt. Why was he so damn close.

"Oh I'm sorry.....!" for a second I just got panicked but then looking at his very pissed expressions I regretted for wasting my precious apology. His head was down observing his drenched shirt. I'm sure in such cold and rainy weather wet shirt won't be a pleasant thing.

"Have you sold your eyes somewhere.....!" he snapped at me and I regretted for saying sorry. How dare he to show me his tantrums when I wasn't expecting him to be standing so freaking close.

"I take my sorry back because to make your hot-tempered-head cool down, I should have thrown full bucket of ice water instead of this one glass......!" I chuckled as arrogantly as I could despite the jumbling waves of rage running through my head. Looking at his pissed off expressions and clenched jaw and I felt my heart little bit at peace.

If he was already angry then now his temperature increased ten times more. His jaw contracted and he started moving forward. I took a sharp step back until my back hit the window. He raised his hand up and I flinched away. His palm slammed against the glass of window near my head. Oh My God. I thought he was going to hit me. His hot breath hit my ear and shivers ran down my spine.

"So you are not sorry for messing my shirt.....?" he has me cornered and trapped. His voice was dangerous and eyes challenging me to speak carefully. I hope he won't hurt me. I mean I know he have some obsession for holding my wrists with his monstrous strength but not like physically I mean punch or slap type.

"No I'm not because you deserve it...!" I could feel my voice wasn't confident, the way probably it should be. I pushed my way through the little space between us and stopped at the distance where he couldn't reach me.

Tension in the room grew to the limit where I felt my lungs getting squeezed and I needed oxygen urgently. Manik once again moved his eyes at my figure from head to toe, reminding me the time he did the same at bridle dress shop. My stomach quenched when his dark eyes found mine. His silky hairs were messy, and face covered with few days old stubble. But his rough appearance was enhancing his bad boy look more.

"So you really bought this dress.....!" Manik nodded towards me, leaning against the window. His expressions as vexing as the first time in bridle dress shop. My mind was whirling.

"Don't you dare to say more. Not today Manik Malhotra. I'm not in mood to be your punching bag so that you can take out your personal frustration at me. All you know how to spread negativity with your rotten soul.....!" I tried hard to not let him rule over my mind but I don't know why I can't bear his non-serious and hateful appearance. His smirk grew, there was no humour but just demon was peeking through his eyes.

"I guess there is no one who can know me better than you. It's just you who's so desperate to spend your time over such beautiful detailed description of me.....!" he told me icily while inserting both hands into his pockets. His glaring deep eyes pouring into mine.

"Desperate and me. Waoo. Manik malhotra it's you who came into my room to throw insulting useless sarcasm on me. But you are entirely mistaken. I'm not like your plastic GIRLFRIEND who can bear a person like you....!" before I could stop myself, those words just slipped out of my uncensored mouth. My face was burning from being so much pissed off. Why I brought his gf when she was no where involved in this mess.

Congratulations Nandni murthy, you helped to dig your own grave. Now looking at his face I could see volcano was ready to blast any time. I guess he wasn't expecting me to bring his personal relation between our heated arguments.

He moved closer, like hungry lion, ready to jump on my neck and to tear me apart. I wasn't expecting him to be standing so closer that once again I felt his proximity was almost choking me to death. I wanted to move away but this time my feet were stuck like his dangerous and deep eyes were holding me prisoner.

"Yes you are not like my girl friend and even you can't be like her....!" as he said those words I felt literally my veins throbbing in my temples. My nails digging into palms, almost piercing my skin. I had no idea how he can brought my such violent side out without any effort. Our eyes remained locked on each other.

"You....!" I could even say any more word when his mobile rang into his pocket. Without removing his flaring eyes from my red face, he answered his call. Deep frown over his forehead was enough to tell me that the person at other side wasn't saying any pleasant thing. Manik took sharp step back, before he stormed towards the exit door.

Unknowingly I looked back over my shoulder and to my surprise standing at the door he was looking at me. My heart jumped out of my throat when his dark eyes suddenly found mine. I twisted my head back so fast that for a second I felt my neck going to fall off My shoulders. WHAT THE....I closed my eyes tightly to keep from cursing loud. I know he was still at my door but I was afraid that if I stared back again, he might take my soul out of my body.

There was something in those arresting eyes that I couldn't quit put my finger on. Then I listened his heavy steps leaving my room and his tone became more harsh than before. I placed my hand over my heart, it was hammering painfully against my chest.

"Where....? Were you sleeping.....!" Manik almost screamed at the person and I felt bad for him or her. I threw my still trembling figure over stool. Why he was looking at me like that. Was he really looking for the washroom or was he looking for someone or may be specifically me to let his anger out...???? I buried my unanswered questions deep in my chest and prepared myself for the happy life ahead.

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It was almost one hour when Manik left after ruining my mood. Why no one came back to take me out. My restlessness was increasing with every passing minute. I never felt like this before. I was lost in my thoughts when I listened hushed voices outside of my room.

Getting up from stool I walked towards the door to see what was happening. Before I could open the door, Ishan came inside in such hurry that I flinched back sharply. Aanya was also behind him. Looking at their faces I knew something was really wrong.

"Nandni did you talk to Abhi.....!" Ishan asked moving closer. I wasn't expecting such question and that too from Ishan. Confusion was clear at my face when once again he repeated the same question.

"Nandni do you know where Abhi went.....!" this time Aanya asked, her breath was deep and heavy. I shook my head silently, not sure what to say.

"I talked to him yesterday but after that I didn't......!" I didnt even complete my sentence when Ishan moved his fingers throw his hairs making them more messy.

"What happened.....?" I asked when Aanya moved closer. I was looking at her and then at Ishan. Both looking at each other But not answering my question.

"please tell me. Where is Abhi and why you both looking so worried.....!" I asked in such pleading tone that I saw clear sympathy at Ishan's face.

"Just few minutes before he received a call and looking at his face I know he was so worried. Then without saying he ran towards exit. I went behind him but before I could reach, taking motor bike he left. I kept calling him but he was like my voice was falling over deaf ears.....!" Ishan replied. His face was getting pale and I felt the situation is much more worse than Ishan was showing. Moving backwards I fell at stool. Ishan was trying Abhi's number again and again but it just kept ringing. He wasn't picking any one's call.

"Where is Sameer. May be he knows something about him....!" I asked Aanya and she gave me the same disappointed look.

"He didn't come yet. I'm even trying his number but he is not picking. I called at land line number and one guard told me that it's been two hours he left with driver. I didn't tell Avni auntie that he didn't reach here otherwise she would be so much worried. You know how she gets panicked.....!" Aanya whispered, fidgeting her fingers with helplessness. Next moment my mobile rang over dressing table and our eyes abruptly shifted at it. When I picked the mobile it was Abhi's number. A relieved sigh escaped my lips and I touched the green symbol immediately to answer the call.

"Hello. Abhi where are you. Hello. Abhi....!" my voice was eager to know where was he and why he left. I was calling his name over and over again as he wasn't responding. I could feel his sharp intake of breath.

"Nandni. You know I love you.....!" then I listened his strained voice. I chuckled nervously trying to push bad feelings away.

"Abhi where are you.....?" I repeated my question. I could listen so many faint noises in the back ground but they weren't clear. His breaths were deep and shallow.

"You know I didn't tell you at dress shop you were looking most beautiful bridle of the world.....!" as he said those words I knew there was definitely something wrong. He wasn't talking like usual. His words weren't making any sense. Why he was telling me all this over the phone when wearing my bridle dress I'm waiting for him here.

"I'm sorry......!" he groaned loudly and his words coming out more slowly.

"Why are you saying sorry Abhi. Come back I'm waiting for you.....!" I asked quietly, biting my lower lip to stop them from trembling uncontrollably. I was waiting for his reply but he didn't say any thing. I could just listen his faint breaths.

"I'm sorry. I won't.....!" he whispered like telling those words were taking so much effort. This time I couldnt help and looked towards Ishan who was waiting for me to tell them about Abhi. Looking at my face Ishan snatched mobile from my hands and put the call on speaker.

"Abhi where are you man.....!" Ishan asked, he was equally shocked when he didn't listen any thing. Ishan kept asking him, pleading helplessly through the phone.

"Call the ambulance. Hurry up.....!" then listening that familiar voice my blood ran cold. I could recognise that voice even in my nightmares. But May be I didn't know that Ishan's low whisper going to turn my nightmare into reality.

"Manik......!" Ishan mumbled under his breath and just that name sent slicing bolts through my body. Just that one name felt like a fire has been ignited inside of me.

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