When we reached the hospital, baba was the first one to run to the receptionist. He asked about Abhi and the girl at the counter immediately checked her computer. After getting the information, we ran towards the direction she told us.

Within few minutes we were at front of ICU. I felt the urge to see him. I'm sure, I seemed like a lost soul, the way people were looking towards me. But at that moment everything and everyone seemed to have no more meaning. I was in that dreadful state when I heard a voice at my side.

"Sorry but you can't enter yet. Doctors are inside....!" a nurse blocked us out when I attempted to open the door of ICU. My heart was beating terribly and I was so much scared. Suddenly I saw Aanya coming from my side and she hugged me to comfort me but nothing helped. I just wanted to see Abhi. Just for once.

This was the time I saw Sahil and Ishan. Mr Aayaan and Mr Rayaan were also out of country for their business meeting. But looking at the last person I felt anger started bubbling deep inside of me. Manik leaning against the wall was completely lost into his deep thoughts. His white shirt was red with blood and I knew it was Abhi's blood.

"What did the doctors say. Is he alright....?" baba asked Sahil.

"He is going through surgery....!" he replied. The horror was visible in his voice. I couldn't remove my eyes from that one person who have answer of every question. Every question I wanted to know. Suddenly two doctors came out and all moved their heads towards them. They straight came towards us. Darkest clouds of trepidation were darkening my nerves, leading my thoughts to the worst possible things doctors going to tell us.

Doctors said something and they all followed the doctors to one private room. I stood there, frozen with fear as all figures moved past me. I was still unable to fathom that how my life in just few hours could take such horrible turn. One warm hand held my wrist.

"Just pray for him. He will be fine.....!" Aanya whispered before bringing me near one bench. Pushing my shoulders down she forced me to sit. My eyes were stuck where all of them got disappeared. Then I saw Ishan coming out. His eyes were red and face was completely pale. His eyes suggested something was extremely wrong but his expressions gave no clue.

"What happened....?" my voice hung somewhere between horrified and confused. He just shook his head like voice and words weren't helping him. From his drained features to his lifeless eyes, there was no doubt he hadn't any thing pleasant to tell us.

"Abhi is no...more. They couldn't save him.....!" that single sentence spoken by Ishan held a tone that sliced through my soul. For one second I felt my be I listened wrong. But after looking at Aanya's tear filled eyes I was sure I'm listening right.

"You are lying....!" I said in such low tone that it hardly reached my own ears. All diverted their eyes towards me. They were giving me looks full of sympathy. This can't be true!. Abhi can't give up like this. He didn't deserve this. He can't leave me like this. I turned around when baba and Sahil came closer to me.

"Wh...what happened baba. A....Abhi, he is fine, right.....?" I asked baba who just looked towards Ishan and then back at me. He gulped the huge lump before he also answered.

"They couldn't save him....!" and he spoke the exact words I was afraid of listening. I shook my head, still my heart wasn't ready to except this. How he can leave me at such point where we both were going to start a new life. Burning pain was paralyzing me completely.

Suddenly breathing became so difficult that I really didn't want to do because it was scratching my lungs. Was this what people say worst fate. This was way too much to bear if that's how my life going to become a living hell. I never asked too much. I just wished a happy normal life. Was it too much.

I inhaled deeply to ease the pain that spiralled through my chest. Alternating waves of unbearable agony and numbness washing over my senses. Destiny's soreness and fear was crushing me to death. After these years, once again life told me what real pain feels like.

I looked up and my eyes met a dark brown pair of stoned eyes. Still leaning against the wall, he was looking at me. His shirt having spot of blood, was screaming that I lost the person who was probably last hope of my happiness.

"Mr Manik malhotra it was your car that caused this accident and according to one eye-witness and our initial reports saying driver was drunk.....!" a police man spoke while standing beside me. I waited for him to say something. I waited that may be he will deny all the things policeman was asking. But he didn't. He just kept staring at me.

"Yes. It was my car.....!" he said and this time he moved his eyes away from mine. Why did his words pierced the very core of my heart. It increased my hatred towards him when he had nothing to say. He only confirmed what I already knew. He was a heartless monster. I hate him.

I stood up and without realising my feet started moving towards him. With my pondering heart, I hadn't anticipated what I was going to do next. How could he do this

"Why did you do this to me.....!" I mumbled, stopping at front of him. The lump in my throat rising but I swallowed it back. His eyes never left mine. They were blank. I wish I could see regret of taking someone's life in those eyes. I wish I could see the same pain, which was stabbing my heart.

"You hate me this much that, see where you brought me.....!" I yell at him and his eyes were still holding that emptiness. But his face was pale, all the blood seems to be sucked out of his body. I wanted to cry, I wanted to scream my lungs out. I wanted to stop the pain that was burning in every part of my body.

"I wish I would have never met you. I wish I have had saved Abhi from you.....!" I screamed as this unbearable heartache was rolling off of me.

"I killed Abhi....?" he muffled. Why his statement sounded more like a question. His eyes still pinning to mine like searching for something unknown. I took one more step towards him and my hand moved up to grab his collar.

"How could you be so cruel. I never had done anything wrong to you. Why you punished me this way. Why, Manik why....!" this time I screamed even louder. All the anger washed away and replaced by hurt. His eyes moved between my both eyes silently and I felt hot tears on my face. Two big hands opened my fists and pulled me away from Manik. I was aware of everyone's eyes on me but I have had enough.

"Shhh calm down. Nandni....!" I was still crying mindlessly when a heavy voice fell over my deaf ears. I looked back and it was Sahil. His eyes were completely opposite from his brother. They were having, pain and sympathy. I sobbed helplessly when Sahil remained silent. He was just looking at the floor having completely helpless expressions.

"He....He killed him....!" I said to Sahil, like maybe he could understand the pain I was going through. My voice much quieter and exhausted. I was wiping the fresh tears but tonight they were stubborn. Aanya came closer and Sahil took two steps backwards. She pulled me into a tight hug but today nothing gonna ease this pain.

"Then you are under arrest for driving after drinking alcohol and murdering Mr Abhi....!" as police said I listened small gasp of Aanya. Manik lifted his eyes up to me and for the first time I saw something in those cold eyes. Then he averted his face to the opposite direction. He walked towards police officers and surrendered himself.

No one able to move or speak from where they were standing. They seemed to process all the words in their heads what police officers just said. I looked at them and they were totally shaken up.

"Please Sahil Bhayya stop them....!" Aanya was pleading to her brothers but they kept their heads down helplessly. Sahil shook his head, still in state of disbelief.

"I hate you. I will be hating you forever. Do you hear me. I hate you....!" I said, casting an abhorrent glance at Manik. For a second he stopped in the middle of the way. Police officers were at his both sides. But he didn't look back towards me and I was thankful for that. I didn't want to see in those eyes ever.

I felt dizzy and grabbed the nearest wall to handle my swinging figure. Then with abundant tears, darkness started wrapping my senses completely. Before I would have touched the floor, two arms held me up against hard chest.

"Nandni....!" Sahil's worried voice was the last, I listened before I fell completely unconscious.

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Ishan's POV

Next morning after Abhi's funeral all people were gathered in meeting hall. They were waiting for Aaryan uncle. From Airport he was coming directly here. He just know about Abhi's accident but we didn't tell him that how it happened. I'm still not able to believe that it was Manik. What exactly happened it's still not clear. From hospital police took him directly at police station and we didn't even get the chance to talk to him.

The whole night Sameer remained out of house. Where exactly he was, still we don't know. But next morning when he came back home and we told him about Abhi, his condition was out of control. Sameer and Abhi were inseparable. During his funeral, I saw him breaking and crying helplessly. After coming back from cemetery he just had locked up himself in his room. He didn't eat or talk to any one.

Abhi's sudden death making him crazy. For Sameer, Abhi was much more than just class fellow or a friend. Both were like brothers. Sameer loved him so much. Even sometimes I felt more than me and Manik he was closer to Abhi.

"Please take your seats, Aaryan malhotra sir is coming....!" Uncle's one guard announced loudly while entering in the hall. All people took their seats and suddenly pin drop silence engulfed the whole area.

Next minute uncle entered in the hall. His sharp jaw line looking more tense than usual. His dark green eyes, light stubble, greyish coloured hairs were giving him an intimidating yet calm look. He was always like this. Being eldest in the house after Dadi jan, we all give him full authority to do every decision of our lives.

He climbed the stairs of stage and 5 guards were running behind him to match his long and fast steps. He took seat after greeting all the people gathered in hall.

"You all know the reason for this sudden meeting. But still I want Mr Murthy to tell me what exactly happened....!" he asked keeping his one ankle at the other knee. Looking at his face I was hundred percent sure, he knows everything already but he would want to listen to the victim first. He was out of country but after listening about this accident he cancelled his tour and came back asap. Being a successful politician he have His eyes everywhere. Even at every family member.

"Yesterday was my daughter's marriage. Wearing her bridle dress she was waiting for her groom, but one drunkard crushed her groom under his car. Someone shattered her dreams. Someone crumbled my dream to see my daughter happily married. What is mistake of my daughter, whom all the people are calling a jinx. No one will marry her. When people will understand that no girl deserves to be called a curse..!" Mr Murthy a helpless father was asking for justice standing between all of us.

His old voice was trembling with hurtful emotions. He was looking at Aaryan uncle and whole village was waiting for one more decision which will give Punishment to a culprit and justice to a victim.

At one hand I wanted him and his daughter to get complete justice but selfish part of my heart was restless for my own brother's safety. But one thing I was sure about, if the decision is in uncle Aaryan's hand, Mr Murthy and his daughter will get justice surely. He will punish the culprit, no matter it is his own son. The younger son whom he loves the most in this world. Uncle Aaryan uncle stood up at stage and looking directly into each eye, he spoke.

"No one will call her a curse. In my town I wont bear such superstitious things. A daughter can't be a curse neither for her parents nor for the family where she will come after marriage. Daughters are blessings. And about her future, it will be secure. I won't let it be destroyed....!" Aaryan uncle stated with his eyes fixed on all the people gathered in the hall. After thinking deeply he took long breath and looked up towards Mr Murthy, who was waiting for what uncle going to say. Uncle paused for a while as if trying to think what he was going to announce.

"The person who was driving will marry your daughter. He will take her responsibility...!" Aaryan uncle announced one decision which stopped breaths of all people sitting in the hall. Mr Murthy who was asking for justice was looking at him with his wide and shocked eyes. May be like me he was also waiting that first Aaryan uncle will ask that who was the driver. But listening his decision I'm doubtful. Is he really aware that it was Manik, his own son who was driving the car.

Aaryan uncle turned around and after fixing his clothes, he was going to leave the hall when a question stopped him at his place.

"What will be your decision Aaryan malhotra SIR, if that person will be one of malhotra's sons...?" Mr Murthy's words were full of anger and he should be. After all it was about his daughter's life which have been ruined.

"Whenever I will sit at this chair for justice, my decision will be same Mr Tushar Murty. I don't care if that person is from malhotra's family or not...!" Aaryan uncle said without looking back and left the hall.
Aaryan malhotra ki jai.
Aaryan malhotra ki jai.
Once again slogans of his justice echoed in the hall.

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Aaryan uncle from that meeting came home. After knowing that police had Manik arrested, he left for the police station and bailed him out. He wasn't the man who will use his position and name to save his son.

Many times he made tough decisions even when they were against his own family and friends. But I don't know what was the reason he himself went at police station, when his just one call can do anything. He personally fulfilled all the requirements for the bail application. Since the time uncle came back from police station he didn't say a single word.

Just few minutes before all family members were asked to gather in dining hall. I knew and was waiting for this family meeting. Manik still didn't know that Aaryan uncle have announced his marriage to Nandni. I already could feel the silence before the storm that gonna shake the walls of this house completely.

--------------

After waiting for few minutes when all were in the dining hall except Sameer and that one person who was the main purpose of this meeting. Aaryan uncle asked me to go and bring Manik downstairs.

I went upstairs and many times knocked at his door. As expected he didn't answer so I just straight entered into his room. Leaning against his bed he was sitting on the floor.

"Don't you know when I'm not answering it means I don't want any one to come inside. Everything just irritating the hell out of me already so please go away. Tell your favourite uncle that just leave me alone....!" I was taken back for one moment but attempted to try once more.

"Manik get down every one is waiting for you. Uncle Aaryan wants to say something important. Dadi Jan also asking for you....!" this time I used his weakest point. Dadi jan, and now I'm sure he wont say no. I sighed and left him still fighting with his deep thoughts. As I came back and took my chair he stomped down the stairs and threw the doors of dining hall open.

"What you want to say....!" his usual anger was same towards his father. Uncle Aaryan looked up as he was sitting at the end of the long wooden dining table. Dadi Jan glared at Manik to warn him that don't try to cross the line of respect.

Aaryan uncle as usual was calm but I know a huge storm was blowing his mind. But being a politician he had learnt to keep emotions in control and hidden. Mom and Anvi auntie both having worried expressions. Obviously every one already knew about Manik and Elina. But Manik and Nandni, even these both names sound like east and west.

"Manik please sit down.....!" Aaryan uncle said. He motioned towards the empty chair besides me. I could see extremely unpleasant frowns at his face but at the end he sat. Uncle cleared his throat before sitting straight.

"I have decided something even I have announced also. But before telling you that, keep in your mind that whatever I will do it would be best for you. I.....have decided that.........You will marry Nandni.....!" as uncle Aaryan finished, I could see Manik's expressions changed from confused to shocked and then angry.

"Neither it's April nor we playing April fool. If it's your way to joke around, then I will tell you it's horrible. Ok. Now can I leave....!" Manik said looking straight towards uncle. Expressions at every one's face were same. Worried and confused.

"I don't have time to joke around. I'm serious and before you decide anything remember one thing that my decision wont change.....!" uncle Aaryan said, his tone was equally strong and authoritative. I reached for Manik's arm and gripped him tightly. Looking at his white knuckles I know where this conversation going to end.

"You can't do this. I love Elina. I would never let you play with my life.....!" Manik stood up and pushed his chair with such force that it fell down with loud thud. I already knew the situation will get more worse but the sooner Manik will accept the reality the more it would be good for him and his future.

"Manik. Don't you dare to raise your voice at front of your father. I have raised you much more better than this.....!" dadi Jan snapped at him. Disappointment was blinking from her wrinkled eyes. Lowering his face down Manik took few deep breaths like trying to calm himself. After few painfully slow seconds Manik finally spoke.

"I'm sorry Dadi Jan. But I won't let him snatch my happiness once again. Those years before he decided something equally better for us and his that decision took our mother away. I lost the woman whom I loved the most in this world and now his one more decision going to snatch the other woman whom I love more than anything.....!" Manik didn't look towards uncle for once.

Aaryan uncle was completely silent but I could see how Manik's words causing him so much pain. I never said a single word against Ellina but I'm hundred percent sure that she was never suitable for our family. May be I'm wrong but I think what my brother thinks is love, it's just attraction. He will realise this thing when actually true love will come into his life.

"Manik that was just an accident....!" this time it was dad who tried to make him calm. The moment I saw towards Manik, a swell in my heart erupted. He was looking completely torn.

"No it wasn't. If he wouldn't have forced us to leave this town that night I wouldn't have lost my mother....!" since that dreadful night, Manik's love for his father have turned into hatred. There was the time when the same man was Manik's hero, his friend, his everything. But the day he lost Niyonika auntie he lost his father as well. From that day his anger for his own father just increasing. He don't come back home just to avoid uncle.

"You know I loved your mother. I wouldn't have done anything to harm her. If you lost your mother, I also lost my life partner forever.....!" Aaryan uncle said, his gaze was challenging.

"I don't have time for wasting here. There is no way this is happening. I would never marry her. Never.....!" Dadi Jan glaring at Manik but ignoring every eye at himself, he turned around and left. Manik knows very well that he already have lost this battle, but still he won't give up easily.

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