After the night Manik malhotra left me on that isolated road and I broken his car my life became little more complicated. Every day I feel someone is following me. Every night when I come back hostel I feel different types of cars stopped at some distance from the main gate. I know it might be my imaginations but my 6th sense always alarmed me that like someone keeping eye on my each step.

Past few days were not very pleasant but at the same time they were tolerable. Baba have gone Italy to join his new job. I'm busy in my studies. Aanya was being more polite and helping. May be she feels deep sympathy towards my poor life. Well I saw Rohan few times and every time he started giggling. This boy still enjoying at the cost of Manik's broken car. I didn't get any chance to meet others. May be they all were busy into their studies as well.

And Manik malhotra, I didn't see him much around but sometimes whenever we came face to face, either it was into library or cafe. Whenever our eyes met, I saw him glaring at me. His dark brown eyes looked more intense, blazing and harsh. Obviously after making sure he couldn't receive any pocket money for next two months and after breaking his car, his anger towards me was obvious thing.

After mathematics class, I threw my everything into bag and stood up to leave for cafe. I was having severe headache and if I didn't have tea I'm gonna die surely. Upon arriving at cafe, I found it extra crowded. As I was walking in, Sameer was going out.

After Abhi I didn't see him. But now when I'm looking at him closely, he seemed not very well. Was he sick...? I know he was still grieving for the lose of his friend but Why I feel he started avoiding his own siblings. Because I saw him always sitting alone, far away from his brothers and friends.

Stopping at front of me when he looked up, he became little shocked. I'm sure he wasn't expecting me. He held that dull look on his face. Dark circles under his eyes and stubble on his face was showing he wasn't in good state of mind.

"Hi. How are you....?" I asked as he brought his those beautiful innocent eyes upon mine.

"I'm fine and you...?" he stated, plastering that same serious look. I can't believe, he was the same boy I liked the most among all his family members. Who I considered a good friend. Who was always shy but smiling brightly.

"Not really bad....!" I tried to give him more friendly smile but there was something in his gaze that I didn't feel easy around him.

"I'm getting late, see you later.....!" he said, interfering my train of thoughts. I wanted to ask him many things but still I nodded my head and had to move at side to let him go.

"Take care....!" he muttered lowly as he found his way out the cafe. My eyes followed him until he was out of my sight. Taking deep breath I turned around and when I was looking for any empty table I saw Manik. He was looking extremely displeased with me. Why he always looks at me like I did something extremely wrong. At huge table he was sitting with his group of friends, Ishan and Rohan. Very next table was occupied by Aanya and her few girl friends. Well ignoring Manik's piercing glare, I went straight to buy me a cup of tea.

Finding a single stool far away from all the tables I was going towards it. Passing by Manik's table, I tried my best to ignore him but then, once upon a time there was one Aanya.

"Nandni where are you going, come sit with us....!" Aanya said as I was exactly between Manik's and Aanya's table. There was no chance to escape from these Malhotras.

"Umm....alright....!" I replied as I complied her request and went towards her table. She smiled at me with those sparkling bright eyes. I sat at the empty chair and direction was best to bear Manik's direct murdering gazes. Leaning back into his chair and crossing his arms against his chest, with his dark and gloomy eyes, he was looking very carefree.

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

After a while, it got too much. I could pretend not to notice Manik, but I was completely aware of his eyes which were constantly following my every movement. My red ears and burning face forced me to get up. I needed fresh air.

I picked my books and bag before saying good bye to Aanya. I could see how she wanted to stop me but she let me go. I turned over my heels and started walking towards the exit. I didn't get too far when unfamiliar voice stopped me.

"Nandni....!" I turned around surprisingly and there was one boy from my seniors. I think he was Manik's class fellow. The sound of my name rolling off his tongue sent very unpleasant waves of anger down my whole body. He smiled and moved to stand beside me. I waited for him to continue very patiently.

"Hey beautiful, are you free tomorrow night....?" I'm sure he didn't know that I was engaged to monster Manik otherwise he couldn't do this blunder at front of Malhotra family.

I was shocked at his advance approach and unknowingly my eyes shifted towards Manik. Ishan and Rohan were glaring at him, but at the other hand Manik's face entirely emotionless. For a minute I just stood there, staring at Manik, unable to fully comprehend what I should say. Then he turned his face to look away. That careless act of his melting dark brown eyes hit me right in the head.

"Why...?" I asked, in spite of being shocked I tried to keep my voice normal. It was first time someone asked me out and that too standing between such crowded cafe.

"We can go for a dinner....!" he said so casually, like we were talking about weather. Instead of replying him I wished to slap him really hard. What he thinks of me.

"Are you asking me to go on a date....!" I asked unbelievably but that boy didn't bother to hesitate even a little bit. Definitely stubborn and insult-proof.

"Kind of....!" after seeing me to jump on the exact point he chuckled. All I wanted to do right now was to teach this boy a good lesson. It's not first time he asked me to go out. I already refused his offers many times. I don't know why he don't understand I'm not a girl to have relations for the time pass.

"Manik....!" Ishan tried to remind his brother that who I'm and what relation I have with him. I could see clearly that how Manik's brothers and sister wanted him to defend me. To claim his relation with me but Manik kept staring down at his mobile. Then he lifted his face up. His eyes bored into mine like daring me to answer that boy wisely. Then once again he ripped his gaze away from me and I noticed a muscle twitched in his jaw. He was gritting his teeth. I pushed that tiny hope away that he would ever protect me.

"So will you go with me....?" he asked desperately waiting for my answer. I wanted to tell every one around that I'm not a puppet of any one. Not even Malhotra's.

"ye...!" I was going to say yes when Ishan jumped up from his seat and rushed towards me. He looked mad. I wasn't going with that boy at any cost but it's just I wanted to say yes. Well ...because I was pissed.

"She won't go. So don't waste your time and find someone else....!" Ishan stated harshly. His already serious features today were looking intimidating. He stopped almost between me and that boy, like shielding me from his unwanted stares.

"And who are you to tell me that. She is adult and might have her own decision.....!" that boy said dryly.

"Listen till now I'm just telling you normally but if you didn't leave I have other ways to make you understand properly....!" Ishan seethed with irritation. I started feeling that situation getting messier so I think I need to come ahead before they start fighting.

"Listen, acctually I'm not free so I think I can't go with you.....!" I tried to end the conversation but that boy was extremely stubborn thing.

"Its ok. Then day after tomorrow or may be later next week....!" he was busy in his own offers when two boys from Manik's group came and stopped at either side of him.

"Hey man, I think our class going to start within next two minutes so let's go. You shouldn't be late.....!" holding his arms at both sides, they took him dragging out of the cafe. Ishan was still stood beside me looking at Manik with disappointed gaze. Ignoring all of them Manik stood up and left the cafe like nothing happened.

This was the man, my father chose for me. He wanted me to spend my whole life with him. He wanted me to get married to this man, who even don't care that how other men approaching me with lustful intensions. He don't care if I have affairs with others or I'm going out at dates. Wao.

When I walked out of college to go back hostel, it was already quite dark outside. The wind battering my hairs. I was so tired that walking fast seemed impossible. I was looking left and right for any cab when once again I noticed the same car, I saw this morning at front of my hostel. I don't know why but now I was sure that I was being watched. I could hear my heart vigorously beating against my chest.

The further I walked, I felt more and more uneasy. Maybe I should get taxi as soon as possible. I started walking fast when I saw one taxi stopped at some distance. This sinking feeling was crawling inside of me.

When I reached, after telling my address to the driver, I tried to sit inside asap. As taxi moved on the road, I looked back and seeing the same car behind, fear started eating me badly. To say I was scared was an understatement. I was terrified of what they wanted and why they were chasing me.

"Please take the left turn....!" I asked the taxi driver. This path wasn't very crowded but it was short cut towards my hostel. Without any delay, I wanted to be in my room. Finally my hostel wasn't very far away when I took deep breath. Just 5 minute more drive. I looked back and my breath hitched when I saw same car very close to my taxi.

I almost screamed when after full speed, that creepy car came at front of taxi. Driver applied breaks and my body was thrown ahead and banged into the front seat. The only thing my brain was telling me that I have to get out of here.

I needed to run. And I repeated it in my mind unless I want to be dead at this road. I came out of the taxi and at the same time I saw a man coming out of that car. He was wearing mask. He inserted his hand inside of his jacket and he pulled out one pistol. Looking at that killing weapon my body started shivering. I need to run. Run for my dear life. I turned over my heels and started running as fast as I could dare.

I screamed loudly when I heard booming voice of gun shot echoed in the darkness but he missed. Oh My God He fired at me. My fear reached its limit that moment. He wants to kill me. Before his bullet could hit me, I shouldn't stop. My chest constricted upon hearing his heavy steps nearing me.

Then he reached closer. That man suddenly clutched hold of my arm and slammed me mercilessly against the wall. Hitting with concrete wall I fell down. Cause of intense pain I felt my back was on fire. He aimed the gun towards me when I crawled back. My hand touched a piece of half brick. Grabbing it, without delay I smashed it over his face. Holding his face, he growled. Getting that chance, I pushed myself up and started running with my only hope to be alive.

I had only been running for a minute before my ribcage started hurting. My head was spinning so badly that I wanted to throw up. My vision was blurry and it was hard to see clear. As I was running through the street, in which Malhotra house was, I heard the fast paced footsteps following me. He was behind me.

Then once again he fired at me but to my luck once again I dodged it. This time a lot closer than before and quickly I picked up my pace. I can't stop. I'm going to make it. I could see malhotra house from this distance. I prayed any guard or gate keeper should be outside. Now my only hope was Malhotra security.

When I was just two minutes away, the sound of gunshot shattering a glass startled me. This time he fired at the street light and suddenly it was completely dark. He did it purposely so that no one could see him behind me. Looking behind, I tripped over one stone and I fell with full force over concrete surface of road. I screamed loudly when glass of street light pierced through my palm.

He fired once again and I screamed. Startled by how much closer it sounded now. I palmed my ears, when I was hearing continuous firing but now it was very close to me. I was screaming, with every ears piercing gun shot. I waited when one of it will hit me, but nothing touched me. May be darkness helped me to miss those gunshots. At this point I even lost the strength to get up from the road and once again run. My whole body was trembling badly, draining the strength out of me.

When I have lost any hope, one hand held my wrist. I was yanked up from the road and dragged behind the nearest wall. Blood from my body came to stop as my back hit against the cold wall with so much ferocity that I did the only thing I could do. I screamed.

He caught me. Now he gonna kill me and I don't want to die. At least not like this. My screaming didn't last long. Immediately a huge hand covered my mouth, muffling my voice. His body pressing me against the wall to stop me from pushing him away. Panic stung inside me and fear erupted within me.

"Shhhh. It's me.....!" leaning forward, a familiar deep voice whispered into my ear and time halted. Only one person can cause the hairs on the back of my neck to go crazy. The scent of leather and rich perfume, ravelled around me, filling my senses. Slowly yet daringly I opened my eyes. Raising my shivering hand, I touched his cheek to make sure, was he really there.

"Manik....!" I cried, my breaths were still heavy as he moved his hand slightly away from my mouth. Manik malhotra was at front of me, seemed so surreal. Never thought that some day I will be this much happy on seeing him. I was actually afraid that this was a dream.

"Stay here....!" leaning down, he whispered lowly. His deep icy voice seemed to snap me out of my frantic state. His shoulders became visibly tensed up when I grabbed the collar of his jacket tightly and pulled him even closer. If I wouldn't have so distraught, I'd be shocked at our closeness.

"Please no....!" I said, sobbing like a kid. I was panicked, afraid of being alone. What if he left me again here. I swallowed my heart back down my throat, as it was jumping out of my chest. It was beating like wild animal threatening to escape from its cage. Then once again he leaned forward, closer to my ear.

"I'm not going anywhere....!" he ordered harshly, but still, I couldn't let him go. He shook his head in disbelief, causing dark strands of hairs to fall over his forehead. Holding my both fists around his collar, he pressed me into wall. Our foreheads touching each other. I could feel his minty warm breath against my face. He was invading my personal space, but I felt surprisingly safe. I don't dare breathe as he whispered.

"If you didn't stop talking we both gonna die...!" he scolded me quietly but at this point I just wanted to keep holding him tight. I hope he wont leave me again.

"There....a man...!" I couldn't speak further as tears fell from my eyes. So I just pointed my finger towards the direction, from where that killer was coming behind me. We both got alerted when we heard the sound of footsteps, slowly approaching us. His usually dark eyes looking alert and more cold.

Unknowingly my breaths hitched when he pulled one gun out of his own jacket. Oh My God he also have gun. Placing index finger at his lips he gestured me to keep quiet. I recoiled back, actually shocked to see him look so dangerous. I nodded my head silently. Still shielding my whole body behind his tall figure he peeked out the corner of the wall onto dark road.

At the same time someone fired at Manik. I screamed but my voice was muffled as Manik pulled me into tight embrace. His hand at the back of my head pressing my face into his chest. Manik fired but every time he moved back to avoid those gunshots.

I was gripping his jacket in tight fists. With every shot, I flinched and sobbed uncontrollably. It was first time, I was caught in such terrible encounter. My legs would have given out underneath me if he hadn't held me. Then every thing stopped. There was complete silence.

I wasn't feeling anything except numb. I felt someone running towards us. This time it wasn't a single person but may be two or three. Now I felt, it might be our last moment. Slowly Manik's hand retreated from my head as he stepped away. Tears were continuing to stream down my cheeks. I was afraid but still I looked up. There were Malhotra's security guards.

"Manik sir, are you ok....!" one guard asked, as they walked up to us. Tension was clear at their hard features.

"I'm fine. He escaped.....?" Manik's question was more like a statement. His words holding a threatening growl behind them. He inserted his gun once again back in his jacket. He moved his fingers harshly through his hairs, definitely frustrated.

"We will find him very soon....! Guard said with determined voice.

"Wh...who was he. A...nd why he was behind me....!" I stuttered, couldn't have the ability to form a clear sentence. Manik looked back at me a little startled, like he had completely forgotten that I was also there. My voice was hoarse from crying and screaming. My whole body was still shivering.

"Obviously to kill you....!" Manik said, his tone back to his usual self. Irritated and ruffled. A man was chasing me with gun in his hands. He was firing at me. That clearly means he wanted to kill me.

"Take her home. I need to make a call....!" Manik said dismissing the topic. I opened my mouth to ask so many things but no word was coming out. Guards asked me to follow them as they were already ahead of me. But I stood frozen.

"Are you waiting for your dear killer to come back and complete his job....!" Manik madly erupted, while dialling a number at his mobile.

"Why are you having gun. Are you in any mafia type thing....?" I asked, ignoring the guards who were waiting for me at distance. Removing mobile from his ear, he looked at me with such glare that I regretted asking this question.

"Are you seriously asking me this question....!" he said harshly I mentally slapped myself. He didn't say anything for a moment but then he spoke.

"Being son of a politician, when so many enemies are hungry for my blood do you think I don't need anything for self defence.....!" first time he replied my question without any mocking remarks. May be fear and helplessness was really obvious at my face. So pushing my curious thoughts behind, I followed his guards.

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

When I entered in malhotra house I saw one guard outside of main entrance. I reached closer, two guards with me ordered to open the door for me. Entering inside first person my eyes caught in the living room was Aanya. Then I found all of them were present there as well. Aanya came running towards me and taking me in she shut the door back. I could see fear visibly at her face.

"Where is Manik. Is he alright....!" Sahil bhaie asked, his face seemed pale like all blood just drained out of his body. I nodded my head and Aanya pulled me into tight hug.

"Thank God. When gate keeper told me that Manik was sitting in his car at front of the house, he listened firing. Without informing us, he ran out of car with his guards. He ordered to lock the main door so that we couldn't come out. I was so scared....!" she said, her eyes twinkling with unshed tears. She was more scared than me. Now I understood how Manik reached there on time. May be he saw me running towards Malhotra house.

"Oh My God. Nandni your hand is bleeding....!" Aanya said, she grabbed my bleeding hand. She took me straight towards the couch. She immediately called Ellie Auntie to bring a clean towel. As she gave wet towel to Aanya, she wiped the dripping blood from my hand.

After a while, front door was opened as Manik entered inside. His all brothers went towards him. They were talking to each other in such low voice that I couldn't listen. But their expressions showing that how it was a miracle that we both came out alive from such dreadful situation. After a while all brothers came towards me.

"What happened exactly....?" Manik asked me while standing at some distance. I saw blood at his shirt. It was definitely of my hand, when I was grabbing his jacket. I felt sick to my stomach. But composing myself, I explained everything, starting from the first time I saw suspicious car at front of my hostel.

"You should tell us Nandni the very first time you sensed something odd.....!" sahil bhaie said as he walked up to me. At the other hand Manik kept staring at me coldly, like it was my fault. Obviously, I had doubt but I never thought in my wildest dreams that they were really after me.

All were sitting in different corners. Manik kept on pacing across the room while I was sitting on the couch like statue. His shoulders were stiff and every now and then he was running his fingers through his ruffled hairs, indicating that he was really frustrated.

"My hand is still bleeding....!" I muttered embarrassingly as all of them were talking about the tight security and that killer. My stomach knotted up when I saw that there was still blood running down my fingers. Blood was my biggest fear. Manik's eyes lingered on my wounded hand for a moment. I tried to bear it but now my hand was shaking terribly with pain.

"Rohan bring first aid kit.....!" Sahil bhaie asked, concern was clear in his voice. He was always this polite to me. When Rohan brought first aid kit, I tensed up. Rohan quickly came ahead with everything needed to stop bleeding. Aanya came ahead and took out antiseptic wipes but I denied to let her touch my hand. I know when these wipes will touch my wound my hand would be on fire.

Manik turned around, slowly walking closer to me. As he stopped at front of me on instinct, I slipped back. His eyes immediately filled with anger at this move but he quickly sitting on the same couch, closed the gap between us.

"Give me your hand....!" he said coldly before extending his hand towards me. At front of his tall and big frame I felt absolutely small and unimportant.

"I don't want these antiseptic wipes. Just give me bandage only. I will wrap it myself....!" I whispered, trying not to show how I was being scared.

"Don't be such a baby.....!" Manik said gruffly. When I looked up towards him he seemed irritated. He's such a jerk. I wanted to yell at him that this wasn't how he was supposed to behave with me when I just escaped from murder attack.

He didnt wait for me as he grabbed my hand. I feel my hand was very cold in his warm ones. His grip was very strong and manly. He didn't give me any warning and placed that wipe over my wound.

"Oww....!" I hissed loudly as my palm burned really bad. I tried to pull my hand away as he kept cleaning my wound. It stung really bad. He stayed silent as he squeezed my hand tightly, to keep hold on it. He looked up towards my face and I regretted to let a tear to escape from my eyes. He placed the wipe back in tray. Aanya hurriedly opened one jar and extended towards Manik. He applied that cream on my cut and immediately, I felt relieving coolness. Placing gauze, Manik wrapped bandage around my hand.

"I hope now you won't cry like babies....!" he said lowly and this time instead of being angry, I felt little embarrassed. I wiped my face immediately looking at other side. When it comes to wounds and bandages, I always behave little childish. Actually it makes me dizzy and nauseous.

"All of you first have dinner then you can do whatever you want to....!" Ellie auntie came into living room. Today morning I had just little bit breakfast but just thinking about food I was feeling sick. My head was still spinning and stomach trying to jump out of my throat. So I refused to eat and lied that I already ate in college cafe.

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

After dinner everyone was sitting in T.V lounge. The whole time Manik didn't say a single word, as he kept sitting at the chair in farthest corner of living room. He was busy at his laptop.

"Ummm, Sameer can you please drop me at hostel....!" I asked him, still I feel he was the only person I don't feel intimidating around him. He suddenly snapped his head up. He was completely shocked and it made me little uneasy. What's wrong with him. Why he started avoiding me when he was like a friend. Then his eyes shifted towards Manik who was already looking at him. I could see there was some silent battle going on between both brothers. But I wasn't sure exactly what it was about.

"Nandni I called dad and tomorrow he will come here. He wants to talk to you about this attack. So please can you stay here tonight....!" Sahil bhaie asked gently.

"But how I mean I have everything in my hostel room.....! I didn't want to live here. Though it was weekend so tomorrow was off from college but still I don't feel comfortable around all of them especially Manik. He would never like the idea of me being here. I looked towards him to know that what he wants. But his stoned motionless eyes were stuck at his laptop. He doesn't care.

"Nandni we are saying for your safety. It is better if you keep doing as you are told.....!" and here Ishan malhotra spoke for the first time, as usual his tone was low but words full of authority. His serious expressions didn't leave any space for further arguments. I just nodded my head, as my throat was restricted, making hard to say anything.

"Don't worry. Everything would be fine. Let's go upstairs. I will show you the room....!" Aanya came towards me, being as understating as she was always.

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

I woke up in the middle of the night, gasping and panting for air. Beads of sweat formed over my forehead and whole body was shivering. My throat was so much dry that even breathing felt painful. Now that murderer will haunt me every night. I wiped my face in frustration with the back of my hand.

Wrapping my duppatta around myself, I got up from my bed and went towards the door. Looking at all the lights off out side, I was sure every one was sleeping. May be it was easy for them to forget it but the whole incident was killing me inside. That fear was suffocating me.

I left the room and slowly went down stairs. I went straight towards the kitchen. Whatever happened tonight made me entirely exhausted and traumatised. Then this nightmare, just sucked my remaining energy as well.

Entering inside the kitchen, I saw a jug of water and glass at dining table. I poured some water and gulped it down instantly. Placing the glass back at table, I sighed deeply. I was feeling heaviness like tones of bricks were tied to my head. I was rubbing my both temples when I felt someone behind me.

When I looked back, I found no one other than the devil himself. I glared at him as inserting both hands into his pockets he leaned against the door. I remained silent. It's not like I don't want to say anything, it's just I don't have strength.

"Miss murthy what are you doing here at the middle of the night....?" in the silence of midnight, his voice was deep yet dark. When I didn't say anything he started walking towards me. I continued glaring at him as my feet were stuck. His eyes examined my face, as he stopped closer.

"Nightmare...?" his one word was the answer of his question and reason of my messed up condition. I felt anger started bubbling inside of me.

"You are the reason of my nightmares. You are the reason of my every problem....!" I shoot back, narrowing my eyes at him. A frown instantly covered his features and I couldn't help but noticed the fire blazing through his eyes.

"You are here alive because of me otherwise you would have been gone hours ago....!" he said, enunciating each word as if he wanted to get this into my head.

"I'm not stupid that I cant understand why after getting engaged to you I'm being attacked. Obviously being your fiance, now your all dear enemies are behind me also.....!" I said, crossing my arms against my chest I glared at him. His lips twitched up into smirk and I was sure whatever he was going to say, I won't like it.

"My fiance....? As far I know, to be my fiance, we both must be wearing rings. But as far I know neither I'm wearing your ring nor I made you wear anything....!" he murmured and the way he eyed me instead of being angry first time I felt nervous. Somehow he was right. He didn't make me wear ring. Infect he left the night we were supposed to exchange rings. Moments of silence passed between us and turning my face away from him I scoffed. I couldn't bear to look into those eyes. Weeks of anger and built up frustration overtaking my mind.

"That's why I hate you....!" I whispered confidently like it was the reality. His expressions stiffened as hatred for me flashed through his eyes.

"Yes you do. And this is how I want you to feel for me....!" he said and gave me the look which ignited my anger. I composed myself and walked past him. After that nightmare, I didn't want to go back into that room. So when I saw one blanket over the couch in the living room, I went straight towards it. Throwing my drained-self over the couch, I laid back. Adjusting my head on the cushion I pulled the blanket over me.

Covering myself from head to toe when I inhaled sharply, I regretted for this impulsive idea to sleep here. Because every inch of blanket was smelling like Manik Malhotra. His cologne was reminding me that I was sleeping in his blanket. But now I won't make myself embarrassed at front of this demon so ignoring that delicious, I mean rooted scent I tried to close my eyes. After few seconds I heard him coming out. Seeing me there and cursing something under his breath he went away. Tit for Tat.

-----------

"Next morning when I opened my eyes from deep slumber I felt much better. My hand wasn't paining like last night. Sunlight was sparkling bright. Little did I realise that last night I had fallen asleep into Manik's blanket. I was trying to get up when I felt someone entered into living room. Taking mobile from coffee table Ishan turned around to leave but he stopped after seeing me awaken.

"Good morning....!" moving his head towards me he spoke in his serious voice. His stare literally like, he was reading my deepest secrets.

"Good morning....!" I replied weakly trying to smile back at him but after everything happened last night it felt so uncomfortable. I felt little embarrassed that I was still sleeping in their living room.

"I'm glad you are still alive after stealing my brother's blanket and his favourite couch....!" he chuckled softly. It was the first time he looked little less grumpy. So I was right it was Manik's blanket but Why he was sleeping at couch when he have His own room. Like reading my thoughts Ishan explained further.

"Its very rare when he sleeps in his room otherwise mostly he sleeps at this couch and why. I don't know.....!" as he finished, my head snapped towards him. So last night I kicked Manik malhotra out of his own blanket. Wao.

"Oh sorry I didn't know...!" it wasn't a complete lie. I really didn't know until I wrapped over me. Taking a deep sigh Ishan looked behind him.

"Don't worry. I guess all are waiting for us in dining room....!" it was hint for me to get up asap and after getting fresh, I need to come into dining room to have breakfast.

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

It was afternoon when Aaryan uncle came and asked all to come into living room. He asked me every little bit detail of the attack. I could see no one from Malhotra family was taking this incident lightly. They were damn serious about my security. My hands clenched tightly in my lap, as Aaryan uncle kept interrogating the guards who protected me last night.

"Nandni now you are family member of Malhotras. You equally need security as all others. So I decided that you will shift here....!" uncle Aaryan said, his words telling me that there wasn't any other option for me. But I answered honestly.

"But sir I don't want to....!" I protested. It doesn't matter that how my life is in danger, they weren't the people I would be comfortable around. Then Aaryan sir just smiled. I became little confused that did I say anything funny.

"From now you are not allowed to call me sir. I'm your soon to be father-in law. So being a father, I won't allow you to risk your life. I cant trust security of hostel. Before sending your baba Italy, I promised him to take good care of you....!" uncle Aaryan explained very calmly. I remained silent, even though there was so much on my mind specially about him being my soon to be father-in-law.

"Uncle I would be fine. You don't need to be worried...!" I said, I knew it was wrong. Completely wrong to stay here. But I knew in this matter I was powerless. I hated feeling weak and dependant.

"No. Here you have to listen to me. Tonight guards will go with you into hostel. Just pack your things and come back. From now Aanya's driver will drop you both together at college and you both will come back together.....!" uncle Aaryan did the exactly, I was afraid of. Me and in Malhotra house. Where I would face Manik day and night. Fantastic. Then Aaryan uncle diverted his eyes towards Manik who remained silent through out the discussion.

"Ishan mentioned something to me yesterday. He said when you were coming back from hospital after seeing your Dadi jan, that night also from hospital a suspicious car were following you. Is this true...?" uncle Aaryan asked Manik who was sitting near the window looking outside. Everyone including me jerked our heads towards Manik and Ishan.

That night he left me in the middle of nowhere because someone was following his car. Was this the actual reason he left me there. But how it is possible because if driver uncle wouldn't have come that night I could have been murdered by any killer. Suddenly I started feeling entirely unsettled.

"He shouldn't have told you....!" that's all Manik could say to his father. He kept looking outside like whatever I just listened now, it's not big deal. I wanted him to say further. I wanted him to tell, no this wasn't the reason he left me there. But he remained quiet, eyes looking straight ahead. I moved my eyes away from him. I didn't like to look at him because he scared me. For a second he seemed exactly like me, angry, tired and broken.

"Yes he shouldn't have told me, infect it was you who should have told me that someone is spying on you. Do you have any idea, your life is in danger and now Nandni's as well....!" the weak person inside strong Aaryan Malhotra began to break down. His voice was tired and shaken. But Manik didn't flinch.

"That's why I send her with your beloved driver. And about me, I don't need your so called security....!" his features were hard and eyes were stoned. His face remained emotionless. I can't believe it. It was Manik, who sent the driver for me. Why he didn't tell me. For a second I regretted for breaking his car but just little bit. My eyes lingered on his sharp jaw, which was clenched tightly, the only sign to show that he was extremely angry.

"Manik why are you so stubborn. I don't want to lose you....!" Aaryan uncle pleaded but still Manik didn't even look back towards him. What exactly happened between these father and son that Manik hates him so much. Now I could feel me and Aaryan uncle were equally bearing his hatred.

"I'm not being stubborn. When your security couldn't save our mother then how they gonna save me.....!" Manik yelled standing up from his chair. His eyes becoming red and hands tightly clenched at both sides.

"Manik that was an accident....!" Sahil bhaie came ahead and tried to calm his brother.

"No it wasn't accident. It was all planned. A murder....!" the way he said that, his voice sounded broken. He gulped deeply before taking deep breath. So he thinks his mother was killed.

"Manik when will you forgive me for the sin I didn't even do....!" Aaryan uncle whispered, looking at his son. For a moment I saw Manik's eyes getting soft as he looked towards his helpless father. But soon he masked those emotions behind his ruthless features.

"If you are done acting like you care, I need to go...!" Manik said while turning his back towards his father. Nothing at the moment was helping me from being confused that why his own son can hate a person like Aaryan uncle. I hate all of this. How I wished to have a simple life instead of being engaged to a politician's son. Who's rivals are not just hungry for his blood but now mine too.

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I don't know how long it's been since I was sitting in the living room. After uncle Aaryan left, all got busy in their own activities. One thing I know Manik malhotra won't make my stay here easy. I kept looking ahead aimlessly, exactly like a homeless and hopeless lost puppy. My life can't be more scattered than this. I smiled, feeling pity on my own self.

Suddenly, I heard a knock at main entrance of malhotra house. Slowly someone opened the door and the person entered inside, reminded me that how there can't be any normal day in my life.

"Manik....!" a soft voice of Elina from the main entrance, stolen the attention of every one. Including Manik all turned around to face the girl who I have forgotten completely. She went out of country to see her parents and now she was back. I was staring at her, feeling entirely ridiculous. My heart speeded up at the sight of her. She was looking as usually flawlessly beautiful.

"Surprise. I'm back....!" Elina came running towards Manik and throwing both arms around his neck, she hugged him tightly. First his arms remained hanging at sides like he was shocked himself. Then slowly he wrapped his arms around her. My blood rushed heatedly within my veins. There was a dead silence that swept through the air.

I snapped my eyes at the face of every other person in the living room and I could tell they were also equally shocked. May be like me they also forgot that their brother had one girlfriend as well, who don't like me either. May be I wouldn't have noticed that how unknowingly my fingers were twisting that shiny expensive engagement ring until I found Manik staring at it as well.

I fisted my hand into other palm to hide that ring, because I felt it's burden was making my self-esteem sink. Manik was looking at me straight in the eyes. I could feel the heat of his gaze on me blazing from across the room. There was something about the way, that intensity in his eyes seemed to suck me in. Now everyone was looking at me with sympathy. I swallowed that embarrassment down. I swallowed the harsh reality that how I was being thrown here and there by these people like a broken toy. And now I'm gonna face his girl friend as well.

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