I was sitting at back seat with Aanya while Rohan was at front seat with Manik. Aanya was continuously chattering about spending night into tent while Manik turned the key in the ignition. Every now and then he was looking back at me through rear-view mirror. I know my silence seemed to unnerve him.

Since the time Manik came back he was looking at me, like he was trying to look deep into my soul. At one hand every thing was crushing my heart but at the other hand I don't know how to tell him about his own family. I don't want to be a person who will start making distances between these relations which are so close to Manik's heart. I won't be a reason to create bitterness between them. He loves all of them so much and I don't want him to get hurt cause of me.

After two hours Manik parked the car at small muddy way, that led through the woods towards a clear ground surrounded by tallest thick trees and a breath taking stream with most clear water. As all were almost coming out of the car when other two cars also stopped behind ours. Taking the bags out of the trunk everyone started hanging them over their shoulders. When I came ahead, looking straight into my eyes manik shook his head.

"You and Aanya go, me and Rohan will bring yours as well....!" he informed me and knowing very well that he won't let me and Aanya pick those heavy bags, following Aanya we headed out into the wilderness of this heavenly beautiful place. This was best camping spot.

A frisson of surprise rippled through me as I saw Soniya also coming out of Ishan's car. Turning my bothered eyes from this gorgeous and sweet girl away, I looked around the clearing. She was a nice girl with attractive features. She knows how to behave and her positive attitude can attract any man. She was perfect but still I dont know why I wasn't able to like her. Someone's presence just behind me, pulled me out of my deep thoughts.

"Are you ok...!" clearing his throat, Manik asked me. Turning around as I faced him, I could see clear concern into his eyes. Nodding my head I tried to smile brightly. I didn't want to make him worried.

"Lets go, we need to help them for setting up the tents....!" I signalled towards Ishan, Akil and Rohan who already had started the work so I decided to play some useful role. Nodding his head Manik and me started walking towards those boys. I could see Aanya and Soniya were already trying to set their own tents while Elina and her minion were sitting far away near the stream. Of course, their manicured hands would be ruined. 

          
             ------------

I never liked camping because you might have face major problem of shower and toilet but this place was unbelievable. Because here we have a temporary toilet cabinet, surely planted for public use. Isn't it amazing and thoughtful for keeping atmosphere clean and fresh.

As this place was surrounded by tall thick trees and a stream of fresh and clear water, so an opportunity to swim into it as well. In simple words everything was perfect. And for a moment forgetting everything I was going to fully enjoy my time with Aanya, Rohan, Akil and definitely with Manik. 

When sun started setting we built a campfire. All were sitting around and were telling random stories about their camping of previous years. At my left side, Aanya was laughing at lame jokes, Akil was cracking. Both were sharing blanket. Place next to Aanya was taken by Soniya. Isha and Elina were sitting exactly at front of me while my right side was occupied by Rohan. Next to Rohan was Manik and then Ishan.

Elina had a goofy smile as her seductive eyes were stuck over Manik. She is definitely helpless and much desperate soul. Surprisingly Manik hadn't asked so many questions, I was seeing behind his curious gazes. I knew he was waiting for the perfect moment to bombarded me with all the enquiry.  

Akil brought guitar from his car and he gave it to Ishan. Aanya asked Ishan to play something for them. He looked little shocked and he refused while pushing guitar back towards Akil. Aanya stood up and coming towards him she sat beside him. She requested so lovingly that after thinking for a while he picked guitar and started playing. For a while shockingly I kept watching him while playing a magical tone. I never knew he was so good at playing guitar. He had magic in his fingers.

Manik's eyes have darkened considerably as I found him staring at me. Under the flames of the fire, I felt trapped in his deep possessed gaze. My heart raced at the intensity burning through his sparkling eyes and warming my insides in an instant.

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

As it was already 2 in the morning, finally all decided to have some sleep. Every one stood up and after changing they all went into their tents. After tossing and turning for a while I came out. I was walking towards Aanya's tent when I saw a figure stood into darkness, facing the stream. After feeling my presence when that person turned around I found it was Elina. She was the last person I wanted to see so turning over my heals I tried to leave but she had other attentions.

"Miss murthy....!" as she muttered my name I stopped but didn't look back towards her.

"I can see you already flying high at clouds. But keep in your mind, for your engagement, there are still one more week. Any one can snatch your soon-to-be-fiance, same like you snatched mine boyfriend....!" her each word was dipped into poisonous rage. I turned around to look at her. I could see how her soul was burning into blazes of anger. Crossing my arms against my chest I took a deep breath.

"Manik is mine. No one, NO ONE can stop him from being mine. And last thing I never snatched him from you. He isn't with you because he was never yours....!" I whisper-yelled at her. My chest was rising and falling rapidly as I was trying hard to control myself.

"Look at your clothes, what you wear, your that boring plan features, and at the end your sassy attitude. All these things aren't enough to attract him towards your fake boring personality...!" Elina spoke while looking at me with those most disgusted stare.

"And you think you're capable of being Mrs Manik malhotra....!" saying those last words, Elina started laughing but I just stayed put. I didn't want to give into my thoughts of just slapping that grin off of her face.

"First of all since I was young I learnt to always dress according to youre culture and be appropriate. Wearing short clothes don't make you classy. Infect presenting your nakedness to all other men doesn't make you any less than a prostitute. Second thing I keep my face plan because I believe in natural beauty. And last it's not my sassy attitude. It's my self pride. A feeling of self respect, that you never felt. And last thing, I don't ruin my dignity by throwing myself at other's fiances.....!" as I finished, the only satisfying reaction was her red face with widely opened mouth.

To slap her arrogant face, I didn't need to touch her. My words did that job more effectively. Then keeping a calm facade, I walked away with my head held high. Because being that close to her, would make me fidgety. Like 'want-to-kill' type fidgety.

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

All of them had much experience for such trips but for me it was first time. Though Aanya told me to pack warm clothes and blanket but I thought weather is good enough that we could use simple sheets. But I was wrong, here night was very cold and making everything damp.

I was trying to get comfortable into sleeping bag but it was so uncomfortable. How these people might be so excited for such nights When you cant even sleep comfortably. I rubbed my face against my scarf and hand bag which I placed under my head while looking straight at the zip which was helping entrance of my tent to keep closed.

Taking my mobile into my hand with flashlight on I opened the zip and came out of my tent. Damn you Nandni Murthy you didn't even bring any warm shawl. Though it was dark, but still lush green of the woods and sweet smell of nature were proving their assistance.

I walked up to the toilets, and to my surprise Elina, Isha and Soniya were already presented there. Looking at me two of them remained stiff and silent but Soniya gave me a soft smile. I don't know if she genuinely haven't any problem with me or she is expert into acting skills. But without responding to her smile I silently went inside and after placing my tooth brush and face wash at shelf I entered into toilet while Soniya entered into other one.

After few minutes when I came outside Isha have gone and Soniya was waiting for Elina to make the sink free so that she could wash her face. Taking deep breath standing in one corner I was waiting for my turn. As soon Elina and Soniya made the place free I started brushing my teeth while both were now changing their clothes into some comfortable pyjamas.

As soon I applied face wash gel over my face I felt suddenly my skin was burning. I hissed uncontrollably and splashed water immediately at my face. For a while my mind couldn't work that exactly what happened with me but as I rinsed all the soap from my face I looked up at mirror and found my skin got red. There was something definitely wrong.

"Are you ok....!" Soniya asked me and I glared angrily at her. I didn't take much time to come at conclusion when I saw satisfied smirk at Elina's face. Picking my face wash up I squeezed gel out of it into the sink and something green paste was mixed into transparent content of my face wash. Throwing my face wash into sink I turned around to face Elina.

"Did you mix something into my face wash....!" I asked Through gritted teeth with low tone and Elina's smirk got widened. At the other hand Soniya was looking between both of us with shocked expressions.

"I don't know what are you talking about....!" as soon Elina shrugged her shoulders carelessly I lost my patience.

"You very well know what I'm talking about. I'm giving you last warning don't try to mess with me. Otherwise you will regret after facing the consequences.....!" now I was yelling at her, hardly controlling myself from beating her to a pulp. Picking my tooth brush and paste I left the washroom. As soon I entered into my tent I threw my tooth brush away. I wish I could have broken something here.

"Nandni, apply this cream at your face. It's suitable for any type of skin rash....!" Soniya's soft voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked at my right side and found her outstretched hand while holding one cream jar.

"I don't need it. Thanks....!" Looking ahead I replied curtly. I know she was trying to help me but I didn't want to trust any one of them. What if again they had mixed something into this ointment also.

"I'm sorry for whatever happened inside the toilets. I didn't know if Elina mixed something into your face wash or not. But you can trust me. Apply this cream, your skin will feel better....!" placing that ointment near me she left. I closed my eyes tightly,  feeling guilty for snapping at Soniya. I didn't know who was right and who was tricking me. Closing my eyes I took a deep breath, trying hard to control my emotions. After a while I took some amount of cream and applied at my skin. It's menthol cooling affect was really magical. I think I should say thank you to Soniya.

After sitting for half hour I laid down into my not so comfortable sleeping bag. For a long time I just kept tossing and turning but wasn't able to get comfortable. Turning over my side I tried to curl myself, to keep myself little warm. Pushing my head up I checked the zip of my tent was closed or not because I was feeling cold air continuously passing through my tent. But after checking I realised it was closed but why I was feeling icy wind against my skin.

After sitting I was looking aimlessly here and there when fast wind blew. This was the time I saw suddenly many small holes into tent as they got widened with the pressure of air. Moving closer I noticed, these slits were made by any scissor. But I was hundred percent sure that before going into toilet, it was perfectly fine. My hands were shaking with anger as realisation came crushing over me. This was the deed by only those evil heads who are really enjoying to mess with me.

Opening the zip, I came out. After seeing all the tents scattered around me were dark and peacefully silent. There was only the moonlight illuminating the surroundings. Slowly I walked up to the second tent at my left side. Which was occupied by the only man I needed at that moment, Manik. After stopping at front of it I kept thinking for a while. But then slowly I held the zipper and started pulling down.

Just after opening to the half I found nothing but darkness and into utter silence a soft rhythmic pattern of breaths. He was sleeping. So feeling all defeated and frustrated I pulled the zip closed. I didn't want to disturb him. I couldn't have behaved like a troubled cry baby all the time.

All were sleeping except me. Wrapping my not so warm scarf around myself I went towards the chairs, still placed around campfire. Sitting over one chair I took few deep breaths, but nothing was helping to calm my raging breaths. I wished I wouldn't have come here. But at the other hand I didn't want to leave my Manik with these witches also.

I unwrapped a chocolate bar and started eating it. I I placed my head back against head rest while closing my eyes. I shivered when I felt, damp cold air was slicing through my bones. Why this night was passing so slowly. I crossed my one arm tightly against my chest while other one holding my half finished chocolate.

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

"Why are you here....!" a sleepy voice made me almost jump over my place. Placing my hand over my chest I gulped inaudibly when I noticed it was Manik stood behind me. There was only the moonlight illuminating our surroundings but he turned on the flashlight of his mobile. Through the semi darkness his tall figure approached me. Firm steps one after other, intimidating but at the same time secure.

"Manik you should wear some bell in your neck. Always make me scared....!" I mumbled, fascinated by the arresting eyes as I kept looking into them. He chuckled and that sound felt so soothing against my ears. Wearing his warm shirt and trousers, with roughly unsettled hairs he was looking perfectly beautiful.

"You didn't answer my question baby doll....!" he once again asked through an enchanting husky voice. Standing at front of my chair, under the light of his mobile I found him looking at me with those haunted eyes.

"Not specific reason. Just came to have some fresh air....!" I stated most lamest excuse in the world but his chuckle proved that Manik took it as a biggest joke. I glared at him and he raised his hands in the air into surrendering pose.

"I figured most of the girls feel too afraid of exploring dark woods alone, specifically in the middle of the nights...!" as he finished I really felt shivers of fright. I was trying to be brave but his words caused the hairs at my whole body to rise up.

"I...I'm not scared....!" I lied while looking around myself. This place was eerie and wind was creating bustling sounds all around. But the coldness and anger had overpowered my all other feelings. As cold breeze blew against my skin I tried to shrink back into my chair. A failed attempt to get some warmth. I rolled the wrapper further down, and took a bite of my chocolate. I licked my lower lip when I felt some chocolate over it.

"Baby doll, don't do that...!" Manik whispered, as he was still looking at me with those familiar passionate eyes.

"Do what....?" I asked confusingly, deep frowns covering my forehead.

"Nothing...!" Having a goofy smile Manik shook his head before looking at other side.

"Do you want to taste it....!" I offered last bite but having that same smile he shook his head in no. Shrugging my shoulders, with one last bite I finished it whole.

"Let me guess you didn't bring warm clothes. Right....?" he stated the fact while inserting his both hands into his pockets. I lowered my eyes, feeling embarrassed. Even Aanya told me to keep warm cloths with me but I didn't realise how extremely weather might be different here. I thought a simple blazer and scarf would be enough.

"I didn't know here it would be this much cold.....!" I replied annoyingly looking at other side. For next one whole minute we both remained silent. I was looking at other side while Manik's curious eyes were trying to read my thoughts. Then I felt him moving closer and pulling his warm hands out of his pockets he palmed my face. He forced my face up to see directly into my eyes.

"What happened...?" he asked softly but making my face free from his grip I looked away. Under that heat of his gaze, I was feeling like melting into mush.

"Nandni....!" this time he called my name like a warning. I huffed annoyingly as I closed my eyes. I know he won't let me go without explaining my mood off.

"I want to sleep in your tent....!" I ordered him instead of requesting and the way Manik raised his fine brows up he looked quite funny but I didn't show any sing of amusement. He slightly leaned his face down, made my heart jump and beat faster.

"Ok, and where will I sleep....!" he asked seriously in a slow sexy voice. I could see how hardly he was controlling himself from smiling. 

"It's not my problem.....!" crossing my arms against my chest I answered carelessly. For a while he kept staring at me but later he started laughing like I was telling any joke. He wasn't taking me seriously and now I really started feeling angry.

"Yeah now I have become a laughing material to all of you....!" standing up I said angrily before turning over my heals I started walking towards my tent. Taking fast long stride Manik held my wrist, stopping me from walking further away.

"Nandni I'm sorry, I wasn't making your fun....!" bringing me closer he held my shoulders and rotated my body to face him.

"Baby doll please share with me what happened....!" Manik asked while his palms gently moving up and down over my cold arms. Warmth of his hands was so distracting that for a moment I forgot that what he was asking.

"Elina and Isha happened....!" Aanya's voice stolen our attention towards herself. With shockingly wide eyes I was waiting what Aanya was going to say.

"First they mixed something into her face wash and now had torn her tent as well....!" keeping her voice low Aanya informed Manik quietly and I felt Manik's grip over my arms tightened. After listening to Aanya Manik's killing glare shifted at me. I was shocked that how she knew about it.

"My tent also have torn. I'm sharing with Soniya and she told me about your face wash. And about tent soniya listened them laughing and talking about it....!" Aanya answered my thoughts immediately. When I looked back towards Manik, all I got was an angry glare. I focused my gaze on my feet whilst tucking my hair behind my ear.  After informing us she went towards toilets leaving me frozen dead with ragging Manik.

"Nandni whatever Aanya said, is it true....!" Manik asked lowly but I could feel anger barely held in him. His question sounded like a silence before the storm. I opened my mouth but then closed it like I lost my voice. I didn't reply, my heart rate simply quickened.

"Nandni I'm asking you something, is it true....!" he asked through gritted teeth. His jaw was tightly clenched as he took a small step closer. To say he was just angry was an understatement.

"Why you didn't tell me....!" Manik asked angrily, making me flinched. Before I could say something, he started walking towards Elina's tent. I felt a bit afraid of his reactions towards her so I ran after him to stop him.

"Manik listen to me. Please...!" gripping his hand into my both palms tightly I stopped him. He glared back at me with such rage that even I felt scared. With full force he pulled his hand from my grip. His chest was rising and falling rapidly, trying his best to control his anger. He was breathing heavily like a hungry beast, who wanted to eat her alive. He gonna kill her.

"Manik not now. All are sleeping. Please leave it....!" I pleaded and to my content he stopped but remained quiet. His jaw was visibly clenched like he was hardly controlling himself from kicking her out of her tent and tearing her bones apart. He moved his fingers through his hairs like battling against himself. Then picking the empty juice bottle from the nearest chair he threw with full force and it shattered into pieces after hitting with one nearest tree.

"Go back into my tent...!" ordering that he started walking towards the area, where we parked our cars.

"Manik where are you going....!" I asked hurriedly but without answering me he left. I kept standing over my place, looking at him walking away with strong and fast steps. My eyes scanned that open dark area around me and I shivered as tonight that crisp cold air was so unforgiving. 

"That is why I didn't tell him. His anger is the last thing I want to face....!" huffing my tired breath out I went towards his tent, which he left open. If I'll sleep into my own tent then till morning I will turned into freezing popsicle. But if I sleep into his tent it will be so inappropriate. These tenets were made to accommodate one person hardly. I couldn't take risk for stepping into such intimidating setting.

"What are you waiting for....!" Manik's low yet firm voice made me slightly jump over my place. I don't know how many times this boy going to give me heart attack. I moved slightly away from the entrance as he dropped one small bag over the grassy ground. Bending down he entered inside and after opening the zip of sleeping bag he spread it like a mattress.

"Go inside....!" he said sternly, he was angry because I didn't tell him. I didn't want to hide it purposely, I just didnt want to drag him into girlish stupid fights. It was so awkward for me. As removing my sandals I moved inside, I found one soft pillow as well. Who brings pillow at camping. I mean there are lots off things we can put under our head. But after all it's Manik malhotra.

Slipping in one corner I sat while holding my knees up against my chest. Kneeling down Manik opened the bag, I think he brought from his car and pulled out a thin but large sized blanket. He threw that blanket inside and placing the bag away he removed his shoes as well. After entering inside he pulled the zip up and as soon entrance was closed pressure of cold wind also stopped. This place which was looking slightly wider now after him coming inside started closing on me.

"I wish I could go back into my tent....!" I was begging into my mind. My hands wrapped around my legs were fisting my trousers really hard. Opening the blanket he threw its one corner towards me, while he covered himself with other half. Moving the pillow slightly towards me he laid back, his head covering half of it.

Turning the flashlight off he placed his mobile at side and suddenly our surroundings became darker. But after a while moonlight, which was coming from the transparent patch in the roof of tent, started making everything little bit visible. From the corner of my eye I saw him laying while placing his one arm over his eyes and other over his stomach. Now he was giving silent treatment.

My body was almost touching the tent wall but still I could feel his elbow brushing against my thigh. I didn't bother to take blanket over me. For next few minutes there was complete silence. Taking a deep sigh, I moved towards the exit to go back into my own tent. Before my hand even could reach the zip, Manik's long fingers clutched my upper arm, not allowing me to further move away.

"Where do you think you are going....!" he mumbled softly into my ear. The way his warm breath fanning against my skin, I didn't need to look back to know he was sitting just behind me. 

"My cold tent is much better than your cold attitude....!" without looking back towards him I stated angrily. Leaving my arm his hands grabbed my waist and forced me down to lay back over the mattress. My head resting over the only pillow we have. He laid back over his side while facing me. In darkness I felt his hand stroking my hairs before it slide down. All the way, his knuckles tenderly grazing my cheek.

"Cause of your anger I didn't tell you. But at the end you still being angry at me....!" I complained while looking at the stars from the transparent roof of the tent. Holding my arm Manik slowly turned me around to face him.

"I'm not angry at you. I'm angry at my own self. It's me who should protect you but here I'm not even aware what's happening around me....!" My heartbeat simply quickened as softest fur covered my icing cold body. His arm tightly wrapped around my waist, and pulling me flush against himself. Selfishly I cuddled closer against his chest. I couldn't ignore that how his body felt so warm and inviting against my freezing skin. My cheeks heated up when he tangled his long legs with mine.

"Kisses in semi darkness or in full darkness....?" he asked into a husky whisper and my body slightly trembled, but this time not from cold. I know him, he won't cross his limits ever but still my heart refused to stop its fast pace..

That darkness was giving such hair rising feelings, where we can't see each other but can feel the sensation. Where just our body language answers for the actions. Where we can feel heartbeat of each other but can't see into each other's eyes. So without thinking twice I answered.

"Full da...darkness....!"I stammered, cursing myself for choosing this to be the time to turn into senseless fool. I know my face was warming but I just wanted to live the charm of such alluring moments. I wanted to live these fearful moments.

"Hmmm...!" Manik hummed in satisfied tone while his lips moved across my cheeks. Placing small kisses everywhere he went down my jawline. He continued to trail his lips down my throat. My eyes closing of their own accord at the pleasurable sensation. He placed a hot, open-mouthed kiss into the curve of my neck. I could feel myself crumbling into nothing but mush in his hands and he knew it..

My back arched into him with the pleasure as he nibbled the most sensitive spot in the crook of my neck. He let out a soft growl at the fraction of our bodies. This simple act of acknowledgement made my stomach erupt into thousands butterflies. I bite back a moan as he began to suck on it tenderly. My hands grasped his collar so tightly as he continued his assault on my neck.

His one arm was under my head, while he placed other hand at the middle of my ribcage. His intense hold was keeping me where he needed me. He caressed my body slowly little down and then up. Each time it moved up I felt my breath caught in my throat. Every time his palm touched the sides of my breasts, I gasped. His hand moved towards my waist when he noticed my reaction and he stopped.

I buried my heated face into his chest, when he moved his hand up slowly. This time he kept his palm pressed there for brief seconds. His touch was tender yet needy. My face deepened to crimson, and heart got wild when he leaned his head slightly down and placed his lips softly against mine. After that every brush of his lips against mine was, tender yet full of demand.

I shivered from the the tingle which was exploding wherever he touched me. Was he trying to kill me by giving pleasurable chills. My hands grasping his shirt and holding it tightly into my fists. After satisfying his thirst he finally pulled himself back but not before placing a soft peck over my now slightly swollen lips. He pulled me against his chest and his warm breath touched my ear.

"You know how much I Love you. Do you....?" he asked softly and still pressing my face into his chest I just nodded my head. He chuckled at my quiet response. His hold was possessively tight as I was wrapped up in his arms. . I didn't dare to protest so closing my eyes I snuggled into him and tried to sleep.

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

Next morning when I opened my eyes, I was alone in the tent. Listening so many voices I could tell everyone was out. Oh damn, now after knowing I was into Manik's tent, everyone will be looking at me with those teasing gazes. And God I really hate those dancing brows with mocking winks. Specially, from Aanya, Rohan and last one most irritating Mr Akil.

Taking deep sigh I pulled my hairs up into loose bun and slipped out of my tents. Keeping my eyes down I went straight towards my tent and after taking a long summer dress I went to get fresh and change. Sky was clear and day was bright, sunny and windy.

When I came back everyone was gathered around stream. It was most beautiful thing here. Ishan and Akil were holding plates, I thing having their breakfast.

"Good morning....!" I mumbled quietly. Ishan was the first one to greet me back.

"Come here princess, dig in....!" Akil said into his usual chirping voice while pointing towards one more plate over the small table. My stomach was already growling so without wasting any time I ate most yummiest chocolate croissant with freshly made a cup of tea. Ishant went towards all others who were playing and swimming into clear water.

"Did you sleep well cupcake....!" Akil asked while nudging me with his elbow. Of course I was waiting for this question. This time I decided to give him what he wanted. Fill him with some spicy information.

"Yup it was quite cold into my tent because any wild animal torn it. But after moving into your brother's tent we couldn't sleep. It was little hot. You know later may be temperature got little higher....!" I replied seriously and innocently but looking at Akil's jaw hanging low I felt I gave him little high voltage shock. After that Akil didn't ask anything more but knowing Elina was listening, I felt much satisfied. Taking a pleasant deep sigh I took a small sip of my tea.

I glanced up and found Manik coming out of stream. Water dripping from his clothes and sticking to his hard steel like body. He couldn't look more attractive than this.

"Sunshine, how shamelessly you are checking out my brother....!" I felt my cheeks heating up when Akil's teasing words brought me back on earth. I glared at him but in response he just chuckled. I looked back where Manik was coming and found his haunting dark eyes already stuck over me.

He winked before walking past me and went to change into fresh pair of some dry clothes. After that we spent almost whole day, while eating talking and exploring this beautiful place.

       
            --------------

I walked towards Manik who was sitting alone over a huge stone near the stream. Sitting beside him, I wrapped my arms around Manik's bicep and placed my head over his shoulder. Unconsciously when my eyes moved back towards Elina, she was burning into blazes of anger. I smirked while tightening my arms around Manik's upper arm, and she glared daggers at me.

"Are not you hungry....!" Manik whispered tenderly as he levelled his head down to meet my eyes. I simply nodded my head into yes.

Then why aren't you eating...!" Manik asked looking down at me.

"Because you also not eating...!" as I finished, without wasting any time he stood up and holding my hand he started walking back towards all others. Manik asked me to sit over the chair while himself went to bring some food for us.

Me Aanya washed dishes in the morning and now it was Akil and Soniya who were going to clean it. All were sitting over chairs and few were at blanket over ground. After filling a plate with barbeques and some chocolaty sweet sandwiches Manik came towards me.

Giving me that plate he sat over the chair placed beside me but abruptly there was pin drop silence when Manik fell down with a painful thud. I gasped loudly while looking at him on the ground. I was too taken off guard to even register what exactly happened.

Suddenly everyone started laughing and now I understood it was their prank. Leg of this chair had broken but they settled it like properly fine. Glaring at Akil and Rohan, Ishan came towards Manik and giving him hand he pulled him up over his feet.

"What the hell was that....!" Manik snapped, sounded annoyed as hell but in response Akil and Rohan once again bursting into fresh round of laugh. This time even I couldn't help myself from giggling but as soon Manik's killing glare shifted at me I looked down over the plate into my hands.

"Useless Idiots....!" he cursed under his breath while shaking his head into disbelief. Pulling other chair near me, Manik sat over it. Controlling myself from not laughing again, I stretched the plate towards him.

"I will see you later....!" manik warned me into such low voice that it was only loud enough for me to hear. I opened my mouth and then closed it like a fish out of water. What.! I didn't do anything, yeah except laughing little bit. I mean his face was quite funny when he was on his back over the ground. Keeping his daggers like stare at me he picked one sandwich from the plate. Without removing his eyes from me he started eating it.

"Come on you both lazy heads, eat fast and follow us....!" Aanya shouted from a little distance as they all went for a walk. They wanted to explore here and there. After finishing my sandwich I stood up hurriedly to run after Aanya. Before I could take one step his hand wrapped around my wrist and pulled me back against his chest. I raised my brows up to know the reason why he stopped me.

His one arm gently wrapped around my waist while other moved up to cup my cheek. There was a smile, that can skip my heart beat easily. I shivered at his touch when his thumb caressed the corner of my lips softly.

"Can't let you go like this....!" he murmured, amusement shining through his eyes but at the other hand I was still looking at him little confused. But as soon I saw some chocolate over his thumb, that I have forgotten to wipe down, my cheeks flamed instantly into embarrassment.  He chuckled before poking his thumb into his mouth to lick the chocolate off. 

"Can I go now....!" I asked him while ignoring that smouldering look in his eyes. I stayed still hoping that he would make me free from his hold to go but he didn't. He tightened his arm around my waist, closing the little bit distance between our bodies.

And cause of his such intense action, that flare in my stomach began rising up including that crazy sensational dance of thousand butterflies also. 

But he simply shook his head, refusing to let me go. His hand moved up and cupped the curve of my neck with his thumb pressed over my cheek. Leaning forward he whispered against my cheek.

"There is some more....!" A pleasurable shiver ran through my body. I inhaled quietly, when in a teasing way his lips sucked the corner of mouth exactly where he wiped the chocolate from. I could feel his smile against my skin, like he knew the effect his simple touch left over me. Having that knowing smile at his lips he loosened his grip, a silent permission to go now. Gulping deeply I stepped out of his hold. Hardly controlling myself from smiling like a school going girl, I ran behind all of them.

Stopping at some distance I turned around to face him. My heart skipped few beats when I found him standing there with the fire blazing high into his orbs as inserting his hands into his jeans pocket he was still watching me.

"Aren't you coming....?" I asked, tried to maintain a calm voice. A voice that wouldn't reveal the fact that my heart was still beating over a thousand times per minute. He simply smiled and then without replying he also followed me.

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

As night started drowning our surroundings into darkness, once again weather started getting cold. It was cold yet pleasant evening. I slowly walked back towards the resting chairs, just enjoying the sound and smell of nature. That silence and cool atmosphere, everything felt so unreal and peaceful. All others were making food for the night.

"Why are you being so annoying....!" Isha asked while throwing a grape towards Elina. I hate when people play with food. Common there are lots of things to play around. But wasting food, what a disrespect of a blessing. But ignoring their useless talks, I took the chair little far away from them.

"I think I need some distraction from unwanted faces....!" I almost rolled my eyes when I listened Elina's taunting words.

"I know which type of distraction you needed. By the way your hot hot boyfriend is also here. You can enjoy make this trip more colourful...!" Isha said lowly, but still was loud enough to infect my ears. This time my eyes got widened but I didn't look up towards them. How shamelessly both were talking about manik like I wasn't even sitting there.

"I know. But for your information, a desperate soul stolen my boyfriend....!" Elina replied through gritted teeth. Though I kept my eyes down over my book but still I could feel her eyes shooting daggers at me.

"Actually I don't want to listen about my brother's sex life but still I want to know how was it. If you didn't find anyone else yet it means he was quite good in bed....?" Isha asked purposely to play with my nerves. And her trick was really working. The mere thought of Manik and this witch together made me nauseous. Suddenly I wanted to throw up everything I ate hours ago. Even though I already knew Manik had some relation with Elina but I couldn't stop the pain that ran all over my body. I wished to fill my ears with burning coals instead of listening details of their sleeping arrangements.

"We both were good. He was addicted that's why since the day we both got separated, I'm sure he also didn't sleep with any inexperienced ugly soul.....!" this time my eyes jerked up to look at them and knowing smirk at their faces felt like a knife, slicing through my heart.

I tried to ignore them but at the moment I couldn't control my anger. Standing up from my chair I went towards both of them. At that moment I just wanted to kill her. Taking deep breath I spoke through my gritted teeth.

"Are you really this much dumb or it's just your acting skills are quite good. Because after seeing that disgust for you into his eyes is quite clearly visible....!" even after trying my best to keep my tone calm, pure hatred and anger was seeking through my voice.

"I might be dumb but not more than you. You might be his play toy at the moment but no one in his family will accept you as their daughter-in-law. Because Manik have lots of girls who have family and good status....!" listening her words a hollow feeling engulfed me. That bitter truth, suddenly made me feel as if someone had shoved a hand past my lungs and mercilessly crushed my heart into tight fists. I'm sure all the colour drained from my face.

If she wanted to make me hurt then she was doing it very successfully. I had lost all the strength and confidence. I lost my pride which was keeping my head higher with self satisfaction. I had neither family, nor higher status. This one bitter truth felt like a slap to my dignity. I was just one step away from breaking into pieces and crying my eyes out. Her every word was hurting me to no extent.

"If spending my whole life with Manik is written into my fate then no one can stop it from happening. Not even Manik himself....!" I spat out angrily before I turned over my heels and left from there. It was getting dark but I wanted to leave from there. I wanted to go far away from all of them. I ran towards deep woods.

Manik never hid anything from me. His past was entirely clear at front of me. But still I felt shattered like he betrayed me. He said he loved me since my first year then how he might sleep with any other girl.

Anger and frustration was penetrating my heart but I allowed it to boiled up inside of me. I don't know for how long, absentmindedly I kept running into the unknown depths of the forest. But when I realised my mistake I found myself stood between dark thick trees. This place felt entirely different. It means I had come far away from our tents. It was already getting dark and every direction around me seemed quite similar. After inhaling deeply and calming myself I decided to go back. It wasn't safe to wonder around into dark woods.

I started walking fast towards the exact direction I came from. But after walking next fifteen minutes I found myself getting nowhere near our tents. My heart started thumping harder into fear. I walked back towards the direction I came so that I could try any other direction, but as more I was walking, more it started getting dark and more that place started looking ghostly scary and entirely unfamiliar. I was so screwed.

I moved in circle to look around me. But soon realisation came crushing over my senses like a thunder that I was lost into dark thick forest and no one even knew where I was. If tonight I wanted to survive, I needed to find my way back before it would be entirely dark. Lost into my fearful thoughts I was walking really fast into opposite direction, when I heard some sound of shuffling.

I snapped my head up looking around wildly and fearfully. Then I felt heavy footsteps making their way in my direction. In fear, I scooted backwards and stumbling over a thick strong root I fell over my back. I palmed my mouth to suppress my painful scream. I needed to keep as silent as possible. Then a tall figure stepped out of the shadows. I shrinked back against the huge trunk of the tree. I curled myself into a ball as I heard him coming more and more closer.

Footsteps came to halt and then I heard the person making his way towards my huddled figure. Wrapping my both arms around my trembling figure as a way to protect myself, I buried my face into my knees. After a few moments of terse silence there was a soft touch over my head, making me scream in fear.

Then slowly two hands touched my arms gently, trying to pull them away from my face. As that person knelt down at front of me, I tried to crawl backwards. Still shielding my face from that unknown person and with closed eyes I tried to push myself as away from him as possible.

"Nandni....!" that familiar, deep voice, pulled me out of my frightened state. I could recognise that voice without any shred of a doubt. I jerked my head up and under flashlight of mobile, I found dark brown eyes with unconditional love and worrisome, looking down at me. 

"Manik....!" I whispered his name like prayer before launching myself over him. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck.

"Thank God you are here. I was so scared. I got lost....!" I inhaled deeply while saying those words lowly. My heart was beating so fast that I was scared it will jump out of my throat.

"Shhh, calm down. I got you....!" Manik wrapped his protective arms around me and pulled me up over my feet. Manik immediately dialled someone's number and told that he found me. I didn't know who was at other side, but one thing was clear that they all were looking for me.

"Come lets go. Everyone is worried for you....!" Manik said and I nodded while still looking down at the ground.

"Nandni how you came here. You should tell someone before leaving. You know how it might be dangerous...!" manik asked gently, knowing very well that I was already in miserable state.

"I...I came for walk a..nd got lost...!" I whispered quietly. At the moment I didn't want to talk about Elina. How to tell him that what was happening with me when not even I myself could understand it. What I will ask him, that why did you sleep with Elina and how many times. Why you are so addicted to her that you didn't sleep with me. I'm really ugly and so desperate. How that every question sounded so inappropriate and most stupid topic to discuss with your soon-to-be fiance. But after going back home I will talk to manik surely. It's enough.

After walking for ten more minutes, finally we were at the stone path which was going to lead us towards our tents. A gust of cold wind blew, making me shiver from the temperature. Without looking at me Manik wrapped his arm around my waist, tucking me into his side.

I shrinked closer in content at the warmth his body provided. We kept walking into utter silence, whilst I took in my dark surroundings. As far my sight worked, I found only a thick and vast forest. No doubt I got lost easily. When we reached near our tents I found everyone pacing here and there around the campfire. I knew every one was looking at me curiously but no one asked me anything and I was thankful for that.

       
              --------------

Manik brought me straight into tent and gave me some time to compose myself. This incident was really shocking and scary one. After being alone for next two hours, I came out of the tent. A big bonfire was already piled up with logs and sticks. All were sitting at blankets around it. As soon Aanya saw me, she smiled whole heartedly.

"Come here....!" beside her she patted empty place over her blanket. I went towards her and as soon I sat down Akil stolen everyone's attention. To listen him, abruptly all the chirping got stopped.

"Guys let's play something....!" Akil announced loudly and all cheered, sounded excited for some entertainment.

"We gonna spin the bottle and at whoever it will stop that person will tell any secret about himself. And whoever had the opposite experience will sip from their bottles. This way we will get a chance to know each other. So all you ready to spit out your deep secrets. And last thing be honest.....!" Akil explained while placing an empty bottle in the middle of the blanket, where we all were sitting into huge circle. This time at my right side was Rohan and next to Rohan was Ishan, Soniya and then exactly at front of me was Manik. While at left side there was Aanya, Akil, Elina and then Isha took the place exactly next to Manik. Akil started spinning the bottle and it stopped at Soniya.

"I don't sleep into day time....!" she described and in response almost everyone drank the juice from their bottles except me and Ishan. I really don't like taking naps during day time. It makes my head more heavy. So now Soniya rotated the bottle and it stopped at Rohan.

"I love girls with long hairs....!" Rohan stated while winking at Soniya and believe me she really have long and most beautiful hairs. So this time every boy sipped from their bottles even we girls also except Elina. Obviously her ego might be hurt. When Rohan rotated bottle this time it stopped at Isha.

"I love riding bike instead of a car....!" I was the first one who sipped the juice from my bottle. I hate riding at bike. This time Elina, Akil and Rohan sipped the juice as well. Thank God I'm not exceptional here. This time Isha twisted bottle and it stopped at Ishan. Cause of his very reserved nature, every one looked more curious about knowing his any secret.

"I can only sleep into dimly light room...!" as he finished, everyone sipped the juice. After saying his secret I found him little lost into his deep thoughts. There must be any reason he don't sleep into darkness. After that when Ishan rotated bottle it stopped at Manik.

"I sneaked into VC's office and didn't get caught by guards....!" as he finished my head jerked up and if it was possible for my jaw to hit the ground then it just did. Seeing that mischievous glint into his eyes, I was sure he was talking about the bet, he won by stealing folder from VC's office. Now he was teasing me for trying to get him caught by guards, but at the end it was me who had suffered.

Everyone seemed little confused and when no one sipped the juice, slowly and embarrassingly I picked my bottle up and sipped the juice. Oh my goodness after that I faced all types of reactions.

"Nandni. Like seriously, you....!" Akil tried to ask me but at the end he and Rohan, both were laughing their lungs out. Aanya and Soniya were smiling but at the same time they were little shocked. Ishan was looking at Manik and then at me with deep observing eyes. And at the end Elina was giving me that stupid smirk I wanted to slap off of her face. With fake cough Manik pulled every one's attention back towards himself as he twisted the bottle. Now it stopped at Aanya.

"I had serious crush over a gay....!" as she mumbled lowly I felt breaths of her all brothers caught into their throats. Their killing stares were digging holes into her.

"What, who, when, why....!" these were the loud words came from different directions and I face palmed. These boys, like seriously. Typical big bad possessive brothers.

"Guys calm down it was in past. As soon I saw him kissing his boyfriend I cried my eyes out and then just moved on. Now come back to the game. Ok....!" Aanya cried out irritatingly, like a little girl. Without wasting time, she rotated the bottle immediately and it stopped at Rohan. As he answered already so she twisted again. Now it stopped at me. I cleared my throat while thinking to tell any secret that won't make me embarrassed because I'm not in mood to face evil smirks of Isha and Elina.

"I never cheated in exams....!" as soon I said, at first there was pin drop silence. They were looking at me like I had grown two heads over my shoulders. Then suddenly they all started laughing their lungs out. Even Ishan and Manik also chuckled lowly while shaking their heads into disbelief.

I was looking at all of them with most perplexed expressions. My confused thoughts were answered as soon each and every one sipped the juice from their bottles. Looking down embarrassingly, I held bottle hurriedly and rotated it fast. It stopped at Isha. As she answered already, I rotated again and this time it stopped at Akil.

"Let me think properly...!" Akil said while crossing his legs like he was going to do most important task of his life.

"Ok I...I...!" he was thinking deeply.

"Can I tell any thing, I mean doesn't matter if it's dirt or not. Right....!" he asked innocently looking at every one. All groaned into frustration.

"What the hell man. Spit it out....!" Aanya slapped his arm annoyingly. Akil can't do anything without creating drama.

"I'm still virgin....!" he mumbled sheepishly while rubbing the back of his neck. At the same time Aanya and Soniya both slapped their hands over their foreheads.

"Like seriously man....!" Rohan groaned into frustration. This time all were waiting just for each other to take the first step. Finally it was Elina who shamelessly sipped the juice while looking straight into my eyes. I felt my insides burning into blazes of rage and disgust.

Then Isha sipped, who earned a real killing glare from Akil like he wasn't expecting that. But my eyes were stuck at Manik who was looking into only my eyes.

There was hesitation, shame and may be regret also. His hand clutching bottle into such tight grip like he wanted to just break it. Then slowly he raised his bottle up and looking straight into my eyes he took a small sip. A sharp pain squeezed my heart into tight fists. Every breath felt like a knife slicing my throat. Feeling thick silence, my eyes moved at every one. But that proud smile at Elina's face was the last thing to bring my patience over the edge.

When everyone placed their bottles down, I closed my eyes tightly. The only things drilling into my head, were Elina's mocking words, her evil smirk, Manik's silent gaze and they both sipping the juice for the deed they both had done together. Without thinking slowly I raised my hand up and don't know why I also took a small sip.

Suddenly there was pin drop silence. Like nothing was existed around me. I placed my bottle down and took a deep breath which I was holding back. My hands were shivering like I had done an unforgivable sin. My heart was hitting my chest walls like a heavy hammer.

Slowly I raised my lashes up and my gaze straight met with Manik to find him already staring at me. Anger, disappointment, shock and hurt, those were the emotions slicked within those dark orbs.

Embarrassingly I was the first who broken our heated eyes-lock. I couldn't look into those eyes. 

I saw Isha and Aanya were looking at Manik with widely opened eyes. But Elina's shocked expressions were more covered into thick layer of jealousy and anger. Rohan was having devilish smirk while Akil whistled to tease Manik. I could see how Ishan was looking away, while trying to suppress his smile.

My cheeks flamed a hot red when I realised what they all thinking. They were all taking Manik responsible for my answer when in real he never even tried to do something with me. My eyes slowly shifted back at Manik, his dark eyes were still stuck at me. The question in them prominent.

I kept staring at him, a fierce jealousy, paired with many other emotions I couldn't quite decipher, blazing into his stoned hard eyes. Then slowly he moved his gaze down and kept watching aimlessly at the ground. He looked frozen like completely paralyzed. May be the shock I just gave him, he never expected it into his wildest dreams.

The anger Elina caused by her harsh yet true words felt much stronger than the regret I was feeling right now for lying. I just wanted to tell her that she have no more place, neither into his life nor into his bed. I wanted to scream at her face that he had moved on. I don't know I was doing right or wrong but I wanted Manik to feel the same pain also, I was feeling right now.

"I...I'm tired. g...good night....!" stuttering those words I stood up over my feet and without glancing back at any one I just ran away. At the moment the only place I could hide from everyone's curious gazes was Manik's tent. Opening zip I slipped inside and immediately closed it. As soon I was away from their sight, I fell over the mattress on my hands and knees.

I was breathing heavily while my heart was jumping out of my throat. Leaning forward on my both palms, I threw my head down. I was gasping hard, but it didn't work as all the air leaving my lungs. I could no longer breath evenly.

"Oh God what I have done....! I growled lowly as I clutched my hairs into both fists. I gulped audibly to swallow the huge lump into my throat. I palmed my mouth to suppress my sharp intakes of breath.

For next few hours Manik didn't came back. My fingers twisting each other painfully, like may be by doing this, that crushing weight of my lie would be feel less heavier over my chest. Slowly I gathered some courage and came out to see him. It was a bright night with full moon and lots of twinkling stars.

After looking for him every where, finally I could see a dark shadow near the stream sitting over one huge stone. I did my best to take as many gulps of air as possible, before walking in his direction. Flashlight of my mobile made my surroundings, enough brightened to see around clearly.  I walked to him quietly

I clutched his hoodie closer to my body which I borrowed from him last night. Trying to suppress the shiver that was begging to run free over my body. Tonight crisp cold air was unbearable, like it was passing through my bones. Open sandals were doing really bad with my already freezing feet. But at the moment I was worried for manik more than my own self. He wasn't even wearing anything warm.

"M...Manik I....!" my voice was timid, he cut my unstable words in the middle as if he knew what I was going to say. But in real he didn't know the truth.

"It's ok. You don't need to say any thing....!" He tried to speak normally but I couldn't ignore the bitterness behind his tone. I swallowed a huge stone like lump into my throat. I could hear my heart pumping hard into my chest.

"Abhi and you were engaged and were going to marry. He had fully right at you....!" my head snapped up with shock to meet his piercing glare. I wanted the ground beneath me to open apart and swallow me whole. He was thinking it was Abhi, whom I given myself. Just mere thought of any one else even touching me, made me feel like a bile rising up into my throat. My stomach turning upside down.

He was angry at me for giving myself to someone else. I looked down, feeling ashamed.  There was a long painful silence as he kept staring ahead at the water of stream, which was twinkling under the bright light of full moon. Suddenly he turned his head towards me, for next few moment, kept looking silently into my eyes. I bite my lip in panic when he abruptly stood up.

Taking steps slowly but dangerously he covered the distance between us. He stopped this close that may be he could listen my frightened loud heartbeats. His tall figure towering above me as he looked down with those dark eyes.

I flinched fearfully when he raised his hand up and slipped at the back of my head. Wrapping other arm around my lower back, he pulled me closer to bang hard into his chest. Curling his long fingers into my hairs he clutched them firmly.

I gasped as he pulled my head down enough to raise my face up. It wasn't painful but hard enough to keep my attention just focused over him, and only him. I closed my eyes, refusing to see the face of this possessive Manik Malhotra. I could feel that something was sizzling between us like flames crackling and we both were burning  into that fire.

"Open your eyes....!" he was dead serious and it caused me to swallow nervously while my heart was beating at abnormally fast pace. He jerked my head like a last warning and slowly I opened my eyes. My scared gaze met with his, which was fiercely stuck at my face. My throat tightened causing my fingers to desperately clutch his shirt over his chest. May be my trembling body and frightened eyes, forced his expressions to slightly soften. Leaning forward, he pressed his forehead against mine and mumbled lowly.

"But NOW when you are MINE, if even in your dreams you thought about any one else, I will kill you with my bare hands....!" his words were more like a whisper but his gaze so cold and emotionless that it caused me shiver in pure fear.

Just by talking about someone else with me, I could notice how his deep eyes darkening with unimaginable rage. I disappointed him. But he didn't know, he was the first one whom I allowed to come this closer to me. I was pure and clean. I just lied to kick Elina's guts and to tell him that I wasn't his first, same like he wasn't mine. 

I gasped loudly as leaving my hairs his arm moved down, behind my knees and he picked me up into bridle style. Not for once looking down at me he walked towards his tent. He removed his shoes with the help of his feet. The tip of his nose touched my cleavage as he leaned his tall figure down to enter the tent. Kneeling down carefully he placed me over the mattress. Laying straight over my back I entwined my both hands over my stomach.

Sitting beside me he removed his jumper and throwing towards his feet he also laid back over the same pillow. Slowly I raised my body up into sitting position, ignoring his questioning gaze over me.

With shaking hands I removed my sandals and opening the zip I placed it out of the tent. Slowly closing it, I didn't even settled back over my place when he switched off the torch, which was placed above our pillow. Turning over his stomach he faced other side. Shifting over my side and slowly facing my back towards him, I pulled my knees up against my chest.

While closing my eyes tightly, I shook my head as if to snap myself out of the shock my mind was still preoccupied itself with. I didn't dare to look back at him. Curling into a ball I covered myself from head to toe. I tired to keep myself as closer to the tent wall as possible. Disturbing his sleep was the last thing I wanted to do tonight.

He was angry and why he shouldn't be. I spent just few days with Abhi and according to him, how easily I given myself to him. But here with Manik, what didn't he do for me but I never even let him think beyond a simple kiss. Even when in start he kissed me I avoided him for almost two months. Why he won't feel insecure and angry. He should be angry at me. I deserve this. But I don't know why his silence was killing me.

I flinched really badly as he changed his position. I didn't need to look back to know that now he was facing my back. Because I could feel him slightly pressed against my back side and his warm breaths against my shoulder. Cause of his closeness heat was creeping up my entire body. I don't know he was in deep sleep or purposely moved closer for letting me rob some warmth from him. 

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

Next morning when I woke up I was alone into tent. After getting fresh and having breakfast, all the tents have been folded and except our shoulder bags every thing have been placed already into cars. During all this time every one was as carefree and excited as they were last night except Manik. Who was completely silent. Dark circles under his eyes were showing like last night he didn't sleep for a single second.

Soon cars were on their way back home. Me and Soniya were at back seat while passenger seat was taken by Aanya and Manik was driving the car. Manik was rubbing his face again and again like trying hard to keep himself awake.

"Manik if you are tired let me drive now...!" Soniya asked as she noticed his condition.

"I'm fine. Thank you....!" Manik simply refused her offer. After the drive of half hour more suddenly Manik stopped the car at the road side. I noticed how he didn't turn off the ignition. He just sat there, like completely lost into his own world. Then he threw his forehead against the steering wheel and took long deep breath. Soniya came out of the car and opened the door of driving seat.

"Come out. We want to reach home into single piece....!" Soniya chuckled, waiting patiently for him to come out. This time Manik didn't say anything and after opening seat belt silently he came out of the car.

My heart quickened when he opened the door of back seat and without glancing towards me he slipped inside. Unconsciously I shrinked into the corner, anxiety making a complete mess out of me. Looking down, I pushed the loose strand behind my ear. A simple gesture to compose my trembling insides.

Car once again was pulled over the road to continue the remaining long journey. I flinched unconsciously whenever I felt slightly movement beside me. My both hands were sweaty cold and tightly entwined with each other.

I was looking outside of the window when I felt a soft touch over my hands, which were placed into my lap. My heartbeat almost stopped when his large hand enclosed itself around my fists and gave warm squeeze. Gulping deeply, and after mustering enough courage I twisted my head around so that I could see him.

Placing his head over headrest of the seat, his tired sleepy eyes were already stuck at me. He smiled lazily before closing his eyes and placing our entwined hands into his lap. I felt like he was scared that during his sleep I will get vanished into thin air. He looked miserable, and once again guilt torn through my heart. But his simple gesture brought unshed tears into my eyes.

How I couldn't fall in love with this man who can't even be angry at me for long time. And that simple realisation that I really have fallen in love with Manik Malhotra, forced those frozen tears to melt completely as they fell shamelessly over my cheeks.

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