At xyz pub
Mumbai

Cabir:- Manik, have this.

Manik refused the drink politely and said,

Manik:- Sorry guys, I have to drive. So, I can't drink.

Dhruv:- Oh come on buddy, it's my birthday. You have to drink.

Aryaman:- If he doesn't want to drink then don't force him.

Cabir:- I still can't believe it. Her grandma refused the proposal just because she wants her to get married to a South Indian boy. How silly.

Dhruv:- Exactly and I don't understand why she agreed with her grandma?

Manik:- (angrily) You have invited me to celebrate your birthday or to discuss my unfinished love story?

Cabir:- Chill bro. We are just trying to share your pain. That's it.

Manik:- I need to use the washroom. Please excuse me.

Manik went to the washroom. His whole body was shaking in anger. It was indeed a bad idea to come here. Manik thought his friends would help him to lessen the pain but they were actually putting salt in his fresh wound. He washed his face and when was coming out of the washroom someone collided with him and said,

Person:- Oh, I am so sorry.

Manik:- It's okay.

That person forwarded his hand towards him and said,

Person:- Hi, I am Smaran Hebbar.

He was drunk and smiling like a fool. His innocent face was clearly saying that today he had alcohol for the first time. Manik shook his hand with him and said,

Manik:- I am Manik, Manik Malhotra.

Smaran:- Nice to meet you. You seem to be a good boy. Today I am celebrating my last bachelor night. Will you join me?

Manik thought it's better to be with a stranger rather than be with his so-called friends who are making fun of his situation.

Manik:- Okay.

They went to the bar counter and Smaran asked for two drinks from the bartender. Then they sat at a corner table with their drinks.

Smaran:- You know, I am a good boy. But this is the first time I am drinking.

He seemed abstracted and unaware of his surroundings. He is getting married, he should be happy and celebrate this day with his friends but he is sitting in a pub and drinking with a complete stranger. Something is fishy. Manik was curious to know about him so he asked,

Manik:- You are getting married but you don't seem to be happy. Why so?

Smaran:- Because I am not happy. You know, her parents and my parents were best friends. They fixed our marriage when we were kids. We both knew it but now she is saying that she loves someone else. She said that she will marry me but she won't be able to love me ever.

Manik:- How could she do that?

Smaran:- Exactly. How could she do that? I loved her, I loved her from the bottom of my heart but she loved someone else. But I can't blame her. She didn't know that our parents already fixed our marriage. She fell for that guy when she was completing her graduation.

Mank:- If she loves someone else then why is she marrying you?

Smaran:- Good question. She is marrying me because she doesn't want to hurt her parents by breaking their promise.

Manik:- (angrily) You know, every girl is the same. They just know how to play with our hearts. You shouldn't marry her.

Smaran:- I know but I still love her. How could I see her with someone else? At least she would be with me forever.

Manik:- You are blinded by love, that's why you can't see reality. She would be with you but she would never love you back.

Smaran:- Who knows what if she falls for me. Love doesn't have any rules bro. It just happens.

Manik was getting irritated now. He was sure that this foolish and hopeless person is going to repent for marrying her but it's useless to argue with him on this topic because no matter what he loves her blindly and love doesn't follow any rules.

Manik:- I wish you all the best. I have to leave now, my friends are waiting for me.

Smaran:- Hey, wait a minute.

Smaran wrote something on a card and gave it to him.

Smaran:- My wedding card. You have to come, okay?

Manik:- I have a doubt if you remember me tomorrow or now. Anyways thanks for the card. I will try to attend your wedding.

Smaran:- No, no. I don't want to hear any excuses. You are my special friend whom I shared the darkest secret of my life. You have to attend my wedding, understand?

Manik:- Okay, I will definitely attend your wedding, happy? Bye, see you.

Smaran:- Goodbye my friend.

Smaran waved at him just like a small boy. Manik smiled at him and waved back. Then he went to his friends and bid bye to them. When he was driving home he stopped his car seeing the red traffic signal. That wedding card was kept beside him. He thought to open it to see the date and time but when he opened the card he was shocked to see "Smaran Hebbar Weds Nandini Murthy".

Manik:- That means he is the one who is getting married to Nandini? Shit, why didn't I open this card before? I have to talk to him anyhow.

Manik took a U-turn and drove back to the pub. After driving for some time he saw him driving his car on the wrong route. Manik drove his car as close as possible and screamed loudly,

Manik:- Smaran, why are you driving on the wrong route?

Smaran:- Hey Manik. You are back? What are you saying? I can't hear you clearly.

Manik:- (shouted again) You are driving on the wrong route.

Smaran:- (shocked) Is it? Opsy, I broke the traffic rules.

Smaran palmed his mouth as if he had broken the traffic rules for the first time. But it was midnight and luckily there wasn't any traffic police, otherwise he would be in jail by then.

Manik:- It's okay. Now take a U turn and stop the car. I need to talk to you. It's urgent.

He was drunk and quite far from him that's why he couldn't hear him clearly and said,

Smaran:- Why should I take a U turn? My apartment is on that way.

Manik:- You can go that way, first take a U turn and stop the car. You are not in a state to drive.

Smaran took a U turn. Then he had to press the brake but by mistake he pressed the exileter and started coming towards Manik's car.

Manik:- (shocked) Smaran, what are you doing? Stop the car.

Smaran was too drunk to understand anything. He pushed the reverse gear and when he felt he made a mistake he directly pushed the 1st gear and started coming towards Manik's car at full speed.

Manik:- (shouted loudly) What the hell? Smaran, pull the hand brake immediately.

Smaran couldn't hear him clearly and before Manik could do something Smaran's car hit his car. Manik's car banged with a nearby street light and he blacked out for a few minutes. When he opened his eyes he felt a warm liquor on his face and sharp pain on his head. He touched his face only to see blood all over his face. He couldn't move his right hand. Somehow he came out of the car and saw Smaran's car hit a truck. Truck driver already ran away. He immediately rushed there and pulled him out of the car. He kept his head on his lap and shouted for help.

Manik:- Help, somebody please help me. Smaran...Smaran, open your eyes.

His white shirt was soaked with his blood. A large glass piece was pricked into his throat. Manik kept his hand on his chest to feel his heartbeat but alas he was already dead. Maybe that large glass piece is the reason for his spot death. Manik's condition wasn't good, he couldn't handle this mental trauma and fell unconscious.

Two days later

When Manik opened his eyes he found himself on a hospital bed. Doctors came and checked him. They also informed his father that he is out of danger now but a little stress can cause brain hemorrhage. Raj came to see his son and said,

Raj:- How are you feeling now? Is it hurting somewhere?

Manik:- I want to go home.

Raj:- Why? What happened?

Manik:- I am feeling suffocated here.

Raj could see restlessness in him, that's why he didn't request him to stay here. He discharged him at his own risk and appointed doctors and nurses for his son. He was rich and had the ability to do anything for his son. Manik was still restless. Something was bothering him badly. He asked his father to get information about Smaran and his family. He got to know that Smaran and Nandini's parents were coming back from a business party when they all died in a road accident. Nandini's grandma raised them both and according to their parents last wish she wanted them to get married. Manik immediately started packing his bags.

Raj:- Where are you going?

Manik:- I am going to Mangalore. I have to meet Nandini anyhow.

Raj:- Are you crazy? You just got discharged from the hospital. Doctors strictly told you to take rest.

Manik:- It's urgent dad.

Raj:- I can bring her here.

Manik:- No dad. Nandini won't come here at least not now. I have to go there.

Raj tried to stop him but when he didn't listen to him, he sent his friends with him who would inform him about his whereabouts. When Manik opened his car door Smaran's death incident flashed in front of his eyes like a movie. He immediately stepped back as if he got an electric shock by touching the car. He sat on the ground holding his head. Raj immediately hugged his son and said,

Raj:- What happened? Someone, please call the doctor immediately.

Manik was breathing heavily. He felt a sharp pain in his head and started sweating badly. He was clearly having a panic attack. Raj made him drink water and wanted to take him inside the house but he stopped him and said,

Manik:- I am fine, I am fine.

Raj:- No, you are not. I can't let you go in this condition.

Manik:- Dad, I have to go. It's urgent. Why can't you understand?

Raj:- Nothing is more important for me than your life, son.

Manik:- Dad, please let me go. I promise I will take care of myself and my friends also would be there to take care of me.

Raj:- You won't listen to me right? Okay, go. Take care of yourself.

Cabir took the driving seat and drove the car. When they reached there Smaran's funeral had just completed. Guests were already leaving the house. Manik went inside the house with his friends. He saw Nandini's grandma sitting in front of Smaran's picture. Nandini wasn't there. Maybe she was in her room. Manik sat beside her and said,

Manik:- Amms, I am Manik. I hope Nandini informed you about me.

Amms:- (shouted loudly) Don't call me Amms. Only Smaran and Nandini have the right to call me Amms.

Manik:- I am sorry mam. I just want to talk to Nandini for once.

Amms:- You want to know if she still wants to marry you or not?

Manik:- No. I want to talk to her about Smaran's death.

Amms:- It was an accident. What's there to talk about it?

Manik:- It wasn't an accident but a pre planned murder.

Amms:- (shocked) What? Do you know what you are talking about?

Manik:- I have proof. Smaran's accident wasn't a normal accident.

Nandini's grandma as well as Manik's friends were shocked to know that. They thought Manik wanted to talk to Nandini about their old relationship but he came here to investigate Smaran's accident.

Amms:- Smaran never had any enemy. Who would try to kill him?

Manik:- I don't know who wanted to kill him but I need to talk to Nandini. She might know someone about it.

Amms:- Nandini is in her room. Wait, let me call her.

Amms went inside and called Nandini. When she came downstairs she was shocked to see them.

Nandini:- Manik, what are you doing here?

Manik:- Nandini, I need to talk to you. It's urgent.

Nandini:- What happened?

Manik:- Did you ever reveal my identity or showed my picture to Smaran?

Nandini:- No. I didn't even mention your name to him.

Manik:- But Smaran knew me very well and he tried to kill me too.

Nandini:- (shouted angrily) Are you crazy? Do you know what you are talking about?

Manik:- I have proof. After that accident police did my blood test for formality and they found a drug in my blood which can partially paralyze someone. I still remember that day I had a drink which was offered by him.

Nandini:- (shocked) What? Wait a minute. He offered you a drink that means you meet him? When?

Manik:- I met him in a pub.

Nandini:- Pub? He never drinks alcohol then what was he doing there?

Manik:- Smaran wanted to kill me, otherwise why would he go to Mumbai? If he wanted to drink then there are a lot of bars here. He knew I would be there.

Nandini:- Manik, are you sure? Smaran is not that kind of boy. I know him very well.

Manik:- I am sure Nandini. But I think someone provoked him to do it otherwise how would he know about me and my current location?

Nandini:- Who is that person?

Manik:- I don't know but he killed Smaran for sure. We need to inform the police as soon as possible.

Nandini:- You are right.

That day they all stayed in Nandini's house only. Next day Nandini bid bye to her grandma and went to Mumbai with them.

At Police station
In Mumbai

When they informed the police about this matter they also got to know a strange thing. They also did Smaran's blood test for formality and they found drug's high dose of the drug in his blood. Moreover they didn't find the truck driver yet and Smaran's phone is also missing from the location. They already started investigating and got his call details. He got a call from an unknown number and talked to that person a couple of times. That person gave the wrong address while buying that sim card so it's impossible to locate that person.

Manik:- Officer, can't we get the cc camera footage of that pub?

Officer:- We already tried to get the footage but the owner said cc cameras weren't working that day. Maybe somebody cut the wires willingly. Seems like it's a preplanned murder and I must say that the criminal is very clever. He didn't leave a single clue for us.

Manik:- Anyways if you get to know anything related to this case please inform us.

Officer:- Sure.

They came out of the police station and dropped Nandini to her friend's apartment. Then they all went to their house.

Next day
At Malhotra Mansion

Manik's condition wasn't good on top of that he traveled back to back for two days. That's why Raj didn't let him go out. Manik's friends, Nandini and her friends came to see him and they started discussing about the matter when Cabir said,

Cabir:- I am sure that person was present in that pub. First he called Smaran and provoked him to kill you then he gave him a high dose of drugs to kill him.

Mukti:- I don't understand if he wanted to kill you then he could mix poison in your drink and kill you there only.

Manik:- Exactly. But one thing is common in this matter.

Dhruv:- What?

Manik:- That person had good knowledge about drugs and both drugs were mixed in our drinks.

Nandini:- I still can't believe it. Smaran never killed a mosquito in his life, he will try to kill you? That's strange.

Navya:- Manik, when you meet him, did you ever feel that he was angry with you or something?

Manik:- No. In fact he was very friendly with me. Wait a minute, why am I thinking that he wanted to kill me when he didn't mix that drug in my drink.

Aryaman:- Then who mixed the drug in your drink?

Manik:- That bartender. I am sure he mixed the drugs in our drinks. Look if he wanted to kill me by mixing drugs in my drink then he won't believe someone else and drink with him. We both were unaware that our drinks were spiked.

Nandini:- I was telling you. Smaran is not a person who will get provoked easily and try to kill you.

Cabir:- Then who called him? Why did he come to that pub and meet him?

Namdini:- I think that person knew Manik very well. He tried to provoke Smaran but when he met Manik he changed his mind and threatened that person that he would inform Manik about this conspiracy. That's why he killed him.

Manik:- You have logic but if he knew that someone wants to kill me then he would at least give me a hint.

Nandini:- Smaran was an intelligent boy. Maybe he gave a hint but you couldn't get it.

Manik:- He gave me a wedding card.

Dhruv:- Where is that card?

Manik:- That card was in my car.

Nandini:- Did you read that card fully?

Manik:- No. I just read your names, date and time.

Cabir'- Maybe he gave any hints in that wedding card. We have to find that card.

Manik:- Yeah, let's go.

Dhruv:- Manik, you take a rest. Don't worry we will find that card.

Manik:- But.....

Aryaman:- Manik, stress is not good for your health. Doctor strictly told you to take rest. Please try to understand.

Manik:- Okay.

Few days later

They couldn't find that wedding card in his car which was in a garage for repairs. That wedding card was their only hope to solve this mystery but when they couldn't find it they gave up and waited for police investigation. One day Manik was searching for his watch which he was wearing that night. Raj gave him a packet which he got from the hospital. It had his belongings. Like his clothes, watch, wallet and shoes. When Manik opened that packet he found that wedding card in it. Then he remembered that he was holding that card until he fell unconscious. That's why this card reached the hospital with him. He immediately opened that card and there was written "when your best friend becomes your enemy he is as poisonous as a snake." Manik immediately called Nandini and said,

Manik:- Nandini, I got to know who the murderer is.

Nandini:- Who is he?

Manik:- Come to my place immediately.

Nandini:- Okay.

Manik also called his friends and told them to come to his place. When they all reached there Dhruv said,

Dhruv:- How did you get to know about that murderer and who is he?

Manik:- I hope you all remember that wedding card which Smaran gave me that night. I found it.

Cabir:- Really? Did you find anything in that wedding card?

Manik:- Yes, Smaran wrote his murderer's name in that wedding card.

Suddenly Dhruv pulled out a revolver from his pocket. He grabbed Nandini's neck and pointed his gun on her head.

Dhruv:- Don't move, otherwise I will kill her.

Manik:- I didn't mention your name buddy. In fact I wasn't sure that it was you. But you have easily fallen into my trap. Now tell me why did you do that?

Dhruv:- You were rich and popular in our college. I was always jealous of you. When Nandini got admission in our college and made me her friend I thought she loves me. But no, she loves you. I couldn't take it anymore and made a plan to kill you.

Manik:- But nothing went according to your plan right?

Dhruv:- Yes, first Smaran fell into my trap. He was almost convinced that if he keeps you alive then you would never let Nandini marry him.

Manik:- When he got to know about your intention he refused to help you and threatened you. That's why you killed him.

Dhruv:- I had to kill him anyway otherwise Nandini won't be mine.

Manik also called the police who were hiding in the next room and waiting for Dhruv's statement. They immediately came out and said,

Officer:- Dhruv, drop your gun and surrender yourself.

Dhruv:- No way.

Officer:- I said surrender yourself.

Dhruv:- Don't move the officer otherwise I will kill her. If I can't get her then I won't let anyone get her.

Nandini:- I am not a toy to play with. Who gave you the rights to control my life?

Dhruv:- If you want it or not but you will be mine, only mine.

Dhruv took her to the parking lot and put her in a car. Then he sat on the driving sear and drove the car. Manik immediately ran behind them and came to the parking lot. When he opened his car's door Smaran's dead body again flashed in front of his eyes. He started breathing heavily and sweating. He was having a panic attack but he loved Nandini and nothing was more important for him than her. He sat in the driving seat and followed their car. When Dhruv noticed that he was following him he fired on him. But his car was a bulletproof sports car. It didn't take time for him to overtake his car. Manik stopped his car in front of his car and came out. Dhruv also came out of his car and fired on him but his gun was empty. Till then all his bullets were wasted on his expensive sports car. Dhruv threw the gun and started fighting with Manik. Manik also did not spare him. Both were giving them an equal fight when police came there and arrested him.

One month later

Today Manik and Nandini are getting married. Finally Nandini's Amms agreed to get them married. After marriage they took blessing from her and when they were leaving the house they looked at Smaran's picture which was hanging on the wall. Smaran loved Nandini but he never wanted to force her and when Manik said, "you are blinded by love that's why you can't see the reality. She would be with you but she would never love you back. You shouldn't marry her". He decided to sacrifice his love. He immediately pulled out a pen and his wedding card from his office bag and wrote that hint for him. Maybe that's why people say everything is fair in love and war.

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Bye
Nahar....😘😘😘