Private Jet, Somewhere Above the Atlantic Ocean

Nandini sat tensely, her eyes darting between Navya and the two brothers who had kidnapped them. Navya was uncharacteristically silent, her earlier outburst replaced by a subdued demeanor as she sat close to Cabir, who kept his arm casually draped around her shoulders.

Manik sat across from Nandini, his gaze unwavering, studying her with an intensity that made her feel both exposed and defiant. Despite the fear and anger bubbling inside her, she couldn't ignore the magnetic pull she felt whenever their eyes locked. It was infuriating.

"Enjoying the flight, Princess?" Manik's voice was smooth, with a hint of mockery.

Nandini straightened, her chin lifting defiantly. "Where are you taking us?"

Manik's lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile. "You'll see soon enough."

The jet flew through the night, the hum of the engines the only sound between them. Every time Nandini attempted to rise or make a move, Manik's sharp eyes were on her, as if daring her to try anything foolish.

But Nandini was not one to be intimidated easily. She leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "You think you're clever, don't you? Kidnapping us, pretending it's some grand plan. But you have no idea who you're dealing with."

Manik leaned in as well, their faces just inches apart. His eyes darkened, filled with a challenge that sent a shiver down Nandini's spine. "Oh, I know exactly who I'm dealing with, Nandini Moorthy. The question is, do you?"

Their gazes locked, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to vanish. There was no jet, no ocean, no threat—just them, caught in a storm of conflicting emotions. Nandini's breath hitched, and she knew, despite herself, that Manik Malhotra was not a man to be underestimated.

On the other side, Navya looked up at Cabir, who had been silently watching the exchange. She whispered, "This isn't going to end well, is it?"

Cabir smirked, his hand moving to gently brush a strand of hair from her face. "For us? It might just be the beginning."

Navya blushed, her heart beating faster as Cabir leaned closer. The connection between them was undeniable, and the heat from his gaze made her forget, if only for a moment, the dangerous situation they were in.

Moorthy Mansion, London

Virat Moorthy paced the grand hall of his mansion, his face twisted in anger. His daughters were missing, and he had a good idea of who was behind it. The Malhotras. His instincts screamed it, and now all he needed was proof.

He stopped abruptly and barked orders to his most trusted men, "Find them. I don't care what it takes. Bring my daughters back, and bring me Manik and Cabir Malhotra. Alive."

The mansion buzzed with activity as his men scoured every corner of the globe, but Virat's heart pounded with fear. The Moorthys and Malhotras had been enemies for decades, and now, the rivalry had taken a sinister turn.

Deserted Island, Somewhere in the Indian Ocean

The jet landed on a small airstrip, surrounded by thick, tropical foliage. As the doors opened, the warm, humid air rushed in, carrying the scent of the sea. Nandini's heart pounded as she recognized the island.

"This... this is the island I got for Dad," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.

Manik heard her, his smirk widening as he motioned for her and Navya to step out. "Indeed. Mr. Williams Island taken by you. And since no one knows apart from you, your very own men who got mysteriously killed in a car crash this afternoon, and me. No one will be able to find you here."

Nandini glared at him as she knew that's true since it was a gift for her dad she kept it secret and now that even Mr Williams is dead no one will know about this island. But there was no denying the sinking feeling in her stomach. Manik had outsmarted her, bringing her to the very place she had planned to give her father as a surprise. Now, it felt more like a trap.

"Why are you doing this?" Nandini demanded as they walked along the sandy path leading to a secluded villa, hidden within the island's dense greenery.

"Privacy," Manik answered simply, his tone laced with something more. "And to settle some scores."

As they approached the villa, Nandini felt a surge of anger and desperation. This was her island, her father's gift, and now it was being used against her. She stopped abruptly, yanking her arm away from Manik's grip.

"I won't be your prisoner," she spat, eyes blazing with defiance.

Manik turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "You don't have much of a choice, Princess."

But Nandini wasn't done fighting. She launched herself at him, her hands shoving against his chest with all the force she could muster. Manik staggered back but caught her wrists with lightning speed, pulling her close, their bodies flushing against each other.

"Let me go!" she hissed, struggling in his grip.

"Stop fighting me, Nandini," Manik growled, his voice low and dangerous. But his eyes betrayed him, darkening with something far more complex than anger.

They were close now, too close. Nandini could feel his breath on her face, and could see every detail of his amazing features. For a moment, she froze, her heart pounding in her chest, unable to tear her gaze away from his.

Manik's hold loosened, but he didn't let go, his eyes locked on hers. "Why are you making this harder than it needs to be?"

"Why are you doing this?" she countered, her voice softening slightly, her breath catching in her throat as their faces drew nearer.

Manik's gaze flickered to her lips for the briefest of moments before he pulled back, releasing her abruptly. "Because I have to."

Nandini stumbled back, caught off guard by the sudden withdrawal. She glared at him, trying to ignore the way her heart raced and how her skin tingled where he had touched her.

Manik turned away, walking toward the villa with a silent command for her to follow. Nandini hesitated, her mind a whirl of confusion and frustration. But there was no turning back now.

The Villa

Meanwhile, inside the villa, Navya was trying to come to terms with her own situation. Cabir had been nothing but charming since they arrived, but she couldn't forget that he was a Malhotra, and that he had kidnapped her.

Still, the way he looked at her, the way his hands lingered on her skin, sent shivers down her spine. She wanted to hate him, but the truth was, she didn't.

Cabir watched her closely, his smile turning softer, almost tender. "You're thinking too much, Navya. Just go with the flow."

Navya looked at him, torn between her feelings and her loyalty to her family. But then Cabir leaned in, capturing her lips with his, and all her thoughts melted away, leaving only the sensation of his kiss.

Backside of the Villa,

As the sun began to set, casting an orange glow over the island, Manik and Nandini stood by the edge of the beach, watching the waves crash against the shore.

"You're trapped, Nandini," Manik said quietly, his voice devoid of the earlier sarcasm. "There is no escape.."

Nandini's heart sank as the reality of her situation hit her. Manik had brought her here not just to hold her captive, but there is definitely something more than just her kidnapping.

"How could I have underestimated you so much?" Nandini whispered, more to herself than to Manik.

Manik turned to her, his expression unreadable. "You'll find that I'm full of surprises, Nandini."

For the first time since they had met, Nandini felt a sliver of something other than anger or hatred towards him. It was respect, laced with the dawning realization that escaping Manik Malhotra would be the greatest challenge she had ever faced.

And in that moment, she knew—this was only the beginning.

Lots of Love,

NISHU