(A/N: Hi y'all! This is a small update. I hope you enjoy this. Thank you all for your suggestions and support: by votes, comments and DMs! Much love to you all!)

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I was flabbergasted by his approach. We were bold sometimes, but mainly with each other. We didn't do such things in front of everybody. "Are you crazy, Manik? No! Not now!" I shyly clenched his hand, denying.

Did Manik look like he was going to give in though?

"Acchha, we'll go buy something for you!" I was distressed at his pressing intentions to get me stared at! I tried to pull the next best chord that would affect him.

"Sab dekhenge!" Possessiveness was something Manik was just born with. He couldn't tolerate other people being around me as much. He was territorial and sometimes, that's all so cute.

Manik didn't seem to budge to that either though. It looked like he'd made up his mind. He was sure about what he wanted. He just wanted to tease me.

"Raat main aayenge hum!" He winked, pulling me close again. I didn't want to get into Manik's trap. Yet, before I knew it, Manik lifted me off the ground and tossed me into the water with him effortlessly!

I began splashing the water in anger, and helplessness. I didn't like water, because I didn't know swimming. You could say I feared water too, but Manik was there. I didn't have to worry.

I still didn't like that he pulled me into the water. He was smirking, enjoying the view of a upset Nandini who was clinging to him, but also angry at him. He always loved to annoy me, it was something we loved to do to each other.

To add to my troubles, a kid who was swimming, caught onto my kurti while he bumped into my hipbone, making me yelp. Manik was testing my patience with his sniggers. He was having fun. I wasn't happy.

Manik pulled me towards him, his hand caressing my hip. His hand palmed the skin under my waist, gently massaging the affected area. To him, it was just an advantage to touch me. He could feel the heat I felt. He knew how much he meant to me. He was so special to me. He approached my lips slowly and steadily, captivated by them, especially the one round droplet that adorned my lower lip, due to all the splashing. He wanted to relish them, just as much as I wanted to feel his.

He came closer, and closer... and closer until I realized I was trembling because of the change in temperature. I pushed him gently, aware of the people around too. Manik nodded to himself, and reached out to my ear whispering, "Swimsuit khareedne chalte hai!"

***

Life was getting better. We were approaching the end of our semester, that wasn't very exciting. I was getting into class, with Manik by my side. I'd decided to get him to tag along with me because he just wouldn't study on his own at home. I needed to spy on him like a hawk.

He was happy that my mother was quite convinced with the way our parents spoke their problems out. Apparently Manik got scolded for not accepting our marriage was a lie, but Nyonika Mom was very supportive. She didn't misunderstand us like I feared: like my parents did. She just believed though it wasn't a real relationship then, over time, we got real.

Manik was clasping my hand, swaying it between the two of us. It was one of his last days in college and he wanted to spend it with me. I didn't have anyone else too, to be with me so Manik Malhotra had an advantage. I spotted Navya while I approached class, on the corridors. I called out for her and then informed Manik I'd join soon. "Navya, we have to talk." She wasn't in the mood for any discussion. I wasn't surprised.

"You broke up with Cabir?"

"Hmm..." She was behaving really indifferent. She marched quickly into class and took a seat. I glanced between Manik and her, and scooted beside her. I needed to let her know how he felt, maybe?

"Did you check on him, if he's okay?"

"No."

"But why? He loves you." I held her hand, trying to convey how much he cared about her. She just left him hanging, that was what Manik told me.

"I don't know. I don't want to be with someone my parents won't approve of."

"It's not like they won't. You're just assuming." She was triggered with my constant back-answers at her.

"I don't want to be with Cabir, why should I justify it?" There had to be a real reason why she'd call it off, right? I wanted to know that. He was hurt.

"Because he is my friend! You can't just leave him hanging like that!"

"I'm not over Madhyam yet." Really what?

The professor walked in before I could question her any further. She was glad, I believe. I couldn't even go back and sit with Manik, after the man walked in. It put me in a situation of perplex. Why couldn't I see beyond these people? Why did I always believe they'd change and become better humans? Why was I giving them so many chances in my life, my friend's lives?

I felt bad about leaving Manik alone there. He wasn't pleased either, because the next twenty minutes passed with Manik grunting, scowling and rolling his eyes at anyone who seemed to trap themselves by looking at him. He had the power to do whatever he wished in college.

I had to tame the fire I'd ignited. I slipped my rough book out and wore in the corner of the page. I tore the slip, folded it into a chit and sneaked it to be passed to Manik. Manik threw the first chit he got, right at the lecturer! He was breathing fire, as his fingers held the small piece of paper.

"Who was that? Tell me or I'll dismiss the class!" Manik didn't seem to budge. In fact, he was not even bothered to give that man a look. Everyone knew it was him but nobody stood up to confess. I took it on myself to stand up, with my head hung low.  "Nandini? OUT. NOW."

The rest of the day went horrible too. Manik left after first class without paying me any heed despite my constant calls. He was angry, and it was right on his part that he was. It was my fault. I was just holding the wrong people in my life too tightly. I felt like crying when Manik left me. I could understand, I was the one who had called him to class with me. I ditched him to discuss with Navya but I didn't intend to. I'm sorry, Manik.

***

He was driving back home, his actual home, after getting a message from his father. It was rare that Manik's father wanted to meet him. He visited them often but exams season knocked him off schedule. He parked his car right in front of the mansion.

He spotted his father, sitting on the porch of the house, reading an official file. Manik approached slowly.

"Dad..."

"Yes Manik, I've got you a music deal. Look it's really upto you if you want to proceed with it, but I want you to work on your passion. Your music." He said, handing over a proposal. Manik flipped through the pages of the file, studying the requirements and attached with it was an envelope of recommendation. It was what the college had typed out for him and sent over to the company.

Manik was a little upset reading the proposal. "I don't have a band." He stated, in a dejected tone. Dad seemed to be in control of that situation.

"You don't need one. You can work on it yourself. You'll be assigned a team, you just do your part." Manik gave it another thought. It wouldn't be a bad idea for him. He knew how famous he was in the city. He wanted to expand his horizons and reach new boundaries in terms of his career.

Of course Manik always had a backup, his father's business. This time, he wanted to work for what he desired: music. Dad seemed convinced about Manik's interest in the project. He gave him a heads-up. "The audition is in London."

Manik wouldn't generally mind travelling, but it meant him staying away from his familiar circle. He was a reserved man. He took time to get along with new people. Leaving all the people he knew to get into another unfamiliar atomsphere scared him.

"I'll need some time to think."

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(What do you think will happen? :P Let me know below! The long break helped and distracted me from the main plot, so I'm trying to retrieve that. It means a lot that you all are appreciating my efforts. I'm trying my best, and you guys motivate me to keep going. So if you feel like this isn't fun anymore, you can stop voting and commenting, okay? I'll stop then ❤️ Thank you loyal readers.)

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(This is for everyone who wants the story :) I won't leave you hanging guys! But I'm actually thinking of something else. I'll let you know, and you guys tell me what I should do okay? Thank you for your votes and comments! I'm glad.)

Part-2:

The news of Alya being arrested hadn't gone public for a week. Everyone was informed she was sick. She had gone undercover off everywhere. Yet, the news escaped just as easily as it was concealed.

Nyonika Mom had to face the wrath of the media. Her son was in the band Alya played in, so they knew she knew about the issue on a more personal level too. She was bombarded with questions every time she left the campus. The media got uncontrollable eventually that they'd made their way through the campus, harrassing some of the students too.

"Is it true that band member Alya Saxena has been arrested?" Some avoided, some were instructed to avoid, and some put in their inputs regardless of the consequences, because of the limelight. Being in the most prestigious college of the city meant not everyone had a chance to shine to their fullest. These little opportunities were grabbed, and all they did was cause trouble.

"What is the reason?" Nyonika Mom dismissed them, but that didn't stop them. "Can we know what exactly is the problem?"

"I believe whatever information you're unaware of has a valid reason for being so."

"You aren't denying it, so does that mean..." Mukti stepped in, surprisingly, trying to defend her friend.

"That means nothing. She has a personal life too. Let her be, please." Her scowls seemed to help them run away. I stood by her side, with an understanding smile. She never really liked me. I didn't even think she'd actually accept what Alya did. To me, she was Manik's best friend. A drifted best friend, but still a best friend.

Dhruv, lately, had been busy with covering the media too. It was hard on their part. I headed towards them before they departed, adjusting my bag strap on my shoulder.

"Thank you for your support."

"Sometimes, truth hurts but that doesn't mean we won't stand by it." Mukti pat me on my back supportively. She was actually good at heart, maybe; or maybe her heart thawed down on me and accepted me for who I was. Manik's legal wife.

***

Manik was driving back home, a little confused and upset. He couldn't contemplate what decision he should take. Would he have to face his fears or give up and stay in Mumbai, close to friends and family.

I heard footsteps approaching the door. I wanted to make up for the mistake that afternoon. As soon as he got closer, I opened the door, just before he could knock. To my surprise, he looked very upset. My heart broke. I didn't know why but somewhere I felt it was my mistake.

I gently placed my hands on both his cheeks, tilting it to look at me. He blinked, as his beautiful eyes shared a deeper story. My eyelids drooped in an apology. He smiled a little. I reached over and kissed his mole, but he'd taken the opportunity to meet my lips, in a tender kiss.

That kiss conveyed a lot of confusion that his mind had settled to. He didn't know what he wanted to choose. Should he settle for his father's business, and grow in it, in a complacent environment or get out of his comfort zones and face the world with all his vulnerabilities. I let him go when I knew I had supported him.

"Manik, I'm sorry about today." He let out a sigh. It was meant to be a memorable day for the two of us but I'd ruined it in an attempt to get closure from her.

"No, I mean... I was angry but it's okay. What bothers me is why are you still even talking to her?" He twitched his face away from my hands as he said the last sentence.

"I'm trying to fix things between Navya and Cabir." Manik couldn't believe it. He was always skeptical of her. She never gave him good vibes but somehow, nobody really understood her.

"Nandini, can't you see? Her intention isn't to be with him. First Madhyam, then Cabir, all I'm wondering is who her next target is!" I was taken aback by Manik's remark. Navya wasn't like that, I knew her. Wait... did I? She and Madhyam called it off, I don't recollect her being really sad about it. Madhyam and I hardly talk now so I have no way to find out why. Cabir, though, he loved her. I'd seen that.

"Manik, it's not..." I was defending the girl who tried to mess my life up. Why was I trying to protect that friendship so much? Just because I knew her for long, I'd become so reliant on her that I held on, despite everything she did?

"If you still think Navya is just as innocent as it seems, let me tell you... she is not." I was deep in thought. I was trying my best to understand what Manik could be saying. He paused to check my reaction. My straight face assured him I never thought of possibilities. He decided to educate me.

"In fact, she could be one of the reasons why Alya threatened your parents. Like if she was really your best friend, and concerned about you, she would be on the lookout for anything that could cause you potential trouble. Did you see her involve in any of the legal action?" I was beginning to see the bigger picture. Maybe I was actually missing out on some details. I was starting to question myself, my beliefs, my trust... on everyone.

"Navya convinced Alya?" My voice choked as the words came out of my mouth. How? How could I not see it? She always wanted to ruin my life. Ever since Manik was in, she never stopped mentioning how lucky I was.

Could Navya be the actual threat? Was that why she broke up with Cabir, after everything was over, after her mission was over? So Cabir was her way to get closer to Alya? What sense does it make? Manik held my arms, shaking me out of my trance.

"I'm not saying that... I'm just saying, whatever it is, don't go by face-value, Nandini." It was just too much for me to take. I burst into tears. The woman I thought I could trust, could be a possible cause for my separation with Manik. My heart broke into a hundred pieces, yet again, by the same girl. I fell into Manik's arms. He was worried.

"Nandini, Nandini please... don't cry please..." He was hugging me desperately. He didn't want his words to affect me but he was opening me to a world I was unaware of. Why was he so good to me?

"Manik, tum itna kaise sochte ho?" Really, if he could give me some of those brains, I wouldn't blindly believe and hurt myself.

"Why do you think I took so long to agree to that decision, to put Alya behind bars?" And all I thought was how to fight with Manik about it. Guilt struck me. What would I do if Manik wasn't there? I'd be a puppet in the hands of such people.

"And instead of being with you, I was chatting with her." I was disgusted with myself. I just deserved this. I didn't deserve a man like Manik in my life. For all I've done, I was the fish being caught up in her net. Manik was broken too.

"Nandini... tum rona band karogi? I want to tell you something." I sniffed, rubbing my nose on his shirt. He wouldn't mind anyways. I needed to be with him the most.

"Bolo..."

"Look, whatever your decision is... I'll consider it too, okay? I'm never going to hurt you, intentionally, in any way. You've had a hard time with people, and maybe you're afraid now but I'm with you, always. I have your back. Okay?" His words made me cry more. I leaned into his body, hugging him tightly. He was the best husband I could ask for. Not even my parents were one hundred percent with me. Manik meant everything to me.

"Manik, I cannot thank Aiyappa enough! I love you." I planted a teary kiss on his cheek. He smiled in response, wiping my tears off me, as if denying them.

"Now listen... I received a single release offer from London. For the audition, I have to go there." For a moment, my heart skipped a beat. Manik was getting to do what he loved! What could be better? I was over the moon.

"Wow Manik, what are you thinking about? Go na? This is going to be the biggest opportunity you've been given!" His smile softened. He wasn't as happy as I expected him to be. The frown lines on his face reflected that.

"I'm afraid to take it. I might have to go... alone."

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(So what I am thinking of is... It's been long and I've lost track of my story. I'm coming up with new ideas, but they don't blend with the current plot sequence. Also, I've matured along the days so :P So I'm going to try rewinding a few chapters, and then continuing with my new idea. Does that seem good? Hehe! Thank you for your support, babies. Writer loves you!)