8:30 pm, Ginger Tree Hotel, Anjuna, Goa.

I blinked a few times and straightened myself, in order to ascertain if I was hallucinating or not.

Was I really that intoxicated that my mind was playing tricks on me?!

I moved slowly towards the petite figure standing a few steps away from me and finally stood facing her.

I extended my hand to touch her face, so as to once and for all clear up my suspicions and experienced a mix of ecstasy and confusion as I felt her soft and delicate skin under my palms.

"Nandini?" I asked questioningly, still unable to process what was before me.

I saw her expression soften for a split second before it was replaced by that of pure rage! The fire in her eyes brought me back to the present and I immediately withdrew my hand, and moved a few steps backwards.

Shit! She was actually here! What the fuck?!

"Tum yahan kya kar rahi ho? Have you lost it?" I asked, in a tone of mock anger.

"Really? Then tum mujhe bula kyun rahein the? Why the hell were you screaming my name? Huh?!" She asked gritting her teeth.

She seemed absolutely infuriated! I'd never seen her so angry before!

"I wasn't calling you! I was just trying to free myself from you! Throwing out all the unpleasant memories!" I shouted.

Why wasn't she just leaving? I couldn't keep up the pretense for much longer!

"Listen just get lost from here, okay..." I said, again in an annoyed voice.

"I'm not going anywhere before I get some answers, Manik Malhotra! So tell me, what alternative proof has your best buddy Cabir found against Nyonika? Huh?" She asked giving me a passive aggressive frosty smile.

What? Why did she want to know that?!

"That's none of your business!! Are you stupid? Even after listening to all those insults, you've come back here?!" I yelled.

"Yes, I am stupid! Stupid enough to believe the lies you told me! You won't tell me about the proof right, so I'll just call up Cabir and speak to him myself!" She snarled.

She rapidly covered the distance between us, and started frisking me, presumably looking for my phone.

Shit! I couldn't let her get her hands on it! Why was she being so rabid?!

"What the fuck are you doing?" I said menacingly catching hold of her hands.

She struggled to free herself from my grip, but I was too strong for her.

She paused for a few seconds, giving me a death stare. In a swift move she leaned forward and bit my hand causing me to withdraw and belch in pain!

She then continued to search me for my phone, and I immediately took my phone out of my pocket, and held it up in the air so that it would be out of her reach!

She started jumping to try and reach it and I was absolutely appalled at her determination!

What had gotten into her?!

She refused to give up and kept leaping up for it, when suddenly, she lost her balance.

She was about to fall face first on the floor, but I held her hand at the last minute to prevent her from slipping.

"Kya kar rahi ho? Lag Jayegi tumhe!" I exclaimed, unable to hide my concern.

As her eyes met mine, all I could see was immense pain and hurt in them!

Her eyes were shooting daggers at me!

She broke free and pushed me before saying. "Why do you care if I get hurt?! I was just part of your stupid revenge plan, right? Then, why?!"

"I don't care..." I said softly, trying desperately to control my emotions. Her taunts were making me weaker by the minute!

She continued to shove me by applying all her might directly on my chest, and continued her heated tirade. "Mujhse aur apne aap se jhoot bolna bandh karo! Why did you lie to me? Huh? I know that you didn't leak the news about me! I spoke to Chachi! What proof does Cabir have?! Tell me!"

So she had spoken to her aunt! Was that why she had realized the inconsistencies in my story?!

"Answer me, Manik! Why did you lie? Why?!" She continued pushing me incessantly.

I was tired and exhausted! I couldn't fight with her anymore and keep up the sham!

"Fine! Yes! I lied, okay? There's no other proof! And I didn't leak the news! Satisfied?!" I yelled in frustration.

I watched her as she went stock-still for a second. In the next second, there was a new found hardness in her eyes, and before I knew it her fist made contact with my jaw leaving behind an agonizing stinging sensation!

I brought my hand up to my lips, and felt a salty taste in my mouth. Blood was trickling down the side of my chin...

What the fuck?! Did she just punch me?!

*******************************************************

He seemed utterly dumbfounded as he stroked his chin and realized that my aggressive punch had drawn blood from his face.

Upon hearing, his admission that he had lied to me, I hadn't been able to control myself!

However, now that I'd vented out my anger, tears made their way down my cheeks.

The sorrow I'd been feeling ever since that morning began to manifest itself in the form of teardrops, all over again.

"Why?! How could you do this to me?" I asked in a choked voice.

His expression immediately softened as he saw me crying and he made an attempt to speak. "Nandini...I..."

"You, what?! How could you be so insensitive and say all those awful things to me? Do you know all the pain that I've been through since morning?!" I asked, in between sobs.

The sharp pain in my chest had returned once again!

"Nandini...I did all that to keep you safe...I thought you'd be better off without me! I've been through the same amount of pain..." He said with lost eyes.

"Really, Manik? You're talking about your pain...you chose this!" I shouted.

Did he really think that he was justified in his actions?! I couldn't believe how arrogant he was!

"Nandini...maine socha..."He tried speaking up again when I cut him off.

"Tumne socha...you're so full of yourself, Manik! Tumhe lagta hain ki tum sab kuch jaante ho! Tum ek masiha ho na, baaki sab toh bewakoof hain! You thought it would be better for me to go home, so you did this?! Where's my right to choose, Manik? I'm just like a toy! Whenever you want to, you pull me close, and then you push me away the next second!" I said, in a choked voice.

"Nandini...main..." He started to speak yet again, in an unsure tone.

"Ek baar...just once if you had told me the truth...I would've been there for you! I would've tried to help you! But, no! Instead, you hurt me like this!" I screamed in the middle of shedding tears uncontrollably.

I watched as he came closer to me and cupped my cheeks. I stood still for a few seconds as he wiped my tears.

"Nandini...please don't cry..." He said, as tears threatened to fall from his own eyes.

I felt enraged at his words yet again!

"Agar mere aansu pasand nahi hai toh rulate kyun ho?!" I yelled.

"You know what?! Don't touch me! You've lost the right to do so!" I screamed, as I flicked his palms away from my face.

I saw a deep expression of hurt in his eyes as I let out the words.

"Right! I've lost the right to touch you...yahi toh chahta tha main...Congratulations to me!" He said sarcastically, clapping for himself.

I watched with a knot tied in my stomach as he picked up a vase from a table nearby and smashed it in frustration!

I immediately shut my ears to shield them from the crashing sound!

"So what are you still doing here, Nandini? You're absolutely right! You shouldn't let a shitty person like me touch you or affect you in anyway, so why aren't you leaving?! Leave...just like everyone else in my life! First dad...now you...so just leave!" He yelled, infuriated.

I watched dumbfounded as he came close to me and held me by my arms, harshly.

"But before you leave-know this! I only did what I had to in order to protect you! The Singhanias-do you even know how sick they are? They broke off their ties to you just to save themselves from bad publicity! They ruined your reputation...and I helped them do it! They turned the beautiful memory of us singing together into a public scandal! Do you know how that makes me feel?! Knowing that I am to blame for what rubbish people are saying about you?! Do you?!" He said, angrily, refusing to let go of the tight grip he had on me.

"I knew that I had to break into the Singhania mansion to get the recording, and I couldn't take you with me! They're violent Goddammit! Why don't you understand?! I did whatever I did to keep you safe, and if I were given another chance I would do it again gladly! Because I'd much rather bear your hatred for a lifetime rather than have so much as a scratch come on your body!" He said, with a passion that made a vortex of varied emotions swirl through my mind and body.

He paused for a few seconds before letting me go and said. "So leave...then you'll be freeing yourself from a despicable human being like me! Frankly, you shouldn't be surprised...after all I'm Nyonika Malhotra's son! I don't deserve any one's concern or affection! Leave before my darkness takes away all the light from your life..." He said in a softer tone this time, as he staggered backward and knelt down, rubbing his cheek with the back of his hand in an attempt to wipe the tears that were streaming down it.

As I watched him broken before me, I felt as if someone had driven an axe right through my chest!

I hadn't realized until now...but there was an underlying emotion behind his actions. He wanted to protect me...but deep down I realized that he believed that he wasn't good enough for me!

He held such a pessimistic image of himself purely due to his family. They had never given him the love and respect that he deserved...and that's why he believed that he didn't deserve it from anyone...

How could I not have realized this earlier?!

He felt abandoned by his own family, and I was planning to do the same to him!

No! I couldn't let that happen! I couldn't let him feel abandoned all over again!

I immediately rushed to his side, and went down on my knees.

I immediately caught hold of his palms in which he was burying his face, and said softly. "Manik, I'm not going to leave you..."

He slowly looked up at me as he heard me speak, and asked quietly. "Why?"

"Because Manik...you're arrogant, stubborn, and short-tempered, but also sweet, caring and the most selfless person I've ever known. And anyone else who doesn't realize that is a fool! You are nothing like Nyonika! You can't let yourself be defined by your family...because you're perfect just the way you are. And that's why...I...I love you..." I said.

I was hesitant to reveal my feelings to him but I knew that whatever his response would be, I had to tell him the truth! I had to make him believe that he was worthy of love!

I watched as an expression of utter surprise and awe took over his features upon hearing my confession. His eyes never left mine as he processed my words.

My heart fluttered continuously as I met his intense gaze.

After a few seconds, he came closer to my face and whispered into my ears. "Say it again..."

My heart somersaulted upon hearing his husky voice.

He slowly moved away from my ears and stopped until his face was an inch from mine.

"I..." I stammered as I tried to fulfil his wish as he stared at me. "I...love..."

However, before I could complete my sentence, I was pulled by him, and fell directly into his embrace as he smashed his lips on mine.

I was mildly shocked, but the feeling was soon replaced by a tingling pleasure in my stomach as he continued his sweet assault on my lips.

I kissed him back as ardently as I could, and granted him as much access as possible when he pushed his tongue inside my mouth.

I caressed the back of his neck and face in order to offer him comfort and help him forget all his pain as I attempted to do the same.

I gasped slightly, when he picked me up by the thighs in one swift move, and carried me towards a wall in order to gather support.

I immediately wound my arms around his neck and wrapped my legs around his, to balance myself.

He continued to peck my lips softly as he moved. Once he had enough support, he left my lips and started trailing soft kisses down my throat and shoulder, as he gently pulled down the strap of my kurti.

I felt like I had lost the ability to think straight, and I just kept caressing his hair in my trance, submitting myself to him entirely.

I knew that I should have probably stopped him then, but being with him...seemed so right!

When I felt his lips graze against my cleavage, I couldn't hold myself back anymore and let out a soft moan."Manik..."

Hearing me seemed to make him snap out of his passionate frenzy, and he lifted his head up to meet my eyes, placing me back on the ground.

He slowly moved a few inches away and left me panting and craving for his touch once more.

I felt a twinge of disappointment as he said. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that...I lost control..."

He immediately turned his back towards me, in order to avoid my gaze.

No! I knew that he wanted me just as much as I wanted him, so why was he restraining himself? I knew that it was a big step for me to take but I was sure that Manik was the one for me. I'd never felt such intense emotions of love and passion for anyone else, so why hold back?

I covered the gap between us and wrapped my arms around his torso from the back and said boldly, surprising myself a great deal. "Why, Manik? I need you...and I know you need me too...I want to be with you..."

It suddenly struck me that there could be another reason for him to stop...did he still think I was on my period? Because I had stopped bleeding several hours ago...

I hesitated a little but finally said. "Manik...if you're refusing because you think I'm still...down...then let me tell you...I'm not...so we..."

Manik immediately turned around and cupped my cheeks gently as he said. "That's not the reason Nandini...I stopped myself because I'm not right for you! I'm a fugitive, and I don't know how long it'll take to clear my name! I have nothing to offer you except pain and suffering! Loving me will prove to be toxic for you..."

As he said these words, I felt sad that he thought so little of himself! Why couldn't he see how wonderful he was?

"Manik, if I can spend even a few beautiful moments with you, after days of being in pain, then it'll be worth it...you are worth it..." I said, gently stroking his cheek.

"No Nandini..." He began to say, but I cut him off immediately.

I had the perfect solution for his stubbornness!

"Come on Manik Malhotra, for once in your life, take a risk! Or are you too scared to do so?!" I said, in a smug voice in order to taunt him. I had fed his own words to him!

They had the desired effect...his eyes began to widen due to his bruised ego.

"Mujhe toh laga ki tum brave ho...itne mein hi dar gaye?!" I asked, adding fuel to the fire.

That did it! Before I knew it, he rammed me against the wall, and started kissing me senselessly, restraining my hands above my head so that I couldn't touch him.

My wrists were hurting a little bit, but I didn't object. There was no turning back now!

I tried to match his passion, but after some time, I was struggling for breath. His daunting physicality had me quivering.

When my breathing became too heavy, he pulled back and said. "No...not like this..."

He placed his forehead on mine, and freed my wrists. I wound my arms around him in order to steady myself, and he supported me by my waist. My heart was thudding hard in my chest!

We stayed like that for several moments, until my breathing finally became regular again, and he asked me in the softest voice possible. "Are you sure?"

"I've never been surer of anything else, Manik..." I replied, within a heartbeat.

A beautiful smile cropped up on his lips as he said. "Nandini...you are the best thing that's ever happened to me...you don't know how special you are to me..."

He then kissed my forehead gently, sending me into a state of euphoria.

His words immediately brought a sense of peace and delight within me. It wasn't a proclamation of his love...but I now had an assurance of how deeply he cared for me, and that was all I needed.

He then picked me up in bridal style and carried me to the bed.

He laid me down on the bed gently, and placed himself directly over me, supporting himself on his arms.

I closed my eyes in anticipation, and within a few seconds I felt his lips on mine, kissing me as tenderly as possible.

Then, he moved downward and placed kisses on my neck and chest. I quivered as he rubbed his lips directly on my heart, over my top.

I tugged the bed sheet tightly as he slowly lifted up my top and placed a lingering kiss on my belly.

I opened my eyes as he removed my top entirely, leaving me only in my underclothes. I felt shy and insecure all of a sudden, and looked away from him, trying to control my errant thoughts.

I felt his hand caress my cheek as he said. "Nandini...look at me..."

I looked at him hesitantly, trying to put up a brave face, when he came close to my ears and whispered. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen..."

His words made my heart race even faster. They had no tone of flattery to them, they sounded absolutely sincere...like he truly believed it.

And when I looked into his eyes, I knew that I believed him. I saw an immense amount of respect and care for me in those orbs...but above all...I saw love.

Suddenly, I didn't feel scared or bashful any more. I felt protected...and I knew that as long as Manik was with me...nothing could ever harm me.

He slowly unhooked my brassiere, leaving me completely bare and exposed before him.

He then bent down to place wet kisses on my breasts as I moaned his name.

It seemed like he was on a mission to leave no inch of my body untouched by his lips. My breath turned ragged, and I struggled to maintain my sanity.

In between his kisses, I managed to squeak out a few words. "Manik...I...want to...to...see you..."

He stopped for a few seconds, as he removed his t-shirt, giving me a perfect view of his chiseled body.

I trailed my fingers down his chest and abdomen, feeling every inch of his taut muscles.

He closed his eyes as he savoured my touch on his body. My eyes momentarily flitted to the bandage on the side of his torso.

Tears began to prick my eyes yet again, as I observed that it hadn't healed completely. However, I controlled them and leaned forward to place a soft kiss on the wound.

I then kissed his chest, to which he responded by letting out a mild growl.

He kissed me all over again, sending my hormones into a state of hysteria.

I didn't know for how long he kept kissing me, but the next thing I remembered was- him stripping me and himself of whatever garments we still had on.

I was mightily aroused, and he seemed to realize it as well. I just wanted him inside me...

I seemed to be in a trance as he leaned closer and said. "This is going to hurt just a little bit, love..."

And before I could process his words, he made a quick movement and thrust himself inside me.

I yelped slightly, as I felt a sharp pain in my lower abdomen, but he placed his lips on mine yet again to silence me.

Once I had recovered, he started moving inside me rhythmically, and the pain was replaced by a toe-curling pleasure. I clenched my fists in his hair in order to get a stronger grip.

The intensity of the pleasure was building with every passing second until finally-it reached its zenith!

Both of us let out a loud cry in unison as we climaxed together.

We were both panting as we joined our foreheads yet again, to take in the feeling of being joined together.

I gave him the warmest smile I could muster and he returned it with equal fervour.

I had never felt so blissful and fulfilled in all the twenty-one years of my life!

Finally, I knew that Manik and I were one...and nothing and no one could tear us apart! If we were united, then we could handle any difficulty that came our way...because in my heart I knew that we would be together...hamesha...till the stars shone and the fireflies glowed.