11:50 pm, 24th February, Galaxy Villa, Madh Island, Mumbai.

I walked into the villa, while contemplating the events of the evening. I was definitely relieved that nothing had happened to Jeff. She was safe and hopefully, she'd even come to comfortable terms with herself and her sexual orientation, as time passed. The more I thought about it, the more I realised that I couldn't have reeled Jeff in without Nandini's help. She might've complimented me for the first time tonight, but she was equally deserving of the credit...

A day or two ago, I would've rejoiced at her words. I usually did get a kick out of women who played hard to get and later started to enjoy my company. Off late, however, the fact that she already had a boyfriend and wished to be eliminated seemed all the more annoying. I almost got a perverse pleasure of sorts when Mukti picked Nandini as the contestant who'd be safe from elimination.

Did I want her to stay just because I didn't want to be the only one trapped in here against my will? Or was it something else?

"Quite a night, we've had." A snarky remark made me snap out of my thoughts.

I turned around and sighed when I saw Inaaya standing behind me.

I frowned slightly as I answered. "Indeed it has been. So, let's just sleep on it, shall we? I'm tired."

"The girls aren't stupid you know. They're going to put two and two together eventually and find out what happened with Jeff." She said with a smirk.

I grew slightly nervous at her statement. I'd promised Jeff that I'd conceal her secret to the best of my abilities. And that meant protecting her from the other contestants as well.

"What happened with Jeff was just an accident...she had too much to drink and she grew upset. People end up crying all the time when they're sloshed. It's nothing unusual." I said, casually.

"Manik, you're going to have to cook up better stories if you want to keep the incident under wraps. It's glaringly obvious that something transpired between Jeff and Mukti. And that girl Jeff, is clearly in denial..." Inaaya said, confirming my fears.

I suppressed the rising panic within me and said through gritted teeth. "Well, since you've refrained from blabbing to the girls, I'm assuming you're not going to. What is it you want?"

"You know, when I signed the contract, I'd really imagined that Alya would be the biggest problem. You were clearly not over her. That was pretty obvious...but as more time passed, I realised that Nandini is the true culprit. It's her I've got to be worried about." Inaaya said with a smirk, as she leaned against the wall.

"That's utter rubbish. I told you. I was just acting for the cameras. I'm just trying to get back at her for the insults she dished out to me on day one." I declared, even though I knew that I'd abandoned that agenda long ago without even realising it.

"More lies. Are you really that oblivious? Didn't you see everyone's face at the beach? The contestants are jealous, Manik. And it's making them insecure. Me on the other hand, I don't give a fuck, as long as I get my money. So, let me ask you, do you still intend on going through with the contract? Because the amount of attention you're giving me on screen right now isn't going to convince the public in the slightest that we're in love." Inaaya said in a pragmatic voice.

"Of course I still want the deal. I won't let my father steamroll over my life so easily." I said with clenched fists.

"That's good then. You'll have no problem signing the contract and sending it over to my lawyers for a quick review by tomorrow evening. Or else I might just decide to gossip with the girls about the incident with Jeff..." Inaaya said cheekily, making my blood boil.

"There's no need for that. You'll have the contract soon." I said determinedly, giving her a nasty look.

"That's good to hear, my soon to be fake fiancée!" She said in a mock cheerful tone, as she came closer and pecked me on the lips, seductively.

I was beyond irritated with her and held her back at once, grabbing her wrists rather roughly. "Like I said, it's strictly business between us. You'll have your contract by tomorrow evening."

I let go of her wrists with a jerk. She looked at me for a few seconds as if her pride had been hurt, but snapped out of it soon after.

"Goodnight then." She hissed.

"Goodnight." I said with a fake smile pasted on my face.

As she walked away, a frightening realisation hit me out of the blue.

"Inaaya, if you knew about Jeff...did you send the cameraman inside the bathroom?" I asked, as my temper started to rise with each passing second.

She turned around and said after an agonizingly long pause. "You're a bright boy. I'm sure you'll put two and two together soon as well."

She walked away immediately after giving me little time to respond.

I huffed in frustration and bumped my uninjured fist against the wall.

I walked to my room and pulled out the contract from my drawer in a hurry. I fumbled around for a spare pen and finally found one on the coffee table near the verandah.

As soon as I sat down on the couch, and tried to sign the document, there was a slight hesitation within me.

If Inaaya truly had planned the incident with Jeff, I knew that I didn't want to enter into any sort of business deal with her. However, I realised that I was out of options at this point. Flashes of the argument that I'd had with Mr. Malhotra came back to me, and I finally found the strength I needed to sign the little piece of paper.

I sighed as I looked at the contract. The very papers which had earlier seemed like a source of liberation now seemed like forceful shackles on my freedom. But I knew that if I had to beat my father at his own game, I'd have to look at it as the former.

*****

8: 45 am, 25th February, Galaxy Villa.

I stretched my arms as soon as I stepped out of the villa and stifled a yawn. I'd barely slept last night due to the thoughts and doubts that had kept cluttering my mind for hours together. Unfortunately, the shoot was to start particularly early today, meaning that I couldn't even sleep in late. Day by day, this posh villa was growing increasingly torturous. However, I knew Mukti was going to leave the villa along with Jeff fairly early in the morning and I didn't want to miss out on saying goodbye to them.

"Just another few days, Manik. After that, you're done." I whispered to myself, as a consolation.

"Someone's up early. Come to see us off?" Mukti's voice alerted me of her presence.

I smiled slightly as I turned around to face her and spotted Jeff by her side.

"Nah. It's an early shoot today. That's the only reason I'm up." I lied.

"LOL. Save this story for that chomu manager of yours." Mukti said, rolling her eyes.

Jeff chuckled slightly at Mukti's words and I was happy to see that she was in high spirits this morning.

"How're you feeling Jeff?" I asked instinctively.

"Good, I guess. And oddly...light." She said with a sheepish smile.

"That's great to hear. I'm really sad to see you leave, Jeff. But I know you'll just kill it at your journalism degree!" I said.

"I know I will! And thank you so much for everything!" Jeff said cheerfully, as she wrapped her hands around me and pulled me in for a hug.

"All the best! I'll see you as soon as I get out of this hell hole!" I assured her, as I returned the hug.

When she pulled away a few seconds later, Mukti said. "Jeff, can you give us a minute?"

"Sure." Jeff said politely, as she took her suitcase and walked off towards the gate, after giving me a friendly wave.

"We haven't had a chance to talk privately since last night. When were you going to tell me?" Mukti asked, her expression passive aggressive.

"Tell you what?" I asked, stuffing my hands in my bermudas.

Mukti had that expression that I dreaded immensely. I knew she was about to lecture me on something and I wanted to avoid it altogether.

"Alya. Here I was worried sick about you, and last night I find out from her that you've got a sudden change of heart and have forgiven her? How the fuck did that happen?!" Mukti snarled.

I was appalled to see her so angered.

"Things were getting out of hand. I decided to forgive her for my own mental peace. I didn't want to hold on to the hatred any longer. It was consuming me like some latent poison..." I muttered, as I looked away.

"What do you mean 'out of hand'?" She asked, crossing her arms in a determined manner.

I knew she wasn't going to spare me until I'd revealed every last detail about Alya.

So, I narrated all the incidents related to Alya that had occurred since the first day. Her showing up, me lashing out at Mr. Malhotra as a result, the incident with the cocktail and finally, worst of all, the part where she almost drowned due to my stupidity. I also told her of Alya's sickness, alarming her slightly.

"I get why you forgave her. Especially because she's sick. I want her to get better as well. So, what is she still doing here, then?" Mukti asked, frustrated.

"I told her she could leave. But she's adamant about staying. She says she still has feelings for me. She wants another chance..." I said, minutely scared at how Mukti would react.

"Are you shitting me?! You can't be serious! Are you honestly considering it? Is that what you truly want, Manik?" Mukti asked, furiously.

"Um...I don't...I don't know what I want." I stuttered.

Mukti sighed and took a step closer as she placed her palms on my shoulders in a comforting manner.

"Manik, it's good that you've decided to stop holding a grudge. I'm proud of you. But ask yourself this, will you truly be able to trust Alya again after what she did to you? What's to stop her from leaving you all over again?" Mukti asked.

"But what if she doesn't?" I blurted out the question on my mind, ever since Alya'd asked for a second chance.

"Manik, when she left you, it was me and Cabir who picked up the pieces. I remember how broken and disillusioned you were. The extra drinking, intermittent drugs...we've worked really hard to get you out of it. And for the past few months, you've been doing really well. I can't see you like that again, Manik. I just can't..."Mukti shook her head, as her eyes grew moist with tears.

I took her into a warm hug immediately, and rubbed her back slightly in order to comfort her.

"It's alright Mukti...it's okay. I promise I won't take any rash decisions. I'll give it a long and hard thought before I decide anything..." I promised.

Mukti patted my back in return as she pulled away, and blinked in order to get rid of her tears.

"I hope so..." She said skeptically as she ran her hands through her hair, and set it straight.

"There's something else...I thought all the contestants here would be gold diggers and this whole ordeal would be a complete waste of time. But they aren't...a few of them are actually really nice people. Jeff, Nandini..."Mukti trailed off, suspiciously.

"And just what are you trying to imply?" I asked, rolling my eyes.

"Oh come on, Manik! Don't be daft. I know you told her about your family. You don't talk about that stuff with anyone!"Mukti exclaimed.

"I knew it! She quizzed you about Mr. Malhotra, didn't she? That girl loves to meddle in everyone's business! Eavesdropping, interrogating people...she should ditch her science degree and start a private investigation agency!" I burst out.

"Manik, she didn't really ask me anything...it was just the way she spoke, I figured you'd told her..." Mukti said with a poker face.

I stared at her for a second and tried to ascertain if she was lying in order to cover up for Nandini.

"So? What if I did tell her? It's just that crazy Stockholm syndrome bullshit. Neither of us wanted to be here, and I just felt like she was a kindred spirit...that's all..." I said, shoving my hands further into my pockets.

"Manik, I don't know what stupid plan you've formulated to challenge your father, but I'm pretty certain of this-Nandini likes you. Not your looks, your money or your fame. She likes you. That's precisely why she calls you out on your bullshit. She's genuine, Manik. Unlike the girls you've had flings with in the past year. You guys have great potential..." Mukti tried to explain.

I tried to control my laughter, but failed at it miserably.

"Come on Mukti, get real...Potential? She has a boyfriend! She's been trying to get eliminated ever since the first day. You're reading everything wrong...I flirt with her sometimes. She reciprocates sporadically. That's all it is...just a flirtation. I mean, isn't that the whole point of the show?" I asked, trying to brush the whole thing off as a joke.

"I'm not asking you to marry her, Manik! All I'm saying is that once this circus of a show is done, maybe you could ask her out? She might've been trying to get herself eliminated earlier, but I don't see her trying so hard any more. Don't you think that means something?" Mukti asked, raising her eyebrows.

Before I could respond, she said. "I'm not going to argue about this any longer. I've said my piece. Now it's your decision. But just think things through...Either way, I'm off. And don't worry about Jeff. I'll keep an eye on her."

"Bye. See you in a week." I said, with a warm smile.

"See you." She said with a wink.

She turned around and started to walk away. And just like that, she left me thoroughly confused and frustrated with a potpourri of questions in my head. I should have seen it coming...her lectures did usually provoke such a reaction from me.

Ugh. I should have never woken up early.

*****

8: 50 am, 25th February, Galaxy Villa.

"Haan, Chachi. I'm absolutely fine...kal raat, it was a bit cold outside na, toh isiliye thodi si thand lag gayi...A..A-tish-oo!!"I lied, convincingly over the phone.

Obviously, the cold I'd caught was the result of jumping into the water on a breezy night, and not changing the soaked clothes immediately after. But I wasn't going to tell Chachi that.

"Haye! Murthy Ji! Isse toh thand lag gayi hai! Humein wahaan jaana chahiye!" Chachi exclaimed worriedly.

I giggled slightly at her distress, but felt blessed that I had a Chachi who worried about my health to this extent.

"Chachi, there's no need for that. Please! Tell me, how's Rishab?" I asked.

"Rishab ko kya hoga? He's absolutely fine. Nandu, tu bata na! Kya ho raha hai, wahaan pe? Maine woh ball dance episode dekh liya hai! Kitne cute lag rahe the tum dono! Kitna sona munda hai-yeh Manik!" Chachi asked, excitedly.

I groaned in response and said. "Chachi, you know we're not supposed to discuss it. Besides, you'll find out anyway when you watch the episode..."

I trailed off when I remembered the impromptu kiss that Manik had planted on me during that elimination.

I swallowed as I asked. "Chachi, dance ke alawa...did they show anything else?"

"Aur kya dikhayenge? I just saw that you accepted the rose and I was so happy!" Chachi squeaked.

I released a breath that I didn't even know I'd been holding. Chachi's words had confirmed that the kiss hadn't been telecast on T.V, and I was beyond relieved. I didn't know what Chach-Chachi would assume if they'd watched it...

I wasn't sure if I'd get so lucky with the web.

"Okay, Chachi...the time for calling family is almost over. The shoot's going to start soon...so, Bye!" I said.

They'd specifically asked all the contestants to finish with their calls before nine for the shoot was to start early today. Apparently, we'd be busy the whole day...

Honestly, I had to hand it to the creative directors. They certainly did come up with new ways to persecute us every day.

"Theek hai...bye Nandu!" She said, before she disconnected the call.

I sighed as I looked at my phone's call log and decided to give Aryaman a ring. Many days had passed. He had to have come back from Goa, right?

I took a deep breath and dialled his number, hoping that he'd pick up the call. I knew that it would lead to several arguments if he did, but in order to work through our problem, we had to communicate with each other at least.

I wasn't really surprised, when after several rings, the call remained unanswered.

My temper began to rise, as I disconnected the call and blew my nose in the tissue that I'd been carrying in my pocket.

I looked at my contact list and decided to call Abhimanyu. I hadn't spoken to him for several days and perhaps he could give me information about Aryaman.

The phone rang twice before he picked up.

"Hey Nandini! What's up? I feel like I haven't seen you in ages! How's our little reality show star?" Abhimanyu asked in a jovial tone.

"Hey Abhi, how's everything? How's college?" I asked.

"Well, I wouldn't know. I haven't attended classes recently. I'm in Goa, you know?" He declared.

"What? Wait, you went with Aryaman?!" I asked, slapping my forehead.

I could've just called Abhi instead of repeatedly trying to reach Aryaman.

"I thought you knew. He asked me to come along once you refused. He was really mad at you, you know..." Abhi revealed.

This made me even angrier than before.

"I get his anger! But giving me the silent treatment is no damn solution! I can explain everything to him, but he's too bloody proud to give me a chance. Give the phone to him this instant!" I growled.

"Well, I would. But the thing is, he left yesterday evening. Said he had some important work in Mumbai he had to take care of..." Abhi said quietly.

'Well, you can tell your best friend that if he doesn't pick up the phone the next time I call, I'll never speak to him again! Tell him we'll be through! And I'm not kidding!" I screamed.

The A.D at the outhouse flinched slightly upon hearing it.

"Wait Nandini..." Abhimanyu tried to reply, but I interrupted him in the middle.

"I've got to go Abhimanyu. Bye." I said coldly, before I cut the call.

I placed my phone on the table and stormed out of the house muttering curses under my breath.

I walked towards the villa fairly swiftly and finally reached the garden area. I was about to change tracks and enter the lawn when a shadow obstructed the sunlight that was hitting me directly.

I looked upwards to see that the shadow belonged to none other than this season's 'dashing suitor', as Raghav would call him.

"Trouble in paradise?" Manik asked with a smirk, eyeing the outhouse I'd just walked away from.

"Spare me, please. I'm not in the mood." I huffed.

"You're up early! You have to shoot as well?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

"Uh...yeah, normally I would never have agreed. I need my beauty sleep, you know? However, I made an exception this time around because Mukti and Jeff were leaving early today." He said, pointing at the gate as they boarded the black sedan assigned to them.

Jeff noticed me looking at them and gave me a quick wave of goodbye before she shut the door.

As I watched the car zoom away, I said. "Jeff seems to be better today."

"Yeah...she does. And Mukti said that she'd watch over Jeff, so I'm not really worried." Manik said.

There was one small thing that was bothering me and I decided to just ask Manik about it.

"Manik, don't you think Mukti should stay away from Jeff? I mean, Jeff obviously has a crush on her. What if Jeff's feelings deepen and she gets even more hurt? Mukti won't reciprocate her feelings and..." I trailed off.

"What makes you think she won't reciprocate?" Manik asked with an amused expression, puzzling me slightly.

"Wait...are you telling me that Mukti is...she's also..." I spoke in broken sentences as I tried to figure out the situation.

"Decidedly gay? No, she's not. But the best thing about Mukti is that she's never been into labels. She always follows her heart despite all the odds against her. I know for a fact that Mukti is...let's just say fluid...so if she does like Jeff, I know for a fact that she won't reject her..." Manik said, as he adjusted his shades.

"Oh...kay. Wow...that's something. She's even gutsier than I'd imagined." I said, impressed.

"What is this? Have you both started some sort of mutual admiration club?" Manik shrugged and shook his head.

"She spoke about me? What did she say?" I asked, worried that she'd told Manik about the questions I'd asked her about his parents.

"Nothing much. Just that she likes you. She also thinks that we should date after the show's over. Crazy, right?" He asked, with a smirk plastered on his face.

I couldn't read his eyes behind those shades. Consequently, I couldn't tell if he was joking or not. And after last night, this question had turned even more dangerous.

I let out an awkward, nasal laugh in response, and said quietly. "Right."

Immediately after I replied however, my allergies crept up on me again as I let out a loud sneeze."A-tish-oo!"

As I covered my nose instinctively, I could feel mucus oozing out of my nostrils and settling at the side of my nose in a disgusting manner.

I groaned at the utterly embarrassing situation I'd gotten myself into. Manik was standing right in front of me, and grinning slightly as I fumbled around in my pockets for tissues.

I grew increasingly frustrated upon not being able to find them, and realised that I'd unintentionally left the tissue box at the outhouse.

I turned around to look at the outhouse and realised that the production team had locked it.

With my hand, still on my nose, I attempted to walk away from there, when a pair of hands caught my wrist and pulled me back.

"Wait." Manik said, as he pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and hung it in front of my face.

"I never thought I'd say this to a girl with my pants on, but...blow." He said, in a smug voice.

I giggled slightly in response when I accepted the kerchief and blew into it, attempting to clear my blocked nose in the process.

"Jeez. You missed a spot." Manik said, as he came closer and wiped off a bit of snot on my cheek, trying his best to not be disgusted.

I found that my embarrassment had disappeared altogether. Instead, that scary warm feeling was spreading across my chest all over again, making me panic.

"Um...I think it's done. I'll give the kerchief back once I've washed it..." I said, stepping away.

"No fucking way. I'm not carrying around your snot covered kerchief, even if you do wash it...you can keep it." Manik said, raising his hands up, defensively.

I looked at the tiny letters on the kerchief and exclaimed in horror. "But it's Gucci! Why the hell would you let me blow my nose in this?"

"Relax...I have like ten more. It's barely a hundred dollars." He said, casually. "Also, I'm not a fan of sick people, so I'd rather we keep a one foot distance between us today."

"Well, that's great news, Monster! At least it'll save me from your ridiculous 'guerilla kisses'!" I exclaimed, in as clear a voice I could manage.

"Don't pretend you don't enjoy them..." He said, taking a step forward and violating his own rule.

Our little squabble was brought to an abrupt halt when we heard the director's voice in the distance.

"Nandini, Manik, what are you both doing there? All the contestants have arrived! We're ready to shoot!" He yelled.

"Sorry, sir!" I said, as I started walking into the lawn where they'd set up all the cameras.

I heard Manik snort at my obedience as he followed me.

As soon as we reached the lawn, Manik took his place a few feet away from Raghav who was still getting a last touch up before the cameras rolled.

I stood next to Alya and gave her a smile. She smiled back, but it seemed more perfunctory than genuine. I looked at all the other girls and realised that they were more or less ignoring my presence. Maybe last night had been worse than I'd imagined...maybe they were still jealous.

"Alright girls, we'll be rolling in, three, two, one...and action!" The director yelled.

Raghav immediately proceeded to do his job most passionately.

"Hi everyone. Welcome to another episode of 'The Bachelor'-powered by Veet! We've had plenty of drama this debut season and the competition is surely red hot since we have just five contestants remaining! I don't know about you, but I'm super excited for today's day-long event! So, without wasting another moment, let's invite this year's dashing suitor, Manik malhotra!" Raghav exclaimed.

I smirked at the word 'dashing'. I'd predicted Raghav's adjective for the day flawlessly.

I looked at Manik as he walked a few steps forward, oozing his effortless confidence, as the cameramen used rack focus to highlight his entry.

"Manik! Isn't it great to be up and about early today? Are you excited for today's surprise? I've been told that you haven't been apprised of today's event just like our contestants." Raghav asked, lending the microphone to Manik.

"Yeah, I feel so fresh that I'm practically a daisy." Manik said, in a slightly annoyed voice, making me chuckle.

However, he saved the answer from going south by replenishing his enthusiasm in the latter half.

"But, I am curious to know what y'all have planned for us. I love surprises!" He said, cheerfully.

"Well then, let me tell you, today might just be our best episode yet! Last episode we had one of Manik's best friends Mukti Vardhan visit us on set. This time, the tables will be turned. A friend or family member of each contestant will be visiting the set today. After all, the best way to judge a person's character is to meet with the very people closest to them! And the show runners believe that Manik should have this opportunity before he chooses his ultimate life partner!" Raghav said with great zeal, as the girls began to murmur.

As Raghav's words sank in, I realised that I'd get to see someone from my family today! Was it Chachi? Was she merely pretending to be ignorant on the phone? Or would it be Rishab? Either way, I'd been missing all of them equally, and I was pretty excited to meet them.

"So, Manik. Are you ready to meet the guests?" Raghav asked.

I laughed slightly to myself when I saw how utterly constipated Manik looked. As if he had a choice.

"Yes. Absolutely." Manik answered on obligation.

"Alright then, before we start, I have an announcement to make. Inaaya, we tried our best to get in touch with your friends, but they were so busy that they couldn't make time for the shoot. We're sorry, but you won't be having a visitor today." Raghav said, offering his condolences.

Inaaya straightened her collar mike as she responded, indifferently. "That's fine Raghav. I don't delude myself into believing that I have any true friends. So, it's totally alright."

Raghav seemed slightly taken aback and merely nodded in response.

Honestly, her answer just made me feel sad for her. Sure, she was a flirt and an unfeeling snob for the most part, but she had no friends who wanted to see her? That seemed a bit extreme.

"So, let's invite our special guests for the day, now that that's out of the way." Raghav said.

"Our first guest is-Tina Mehra! Soha Khurana's childhood friend!" He said, as a a skinny girl with too much makeup on her face walked through the gate.

Soha's face lit up upon seeing Tina, and she walked a few steps forward, pulling Tina into a hug as soon as they were close enough.

"I missed you so much, Tina! You know, they have a no cell phone rule here!" Soha complained.

Frankly, I was relieved that Soha was acting warm towards someone at least. I just figured she was a cold bitch to everyone...except Manik, of course.

"Girls, there'll be plenty of time to catch up!" Raghav chuckled.

Tina took a few steps back and stood at the side, facing the contestants as well as Manik.

"Our next guest for the day is Varun Sharma! Alya Saxena's friend and business partner!" Raghav said.

A well-dressed, attractive man entered the premises as a smile adorned Alya's face.

Varun walked up to Alya and said. "It's good to see you, Alya. We've been missing you at the office."

Alya gave him a warm hug and said. "It's great to see you too, Varun."

I observed Manik's face and noticed an expression of discomfort when Alya hugged Varun. It seemed like Manik didn't know the guy. I couldn't help but wonder, was this the guy Alya left Manik for? Was that why Mukti was still so mad at her? Because she still worked with him?

Varun went and stood next to Tina as Raghav called for the next guest.

"Our next visitor is a beloved family member of one of our contestants-Please welcome Riddhima's elder sister-Neha Sinha!" Raghav yelled, enthusiastically.

A pleasant looking woman of my height walked in and Riddhima broke into a sprint immediately.

She wound her arms tightly around Neha and said. "Oh my God, Di! I missed you so much! When did you come from Pune?"

"I took a flight last night after they called me yesterday. You look well! Looks like coming here wasn't a bad idea after all, huh?" Neha asked, caressing Riddhima's cheek.

The sisterly bond between them seemed so sweet and pure that it made me miss my family even more! Ugh! Why couldn't time just pass sooner?!

"Girls are innately loquacious, aren't they? As I said, you'll have time to chat later." Raghav said, smiling.

Neha moved away, stood in her place and immediately gave Manik a large smile, which he returned politely. It was obvious that she had a crush on him.

"And now for our final guest..." Raghav said, as the butterflies in my stomach intensified.

"Nandini's college friend-Aryaman Khanna." Raghav said, as Aryaman walked into the lawn.

To say that I was shell-shocked at the name would be a gross understatement!

As he came closer, the butterflies in my belly seemed like they were transforming into rats of some sort, making me increasingly queasy. I felt my whole body going stock-still as he gave me one of his winning smiles once he closed in on me.

"Hey. I missed you." He said, as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me onto his chest.

Until my head bumped against his neck, I was still unwilling to accept that he was truly there in person. The scent of his cologne was further confirmation of the same, but my paralysis didn't abate.

How was I supposed to react, anyway? He'd ignored me for days after we'd had a fight, and suddenly showed up on set pretending to be my 'friend'.

What the actual fuck?!

As he pulled away, I managed to squeak out only a single word to greet him because I was still in shock.

"Aryaman." I said, acknowledging his presence.

He smiled in response.

I squinted my eyes slightly so as to judge Manik's expression. Outwardly, he seemed absolutely calm and composed. However, by now I'd learned his tells. His fists were clenched, lips slightly crooked and he was tapping his feet impatiently. Plainly put, he was mad.

"Alright, Aryaman. Why don't you join the other guests?" Raghav asked.

Aryaman nodded slightly and stepped back to some extent.

"So, there we have it. All the guests for the day. Shortly, we'll be arranging group activities so that Manik may bond with our guests! So, stay tuned, guys!" Raghav said.

"And cut!" The director yelled. "Good job guys. Everyone, take fifteen and report here once the time is up."

I found myself walking towards Aryaman with swift steps. I grabbed him by the hand and walked until I was convinced that the rest of the people on set couldn't hear us.

"What the fuck are you doing here? I called you a hundred times, but you never picked up! You can't just ignore me like that! That's not how it's supposed to work in a relationship." I hissed.

"Nandini...I know...I know...It's just that I was in Goa. And I was just so angry...I didn't want to say something I'd regret!" Aryaman said, rather sincerely.

"I fought tooth and nail with Chacha-Chachi about not doing the show. But they were adamant! And trust me! I tried my best to get eliminated in the very first episode! I even told Manik about us...but in the second episode..." I trailed off, when I realised that Aryaman must have seen clips of our kiss on social media.

"Did you watch the episode?" I asked, meekly, changing my fiery tone.

"I didn't. But I know what happened." Aryaman said, an expression of hurt on his face.

"Aryaman...I'm sorry...I didn't know he was going to kiss me...I even told him off later..." I mumbled nervously as I offered him a weak justification.

However, he caught my errantly moving palms, and said. "Nandini, calm down. It's okay. I trust you. If you're saying that it meant nothing, then I believe you."

"You do?" I asked, as tears started to prick my eyes, making my nose water again.

"Yes, absolutely. When I got a call from the show, I realised what a dick I'd been. Ignoring all your calls, giving you the silent treatment, and so on. Hearing about the kiss...made me realise that I don't want to lose you. I don't want my distrust to ruin our relationship!" He said.

"I don't either." I answered, shaking my head.

"So, can we go back to the way things were before all this?" Aryaman asked, looking at me with those puppy dog eyes.

I laughed slightly as I hugged him.

"Yes." I whispered.

It was then that I realised that I'd not only missed him as a boyfriend but also as a friend. It felt great to have someone from home here.

I just worried about one thing. When two alpha males were under one roof, things did tend to get aggressive and violent. And I was afraid that the same would happen today.

*****

10: 00 am, 25th February, Galaxy Villa.

I leaned against the tree as I texted Mukti about the new guests at the villa. Frankly, I wanted to run for the hills after seeing the lineup. An obsequious lackey of a mean girl, a shady business partner whom I'd heard nothing about, an overenthusiastic older sibling and worst of all, a boyfriend who, deep down, I'd convinced myself was imaginary.

I was grateful for the fifteen minute break, however. I needed to cool my jets before facing all that nonsense.

"I thought phones weren't allowed in the villa." A gruff voice remarked in the background.

I looked up to observe the leather jacket clad douchebag staring back at me.

"Well, I've never been one to follow rules." I said, with a faux smile.

"Listen Manik, let's just cut the crap and come straight to the point. You know that I'm Nandini's boyfriend. She's told you that she wants to be with me and leave the show. However, her family is acting pretty stubborn..." Aryaman said with a frown.

Was it me or did his name have way too many syllables?

"Well, I know that. You know that. So, the question is...Why are you feeling threatened? If she wants to be with you, that's well and good. Unless..."I trailed off, mysteriously.

"Unless what? Spit it out!" He said, growing aggressive and adding to my pleasure.

"Unless, the reason that you're scared is that you've realised that she has feelings for me." I said, casually.

"Don't cross your limits, you asshole! She clearly requested you to eliminate her on Day two." Aryaman said, determinedly.

I realised that I'd struck quite a nerve. His reaction was too satisfying for me to stop now...

"But she hasn't said a word about it since. Tell you what, if she comes and tells me that she wants me to eliminate her by the end of the day, I'll do it." I said, confidently.

"Then, I promise you, she'll come and say it to you before the elimination ceremony today." Aryaman barked.

"Is that a challenge?" I snorted.

"Call it what you wish. But Nandini will always belong to me. And I'll prove it to you." He said, through gritted teeth.

"She's not a possession, you idiot. She can change her mind if she wants to...and by the time the day is up, I'll make her realise what a douchebag she's dating..." I said in response, as my temper started to rise.

For a second, I thought he'd charge at me, but he ultimately controlled himself.

"We'll see." He growled as he walked away, kicking the tall grass in his path.

I'd never lost a challenge in my life, and I wasn't planning on starting any time soon.

I promised myself that by the end of today, Aryaman Khanna would be dead meat.

*****
Since you're here, I want to request all of you to check out my general fiction story, 'Rudra'. It's a historical fiction story with a romance as well!
Please read it and leave your votes/comments. Your feedback is invaluable!