Hey Pearlies, Thank you very much for your votes, comments and adding this book to your reading lists. A big shoutout to SuRyAwAnShIs Vinnie_Vuriti MounikaGottimukkala muskanrishi08 dishtaniya MiniMini231 Midnight_lib Day_Dreamer023 Taareyians  isharai16 MeryJane044 fathimasafy    for your lovely comments. 

...

I made up my mind to concentrate only on three things me, myself and I. After all selfcare is the best care. I have many plans in my mind for this day and I have to get refreshed to welcome this bright day. 

Once I took a shower and made my hair, I walked into my room and stared at Manik's private garden. My fence broke as soon as my eyes fell on Manik. He came back from his jogging in his sleeveless black vest and halted his steps and stared at me. We both looked at each other trying to find unanswered questions. 

My eyes sent numerous questions from my side but got silence as response. As soon as I felt my eyes getting wet, I shut the curtain on the window blocking him from seeing me anymore. After all, he is the reason behind my tears. I blinked rapidly and dried them successfully. 

I usually do not curse or swear at some one, but if I do I try to censor it. So for my satisfaction I will proceed to swear at Manik. Sorry, my dear audience, I will try to be as gentle as I can but I won't promise. 

Michin Dangnagwi!!!!

I could swear more but I care about others feelings unlike someone, so I am ending this show for now. Thank you.

After bidding a farewell to my imaginary audience I walked down the stairs and stood in front of the gates. Seeing Navya in fornt of the mansion door my mood changed and I went for a walk next to the garden. Point to note, it's next to Manik's private garden not inside, so there is still a BIG boundary between us. 

"Nandini!" I jumped hearing Manik's voice. 

What the hell is he doing here? This is not even his private garden, this area is used to clean the cars and rifles. Why can't he leave me alone? I ignored him and walked further taking huge steps but still got followed by Manik. 

"You need not remind me about your tall legs, Manik." I said and immediately facepalmed. What was that crap? I meant to say he is matching my steps with an ease due to our height difference. 

"Stop wasting time and hear me." His voice was gentle unlike last night where he pounced like a wild animal. 

Just because he changed his voice does not mean I will hear him. He called me, my family and my upbringing in a degrading manner. Only a half wit would forgive him and I am not. 

My eyes beamed with happiness spotting Harshad near the car we drove back the previous day. I need to escape from Manik as well so I shouted Harshad's name and waved at him. "Mr. Malhotra."

Harshad spared a brief glance at me and Manik behind me and wrapped up his talk with Dhruv. I thought he was going to talk to me when Harshad walked in my direction but he passed me and stopped in front of Manik. 

"The crude oil has best quality in mainland compared to here." He shook his head. 

"That's something for our workers to deal, don't worry." Manik responded. 

"Mr. Malhotra." I called to him again but Harshad passed me a disgusting glare and walked inside the mansion while a happy Navya welcomed him. 

Did Harshad just ignore me in front of Manik? It's just a few hours since I woke up and the stars already going against me. 

Brother Michin Dangnagwi!!!

Manik had a smirk on his face. "Shall we speak, now?"

"Let me check my schedule, Manik." I pretended to look at my invisible watch on my wrist. "Looks like my schedule is tight. I don't have time for a crazy ass like you." I finished it with a smile and walked away from him. 

The canteen for servant quarters is tightly packed with all the soldiers taking up the space. There is no way I can fit into that area and have my food as well. Should I wait here till the crowd subsides and have my food? Or should I fight for my chair and eat the food?

My rumbling stomach choose the second option. I kept my arms in front of me as if I am diving into the pool and tried to fit myself in this pack. But I was thrown out within half time of getting inside. 

Before I could try once again I was pulled by someone by my arm. It was Harshad. I followed him till we reached the car shed and looked around to see if there is anyone around. 

"This area is safe. It will be monitored once in three months to clean the cars." Harshad said and I nodded. "What was that earlier? You almost got us caught."

"Me? What did I do?" 

"You were calling me while Manik was standing just a feet away from you. He will get suspicious about our plans." 

How could I be this stupid? I should have thought about it before making a move. "Sorry, I will be careful next time." 

He nodded. "I was looking at the money bag left in the car and I pretended to speak about the crude oil with Manik. This time we were free but remember to stay alert. It won't be easy if we get caught in hands of Manik." 

I agree with him as I have witnessed the barbaric punishments given by Manik. 

"Anyways, I got an idea to prove your innocence." 

Hope filled my heart. "What is it?"

"You said your mansion is burnt by Manik, right? But everyone here including Navya said that the building collapsed due to earthquake. We must first prove that the building is burnt." He paused. "Usually in mainland there are news, scientists and a big team to warn about upcoming earthquakes and monitored safely by the rescue team. Since we are on the other side, the only way is by inspecting the building personally." 

"That's wonderful, Mr. Malhotra." My heart filled with hope. 

"But we have a problem." He said in a low voice.

"What happened? Is everything alright?"

"Do you know your territory address?" He questioned and I scratched my head.

It was a big NO. I never stepped out of Murthy territory let alone differentiate between addresses. All I remember was getting kidnapped by Manik, escaping from his warehouse jumping into the vegetable and landing here. I don't even know the address of Malhotra Mansion. 

"That's the problem, and I have not lived much at the mafia side to know about territories coming under Malhotra Empire. I think we are doomed." He said with an upset face.

"No. Please don't speak like that. After all these days I suddenly found hope in your words. Lets look for something positive. How about you ask your mother, The Queen about the territories?" 

"No. My mother is a Queen for namesake. Everything is under the control of the Boss, Manik. I don't think he shares things with others." He said and looked at his fingers for a few minutes before he spoke again with a bright smile. "Actually, you have given me an idea."

"Me? What is that?" 

"There is no way Manik remembers all his territories addresses every time he sends an announcement through mails. There must be a way to record the lists, it could be a map or address book."

Our eyes were beaming with happiness. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" 

"But it will be inside Manik's locker." This news broke our newfound happiness and we both sulked. 

This will never happen. Nobody can inside the monsters personal space unless they are trusted person. 

"Mr. Malhotra, why don't you go inside Manik's room and take the address book?" 

"Really? You think its that easy to get hands on Manik's stuff? In fact why don't you go and get it?"

"Why me? You are his brother? You both share the same surname and if you remember he threw me out last night. He hates me. He even hates the thought of me breathing the same air as him." I reminded.

He laughed. "You seriously think he threw you out because he hates you? Manik has feelings for you and I could clearly see it in his eyes."

It's now my turn to laugh. "Manik and feelings? That too for me? It's a good joke, Mr. Malhotra."

"I am serious, Nandini. He threw you out because you crossed his territory and you must know how important a territory is for a mafia family. You are from mafia family as well and you must know that people get killed if they crossed the line and you are still alive. I am pretty sure he has a soft corner for you. Just think, he killed your parents but left you alive, what does it mean?"

I stood in silence. It's impossible. Manik never had feelings, he is a monster who does not even respect his parents, let alone a women without identity. It could be to satisfy his ego and his monstrous desires. Nothing is positive.

"He would kill me if I get inside the Mansion." I said remembering how he looked at me while uttering those harsh words. 

"And that's the reason I asked you to not get into fights. You were already in the most precious place but last night destroyed everything." He said pulling his hairs.

"It was unintentional." I pouted and he calmed.

"Now you have to do everything in your hands to get back into the mansion. You have a power, no matter whatever you do, you would not be killed by Manik." Harshad encouraged me.

Should I listen to him and get inside the mansion? Or should I stay in the servant quarters all my life as a maid while the wrong people get my identity? But it's extremely dangerous to get inside now that I have crossed his land, I am an enemy to everyone inside the mansion. Not that they were my friends before, they never had a liking to me. 

I made my mind. What ever will happen I must bring the truth out and I will go with Harshad's words that Manik will never kill me. Hopefully, he is telling me the truth. 

"I will get the truth out, Mr. Malhotra." I said with determination. I have a plan of my own to get inside the mansion.

I dusted my hands and confidently walked till the main door of the mansion until Cabir stopped me. "Princess, you are not supposed to get inside the mansion."

Ah my favorite, loyal man!

"Are you really stopping me, Cabir?" I raised my eyebrow. "Manik is my boyfriend and if you are stopping me it means your are stopping you Boss as well."

Cabir looked uncomfortable. "Madam, last night The Boss -"

I interrupted him. "It's common to have fights. That doesn't mean I am banished forever." I fake laughed and walked inside the mansion leaving the confused Cabir outside. 

The world will turn upside down but Niyonika and Navya won't stop their chatter while having their tea. They looked surprised seeing me inside the mansion and my heart picked its pace. I am still afraid after stepping into the mansion but I will try my best to look strong. 

I ignored them and walked inside the dining hall. Oh boy! I seriously need to listen to my stomach. I sat down the table and began serving pancakes with ... uh... sweet, thick water. 

"How dare you step inside the mansion? Get out now before we kill you." The women yelled in union.

I was expecting Navya but looks like Niyonika bonded well with her that she came along with Navya to fight me. 

"Really?" I bit the pancake. "Would you really dare to touch Manik's belongings?"

They opened their mouth to speak but closed it again not knowing what to say after my statement. I am actually loving this and it was more fun that Manik forcefully bringing me inside. 

My happy thoughts came to halt hearing the infamous voice. "What the hell are you doing here?"

I plastered a sweet smile and faced Manik. "I am having my Lukfast."

...

Precap

Yayy!!! Nandu is back into the mansion.

Will she find what she is looking for?

How will Manik react now?