My days had been melting into each other lately.

The sun set in vibrant colors today, while I continued to stare into oblivion at the rooftop of my apartment building, overlooking Manhattan bridge, which so happened to be my hideaway when I needed a break from the noise of the city. Today happened to be one of those days.

After spending a major part of my day going from class to class, and scheming with Mukti, I needed some quiet and calm. The soft hum of the traffic, the expansive skyline, made me feel grateful for the life I get to live every day. Sometimes the world felt too big, and my problems, small. And whenever I need to feel small, this is what I do, sit on the rooftop, till I feel okay. I had been feeling more than okay ever since I moved, and this feeling of euphoria was something I couldn't get enough of.

"And of course, I find you here for the third time this week." It was Chase, my best friend that goes bat shit crazy if I don't pick up his calls in about three rings.

"You know, I'd assume you already know where to find me by now," I mocked, gesturing him to sit in the spot next to mine.

"I brought you bagels from the place you like but out of the stress of not being able to find you, I might've eaten them," he laughed, smiling his best smile. Chase and I had only grown closer over the past few weeks, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I adored him as much as I hated his brother, and trust me, that's saying a lot because I despised Manik from the bottom of my heart.

"Screw you, douchebag," I said, lightly hitting his shoulder.

"So, how was your day? Any run in's with my maniac brother?"

"Fortunately, no. If I did, you'd probably be coming to pick me up from the station because as soon as I get my hands on that son of a bitch, I will murder him."

"Hey don't say that! That's my mom too!" Chase giggled, and I broke into laughter along with him. The brothers were total opposites. One is caring, the other couldn't care less. One is handsome as hell, actually scratch that, the both of them are drop-dead handsome, and I think that's what made me hate Manik even more. Every time I'd see him, my smart mouth would take a second to register the sinful, sheer good looks that stood in front of me, and honestly, it was frustrating.

"Chase, tell me something, how are you related to that little shit?" I smacked his bicep, rolling my eyes.

"It's...complicated, I'll tell you some other time," he shifted in his place. Sensing the tension in the air, Chase changed the topic, "So, now tell me what's cooking in Nandini Murthy's brain for my poor little brother?"

"Hmm...about that, I guess you'll just have to wait and watch." I winked at him.

"If that's how you want to play, I'm in. But where are you executing this top-secret plan of yours? I need to know where to come to watch what you do dummy!" He raised his arms in surrender, smilingly.

"You already know it," there was a glint of mischief in my tone and Chase seemed to have caught on.

"No, wait, please don't tell me you're planning on executing your plan at my party tonight?" He looked petrified.

"You know it," I couldn't help but laugh at his expressions, "Anyway, now! Get going, I'll see you back at the party in like two hours, pick me up." I got up, dusted off my jeans, and headed home, waving Chase goodbye.

After spending an hour singing in the shower, and another doing my hair and makeup I flashed myself a satisfied grin in the mirror. Hey, don't judge me, a girl likes to play dress up! But, today I had something more important than how I looked on my mind. It was finally showtime. I was determined to teach that idiot a lesson today.

The black satin dress I was wearing made me look ethereal, I had never been one to criticize myself on looks, but I cleaned up exceptionally well today. A phone call broke me out of my reverie.

"Nandini, I'm here! Can you please get your ass down to the main entrance? Quick." That meant he was leaving his house now, but tonight was all about my revenge on Manik Malhotra and I didn't want to screw that up, and that meant I couldn't piss Chase off tonight. Slipping on a pair of the most comfortable heels I had, I rushed down the stairs to see an annoyed Chase leaning against the bonnet of his car. Oh man, what have I done now?

"Okay listen, I don't understand, I got down twenty-five seconds after your call, I'm not the Flash,  I couldn't come down any quicker!" I almost yelled in my defense.

"Nan-" he stopped speaking as soon as his eyes rested on me, scanning me from top to toe, "Beautiful, you look...beautiful," he looked bewildered, and I could feel my cheeks heat up as he said that.

Was he flirting with me? My heartbeats were quickening in pace and I was left tongue-tied not knowing what to say.

"I..uh..th-thank you?" I sounded so nervous, what is wrong with me? I don't chicken out around guys, but Chase, he was different.

He continued to look at me, with an emotion in his eyes that I couldn't decipher. "Chase, let's go?" I said, snapping my fingers in front of his face, "Y-yeah, you're right, we should get going," he smiled, opening the car door for me. Well, chivalry isn't dead!

The car ride was short and silent, considering Chase's house was literally two minutes away.
Hand in hand, we entered the madness that his house was that night.

Neon lights, the livid stench of alcohol, sweaty bodies grinding on each other, it was the usual weekend party scene in New York, and Chase and his brother were known to throw the best and most exclusive parties of all. This was not different and lived up to its hype, I looked forward to how the rest of the night was going to unfold. I excused myself from Chase to grab a drink and find Mukti.

Pouring myself some vodka in a solo cup, my eyes began to scan the party. I was surrounded by a lot of unfamiliar faces, most of them didn't even go to NYU. Still no sign of Mukti, I began blowing up her phone with calls, my plan couldn't proceed without my partner in crime.

Walking towards the living room I saw him, the reincarnate of Satan himself, Manik Malhotra with his tongue down his girlfriend's throat. Did he have absolutely no shame, in touching her like that in front of such an audience? I felt extremely uneasy, chugging the drink in my hand I left as soon as I could. To my luck, I finally found Mukti grabbing a drink.

"Why do you even have a phone if you can't fucking pick up a single one of my calls?" I said, annoyed, walking in her direction.

"Okay don't yell but...it was on silent," she sounded genuinely apologetic, "anyway, what's happening with our plan, when do we start?" Her mood had switched in a second, back to her scheming mastermind self. 

We went over the plan once again to make sure everything would go perfectly and without any fuck ups. Everything was in place and we were ready to start. Mukti left to go prepare her part of the plan and I went ahead with mine.

Step one of the plan was finding my lovely subject, and that was probably the easiest. It was either somewhere with his girlfriend or at the bar, to my luck, it was the bar. Come on Nandini, you've got this!

With cautious steps, I walked towards Manik. This plan was fifty-fifty. I either succeeded, or I fail, no in-between, no saving grace, I had to do this with absolute perfection, I had no room for mistakes.

First, I needed some liquid courage though, so I chugged another cup of vodka as quickly as I could and went towards the monster.

"Hey, do you have a minute?" I put on my most sugar-coated voice, as I tapped his shoulder.

He looked annoyed when he turned around. "What, now?" He said, irately.

"Look, I just came to call a truce between us, can we talk, please?" I was almost impressed by my acting skills! I was born to be an actor, you see.

"Time is money, you know? And I don't have either to spare for you so, kindly, fuck off." Attitude dripped from his tone, I needed to think, fast. If I didn't, the whole plan would be a fail.

That's when the most basic idea struck my mind. "Throw your drink on him, as usual!" My mind prompted.

"Can you just list-" I purposefully cut my sentence short, right in time to spill the remnants of my drink onto his expensive name-brand sweatshirt.

"Not again!" He growled in vexation. Mission successful.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to, come with me, I'll help you clean that up," I pleaded, grabbing him by his bicep to the washroom nearest to the front door.

"You have no idea how expensive that is, do you?" He spat, staring at me, a little close for my comfort, while I tried to get the wine stain off his sweatshirt as slowly as I could. I decided to stay quiet because the last thing I needed to do was irk him so he bolts out of the washroom. What surprised me was that he came here with zero protests in the first place. I guess someone's already had too much to drink. Pursing my lips, I ignored his comment which seemed to have annoyed him.

"Are you dumb and deaf?" He rolled his eyes, trying to get the fabric of his sweatshirt out of my grip. I had to play my cards smart now. It's time for my theatrical talents to shine through.

I tightened my grip on his bicep and began to stumble my steps towards the door, giving the impression that I was drunk. "M-Manik, I don't feel so good," I blurted out.

Flaring his nostrils, he muttered some abuses under his breath, I'm sure he did. "Why can't Chase handle his own bloody girlfriends?" he whispered, helping me stabilize myself against the wall near the switchboard. He was really testing my patience with every word he said but I had to stay calm and collected.

"Everyth..everything's floatingggg," I squealed into his ears, tugging on the hem of his sweatshirt.

"Listen, I'm not interested in taking care of you right now so bye, manage yourself." He reached for the handle of the washroom door and I went into panic mode. Mukti hadn't texted me the green signal yet, this had to continue for a little longer.

I positioned myself in between him and the door and dimmed the lights. My hands traveled towards his neck, circling them around it. He looked shocked but didn't budge. As I said, he was drunk. How did I know that? Because I'm the one that made sure of it. How did I do that? A magician never tells her secrets.

Under the dimmed lighting of the guest washroom, I saw him, like saw him. He was, indeed, devilishly handsome. Chiseled jawline, night coloured eyes, that mole above his perfectly pink lips, his dark brown hair, his rock-hard physique, his smile that I had barely ever seen, everything about him was so wrong, yet so perfect. Maybe if he wasn't such an asshole, I'd even say I was attracted to him in some fucked up way, but let's face it, I hate him and refuse to delve deeper into the topic of how handsome the man is. Sometimes the way he looks makes me hate him even more, you know?

"What..are you doing?" His words were slurred, he looked amused and petrified both at the same time.

"I need you to just...stay a bit, you know till I feel better," I whispered, pulling him closer by his neck, my back crashing with the door behind me.  I didn't know what I was doing at this point but whatever it was, it seemed to be working.

"Just till you feel better," he repeated. Nice to see, the devil has a heart!

I had him, hook, line, and sinker.

It was probably going to be just a few minutes before I get a text from Mukti, so I decided to keep him engaged till then, what better opportunity to practice my rusty acting skills!

He had been staring at me, ever since I pulled him towards me. I don't blame him, this is an odd situation to be in, but it's all his fault anyway, he messed with me first!

"If you need to throw up or something, I'll wait outside.." He managed to utter, not meeting my eyes.

"No actually, I think...I think I'll feel better if I just splash some water on my face, can you help me?" I said, widening my eyes at him, enhancing the drunken effects.

He was hesitant in his response "Uh..oh..okay..sure, I guess."

He held my palm ever so lightly, guiding me to the sink, turning the faucet on. I signaled him to hold my hair up, while I washed my face, but before I could, he had already held my hair up and began to splash the ice-cold water on my face. Good thing my mascara was waterproof!

Right then, my phone vibrated from my bag, it was showtime!

I wiped my face off with the towel kept near the sink and removed his hand that was still holding mine. Oh boy, I think Mukti added way too many of the pills I gave her to his drink because he clearly looked drunk out of his mind. I wonder what monstrosity he would've subjected me to if he was sober.

"Manik, this..isn't helping. Can you please drop me home?" I said, stumbling towards the door.

"Fuck no! Ask Chase to handle his own mess, I've put up with you for long enough." Goddamn, why did he have to be SO difficult?

"No, I don't want to bother him right now, you know how he is, he'll unnecessarily create a scene! Just please drop me home," I pleaded.

"Does it look like I give a fuck? Just because you don't want to bother him doesn't mean you bother me?" Where the fuck did the attitude suddenly pop in from?

"Manik, please. Do it as a favor, please." I cringed in my mind as I said those words. Desperate times called for desperate measures, I guess.

"Fine. Just remember you owe me one after this." Fuck yes, finally! Now the real fun begins.

He walked in front of me, leading me towards his car. It was around three in the morning but New York was still alive. Manik owned a sweet ride, it was love at first sight for me and that car. He slipped into the driver's seat. The last thing I could expect from him was chivalry.

Just before he could change the gears of the car, I placed my palm on his. He rolled his eyes at me but didn't bother moving it, maybe the odds were in my favour today. As soon as realization of it hit him, he flicked my hand away.
He was slow in his movements, due to the pills we added to his drink. We didn't spike it or anything, it was just a pill that made him act and react to everything around him a little slower than usual, and maybe also made him drunker than usual. Mukti didn't really study the side effects of the pill that well.

"Manik, you've got something there," I said pointing to his neck. He tried to wipe whatever it was off but in vain, obviously.

"Wait, let me do that for you," I said, leaning closer to him, almost sitting on the gearbox. I could feel him shift with sheer discomfort. My fingers made contact with his skin, lined with day-old stubble wiping a nonexistent stain. Oh, the things we do for payback.

"Oh no, it's not out yet," I whispered, audible enough for him to hear me. I was leaning closer, my face inches away from his, the heat rising every second. I dipped my face a little lower and began to blow hot air from my mouth to wipe the 'stain' away. The gear I was balancing myself on moved a little, causing my lips to make contact with the warm skin of his neck, leaving a deep red imprint on it. He gasped at this action of mine.

"Manik? What the fuck are you doing?" A shrieking voice broke us out of the daze. No points for guessing, it was Alya, his girlfriend. Bullseye, bitches. I had him.

It took Manik a few seconds to register what had just happened. He then realized, he had been played. Alongside Alya, stood a smirking Mukti and a clueless Chase. Manik was speechless by this point, "Al, it's not what it looks like, I swear."

"Then tell me what is it supposed to look like?'' She was a crying mess.

For the cherry on the cake, Mukti flashed her phone's flashlight into the car, which had been perfectly set up by her some time ago. What Alya saw next is definitely what tipped her over the edge. The passengers' seat of the car where I was seated had lace lingerie, an open box of condoms, the fresh, red mark I just left on his neck and for some more theatrics, my hair was disheveled courtesy of the fake puking act in the washroom, my lipstick was smeared and I looked visibly guilty. Mission revenge was a banging success.

Manik's eyes were spitting fire at me. Alya advanced towards the car, Manik got down and opened the door for me, yanking me out of the car by my arm, pretty harshly.

''Calm down, tiger,'' Chase was trying to conciliate Manik but it was useless at this point.

"Chase, I'm serious, stay out of this," Manik cautioned. The scene was getting heated, very heated.

"You, tell her nothing happened between us. NOW,'' he roared, pushing me towards Alya.

''Alya, I'm so sorry, we were both drunk and I don't kn-" I was speaking in my most sugarcoated voice when I was rudely cut off by Manik Malhotra. Did no one teach this boy manners?

''What the fuck are you saying? NOTHING happened Alya, you've got to trust me. Please let me explain,'' He pleaded. Alya wouldn't stop crying, somewhere I felt bad for her for involving her but then after her behaviour in the hallway earlier that week, it was a 'two birds with one stone' type of situation. I honestly expected a very different reaction from Manik, one that involved anger and a lot of fighting, but seeing him vulnerable was different was not what I had expected. Maybe he really loved that girl, more than what I had assumed at least.

"Guess you have some explaining to do. Later, Manik.'' I patted his shoulder lightly, giving him a wink and leaving with Chase and Mukti. He didn't bother to look at me a second time.

''Didn't I tell you my plan's going to be absolutely genius,'' I clamored, side hugging Mukti.

''You really did get him this time. I'm just worried about what happens after this. He isn't letting you off the hook easy now. Alya is all he has and you tried to mess with that, you really should watch your back now,'' Chase voiced his apprehensions.

''Nandini, I think he's right but I wouldn't worry too much about it. Anyway, you two have a good rest of your night, I'm going back to the dorms, early morning tomorrow, see you two around,'' Mukti turned to leave before we could bid her bye.

''She's right, I don't need to worry, I have you,'' I linked my arm with him, ''Walk me home, will you?''

Our walk home was brisk, the chilly air tickled my spine, every pore of my body felt alive. Whenever I was around Chase, I always felt safe, I knew I could fall back on him for anything and everything.

"We're here,'' he sighed.

"Mr. Rager, it's time for you to get back to your party now, a good host doesn't leave his own party! I'll see you tomorrow," I said, walking into the reception of my apartment building. I could see him smiling out of the corner of my eye.

Instead of heading home, I headed back to my favourite place, the rooftop. After the madness of tonight, I need a whiff of calm, my personal paradise.

I sat on the ledge and the whole day ran through my mind. Manik brought out a side of me that I never knew existed. This level of emotion was so new to me, the emotion being hatred. But even after the execution of this elaborate plan, my mind was still at unease. I didn't feel the relief I thought I would feel after. I just felt nothing. Nothing at all. Mom was right I guess, you can never fight pain by causing pain. What I did today was not me, I wouldn't ever inflict that sort of emotional pain on anyone but that's just what Manik brought out in me. I wasn't proud of what I was becoming. I was done with this revenge plan.

I crossed my knees and placed my chin on my palm, losing myself in thought when a familiar voice broke my chain of thought.

"Fourth time this week? You're becoming way too predictable these days!" Chase, as usual.

"Missing me already?" I retorted, without looking at him.

"Hah! You wish, Murthy! Your phone was in my pocket, I came to return it, and also, I love this rooftop, I'd miss any party for this," he said, sitting beside me. I scooted closer to him, placing my head on his shoulder. After a long day, this felt peaceful. We remained silent, just like that for a bit. It felt comforting. He was running his fingers through my hair, while I played with his fingers, I wish this moment could last forever.

Chase was the first to break the silence, "You know you're absolutely crazy right?" I chuckled in response, draping his dress jacket over my shoulders.

"My crazy is the reason we're friends but, sure complain all you want," I laughed.

"Nandini, you know, I love who I become when I'm with you...," he paused, unsure of what he just said. I remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"I like you," he continued, "Aw, Chase, I like you too!" I stifled a yawn. It was getting late.

"No, Nandini, I like you like I like you like you." I was so confused?

"What do you mean you like me like me?"

"I don't know what it is between us, I don't know about my feelings, I'm not sure about anything right now but I want to explore that, with you. You and I both know, we aren't 'just friends' and I want to see what we can be." He continued. He was right. We were never just friends. I had even been attracted to him, but I just never expected that to be reciprocated, not even in my wildest dreams.

"So, what do you suggest?" I said, looking up at him.

"Nandini, would you like to go out with me?"

"You mean like a first date?" I clocked up an eyebrow.

"Not like a first date, a first date."

••

The fixed schedule for updates will be every Saturday and Wednesday.

Hope you enjoyed reading,
manikmalhotras.