Jack's POV..

She was unconscious in my arms, all limp. I didn't waste a single second to gather her around and picked her up..

She looked so weak...pale...beaten...helpless..

I wanted to do nothing but to run away somewhere with her..

Gosh.

Why was she becoming so important for me?

I will go crazy...

Hastily I walked back towards the lounge and as soon as I entered everyone got up with a jerk..

"Freak Twinkle!" Manik was the first to react as he came rushing towards us and I didn't say anything but laid Twinkle on the couch..

"Twinkle!" I whispered impatiently rubbing to her ice cold hands and caressed her hair simultaneously..

"What happened to her??" Everyone was asking but nothing mattered to me and I kept whispering sweet nothings in Twinkle's ears, constantly rubbing to her hands until I felt her eyes moving..

"Hey! Twinkle! Open your eyes! See! Am protecting you!" I whispered only for us to hear and she opened her eyes with a great difficulty..

"Ja...jack!" Her lips moved with my name but her voice didn't leave her throat..

I didn't need to hear her voice to listen that she was calling me..

My lips were itching to kiss her forehead but before I could lean forward I was pulled many steps back with my collars.

I chocked as my breath stopped and before I could react Manik pushed the person away..

I turned back to see Vikram shooting daggers at me..

"Don't use hands buddy!" Manik warned Vikram covering me and Twinkle behind him while my other buddies also stood to protect us..

"Ohh really? What the hell your friend is doing with my fiance?" Vikram roared and once again tried to pounce upon me, but before I could react more Twinkle got up with a jerk and came in front of me..

"Vikram stop!!" She shouted loudly and came in between us.

I stared at the tiny little girl and suddenly realized that yes! Yes She was important...very important.

"Twinkle! You are protecting this man!" Vikram barked and Twinkle shook her head walking forward toward him but I held her hand.

"Come back to me!" Vikram shouted showing his right on Twinkle and she looked back at me with pleading eyes..

'Don't goo!' My eyes were screaming at her as I slightly shook my head at her..

'I have to!' She stared back with teary eyes and slowly untangled her hand from my grip..

Nobody interfered..

And she walked towards Vikram, who grabbed her hand mercilessly with that he dragged her out while I stood helpless..

Suddenly my inside trembled and I crazily run behind her but Manik came in front of me..

"Get away!" I shouted trying to push him back but he didn't..

"Jack you need to tell us??!! What's wrong??!" Nandini came in front, pushing Manik away, trying to hold my hand but I wanted to do nothing but get to Twinkle and in that furry I pushed her away with such force that she stumbled away with that I walked forward..

But before I could move further I heard her scream loudly behind me and everyone swearing..

Gosh what have I done??

I immediately turned and saw her curled up in Manik's arms. The corner of her forehead was bleeding a little. Maybe due to my push her head hit the corner of the table..

God am so bad..

"I am okay Manik! Relax!" She was whispering to Manik who was going crazy with worry and was constantly pecking her hair..

"You are so bad Jack! How could you even do this??" Manik shouted at me like a bull and I tried to say something but. "Dare not to explain your sh!t!" He roared more and picked Nandini up in his arms. Without giving any of us to say anything he stormed towards his room with Nandini, who gave me extreme helpless expressions..

"What's happening Jack?" Tiger was the first to ask and I took a deep breath. I closed my eyes and opened them again only to see everyone's eyes demanding answers...

I gulped as I saw little Abeer scared..

Of me..

Was he thinking that am gonna hurt him too??

I can't afford it.

Carefully I knelt down looking at him and he hide behind Cabir's legs more..

"Hey! Champ!" I whispered lovingly extending my hands towards him but he shrinked away, more behind Cabir..

This thing made me choke and I gulped more..

"Chachu is never gonna hurt you! Don't you trust me?" I whispered again and he looked up towards his father who gave him an encouraging smile.

Abeer slowly walked towards me, taking each step very carefully and I opened my arms for him. Suddenly an adorable smile broke over his lips and he came running to me. I immediately gathered him in my arms and felt so relived..

I thought I lost him due to my anger..

"Chachu ki jaan!" I whispered kissing to his hair numerous times and he clung to me like usual..

"We want answers! Jack!" It was Cabir now and I sighed at him..

"Guys! I..! I am not ready! Yet!" I said lowly..

"Still not ready!?" Max freaked out and I looked away, from his gaze..

"Why are you complicating things for yourself Jack!??" Mukti came forward and I shook my head at her, silently gesturing her to stay away from me, at least for now..

I didn't want to hit her too..

I wonder how's Nandini?

"We will discuss this later! You guys should go and see Nandini! If she is okay?" I said, trying to dismiss them..

"Manik is with her! Let's just talk now!" Navya Bhabi's voice held order..

"I insist! Please go and check her!" I really insisted, more like pleaded and held Abeer more closer..

All of them gave each other a look before heading upstairs..

I sighed in relief and paced around the lounge with Abeer still cradled in my arms. His head was resting over my shoulder..

"Chachu ji!" Suddenly his soft voice paused me and I made him look at me, caressing his light black,a little brown hair..

"Ji Chachu ka beta?" I asked lovingly and he pointed toward upstairs..

"Maushi ko hiii hue hai! Un kay pass chalain? Pleaj?" He pleading folding his hands in front of him and I reluctantly agreed.

Manik is gonna punch me hard, for hurting his girl..

Ouch...

________________________

Nandini's POV..

"It will pain a little okay!" Manik said in a panic tone pouring the antiseptic on the cotton, to clean my wound..

"It's okay Manik!" I tried to assure him but it was obviously not a bit percent ok for him because his hands were trembling and I held them in mine...

"You are hurt!" He whispered, almost choking..

"It's just a little scratch Manik! I swear it's not hurting!" I assured him and he faced down, refusing to look at me.

"It's all because of Jack! Am gonna kill him!" He murmured and I squeezed his hands..

"It's not his fault Manik!" I said in a strict tone. "And you are not gonna have a fight with him! You are his friend! You need to understand the situation under which he is going through!" I was really warning Manik and he still faced down..

"Look at me!" I ordered but he didn't, instead shook his head just like a baby..

"Oh Manik! Please! Look at me!" My voice held plead and when he looked up his eyes were glossy. I suddenly found him so cute and adorable. "Awww! My little baby!" I cried in extreme love and moved forward a little to hug him tightly against me..

"I love you!" He sniffled in my hair like a two year older and I racked my fingers through his thick mane..

How much I liked us switching these roles..

I liked pampering him sometimes. Just like the way he pampers me every time..

"I know Manik! I know it very well! Now shhh! Everything is okay!" I whispered soothingly in his ear and he pulled me more closer. "I am here! In your arms! Safe and sound! Just like the way you want!" I whispered again and he breathed in my hair, one last time before parting away..

He stared at me for a moment and I stared back, until he leaned forward and pecked my lips gently..

"I will never let you get hurt!" He whispered over my lips and I cupped his cheek pecking him back..

"I know hubby! And I trust you on my life!" I whispered back with the same love and he kissed the back of my ear,then pulled back..

"Let's do this dressing done!" He said with a sigh and I obediently sat in front of him.

"Acting obedient are we?" Manik chuckled deeply, cleaning my wound and I giggled..

"Yes Doctor!" Only I knew how much these treatments scare me but Manik's hands were so soft and careful that I didn't feel any pain..

"That's good!" He commented blowing at the wound and I giggled more. Soon he was done wity the dressing and I smiled at him..

"Do you need a pain killer?" His concerns, they will kill me someday..

"No! But I know something which can be better then any painkiller!" I whispered lowly, a little huskily and crawled in his lap.

"What?" He asked back in the same tone, holding me by my waist and I rested my forehead over his..

"Kiss! Kiss, where it hurts Manik!" I mewed lowly and next moment I found his lipd met my wound. I sighed in pure bliss as his lips pressed over the bandage harder and soon I felt my head resting with the soft pillow while my back over the mattress making me feel comfortable. Once again he connected our lips but this time the kiss was hungry..

His lazy hands set my body at fire in just few seconds as I arched my back to get his touch more while unknowingly my hands reached for the hem of his T-shirt but he held them at place, pulling away from the kiss..

"Manik...I..!" But before my needy tongue and lips could utter that how much I wanted him, the door knocked..

Manik gave me a smile and I shyly looked down, without realizing that my hands were still fisting his shirt..

"Laters baby!" He whispered lovingly and kissed my forehead before getting up to open the door while I too sat up straightening myself..

Manik opened the door and I saw everyone standing outside with inquiring faces..

"Is she okay now?" Everyone asked simultaneously and Manik nodded, leaving the doorway for everyone to come in..

"Hey Bacha!" Tiger Bhai was the first to come to my side and took me in a bone crushing hug..

I found it difficult to breathe, I looked at Manik and he stood leaning with the door, his face held a never ending smile..

Bhai's hug was followed by others as well as if I was discharged from the hospital..

"Guys am fine! It was just a little scratch! Relax!" I assured them cheekily and everyone exhaled a breath.. "Btw! Where is Jack?" I asked as he was missing..

"Downstairs! Probably embarrassed of whatever he did!" Mukti Bhabi added with a dismay and I frowned..

"He need not to be embarrassed! It's not his fault! Can anybody please call him here?" I said loudly when my eyes fell on the door where Jack was peeking along with Abeer..

"Jack! Come in! Right now!" I ordered him and everyone looked towards the door while Manik stood straight, shooting daggers at him..

Jack was hesitant first but then came in and Abeer too came running to me. I kissed his cheek and hugged him..

Then...

"I want everyone wait outside! till I discuss the matters with Jack!" I said in a serious tone and nobody objected, but Manik grabbed Jack's shirt in his fist..

"Dare to hurt her again! And I will kill you!" He warned Jack, with murderous eyes..

"Manikkk!" I snapped at him in a warning and Manik too went out, pushing Jack away..

The door got shut behind him and Jack gave me a sheepish look, while rubbing the back of his neck an act he do whenever he was nervous about something..

"I am glad he didn't punch me!" He said with a chuckle, walking towards my bed and I smiled..

"Sorry about Manik's behavior! He is...you know extra possessive!" I said shaking my head and patted the place beside me, asking him to sit down, which he quietly obliged..

"That's because he loves you so much!" He was smiling, now staring at my fish bowls..

"Whenever we love someone Jack! We become over conscious about them! A little hurt to them and we freak out!" My double meaning words hit him hard as his body posture stiffened before he turned to me and cupped my cheek, leaning closer to inspect the wound..

"Ziada tou ni lagi? Am so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you!" He was avoiding the topic very clearly but this time he wasn't going to get away with this..

"Stop running from the reality Jack!!" My pitch went higher. "Accept it! Accept it that you love her!" I hit the right cord and he jerked away..

"Are you crazy? I...I don't love her! There is nothing!" He said looking away from me and I glared at him..

"Oh yeah? Mr.Jack Paul! Guys don't go kissing around girls and ask them to prove by not responding to the kiss when there is 'nothing'!" I threw my card air quoting the word 'nothing' and he looked at me with a jerk..

"How come do you know?" He asked horrified enough to make me laugh..

"Don't be so nervous! It's okay to kiss a girl you love Jack!" I said with a smug smile and once again he teared his gaze away from me..

"It's not love Nandu!" He was fighting with it so hard..

"Ahan? Then what is it?" I demanded and this time he looked at me..

"Att--attraction! Umm! Maybe!" He spoke, gulping down the lump in his throat and I raised my left eyebrow at him. "Okay! Maybe a little of lo--!! Arghh! I don't know what to do?!" He added in extreme frustrations pulling to his hair and I untangled his hands from his hair..

"You need to share it with us! With all of us! Please! I request you to let us in! You have to trust us! We can't see you like this Jack! Please tell me! Tell me you are ready to give us a chance to help you!" I was begging literally and he stared at me for long two minutes before taking a sigh, while nodding his head..

"Call everyone in! I will tell you a how it all started!" Jack said in a low voice and leaned forward to peck his cheek..

"My strong brother!" I whispered in his ear and he hugged me..

"I need your support Nandu! I need you all so much!" He pleaded innocently and I patted his back.

"You are never losing us Jack! Everything will be okay!" I assured him and I was sure of it..

After few minutes, everyone was gathered in our room and all of them were waiting for Jack to start. Manik took his place beside me on the bed and I smiled at him to which he replied back with the same enthusiasm..

I leaned up and kissed his ear before whispering an I love you while he wrapped his one arm around my shoulder pulling me in to him.

"Tell me if it starts paining okay?" He whispered in a concern, touching my nose and I giggled inaudibly..

"Yes, Sir!" I replied back saluting at him and he shook his head with a smile..

Then we all looked at Jack who was now sitting in the middle of the room on a chair and all others took their respective places..

"So now? Are you gonna say something or will keep fidgeting with your fingers?" Tiger bhai asked him coldly and he cleared his throat..

"We are not gonna judge you Jack! You need to trust us!" Mukti Bhabi came forward and placed her on his shoulder to which he nodded..

"It's about, a year ago!" He started lowly and we all listened to him intently. "It was a stormy night! I was going to pursue some courses of classical fusion music in Bhatinda! I was on my way when my Audi...it broke down! I had to no choice but to pull it across the road and walk my way to find a mechanic! The road was stranded! The rain had stopped but still the clouds were rumbling ready to shed anytime! I needed to find a hotel or anything to spend the night when I finally entered the premises of Bhatinda! On the very start I saw a house and without thinking! I started banging the door because once again it was drizzling! And I was getting wet! Soon the door went open and a girl peeked! It was Twinkle!" Jack paused to take a breath and all of us felt our breath stopping.

So that's how he met Twinkle..

"I requested for a help but she refused! Telling me that her father was not at house so she can't allow me to come in! I pleaded because it was now raining cats and dogs. After a lot of argument and begging she let me in!" Jack's voice was dipping. I looked up at Manik who looked at me and nodded at me in assurance while Jack continued. "The house was warm! She offered me a cup of coffee! But I was flattered! By her beauty ! She was the most beautiful lady I have ever came across and what to say about my bluntness! I...I offered her a kiss!" He added with a sheepish chuckle and all of us stared at him..

"You are an unbelievable ass!" Cabir bhai commented and we all giggled..

"Yes I am!" Jack agreed and continued. "As soon as I said that she rewarded me with a slap! That slap! It made me so so mad that I went crazy with anger! I shouted nonsense at her and stormed out of the house because it was morning, the rain had stopped! I...I wished to never see her again but...she is here! After a year! She is back! I thought that there wasn't anything which existed in us but it is there! Something! Which is very much familiar still feels alien!" His voice was getting heavy and I felt so bad for her..

"But guys! The Twinkle I met a year before wasn't like this! She was more lively! Her eyes were filled with life! This Twinkle is so dull!" He was shaking his head..

"And am sure the reason is Vikram!" Manik spoke sitting straight and leaning forward..

"Yes! Did you guys notice! Kal raat bhi? Manik she was crying so much! Wo tjy chod he nahi rahi the! Am sure this was all about Vikram!" Mukti bhabi said pacing around the room..

"And did somebody notice how she flinched every time Vikram touched her!?" This was Navya's turn..

"Now you gotta tell us Jack?? What conversation you guys had this morning? When she fainted?" Tiger bhai spoke and I saw Jack's fist tightening while his jaws going ridged..

The vibes I was getting were not good..

"She told me something so horrible!" He whispered and my heart sank...

Did Vikram ra--!

"Rape!" He completed my thoughts for me and my eyes filled with tears. "Vikram raped her!" His voice was hoarse and for few seconds there was no sound except everyone's wild beating heart..

Suddenly a sob escaped my throat and next second I shoved my head in Manik's chest to cry. His lips pressed over my hair and he rubbed my back, I also felt his body trembling slightly..

How can even someone do this?

"She asked me to protect her! But that bastard took her away!" Jack hissed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I want to kill that horny dog for touching my Twinkle! He is forcing himself on me and what am I doing? Pata nahi kya kar raha ho ga us k sath!!" Jack was muttering out loud..

'My Twinkle?!!' Ohk! Interesting...

"What we gonna do?" Alya asked sniffing lowly.

"He is her legal fiance! We can't tell the police!" Max said in a matter of fact tone..

"Manik save her!" I pleaded to Manik who was sitting quietly..

"Manik say something!" Tiger bhai coaxed and I stare at his face which was ice cold..

"We gotta do something! I need to talk to Twinkle! I need to know her side of the story! Guys! Do something! I know she wanted to tell me but Vikram took her away! Why didn't she seek for help? Why is she not running away? Why is she denying our help?? I need to have her for few hours!" Jack was pleading and his pleads were directed towards Manik..

"I have a plan!" He muttered, nodding his head and the game was on...

______________________

"Nandu tery fruits!" Navya came hurriedly and placed the fruits bowl on the table in front of me, while I leisurely switched the channels..

"Thank you!" I exclaimed and she smiled before running away to catch up with all the preparations..

Okay! So finally it was Haldi day and everyone was busy but I was not allowed to work..

Why? Because of the deep wound on my forehead. *note the sarcasm*

It was just a stupid scratch and nobody was allowing me to step my foot on the floor..

But that was kinda enjoyable because everyone was treating me with so much of love. Tou aur kya chahye..

Now Navya had served me fruits. I munched to them lazily while sitting on the couch in the lounge and staring at the big tv screen. Everyone was running here and there when suddenly Bhai came behind my couch..

"Hey Bacha?! How are you feeling?" He asked lovingly caressing my hair and I looked up at him..

"Perfect as always!" I told with my huge smile and he left kissing to my hair..

I got busy again and after sometime..

"Nandu Bacha? Kuch aur khana hai? Navya ko boloon?" I heard Cabir bhai calling while standing on the stool to tuck a garland on the pillar and I giggled..

"No bhaiya am full! Thank you!" I shouted back at him and he smiled at me before resuming to his work..

I shook my head giggling at my crazy brothers when suddenly Max came and placed a big glass of juice on the table..

"Nandu! Have it! It's a fresh juice! Abhi Alya ko bool kar banwaya hai tery liye! And no bahana! Am here around!" He ordered me in a strict tone and hurried back to help Cabir bhai..

Gosh! So so bossy..

He didn't even ask if I wanted to drink it or not and now I have to wow...like seriously..

Am not even that badly injured come on..

"Hey!" Before I could whine more mentally Jack slumped on the couch beside me..

I made a bad face at him and he frowned.

"Oye what happened!!?" He asked worriedly and I looked away....

"Everyone is treating me as if am seriously injured! Am okay! Everyone is so bossy!" I whined angrily and Jack laughed.

"Bus itne si baat? Acha I have a thing jis ko dekh kar tera mood aik dam acha ho jye ga!" He said winking at me and pulled out a chocolate from his blazer pocket..

"OH my God! Chocolate!" I immediately became excited and was about to grab it when..

"If I saw you eating more chocolates today! I will be angry at you and I know you don't want that!" Manik's words from the morning rang in head and I looked away sadly..

"Ni chye!" I mewed..

"Hain? Why not?" Jack asked with wide eyes and I looked down..

"Manik gusa ho jayen gay!" I told him with a heavy heart..

"And whose gonna tell him?"

"Haan?"

"Yeah! Usy kon bataye ga? Chupky say kha lay!" He said with a wink and thrusted the chocolate in my before getting up and going away..

Aik chocolate say kya ho ga hai? I will eat chupky sy and kise ko pata bhi ni chalay ga...haan..

I stared at the chocolate and licked my lips.

I looked so yummy...

I decided to eat and was about to tear the packet when I saw Manik approaching. My eyes widened and I hide it under the blanket which I was wrapping around myself. Then I immediately popped an apple piece in my mouth meanwhile he was seated beside me.

Thankfully he was busy in his phone so he didn't see me hiding the chocolate... Phewww..

"Hey baby!" He greeted me with a kiss on my freshly changed bandage and I smiled..

"Hey!" I replied softly and he encircled an arm around my shoulders pulling me closer to his body, still busy with his cellphone and I looked down shyly on his gestures. "You wanna come in the blanket?" I asked lowly, studying his face out keenly and he shook his head with a small smile, still busy..

"Thank you sweetheart! I gotta work to do! You enjoy cuddling with your blanky!" He mouthed softly, giving me a look and was still typing on his cell phone. Maybe he was drafting an email..

"I enjoy it more when you are with me!" I said sweetly, pecking his cheek slightly and he snickered..

"Well I believe you in that!" He commented, letting out a warm chuckle and I too giggled. He seemed so busy in his phone as he didn't elaborate his comment any further..

"Where have you been?" I asked after a long pause and he nodded, as if gesturing me to wait when I finally saw him pressing the sent button, looks like the email was sent to the recipient. Then he finally turned his head towards me and I smiled, a big big smile it was..

"I was at the office! Attending some meetings! Then I rushed back home to you! End of the story!" He said warmly and I nodded my head..

"What you did all day?" He asked picking up a strawberry out of my fruit bowl and I stared at him, the half of the strawberry was still stuck in his teeth as he chewed the other half. Before he could slip it in his mouth don't know what gotten in me and I leaned forward and snatched it with my teeth leaving him startled..

Wowhh Nandini such a daring move.

As soon as I realized what have I done I looked down and went red..

Manik was now laughing..

"Oh you my innocent wife!" He murmured pulling me in his arms and I shyly hide away. "You make me so happy!" He whispered lovingly stroking my hair..

"So do you!" I whispered back pulling away to look at his face and he pecked my lips with extreme tenderness.

"I love you baby!" He spoke cupping my cheek and I snuggled in his touch..

"I love you too!" I said with a smile and he nodded, before getting up..

"Where are you going?!" I asked holding his hand and failed to conceal the disappointment in my voice..

"As much as I love to spend time with you darling! I need to help my brothers with the arrangements!" He said lovingly and bent down to kiss my forehead. "But am here around! Tumhry ass pass!" He added pecking to my pout and walked away to find his brothers.

I watched his retreating back when he suddenly turned. He rushed back and I gave him a confused while his lips held an I-know-you-well smile as his hand went under the blanket and when it came out, I saw my hidden chocolate pinched in it..

Opppsssss..

Now I was red due to embarrassment and he smirked at me.

"I will take this with me!" He told me with a sweet smile and saved the chocolate in his blazer pocket. Then he was gone..

"Aiyappa!" I muttered under my breath, pulling to my hair and hide inside the blanket..

Never try to double cross your husband. Noted.

I sighed and felt more blush creeping on my cheeks when suddenly..

"Hello Nandini Beta!" Da--, I mean Mr.Khurana's voice hit my ear and I eagerly peeked out of the blanket. He laughed at me and I sat straight giving him the room to sit beside me..

I can't resist this man...he was so kind..

And when I used to think that he was the killer of my mother my anger used to rise..

I was so much of in conflict about that matter..

"Hello!" I greeted him back and he stood with a smile. He was looking nervous. "Is everything ok?" I asked reluctantly and he nodded. Soon he pulled out a big shopping bag from his back and placed it on the couch beside me..

I gaped at him and he was still looking more nervous now..

"I brought you some gifts! Not much gifts! But I went for shopping and I liked these things! I hope you liked them!" He was narrating and I saw everyone gathering around me..

Manik and Bhai were behind my back.

"Gi-gifts?" I asked on disbelief and he was smiling so brightly..

I felt my inner self choking badly and tears built up in my eyes without hesitation..

It was my FATHER who brought me gifts? Or it was the KILLER of my mother?

I looked back up towards Manik and Bhai they nodded at me, towards the gifts. I gulped and raised my trembling hand to scroll through the shopping bag..

There was a white teddy bear and it was holding a red heart shape lollypop. A box full of chocolates. A packet of éclairs. Further there was a rectangular box of white color and there was a silk red ribbon tied over it. I untied the ribbon and it contained a white knee length frock. It had a red flower along with a belt around the waste. The matching white pomps with the same red flower over them were also there..

Gifts were...beautiful..

I looked up at the person who was trying his best to be my everything and a sob escaped my lips..

Sh!t...I don't wanna cry..

"Dear lord! Nandini beta! If you don't like these! I will take them away!" He was startled by the way I started crying and soon I felt Manik's arm wrapping around my shoulder pulling me to his arms..

"Manik!" I cried in his chest and he tried shushed me..

"Bus! Main hoon na! Shh!" Manik whispered in my ears and carefully ran his fingers through my hair..

Why? Why Aiyappa was doing this to me?

Why I can't live two moments of happiness with out crying?

"What happened Nandini?" Mr.Khurana was dying to know and I didn't had the answer..

I wanted to shout on him so bad but my voice was lost..

"Dad! I think you just come with me?!" Tiger Bhai was telling him to go..

"No Tiger! Why is she crying! I wanna know?!" I heard him saying with so much of worry and I choked more..

"You are making her cry for God sake Dad!" He shouted and Dad gasped..

"Why?? Why is she crying because of me? I am just trying to make her happy! I want her to smile for me too! I want her to smile because of me!" Dad was also shouting and I pulled away from Manik, my face was a teary mess..

My pain had turned into anger now.

"Why you wanna make me happy??" I screamed getting up and stood face to face with him, folding my arms across my chest..

"Because...!" His voice trailed off..

"Because what?" I demanded and he looked down.

"Because whenever you smile! Whenever you giggle mjhy lagta hai kay meri Neha has rahi hai! Mjhy lagta hai kay wo muskura rahi hai!" His voice turned heavy and he backed off..

And once again my heart pained..

Why was he lying?

Why was he making both of us suffer??

"Ap ki Neha mar chuki hai!" I started in a cold tone and I was proud on myself that my voice didn't tremble. "I am Nandini! Manik's Nandini! So it's better that you should not dream of her as me!" My tone was bitter...bitter then ever I have uttered.

With that I run towards my room and cried my heart out, before Manik came and pulled me in his chest..

I hate Dad...I hate him..

____________________________

Manik's POV..

I stood with a warm smile on my face as I saw Nandini laughing and moving around putting haldi on everyone.

There was a haldi fight going on and everyone was a mess.

Finally she was ok! Or at least she was pretending to be okay!

The stunt Mr.Khurana played was horrific..

Tiger and I had a long argument. Mr.Khurana was adamant to know the reason of Nandini not being comfortable with him.

On the other hand Jack and Twinkle's ship was also not sailing much. Vikram was sitting far away but he had a very keen eye on Twinkle's every move. Jack was also in the haldi fight but I had strictly advised him to stay away from Twinkle, in front of Vikram..

I was far away from these eww games so I just entertained myself with watching everyone going crazy. Around me were Mom and Mr.Khurana.

Mr.Khurana's eyes were looking swollen and red, as if he cried much..

What does this oldie wants huhh?

Mom and he were busy in a conversation when Nandini came running to me..

She was almost drenched in haldi and I chuckled at her.

She giggled and extended a platter to me. The platter had a bowl of haldi, some sweets and a little box of vermilion..

"Ji? Farmaiye?" I asked teasingly getting up to her level and she was breathing heavily because of all the running..

"Rasam karen?" She asked sweetly and I gave her a confused look. "We never had a haldi function na? So I just thought!" She was smiling so so brightly and her voice trailed off..

"Oh yes! Why not!" I exclaimed happily and I didn't realize that everyone was gathered around us once again.

First off all I dipped three fingers of my left hand in the haldi bowl and traced them on her cheeks. Then with my right hand, I pinched the vermilion and filled Nandini's hairline once again.

Her eyes were close and she was looking divine... Beautiful...

Then I fed her a little of the sweet and pecked her forehead..

Then she also put haldi on my cheek and roars of cheer exploded..

"Why you guys have to be so cute??" Alya shouted in excitement and I grinned at her looking at Nandini who was smiling shyly..

"Ohk oky! Now everyone shoo! Get ready for the party! Let's get drunk tonight!" Cabir shouted in excitement and we all off to get ready for the party..

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The party was in the hall of THE BAR nightclub.

The party was thrown by Cabir, Navya, Alya and Max..

Only very few of the friends were invited. All were looking young and beautiful.

All of us made sure that Twinkle and her fiance must come because that's how our little innocent plan gonna work..

The plan was little but a wicked one.

We all had planned to spike Twinkle's drink and then Jack will be handling her after that..

While Vikram was gonna handled by Max and Cabir.

Tiger was heartly allowed to spend his time with his beloved..

I was late for the party. All thanks to my office. So Nandini was already there, my plan of walking in the party holding hand of my girl was ruined now..

So making a bad face I quietly walked towards the counter where only Jack was sitting..

"Hey mahn! What's up?!" I shouted through the loud music, patting to his shoulder and he looked at me smiling..

"Hiii!" He greeted back and gestured me to look at the dance floor where all were going crazy. Nandini was dancing carefree..

She looked so beautiful in that royal blue skirt which I gifted her few days ago and I still remember how much she beamed with happiness. She had liked that dress a lot..

"What about the plan??" I asked to Jack and he smiled cockily showing me a thumbs up. I glanced at Twinkle who was dancing with Alya crazily..

"Cool!'" The plan was on but the thing I failed to notice was the wicked grin behind Jack's smile..

The realization struck me when Nandini looked at me and winked.

Then she sawyed her hips in my direction inviting me. She was not looking in her senses..

What's happening?

I looked back at Jack and he was still smiling at me..

"What you did??" I asked him in a horrified tone and he gave me a teasing smile..

"I just love the look on your face!" Jack was now laughing and I felt sweat drops appearing on my forehead..

"You spiked Nandini's drink too?" I shouted over the top of my voice and he shrugged sipping the remains of his drink..

"Why only I handle a drunk girl tonight buddy? Koi sath deny ko tou hona chahye naa?" His tone was so wicked and my breath was wild. When suddenly Nandini came running towardsshouldersthe moment she reached, she fused her lips over mine..

Sh!t...

"Woho! The night has just started!" I heard Jack laughing behind and I held Nandini who desperately wanted me to kiss her back..

This was going to be a long night and tomorrow morning I will throw Jack's corpse in a a garbage cane..

Nandini and Drunk...a horrible combination it was...

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Few! It was huge !
I hope you all enjoyed!
Now desperately looking forward for your comments..
Love, Cheers,
Mawara..
MawaraEjaz6