When the realisation of her being married drowned to him he couldn't bear that, his hands dropped on his knees and he screamed to release the suppressed pain. Adhiraj was witnessing the scene while having no idea of controlling it, still he thought of trying to manipulate Manik, hoping it to work on him.

"Manik get up ...... U r getting late ...... Ur drugs will be delivered within next 20minutes, come on, girls come nd go". He thought mention of drug could save the outrage of Manik but still he himself was unsure of result.

"Girls ?" He stood straight and looked at Adhiraj in disbelief. He shook is neck like a helpless, betrayed man.

"She is a freaking woman ...... A MARRIED WOMAN" he screamed at the top of his voice looking directly into Adhiraj's eyes, and scaring his soul to the core with those bloody red eyes which were literally oozing fire out of them.

"Tell me how could she be married? ...... Aah how could she? ....... Didn't she think of me ? ........ How can she be someone else's other than me ? ..... How?" And next moment he was uttering the shit in most painful way where his bloody red eyes didn't scare Adhiraj but just slashed his heart with enduring pain.

"Manik" he tried keeping hand on Manik's shoulder.

"What she thinks of herself? ...... What did she thought before getting married? ........ Wasn't she supposed to wait for me?" Adhiraj looked at insane man  in disbelief. Manik was going frantic with his untamed, overflowing emotions. But the most disturbing part was to see him behaving like thirsty man yearning for water in desert.

"How did she was supposed to wait? ...... Try t....." He tried sounding less offending with hesitation in his tone. Still it vexed Manik.

"Why didn't she ? ...... Didn't I wait 30yrs, for her ? ....... Couldn't she wait, for .... Me" though Adhiraj was sober enough to realise Manik is uttering nonsense and going haywire and it was really hard not to cry over this man, the man who can be called as epitome of intellect and can manipulate any drastic situation within minutes for his benifit, has gone insane.

"Manik enough of this ...... U r ruining everything and"

"Exactly she ruined everything and I really don't know what to do" his knees dropped to the ground like a defeated warrior on the war field.

Adhiraj was prepared to bear his anger but never ever he dreamt of seeing Manik breaking down like this, like a pathetic lover. This is not Manik, this is not the Mafia everyone is scared of, he can't be that rebellious boy whom he met almost 20yrs ago who was timid orphan but never weak.

"Why, you don't know? ...... It's ur fucking life and it's not like you love her and can't live without her ..... That kind of crap, right? ...... So get over it man ..... Come on you are not that weak ..... You don't love her" more than Manik he was assuring himself and also he wanted Manik to believe that he is not under the impression of love. He don't want this game to turn more ugly or scary than already it is.

"No I don't love her" deeply thrown by Adhiraj's words he denied helplessly.

"I FUCKING DON'T LOVE HER ..... IT'S NOT LOVE " he denied the revolting feeling with a force. He can't be in love with her. Love is not for him. Love destroyed his mother and he lost her, she suffered cause of love. Love is not for him, he can't love anyone. He chanted the mantra to console his thudding heart.

Seeing the agonizing situation of Manik, Adhiraj couldn't refrain himself from thinking, do love have this much power over a person? He had heard the history of crazy love but witnessing it in front of him was unforgettable experience that too when Manik is just slightly touched by craziness called love and he surely don't want to see what will he do if he gets drown into it.

.............................||

The emotions were too heightened and knowledge of her being married wasn't that much piercing but the fact she can't be his was setting his untamed rage of destroying world on fire.

Manik wasn't just in control nd so does his phone, it kept ringing continuously that Adhiraj was forced to look for it. He found that Manik's drug dealer, Mr. Shah is calling him as only 15 mins are left for 9pm and they might be somewhere near with a full planning, that minute's late won't be tolerated.

Having no choice he came to a corner so that he could talk in little bit silence which was difficult task because the whole atmosphere was buzzing with jazz music of festival. He closed his eyes and muttered heartful apologies to his mother and then called the only person who can save the situation.

"What it is son?" Other person asked from that end.

"Help ur Manik ....... I don't want to do it but I am just helping my friend by telling you that his most important consignment is going to be delivered within 15mins near to my school where he has dug a tunnel which opens in one of the old lab in school ....... Don't expect me to do anything more .......  I'm already breaking my mother's promise by telling you this" he huffed after speaking his point in one go.

"Still a Mumma's boy ...... Grow up Adhi ..... And what happened to Manik? ..... He can never be irresponsible ....... Did some accident or something happened to him?" He asked with a concern.

"No".

"Then how serious matter, it could be ? ...... As far as I know it has to be worst scenario cause Manik is anything but careless ..... So tell me". He was getting restless from that side.

"First go nd handle the mess ...... That would be very much beneficial for everyone because if anything goes wrong, we all will be in trouble ..... Please save the situation and also my mother's school, from getting targeted into news headlines" without telling about Manik's condition and reason behind it, he requested sharply.

"Okay enough ..... Send me details and stay with Manik" knowing the seriousness of situation he accepted nd didn't pursue much.

..........................||

When only 3 minutes were left Mr. Shah called him again as he didn't see anyone coming to get the delivery.

"I still don't understand how Mafia leader could be so unreasonable ...... He is fucking leader not any local hoodlum ......... I can't believe, how Sangram could choose him as a leader?" Highly disappointed voice spoke over phone to the Adhiraj who was trying to handle the situation in best possible way. He was that poor fellow who don't even know exactly with whom  he is talking. Nd the person from other end was just getting self pleasure by insulting Manik which he could never get it in front of Manik and he somehow discovered the son of former Mafia leader is harmless.

"Isn't it too early to judge my decision? ...... I guess Manik didn't create his best impression in front of you but nevermind I will ask him to prove himself" and as Mr Shah turned back to see the person walking upto him with that same aura even after years which was still threatening as much as it was before.

Sangram Mohite, a highly passionate man, fears nothing in his life. Manik's mentor and previous Mafia leader of their gang, his thrilling experience of life works for him to get any desirable thing except his wife.

"Pleasure to see u mate ...... Actually I should thank him cause of his absence I got to meet you ...... I must say u still look the same ..... In fact more better in terms of physique" he immediately changed the subject and greeted Sangram. He isn't a that much of coward in fact he was very dangerous mafia during his time but Manik is an exceptional case, also young blood is bound to be more aggressive than old person.

"I guess having more free time does that for you" he winked and dealer nodded.

This man is walking fear for others even at the age of 55. Age is just a number fir him, he just need to flex those muscles and any girl of any age goes crazy over him. No it's not their fault cause this man has really got that physique and aura around him, no wonder many of Adhiraj's exes had tried their ways to woo the man which also shows he is aging fine like a wine.

(U can imagine any face for this character but for me I'm picturing Sunil Shetty as Sangram Mohite. I mean look at him he looks so sexy and dark for Mafia role).

The smart watch on Shah's wrist buzzed as clock showed 21:00.

"Let's get done with a work before it's too late" Sangram said after hearing that sound. Shah nodded and they both moved together to the other end of tunnel. With a one signal from Sangram most trusted team members started their work of shifting stuff.

.........................||

Adhiraj was just 5 steps back from reaching the place where he had left Manik, previously, but now he couldn't see him which made him restless and on top of that sky was roaring just like Manik, giving the warning of upcoming storm.

Clouds were way too darker and outside world was so chaotic that the voice of their enthusiasm was effortlessly reaching to the only secluded place in the locality where Adhiraj was finding Manik.

Sensing the source of light from behind Adhiraj turned and saw his Mercedes making vigorous rounds in that small space, he saw Manik's door getting opened that too when car was being raced at high speed, that insanity was hair-raising and the scene playing in front of him was terrifying.

His breath hitched, heart sinked at the scene where Manik rolled out of the car just before it got crashed into the nearby light tower, small sparks got lightened and slowly everything around started burning into fire with the car burning at faster speed nd almost blasted into air, creating a heavy noice in vicinity that reached almost everywhere in the locality.

Common sense entered back into the scared soul and sensing the upcoming danger he ran to save that stubborn body laying on road with a satisfaction of destroying something. But satisfaction didn't come without any repent, his left arm was burnt badly on the outer side.

...........................||

By hearing the sound of blast everyone present in the locality immediately gathered at the suspected place to see the car and light pole burning in front their eyes.

The electric sparks from those wires were falling anywhere and situation started becoming a mess and sensing that mess from distance Adhiraj instantly messaged Sumit to avoid upcoming trouble.

'That fire is caused because of our mistake ..... So handle the mess and also the CCTV footage, if there is any camera installed ....... If u do that efficiently, then u can come home to receive ur one lakh rupees as reward in the morning' Adhiraj typed the msg then looked at the Manik who was standing at the distance of 5feet from Adhiraj.

"Are you mad or what Manik? ...... Do u know what you did? ...... And how hazardous consequences can be if anyone gets hurt, physically? Adhiraj lashed out on Manik. He was really pissed at Manik's reckless behaviour.

"So u see there's a possibility of her husband getting burnt, right?" Manik turned and smirked at Adhiraj which left him stunned.

"Anyone can get hurt" he mumbled the words.

"And What if she gets hurt?" He stated the possibility which was spine chilling for Manik to even think of.

His face went cold white and he turned hysteric again but this time completely out of concern for her. Adhiraj didn't get time even to read the expression on his face when Manik started running into the direction of fire.

Not wasting a second Adhiraj followed him. He took out his emergency gun from inner pocket of his jacket and aimed it's end on back of Manik's head.

"Aaah" Manik shrieked as bottom of gun hit back of his head which made him stopped in his track.

Adhiraj who was just two steps behind, immediately covered the distance and held Manik's collapsing figure in time, saving him from falling directly on to ground. They were far away from people's eyes for anyone to see them. So Adhiraj called his driver, instantly.

When Manik fainted, at that time drizzling of rain started too. And after a while it turned into heavy downpour which was little bit relaxing for Adhiraj as it was calming the fire before the fire extinguishers could have. Also the driver's arrival at the exact time saved him from unconscious Manik who might have woken up after being under the rain.

He dropped blacked out Manik into his mansion then went on to see another mission of night. He didn't feel guilty for hurting Manik because his lunacy pushed Adhiraj till that point where harming him was the only option left to calm the erupting volcano.

.......................... ||

They went through the tunnel and was surprised by seeing it's perfect width which can comfortably occupy any healthy man and also it has lights inside with the switch buttons. Sangram was impressed with Manik's work. He went inside, checked everything perfectly and then came out after locking it securely though bit of security is left, which has to be done by Manik as he has installed the system which will open with his own eyes and that wasn't activated yet as drugs weren't loaded till then.

"Settings were impressive Mohite" Shah praised him after coming out of the tunnel.

"Obviously, Manik has given his personal attention to it".

"Off course he did ....... He is brilliant at this age ...... If he will keep up with that attitude nd pace then it's not too long before he captures the whole world under his fist" he stated with a admiration though he is jealous of Sangram but still he too wants someone from India to rule the world and Manik is the most suitable candidate for that.

"Sure ...... We r hoping for the same ...... Nd this deal will be big step into his development at international smuggling" he said proudly, he has been making plans for Manik since the time he took retirement from leadership.

Wishing him luck dealer shook his hands with Sangram. After coming to the end point of tunnel they decided to leave the spot as it was already half past ten.

.....................||

"And here I was waiting for the day when u will end this illegal business but here u are planning for promotions, already ..... How inspiring, isn't it?" Sangram heard the known sarcastic voice of his own son from behind and before turning to him he bid bye to his fellow who immediately left after seeing the unknown face.

"Common my son ...... Don't u ever feel happy for ur father's progress?" He questioned.

"Even I want to feel happy for u but u guys don't give me a chance to feel anything more than anxiety" he said it painfully. It was very troubled night for him and an addition to that it was still raining not heavily though.

"Okay leave it ...... U will never understand the thrill ...... If u don't want to support then at least stay mum ..... Don't utter a thing about this until we find a most safest place" after dismissing earlier topic he instructed Adhiraj about what to do and started moving towards exit.

"Aren't you scared of mom finding it out? ..... You know right, it's her school which has been built with a kind purpose to keep humanity alive" he stopped hearing his son's words but didn't turn back.

"Monsters are supposed to survive on others kindness, my child ...... And please don't let her know about it, I don't want to hurt her even for a second because of me" turning his neck for a while he said and took a step towards exist to avoid upcoming emotional talk.

"If you love my mom so much as you say then why don't u leave this buisness and live peacefully with mom?" again this question made him stop in his track.

"U know as well as I, it's not possible ...... She will never come back to me ..... Nd for the love in my heart, I can only respect her descision and not force her to do something against her self respect, no matter how it hurts me everyday" without facing Adhiraj he confessed, at the end his voice turned thicker under the rain which didn't go unnoticed by Adhiraj, he knows his father really loves his mother.

"And u too know that she hates this buisness right?" The child in him really want to see his both parents living together under one roof.

"I know but what I can do ? ...... Ur mother and this buisness are the only things I loved all my life ....... Off course ur mom is the superior amongst them but she can't live with me so I can't let go of only motivation in life, this Mafia business, which keeps me alive ...... U will never know what kind of passion it takes to live thrilling life but Manik knows .... So don't ruin it for him" He stated facts from his perspective.

"I'm afraid fortunately or unfortunately already his passion is gonna ruin him"  Sangram missed that heaviness behind those words and also the experience out of which they have been uttered.

"Only passion in love, can ruin the person otherwise no power in universe can weaken the passionate person ...... There's no chance of love in his life so nothing can stop him" saying so he left the area with utter confidence which shook the Adhiraj on his place.

"Only if u know" emotionally tired Adhiraj muttered to himself which go unheard under the sound of thunderbolt. He is torn after being in the middle of everything which he can't control nor can escape. He really wants to run away from everything so that he can be at peace but he just don't have that much good fate.

............................. ||

|

Nandini had noticed how Sumit's attitude changed after he looked at his phone, probably it was msg from someone important, she suspected. After the fire turned uncontrollable people were rushed into their houses. And before she could ask for any explaination from him, he harshly sent her and his mother into house. Though she wanted to stay to make sure he is safe too, no matter what she don't want to see him physically harmed. And to her relief soon rain started pouring, outside.

Later on she got half hour to think and to analyse the overall evening. It was certainly eventful and deeply mind numbing evening. No matter how many times she tried to divert her mind but it kept coming back to those painfully haunted eyes.

Also Sumit's actions were very suspicious and she could see he is upto something, mainly he is been buttering someone and she is kind of sure that person is Adhiraj as she saw how Sumit was going behind Adhiraj when he took Manik with him. Then later on she also suspected that message was probably from Adhiraj. As this suspicion passed through her she couldn't stop herself from worrying about Manik. Is he fine? Nd if that msg was from Adhiraj then what did he say? Was it about Manik? Or the msg was sent by Manik himself? But he won't do that.

Sumit's direct entry into the house broke her chain of thoughts, she stood up from her place and went to see him drenched in water. She couldn't stay mum after having so much inside her head, so she went to confront.

"Just tell me Sumit from where did you get money to buy this nuptial chain?" She demanded an answer.

"How does it matter? ...... You got what u wanted so just shut up and do ur work" he arrogantly dodged her question, he doesn't like to be questioned by woman that too on his capability and by asking this question she definitely put a finger on his ability to buy her a gift.

"But I want to know ......  I don't want to wear something which has came from looted money or from stuff like that" and that was it he was losing his calm. She was hurting his manly ego.

"Aren't you happy? ....... And what exactly do u expect from me ? ...... Why every time u have to be complaining, no matter what I do ? ...... Can't you be happy for once nd let me live in peace too" he restrained himself from doing something which will hurt her.

"Yes even I want to live in peace without doubting your actions and your motives but u have made it difficult for me to trust you ...... Please don't expect me to trust you cause that has led me to this kind of pathetic life where I don't know why exactly I'm living?" His mother heard the ongoing fight from the entrance of house and she felt angry on Nandini by hearing her last few words, still she didn't go inside cause somewhere from inside she knows that her son is ultimate reason for their miseries.

"And u think after marrying you I'm living in a heaven or what ? ...... In fact ur expectations and demands have made me more miserable than I have ever been in my life ...... U r just a undying curse in my life and trust me if not for this beautiful face nd body I would have never fell for u ..... U r just self centred and selfish woman" words were definitely stinging her heart more than they intended to hurt her. It was not first time that he was being mean nd narcissistic but this time he was making her feel low in her own eyes, her self esteem was going down at the speed of light. Guilt was consuming the all of her heart cause she didn't hurt one person but the two. One of them was unintentional though, but still those dark brown eyes were still haunting her.

"Then why don't you leave me and get over with this curse?" She wasn't angry but deeply hurt and depressed.

"Exactly now u r speaking what's in ur mind ....... U only want this ..... To get seperate from me ...... U must be tired of living with a poor man ..... Who knows u might have found a rich guy to lay with, haven't you? Eventually that's what all women crave for, the limitless money. ?" And just like that she slapped him hardly, unable to bear atrocious words.

"Women don't want money but the respect which a man like you can never even think of ...... In fact u r not a real man to be start with ...... U r just useless malevolent peace of filth n" her words stopped in the middle of argument as he slapped her hardly then after harshly pulling her hair bun he smashed her head on the door where his mother was standing. She instantly held the trembling body of Nandini with her own shivering hands. Seeing his mother quivering he gave death glare nd just left the house in anger.

"Please forgive me for giving birth to Satan" Nandini looked at the helpless woman standing all defenceless in front of her who's head and shoulders were dumped down with the weight of guilt and shame all because of the animal whom she gave birth.

She just stared at the old lady before standing on her own feet. She was so drained out to start another chat over feelings and situations from which she can't escape nor that woman can help. They both have been victim of cruelty of same person yet they were restricted by their own inhibition, of going against him and helping each other.

"It's okay ...... It won't change anything now" she looked totally lifeless while uttering those words and just walked back into the house in a very slow pace as if life has been sucked out of her body. Her devasted saree nd hair were the symbols of domestic violence, she recently went through.

But most scariest part was that when she saw the nuptial chain being loosely held in Nandini's hand and after a step it was safely landed on the floor where she had kept her foot earlier. No violence or threats or words were needed to interpret that it was the start of the end which was on due, cause until now she kept holding it with a hope that he will change but he didn't.

That night not only one soul was burning but the invisible flames of fire were also touching the other soul, unintentionally and irrevocably.

....................... End .................. ||

Let me know if you find any mistake.

How was the chapter?
(And guys stop worrying about the end, story has just begun now)

.................. Aish ❣️ ..................