My dream ... It held the fragments of the broken person I was. I knew I could be saved in my real life but in my nightmares he win. He always win leaving me desperate to get justice - leaving me desperate to save myself from my ultimate fate.

But Manik- Manik Malhotra for the first time made me realize that you make your own fate. Harshad wasn't winning anytime soon became it was my  time to rise. Time to show him that I wasn't going to be stomped under his feet. 

  " I am going to get you and I am going to make you suffer " I said a unsaid promise. "

It was my time to fight back - show him who was the boss. I signed looking one last time in the mirror my eyes were red & puffy and I was sleep deprived.  The nightmares kept me  awake at nights. I was losing a battle but not anymore. I opened the door there he stood with tray of food in his hands. His eyes widened as he took in my appearance. 

There were different emotions in his eyes for sometime we stood like this having a stare off match until he turned away. Placing the food on the side table of my bed.

" You went to sleep without eating I thought you must be hungry.  I wasn't sure what will you eat so i brought you everything.  " I looked at the tray laden with food of many kinds. I started eating but my thoughts we're mainly consumed by the nightmares.

It was beyond me why I could never save her. Maybe because in real life too I failed to save myself why could dream be any different. Your dreams are the mirror to your destiny. No matter how many time I tried to reach for her fragile body I was only an audience to her destiny.

My heart cried for her - my arms cried to protect the 9- year me. Shield her from the cruel destiny but how could I when I had no say in any of the things happening.  I was a victim to his sadistic side I was a victim to his undying lust and obsession.  I wanted to die I tried but how could I be so cruel and unjust to the 9 year old me.  She deserved a happy ever after. She needed break from his lust and for ones she needed to go to sleep without fearing the monster lurking near her bed.   

"Are you done ?" Manik asked me concerned I looked at my barely touched food. Then I realized I wasn't hungry anymore. I pushed the tray away and faced him. His eyes held that sparks of life. Even if there were dark circles under his eyes explaining his tiresome schedule.  He was beyond beautiful like a fallen angel but it was the warmth that radiated from him made me feel that anyone can abandon you but not him. Slowly but too soon I was depending on him that scared me yet I never wanted to stop because I have this firm belief from experience that Manik Malhotra can die for people who look up to them.

"So how about I go to sleep. If you need anything feel free to crash into my room star. " then he stopped on his tracks and turned around. 

" Go to sleep now star Good night ." I started panicking I couldn't sleep alone today .

  "Wait can't you sleep here " he stopped on his tracks his back stiff. I regretted calling him he will think I am a coward.   

"Sure if that is what you want ?" I was surprised that he stayed.   

"You can sleep on the bed I will take the couch " I didn't want him to leave so making sacrifices right now was the best option.  He softly grabbed the pillow from me along with sheets and laid down on the couch. 

My eyes widened "you can't do that " I was panicking now.   

"Why" he raised his eyebrows his smirk widened.

  "I can sleep on the couch and you can take the bed. Besides its your house. You have the right to sleep on the bed. "He rolled his eyes then stood up taking predatory steps towards me I backed away until my legs hit the bed and I came tumbling down on my back on the bed. My eyes widened at how close our  faces actually were.  He places his hands on the sides of my  face trapping me. She  felt his lips very gently brushing against her forehead.

She was breathless - due to his small act of affection. Then he stood up and stride to his place on the couch and laid on it. Her ears were red and her face warm and she knew she was blushing.

"Good night and Sweet dreams star" he softly whispered to her sleeping form.

Everything about her was enchanting the way her eyes flattered shut. The way she rolled other side burying her face deeper into the pillow. And the rising and falling if her chest. Ones again just like particular night Manik stayed awake. Watching her sleep peacefully but it made him happy to know that she slept peacefully throughout the night without crying and screaming.

The sacrifice is worth it after all as he stayed awake through all night facing her. It was his luck that she was there with him. She was there where she rightfully belonged and time proved it very soon...

To be continued..............

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