Nandini's pov

" You wished to see me star ". I frowned at his endearment Manik would never stop calling me star.

He gestured for me to sit across him on the Sofa and I made sure to keep myself as far from him. I was hesitant to sit in front of any guy due to my  past and events from yesterday. 

His eyes followed my every movement with great interest as if trying to understand the reason behind it. Slowly I found myself melting under his looks.

I gulped at  the way his eyes leisurely watched me as I  tried to make myself comfortable. Nerveless he made no comment at my discomfort.   

"So?" He was the first one to break the deafning  silence.   

"How are you ?" He looked genuinely interested.   

"Not fine " I answered truthfully I wasn't going to lie about my current  situation.  He nodded his head.   

"How was Australia? " I tried to strike a conversation.  He smilled at the progress of our "talk".   

" Loved it there. The people, culture and also the work every is worth willing" he said with encouragement.

"Manik do you remember what you said to me the last time we met "I said.   

"  Indeed I do - how can I forget my promise"he said.

  "Tell me what exactly happened ?" He sound concerned. 

I handed him the pictures and the letter. Yes I kept a copy of proof of the things harsad sent me .

    "That bloody bastard " he grinted his teeth in anger. Don't worry whoever he is I will find him and the day I do l will make him  wish he was never born.  "    Wait you will be thinking I would have told Manik all about Harshad well no I wasn't going to not now when I wasn't ready. I wasn't going to tell him my bitter history, the painful memories. But most of all it was my reputation at risk. I know I was being stupid but the business world is cruel and if my secret was revealed to someone lets just say I was done with.

I made up a story about how I don't know Harshad.  And I don't know why was he stalking me. Of course I knew what he wanted 'Me' but I couldn't bring myself to tell Manik Malhotra about it. I wish I did maybe I could have avoided so many incidents. 

  I was brought out of my continuous train of thoughts by the ring of my mobile. Manik is looking at me concerned I Blushed and then quickly averted my eyes to the screen. 'Kavya ' name flashed on the screen. I excused myself nevertheless pick up the phone.   

"Hello Kavya " 

  "Hello Miss Nandini! You asked for the house right? Unfortunately we couldn't find any spare house or abandoned one. No one is taking tyrants.  The state agents said you have to wait for next 3 months."It was like someone has punched me right in my guts.   

3 months were too much. Enough time for me to get killed where was I supposed to live. I couldn't go to my other houses because till now I wasn't given the Legal allowment to them. I had to wait 2 years and then I will be given the key to the houses.   

"Also Miss Nandini rest of the houses I saw they are so far away.  " I couldn't take it anymore.  All I wanted was to cry right now.  It was either that house or homeless.  I couldn't go to any of my friends fearing for their lives.   

"Are you okay? " I stayed quiet. Not meeting his eyes, I tried to look here there and try to avoid his eyes  and I know if I did he will see all my weaknesses.  A firm hand was placed under my chin. He lifted me head and my eyes  met his. I wanted to turn away but i couldn't. Then I brust out crying.

Yes ladies & gentlemen Manik Malhotra patiently waited for me to stop crying as he patted my back trying to console me. In the spur of moments in my desperation I flunged myself at him. Wrapping my hands around him. He stiffened under my touch but didn't try to pull away.  I cried on his shoulder as he supported my weight and said words of encouragement. 

  "I don't want to go to that house. I am scared .My home is hell i can't live there. Where will I go ?"   

Manik pov

  The moment I was informed Nandu came to see me I knew something was wrong. As much as I was happy to see her I was vexed too that she was in problem. The thought of Nandu in any distress was indeed heart breaking for me.

I have seen Nandu at her worst but I never knew I was playing with fire and in the last I intend to burn to ashes. She was more prettier then the last time I have seen her. Even her tears everything about her was beautiful.  I am talking like her  lover right now. Urghh she made me feel this way. The instict to protect her and keep her close to me was so great that I was ready to take every measure.  Leave nothing absolutely nothing untouched just to see her happy and safe.

    "Why don't you stay here star? " I even suprised myself by suggesting. Her lips are parted in shock at my revelation. Her doe like eyes wide open.

"I mean you have no where to go and this house is too big for me. Besides I can protect you here. I have guards here and I can keep an eye out for you ". I must sound disperate to you I think the isolation has taken a troll on me. I was going to go crazy sooner or later. 

  "Okay " I was surprised she agreed. 

  " You can pick any room from this house and don't worry about the cloth and anything.  You have everything here. If the cloth don't fit you well we can have new one" I said.

And that is how ladies and gentlemen she started to live with me under one roof.

To be continued