Picking up my cell from floor I spoke,"Mom! What are you saying?"I asked perplexed.

Abhi tou wo gayi yahan se!

"You heard me right son!Aliya has agreed to this alliance and guess what I'm coming to India from the very first flight!Let's get my son the billionaire Manik Malhotra engaged!"Mom squeaked happily.Dreams of her son getting married must be flashing in her eyes.

But why Aliya cried when I confessed my love to her?

Oho! Manik ! ullu k patthe ! Larkian bari sensitive hoti hain yaar ! Choti choti baaton par emotional ho jati hain! Tu ne tou phir tees maar kha wala kaam kia hai seedha I love you hi bol diya ! Thora tou jhatka lagega na ab bechari ko!

I pondered over mr.subconscious thoughts and my lips widened into a smile.

"Manik Malhotra!"The roar from other side made phone slip from my hand again but I caught it before it could fall.

"Yes! Yes mom!"I muttered like an obedient kid after gathering the phone again near my ear.

"Aliya ki dunya se bahir aayega tu?"She scoffed from other side and I scratched my hair,flushed.

"Nn-nhi maa aesa.."Before I could cover up she laughed making me feel more embarrassed. 

"Haye mera gudda ! Kitni sharmata hai tu ! Akhir aesa kia hai Aliya main that my son has fallen head over heels for her!"Mom giggled from other side and I blushed,like an old love sick teenager.

"Come on mom! It's-nothing like that! You are exaggerating now!"Though I stuttered but I tried to cover up.

"Oh Really?Acha fine I won't tease you ! So now start preparing for your engagement!"Her merry voice turned low at last.

"Maa?"I spoke sternly as I heard her sniff.

"What?"She cried and I smiled.

"Maa! I'm not leaving the house ! Meri bidaai nhi ho rahi maa!"I chuckled.

"I know! But my son is getting married!Cant I shed some happy tears?"She shouted first and then sniffled.

"Ro mat maa! Acha aap kab aa rahe ho main aata hn airport aapko lene!"I can't digest her tears.She is the woman who rules my heart.

"No! I'll come by myself! Tu aaraam kar warna kal function main sab par barasta rahega!"She wiped her tears and a chuckle broke on her lips at last.

"Maaaa!"I whined while tapping my foot on floor and she giggled,the most peaceful music which directly calms my troubled heart.

"Acha chal bye! Take care ! Love you my son!"

"Love you too maa! See you soon!"After blowing a kiss making her smile again I disconnected the line.

My cell beeped gaining my attention instantly.

Aliya!

A smile appeared on my lips automatically seeing a notification of text from her side.

"Mr.Malhotra! We'll meet directly tomorrow at the engagement venue!"

I frowned reading her msg.

Why?

Wriggling my brows I dialled her number but her phone was switched off which left me more worried.

Maybe she is teasing me! Shayad Kal kuch surprise dena hoga mughe! Those three magical words!

Though my mind was threatening me but my heart overpowered it and I fell on bed with open arms.

"Aliya!"I whispered dreamily and pulled a pillow to clutch it tight in my arms.A toddler grin playing on my lips.

Thankyou God for sending that precious li'l girl in my life!

........

Next day,night 8:00 pm.

"Manik! Are you ready? It's getting late son!"Mom came in my room and seeing me sitting in my vest and boxers all busy with my cell made her sigh in disbelief.

"Manik!"She snatched my cell leaving me shiver for a second as I was so engrossed with my cell that I didn't acknowledge her presence.

"Maa! Do na !"I tried to take my cell from her after standing up from the bed but she hid it behind her back.

"What's wrong?"She asked sternly noticing lines on my forehead and I looked here and there nervously.

"I'm asking something!"Her tone turned more strict and she held my jaws,staring right into my eyes.

"Maa! Aliya ! I don't know why she isn't answering my calls!Uska phone Kal se switched off hai!"I muttered fretfully and maa smiled.

"Manik! She must be busy with her preparations ! You know how much she is into this fashion thing!"Maa left my jaws and I frowned at her words.

"No mom ! Wo aesi nhi hai ! Arey ek heels main tou us se chla nhi jata wo kia fashion k chakkaro main paregi!"A chuckle left my mouth remembering her falling moments whenever she wore heels.

Before maa could frown at my words her phone rang.

"Your grandmother in law!"She showed me her cell screen before picking up the call.

"Oh! Yes ! Yes ! Mrs.Shergil we are on the way to hotel!"She lied and I wriggled my brows at her to which she glared at me.

"Don't lie!"I whispered with angry eyes and she menaced her glare more at me.

"Your son in law is absolutely fine! And how's my daughter ?"Maa asked making my eyes shot up at her.

"That's good! Fine then ! Meet you there Mrs.Shergil buh-bye!"As soon as Mom disconnected the line I held her palms,
"What did she say about Aliya?She is fine na? Uski tabiat khrab hai kia?"I asked frantically and maa chuckled.

"Maa ka ladla,biwi ka majnu kab ban gaya pta hi nhi chla!"She wiped her fake tears and I hissed,stomping my foot on floor in irritation.

"Mom!"I yelled-cried helplessly while holding her shoulders and she laughed.

"Arey kuch nhi hua use! Instead she is waiting for you all decked up like a barbie!Aur ek tu hai jo banyan chaddi pehen k betha hai abhi tak!"She narrowed her eyes at my attire and I twisted my lips on right side,annoyingly.

"Chal ab larkion ki tarah nakhre karna band kar aur tayyar hoga! Already we are late,you know all guests have arrived ! Get ready,fast!"She spoke seriously before going out of my room and I sighed before picking up my black prince coat from the bed and going towards dressing area.

The venue I chose for my engagement was a five star hotel "The Palace"
One of the most luxurious hotels in Mumbai.After all this is Manik Malhotra,getting engaged.

Pulling up black pant and coat on my body I stood in front of mirror to comb my hair when my eyes fell on the rose brooch,my fathers rose brooch which he tugged on his sherwani at his wedding.

Dad! I miss you !

A tear escaped from my eye and I wiped it before plugging that brooch on my coat.A never ending smile adorning my lips.

Unknown to me this was noticed by another pair of eyes which cried too remembering the man,the love of her life,our life. 

Wearing my mont black leather watch I glanced lastly at mirror before leaving my room. 

As I stepped out from the bungalow with mom beside,the guards standing there opened car doors for us.They smiled at me and I smiled in return before sitting in my car.

Reaching the hotel a guard of mine came and opened the door for me.

As soon as I came out my eyes couldn't tolerate the flashlights  of the cameras and they got squeezed into thin line.I was surrounded by guards,immediately.

"What does it feels to tie in a relationship sir?"

"Billionaire Manik Malhotra getting engaged!Do you know how many hearts are shattered after listening to this?"

"Is it an arrange marriage or you were in a relationship with Aliya Shergil before too?"

Flashing a smile at those cameraman and reporters I walked towards other side of my car and opened the door for my mom.

She held my palm and stepped out from car.Her designer highly expensive dress gaining the attention of camera eyes ,instantly.

Shaking hand at media she smiled and after holding my arm we entered into the hotel,finally leaving the over chaotic people behind.

"God! This paparazzi ! I wonder wether you are getting married or they are getting married ! How much excited they are!"Maa rolled her eyes and I chuckled.

"Come on mom! It's their work ! Let them be!"

"Hello Mrs.Malhotra!" When we stepped in engagement hall Mrs Shergil who looked no less than a beauty came with open arms and hugged mom.

I bent down to touch her feet and she blessed me whole heartedly,"God bless you beta!"

"I must say Aliya has chosen a prince for her!"She ogled at me teasingly and I smiled,winsomely.

I wandered my eyes all around in search of Aliya but couldn't find her.

Kahan ho Aliya! Now I'm loosing my patience!

"Aliya is getting ready! She must be coming now!"Mrs.Shergil chuckled reading my mind and my cheeks burned in embarrassment.

"Maa! I would go and meet guests!"I spoke hastily and ran away from there leaving them giggling behind.

I kept talking with my friends,business mates but my heart wasn't in peace.My eyes were in continuous search of my love.

Suddenly lights of the hall were turned off and the soft music in background loudened a little.Before the crowd could bustle two spotlights were turned on.One was lingering over me and other on the lady who was descending down the aisle with the group of her mates. 

My heartbeats fastened.

I narrowed my eyes trying to find my love amidst those girls but cringed when couldn't do.

I stood there perplexed till some girl came and stood infront of me.The guests cheered but I was deaf to their cheers.I was trying to understand what was happening or what has happened with me.

"I know she is extremely beautiful but dont stare at her like that,you are making her nervous!"Mom whispered in my ear and I turned my face towards her.

"Who is she?"I whispered and mom glared at me feeling I was joking with her.

"Let's exchange the rings!"Mrs.Shergill came forward with
engagement rings and I glanced at her vividly before rolling my eyes at the girl who was standing there clad in black off-shoulder floor length gown,blushing.

"Who are you?"I asked and she looked up at me,confused.

Mom swatted my arm with her elbow making me look at her,"Manik!Stop joking!"She glared at me and I spoke,"I'm not kidding mom! Main nhi janta kon hai yeh!" My tone was so serious that even mom crease her brows in confusion.

"Where is Aliya?"Turning towards Mrs.Shergil I asked and she gave me a confused look too.

"What are you saying son ? This is Aliya ! Aliya Shergil ! My granddaughter!"Mrs.Shergil held that girls shoulder and I ran a hand into my hair,furiously.

Wriggling my brows I glowered at that girl.
"Where.Is.Aliya?Kia.Kia.tumne.uske.sath?"I whispered gritted but she remained mum,reflecting her confusion towards my question.

"Manik! What is wrong with you?"Mom held my arm and pulled me back.

"Yhi hai Aliya!She is the girl with whom you fell in love!"Mom spoke angrily when I shouted,
"NO! SHE ISNT THAT GIRL WITH WHOM I FELL IN LOVE!SHE.IS.NOT.MY.ALIYA!"

Mom stood there rooted to her place and the whispers amongst the crowd started.

"Tell me! Where is Aliya and who the hell are you?"I was angry now.Enough now,this matter is concerned with my heart and I won't stay mum.

"It's me Aliya! We never met though but you must have seen my picture!"The girl spoke meekly trying to make me understand but I was getting mad now.

"Listen! I met Aliya at Starbucks a month ago and we were meeting daily after that!"Calming my nerves I spoke.

The girl looked down as in thinking something and her eyes widened,
"She was Nandani! My caretaker!"

"Nandani?" I whispered in shock,confused too.

"Yes! Actually when granny told me about this alliance I was all ready to meet you but suddenly my friend living in Delhi got seriously ill! And to help her I had to fly to Delhi! Isliye maine Nandani se kaha tha k wo tum se mil kar sab bta de k main abhi nhi mil sakti aur pta nhi kitne time tak Delhi main hi rahungi! I was so busy that when day before yesterday granny asked me about this alliance I muttered a yes and just came here to tie knot with you!"She completed her words and I felt my heart collapsing in my chest.

"That means it was Nandani disguised as Aliya!"Mom whispered in shock when I spoke,"Where is she ? I wanna meet her!"

"She left the job two days back!"Aliya answered and I stared at her plainly before my knees felt like jelly and i stumbled back to be held my mother.

"She played with me!"A yelp left my mouth and my mom squeezed me shoulder.

"Mom! She played with my heart !"I whispered,my voice,broken.

"Yes she played with you! She played dirty with you! I never knew she would do anything this cheap!"Aliya spoke in a disgusted tone and I closed my eyes.

Isliye Kal se phone switched off rakha tha!

I curled my fists on either sides,my jaws clamped into thin line.

"Manik!"Mom held my curled fist and rubbed it smoothly with her thumb,making me open my eyes.

"She played dirty with me mom! How dare she?"I gritted,my eyes tearing up. 

I felt so sick of me at that time!

"Manik Malhotra,the Billionaire was being played by a girl and he never knew!Huhh! What a shame!Itna bara admi ban kar ek larki k haaton dhoka kha gaya bechara !"Harshad laughed.I raised my scarlet eyes at him and he smirked.

I wouldn't have invited him if he wasn't my dad's friend son!

The crowd went violent and the media reporters who were supposed to air our engagement snaps started making controversy of me and the betrayal which I had received. 

Closing my eyes,inhaling a deep breath I gulped my tears back and picked up the ring from the flowers tray.

Mom held my arm and I opened my eyes to smile at her.She was in tears.

I shook my head at her and wiped her tears.

I swear I won't leave that person who has cause her cry!

"Miss Aliya Shergil ! I can't imagine a life without you ! I wanna grow old with you ! I wanna breath in your arms and die in your arms! Will you give me the honour of loving you? Will you be my life partner?"Taking a step back I propped on my one knee.She gasped along the guests and then silence spread all over the area.

Aliya looked at me warily before smiling and forwarding her hand.

Slipping the white diamond band into her ring finger I took her palm in my palm and kissed it softly making her blush.

The smile which was on my lips was so forced to occur.My crimson eyes were proving that my blood had started to boil and my heart was paining to pump it.

Standing on my toes I put forth my hand and Aliya made me wear the ring. I smiled at her,which of course didn't reach my eyes.

Without uttering something I turned towards exit.My steps fast and curious.

"Manik! Manik !"I could hear my mom's shrieks but I wasn't in a position to answer her.

"This is how the girl played dirty with Mr.Billionaire!"The reporter standing by the exit completed his report and he shivered moving aside,noticing my baleful gaze at him. 

My guards surrounded me immediately and I sat in my car.Mom who was just behind me sat beside.

She glanced at me while crying as I sat there ramrod with emotionless eyes all the way to home.

Reaching home I didn't wait for anyone and stepped out from my car.

Sahil standing by gate frowned seeing me back so early but considering it personal he didn't step forward to ask.

I marched towards my room and before mom could come in I closed the door.

"Manik!"She banged the door and I curled my fists before thrashing away each and everything which came in my hands.

"Manik! Open the door meri jaan!"Mom cried loudly but I had turned insane. 

She inserted the key into my door lock provided by some servant and stepped in.

"Manik! Listen to me!"She tried to hold me but I was busy smashing all those awards which I have received from my childhood till now.From a brilliant student to a brilliant billionaire.

"Aaaahh!"She cried suddenly and I stopped abruptly.

My eyes widened realising I had thrown one of my glass shields on her foot.

"Mom!"I picked her hastily  in my arms and settled her on bed before running towards my disheveled dressing table and fishing out the first aid kit. 

Kneeling down on floor I held her bleeding foot and started wiping it with my shivering hands.
"It's ok Mannu!Kuch nhi hua mughe!"She smiled,trying to make me feel easy but my one cold glare and she sealed her lips. 

"Dil toot gaya na tera?"After a momentarily silence she spoke lowly but I showed myself busy doing her bandage though my eyes teared up listening to her.

Completing bandage I was about to stand up when she held my palm.

"Maa k samne ro lega tou teri izzat kam nhi ho jaegi!Bacha hai tu mera!"She muttered in a tone laced with hurt and anger and I raised my teary eyes at her. 

"Mom!"Throwing away that first aid kit I laid my head on her laps and she wrapped her arms around my shoulders,kissing my hair letting her tears soak in them.

"Mera mannu tou bohot bahadur hai!Itna pyaara hai mera beta!Mera chand hai!Mera gur ka gudda hai!"She rubbed my back while crying as she heard my sniffs in her laps.

"Maine pehli baar kisi ko itni shiddat se chaha tha maa!Pehli baar kisi ko duaon main manga tha maa!Pehli baar maine pyaar kiya tha maa!"I cried loudly in her laps and she held me tighter.

"She betrayed me maa! Wo mughe dhoka de gayi! Mera dil tod gayi maa wo,mera dil tod gayi wo!"I buried my face deeper in her laps and without any hesitation cried out.Being a billionaire doesn't mean that I couldn't cry,I can because billionaires' have hearts too.

"Just once listen to her side story too!Ek baar Nandani...."Her words left in middle as I pulled my face from her laps with a jerk.

"Don't take her name! I can't stand it!"My drenched eyes were emitting fire which made mom look at me with horror.

"Jitni shiddat se chaha tha ab utni hi shiddat se nafrat karta hn us-se!Mere dil k sath khela na usne,main btaonga ab use k dil todne ka anjaam kiya hota hai!"I wiped my eyes determined and maa sat there stiffened realising cruelty settling in those kind eyes of her son.

Playing dirty with billionaire costs what,I'm gonna tell her!

.........

So how did you guys find the chappy?Boring?Too boring? I know!😑

And see how prettily I fooled you all! You guys thought Aliya as Maniks love but It was Nandani!Yayieee!😂🙈*sheepish laugh*

Expecting a Manans face off in next chapter?😎
Well!The real tale starts from now!Excited?🤩

New wanderer!