Hello beauties, as I said you can expect faster updates, so it is here.
And for the people finding it boring, then this might be last 'boring' update. It is of freaking 5000+ words!!

Next update ~ Some confessions and then the most awaited 'MANIK'S POV'.... the real fun will begin👻

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Two days later, I wake up to Navya jumping on my bed. I groan and pull the covers over my head. Navya yanks the covers and says, "Nandini come on, get up!" I protest and start muttering incoherent phrases under my breath. Navya rolls her eyes and says, "Nandini you've been sleeping since forever! Auntie got so annoyed with you and your laziness that she called me over, so now come on you have to get ready for tonight!" I sit up unwillingly and look up at my ceiling screaming, "Why can't you give me a break?" Navya laughs at my overdramatic behavior and drags me out of my bed.

She shoves me into the bathroom with a bathrobe, then says while leaving, "Hurry up in there!" I slip into the bathtub and decide to take a nice long relaxing bath instead of the quick shower like she suggested.

Twenty minutes later, there is an incessant pounding on the door. I finish up in the bathroom and open the door to see a very aggravated Navya in front of me. Before she can complain I remind her, "I'm marrying my mortal enemy. So, unless you would like to see his blood splattered all over the floor, I suggest you don't say a word missy!" She sighs and nods her head understandingly.

I mumble loudly, "Gosh, such a push over!" I glance at Navya to see her ready to pounce at me so,I start darting around my room yelling, "I WAS ONLY JOKING!"

After we settle down, we start talking about everything except stuff related to my marriage or Manik. Well that worked for half an hour and then I needed to vent out my anger and frustration about Manik, so I started complaining about basically my life in general! A couple hours later, we start getting dressed. I wear a royal blue lengha with pink dupatta.

I stand in front of the mirror, not wanting to pretty myself up for that jerk. Navya comes from behind wearing a pink and black sari.

Both of our hair is done in loose curls at the ends. Navya starts doing my makeup since I blatantly refuse to do it myself. Finally, we make our way downstairs. We meet my parents and make our way to the Malhotra House for the sangeet.

We walk in to see light and flower decor around the room. It has drapes and ribbons placed around. There are two chairs at the stage and looking at them my awed expression changes to a frown. I decide to sit in the chair, while Navya stands next to me. As the guests start to fill the Malhotra Mansion, I find it odd that Manik is not here yet. It's not like I care though, I'm just saying. Moments later, I hear the music playing Mast Kalandar.

Manik comes down the stairs with a smirk playing upon his lips, making his presence clearly known to all of mankind.

Dil da mamla hai dilbar
Hun na zor hai is dil par
Khalbali hai dil ke andar
Ho mast ae, mast kalandar
One, two, three, four
Dil da mamla hai dilbar
Hun na zor hai is dil par
Khalbali hai dil ke andar
Ho mast ae, mast kalandar

He starts singing as he approaches me. He is wearing a Royal Blue net sherwani,

I groan seeing him smirk at me,
thinking that I'm checking him out.
I look away, but he continues to come near me.

Mast ae, mast ae, mast ae, mast ae mast kalandar
Mast ae, mast ae, mast ae, mast ae mast kalandar
Mast ae, mast ae, mast ae, mast ae mast kalandar
Mast ae, mast ae, mast ae, mast ae mast kalandar

He pulls me up from my chair, and pulls me to the middle of the room. To me, he is looking insane. He dances circles around me, shaking his shoulder up and down with both hands in the air and index fingers pointed upward. Cabir and Abhimanyu join in, along with the rest of his guy friends.

Dil da mamla hai dilbar
Hun na zor hai is dil par
Khalbali hai dil ke andar
Ho mast ae, mast kalandar
Mast ae, mast ae, mast ae, mast ae mast kalandar
Mast ae, mast ae, mast ae, mast ae mast kalandar
Mast ae, mast ae, mast ae, mast ae mast kalandar
Mast ae, mast ae, mast ae, mast ae mast kalandar

He looks really goofy dancing to this song and it is actually quite amusing to watch him flap his hands and legs like a chicken. My amusement lasts about five seconds
and he pulls in all directions. I nearly fall to the ground because of him too.

Meri nazar jo...
Tujhpe padee to...
Ban baitha,tera saedaayi
Betaabiyon ko...
Raahat mili to...
Door hui,meri tanhai
Tere noor da
Tere noor da
Hai asar tere hi surroor da
Mere haal se
Mere dard se
Tu hai bekhabar

He starts pointing at me as he sings and walks closer towards me. He drops to his knees in front of me with his arms wide open. I am pretty embarrassed as I looked around at all the people around gathered around the two of us.

Dil da mamla hai dilbar
Hun na zor hai is dil par
Khalbali hai dil ke andar
Ho mast ae, mast kalandar
Mast ae, mast ae, mast ae, mast ae mast kalandar
Mast ae, mast ae, mast ae, mast ae mast kalandar
Mast ae, mast ae, mast ae, mast ae mast kalandar
Mast ae, mast ae, mast ae, mast ae mast kalandar
Kalandar, kalandar, kalandar...
Mast kalandar
Kalandar, kalandar, kalandar...
Mast kalandar

I turn to get away but he pulls my hand so I end up sitting on his knee.
I am completely flabbergasted! Then he stands up, making me fall on my butt with a loud thud. He starts dancing around me with
his index fingers in the air again. I stick my foot out, making him trip.
I start laughing as I see him fumble and eventually fall clumsily to the ground. I walk over to him to give
him a hand and as he reaches for it, I walk away.

Teri adaa mein
Jadoo hai jadoo
Karta hai, mujhko deewana
Meri tammanaa
Kehti hai mujhko
Sirf mujhe, hai tujhe paana
Meri aarzu
Meri guftagu
Tu hi tu hai bas meri justaju
Kya bataun
Tere bagaer main
Kitna besabar

He gets up while shaking his head at me. My eyes grow wide in shock as I see the mischief in his eyes.
I put as much distance and people
between us as I possibly can, while he follows me.

Dil da mamla,
Hun na zor hai

He passes through every obstacle that I had managed to place
in between and grabs hold of my dupatta. I feel it glide across my neck so I tug at the other end
before it completely comes off.

Dil da mamla hai dilbar
Hun na zor hai is dil par
Khalbali hai dil ke andar
Ho mast ae, mast kalandar

He yanks at the other end causing me to fall straight into his arms. I give him a dirty look while he dips me, still looking into my eyes. Then he drops me to the ground AGAIN!

I dust myself off from the ground to see Manik hi-fiving his friends. He grins at the anger across my face. I walk towards him, giving him a big shove as I move past him. He puts his hand on his chin, awaiting my next move. Navya comes and whispers in my ear. I look repulsed and then finally nod. I put a delirious smile on my face and start singing Yeh Ishq Hai.

I start dancing to the beat of the music, knowing Manik is watching my every move.

Haan hai Koi to wajah
Jo jeena ka maza yun aane laga
Yeh hawaon mein hai kya
Thoda sa jo naasha yun chane laga
Pucho na pucha mujhe kya
Hua hai teri raahon mein aakar (pucho na pucha na)
Pucho na pucha mujhe kya
Milega teri bahon mein aakar

I start walking towards Manik, rolling my eyes at the sappy words
escaping my mouth. At the end of everything I say, I shake my head. I start poking Manik, trying to get him to ask what's wrong with me. He looks at me cautiously.
I go into a deep trance thinking about how I feel the exact opposite.

Yeh Ishq haaye baithe bithaye
Jannat dikhaye haan
O raama
Yeh Ishq haaye baithe bithaye
Jannat dikhaye haan

Navya taps me on the shoulder and I shake my head at my thoughts. I start dancing with her, while she can't keep her eyes off Cabir. I look at Manik, who looks at me in the same way, I groan and turn away.

Todi maine sare hi bandhan zamane tere
Todungi na mein vada
Aadha hissa mere to dil ki kahani ka tu
Piya mein baaki aadha
Dekho na dekho mujhe kya hua hai
Teri yaadhon mein kho kar
Pucho na pucha mujhe kya hua hai
Teri baton mein jeekar

I am so planning to make his life a living hell, and if he knows me
well enough then he should realize that. I remember how he broke my heart in two pieces and how those memories have haunted me for years. I look at Manik sadly.

Yeh Ishq haaye baithe bithaye
Jannat dikhaye haan
O raama
Yeh Ishq haaye baithe bithaye
Jannat dikhaye haan
Navya nudges me again, while I force myself to look away from Manik. I start dancing again with her.

Mere jaise lakho mile honge tujhko
Piya, mujhe to mila tuu hi
Tu hi mere hooton ki khilti hui si hasi
Gila bhi piya tu hi
Dekho na dekho mujhe kya hua hai
Tujhe sapno mein lakar (dekho na dekho)
Pucho na pucha mujhe kya hua hai
Teri baaton mein aakar

The words I sing make me feel very unfortunate. I poke my elbow into Manik's gut while he pretends like
he isn't in pain. I could hear him softly whimpering in pain.Serves him right! The stupid jerk had to go
and ruin my life!

Yeh Ishq haaye baithe bithaye
Jannat dikhaye haan
O raama
Yeh Ishq haaye baithe bithaye
Jannat dikhaye haan

Navya starts dancing with Cabir, looking deeply into his eyes
and getting lost. I smile and tap her shoulder asking her what she's doing since we are supposed to be dancing together. She laughs and I drag her away from Cabir to dance.

Haan hai koi to wajah
Jo jeena ka maza yun aane laga
Yeh hawaon mein hai kya
Thoda sa jo naasha yun chane laga
Pucho na pucha mujhe kya
Hua hai teri raahon mein aakar (pucho na pucha na)
Pucho na pucha mujhe kya
Milega teri bahon mein aakar

I look around to see no Manik, which makes me sing happily. I feel a tap on my shoulder and see his smiling face in front of mine. I give him a disgusted look. He smirks at the words while I start dancing away from him, since that look of his, is always trouble.

Yeh Ishq haaye baithe bithaye
Jannat dikhaye haan
O raama
Yeh Ishq haaye baithe bithaye
Jannat dikhaye haan
Yeh Ishq haaye baithe bithaye
Jannat dikhaye haan
O raama
Yeh Ishq haaye baithe bithaye
Jannat dikhaye haan

Navya being a bit high on Cabir accidently bumps into me, causing me to loose my balance and fall into a pair of strong arms. When I open my eyes I see that it is Manik,
who saved me. Very Ironic!

I give him an evil glare that would make any normal human being shiver in fear, but not Manik. I get out of his hold, more like pry myself out of his hands. He's too strong for his own good. Manik laughs at me and says loudly, "Nandini todhi naraaz hain muhjse kyunki main kitna tang kara tha usko! Lagta hain ab toh maanana hi parega!"

He starts singing Jaane Bhi De.
I glare at him in secrecy because now everyone is looking at me and remembering Manik messing with me in the Mast Kalandar song. I turn around, but hear him sing.

O meri jaan na lele ke meri jaan
O meri jaan na lele ke meri jaan
Teri ada,
Teri ada..
Jaan jala na tujhe pe deewana
Jaan jala na tujhe pe deewana
Mein hoon fida
Mein hoon fida,

He comes closer towards me, while I start walking off. He doesn't take the hint... as per usual and
starts following me like the stalker that he is. I turn around, just about ready to scream at him for his annoying behavior. He falls to the ground on his knees and gives me these sad puppy dog eyes as he sings. Please, like that will work on me!

Gustaakhi maaf karde
Ab to insaaf karde
Apna dil saaf karde
Kehna to maan le
Ho...jaane bhi de jo bhi hua
Jaane bhi de
Jaane bhi de jo bhi hua
Jaane bhi de

I roll my eyes and then see him holding his ears with those
same puppy dog eyes, but now they look even more sad. I didn't know that was actually possible, but he somehow managed. He looks sort of cute, although I hate to admit it!
It's a fact and I can accept that...

Gussa tera jhootha
Jhoothi moothi berookhi hai
Jaanu main to jaanu
Teri naa mein haan chuppi hai
Gussa tera jhootha
Jhoothi moothi berookhi hai
Jaanu main to jaanu
Teri naa mein haan chuppi hai
Ae sanam naa kar sitam
Tujh ko khuda ka vaasta

I place my hands on my waist looking unapproachable, yet that never seems to stop Manik from coming anyways. I don't even know why I bother because at this rate
I'm going to have a million wrinkles on my face. Then he comes closer and squeezes the tip of my nose gently.
I looked at him, warning him to keep his hands off and
also finding that a bit strange as well.

He.....gustaakhi maaf karde
Ab to insaaf karde
Apna dil saaf karde
Kehna to maan le
He folds his hands in front of me and then falls on the floor in front of my feet. I immediately jump backwards since he shouldn't be doing stuff like that. It just looks bad in public. He sits on the floor rubbing his hand over his heart
while looking up at me.

Ho...jaane bhi de jo bhi hua
Jaane bhi de
Jaane bhi de jo bhi hua
Jaane bhi de
Jaane bhi de jo bhi hua
Jaane bhi de
Jaane bhi de jo bhi hua
Jaane bhi de

He gets up and starts dancing while chasing me around the hall. The guests just laugh, finding our
behavior "CUTE." Okay that's the last thing I would want!

Hai....tanhaa naa kategi zindgaani
Jaan le tu
Meri hi zaroorat tujhko hogi
Maanle tu
Tanhaa naa kategi zindgaani
Jaan le tu
Meri hi zaroorat tujhko hogi
Maanle tu
Mar ke bhi na chodunda
Teri baahien tera raasta

He has this cocky and arrogant smile splash across his face.
He points to himself as if he is some big hot shot that is doing me a favor by marrying me. I start grinding my teeth, while flashing a half smile. He jumps in front of me and blocks my path. He swipes his hand across his neck, as if his head were getting chopped off.

Gu.gu.gu....gustaakhi maaf karde
Ab to insaaf karde
Apna dil saaf karde
Kehna to maan le
Ho...jaane bhi de jo bhi hua
Jaane bhi de
Jaane bhi de jo bhi hua
Jaane bhi de
Jaane bhi de jo bhi hua
Jaane bhi de
Jaane bhi de jo bhi hua
Jaane bhi de

Mukti starts to nudge me to accept Manik's annoying form of an apology. I nod slightly knowing that I will have to accept it regardless because of all this unwanted attention I'm getting.

After some more "Masti" ... it's not my word, it's what these elders have been saying all night. You could have guessed I wasn't having too much fun and well you'd be right. I really hate these circumstances and Manik just keeps making me want to commit both suicide and homicide, but I can't do either! There are two days before the wedding, so every second that passes by is a step closer to my ill-fated destiny.

***********

I wake up the following morning because my mother is gently running her hand through my hair affectionately. She notices I am awake and kisses my forehead lovingly, dropping a lone tear on my forehead. I reach up and give her a big kiss on her cheek. I whisper, "Mom, you know you can always cancel the wedding and I could live here with you forever!" I said it almost pleadingly because I really meant it! She laughs and brushes my hair away from my face. She wraps her arms around me and says, "Beta, I wish you could, but one day I won't be here and I need to know that you will be in safe hands. I can see how much Manik loves you Nandini, I'm so happy you two found happiness in each other. Every girl gets married one day and leaves her family to start a new life with her husband. Nandini I'm very proud of you!" I smile slightly and rub a hand over my stomach, knowing who lies within is not something to be proud of. That does not mean I do not love my child. Of course, I do, but I'm not proud of breaking my parent's trust and listening to my idiotic heart. My mother gets up from my bed and leaves my room so that I can freshen up.

It finally sinks in that today is my wedding day. Today is the day I will because Mrs. Nandini Manik Malhotra. God help me! There was a time, when the thought of this made me giddy with excitement; however, things never turn out the way you would expect them to. There are many things I thought would never happen. The two toppers of this list include sleeping with Manik and now carrying his child. Life is just full of suprises, although in my case, they are never the good kind.

I really detest how he makes me feel inferior and weak. I can't even stop my body from responding to him and his presence. My mind would tell me a million reasons to hate him, but they all go unnoticed by this heart of mine. I'm so confused about everything. I know that I can't forgive him for blackmailing me into marrying him, but I'm also carrying his child. I can't bring a child into our world, where I strongly despise my child's father. I don't want my baby being exposed to such hatred. Well I guess the baby won't understand hatred for a couple years so until then I'm good. What I hate the most, is that he used my father for blackmail as well. I can't believe he would stoop so low as to do such a despicable thing. Even so, my heart refuses to consider this. All my heart can see is the love shining clearly in his eyes and that is the only truth that it is willing to accept. However, I will never accept this truth.

Navya comes into my room, bringing me out of my thoughts. She says, "The hairstylists and makeup artists are at the hotel." I nod and get ready to go to the hotel. I take one last good look at my room and slowly shut the door to my childhood behind me. When we arrive at the hotel room, I change into my blouse. The hairstylists come and surround me. They start putting my hair up in a bun so that it does not interfere with my duppata. It is quite an intricate bun; however, it's not like I care if I look beautiful or not. I don't see a point to all of it anymore. Next, the makeup artists brush on my foundation and find the perfect shade for my lips. They start adding a soft shade of rosy pink against my cheek. Then, they focus on my eyes, adding eyeliner, golden eyeshadow, and fan out my eyelashes with mascara. There are several other things to add such as jewelery, etc.

When they place the duppata over my head and I look into the mirror, I see a gorgeous bride staring back at me. The girl in the mirror is adorned in gold jewelery and a beautiful maroon lengha with heavy golden emboirdery.

They only difference between her and a normal Indian bride is the sadness reflecting in her eyes. I'm not happy with all of this, not one bit. I feel Navya place her hand on my shoulder and I continue to stare at my reflection. My mother walks in the room to see me staring at the mirror. She smiles while wiping a tear away from her eyes.

My mother says, "Barat aagayi hain hall mein! Manik beta is sitting in the mandap." I look up at Navya who replies for me, "Nandini just needs a minute."

My mother nods and closes the door behind her. Navya says softly, "Are you ready Nandini?"

I sigh replying, "I'll never be ready Navya, not for this... but I have no other choice..." Navya nods sadly and helps me up. We both walk out the door and become surrounded by a bunch of older women, who help bring me down to the mandap in the hall. I feel like Manik hired them to bring me down so I wouldn't run out the door. My father comes towards me and kisses my forehead. He brings me towards the mandap with my mother and Navya.

I look around the hall, noting all the candels, the magnificent chandelier above, the rose petals, and the colorful drapes around the room. It looks absolutely breathtaking.

I look around in awe, completely forgetting that my parents are leading me to the mandap. I soon see Manik sitting in the mandap, wearing the beige sherwani

My heart starts to beat faster with every step I take towards the mandap. This obviously isn't out of love, but because of nervousness about how I am sabatoging my own life with my own hands. Manik stands up as he sees me. He starts grinning widely as he scans me up and down. Yeah take a good look because you'll have this... again.

Then my father hands me a garland; it is just really too bad that I'm not putting this over his dead body... I think that is too mean, even for me. Anyways, when I try to put the garland around his neck, he moves back thinking he is so clever. I roll my eyes and grind my teeth in frustration. He bends his head, like he should have in the first place and I roughly place it around his neck wishing I could just choke him. I hear him softly complain, "Ouch!" I really hope a stem pricked him or something. Then he places the garland around my neck, smirking way too much. Navya helps sit me down next to Manik, while glaring at Manik for me. God I love this girl! Manik is a little taken back by her glare and instantly looks a bit guilty. Manik and I then turn our attention to the Panditji in front of us who has started the mantras.

I sit there flooded with memories of my past about all the pain he gave me and memories of that one night which changed my entire life, leaving me so vulnerable. It is because of that night that I am here today, sitting next to a perky Manik and committing the worst mistake of my life. A tear forms in my eye, which I quickly brush away.

My mother brings me out of my thoughts as she nudges me. I look next to me to see a pair of feet and when I look up, I see Manik holding his hand out for me. I glare at him and get up myself with the help of Navya. He just shakes his head at my stubbornness, but then again what do you expect me to do.

We start walking around the sacred fire and I keep my eyes downcasted, wishing this is all just a nightmare.

He suddenly stops after the seventh phera, while I nearly crash into him. I stop myself just in time before looking like a total fool.

We then sit down and I look towards him sadly. Manik moves forward to place the sindoor in my maang. I close my eyes as he places the sindoor in my maang. I let a tear run down my cheek. I then I open my eyes; I look at him through my teary-eyed vision. He looks away, perhaps feeling guilty that he brought those tears to my eyes. He comes closer and places a beautiful mangalsutra around my neck. As he places it, he whispers in my ear, "I'm sorry."

I wanted to ask for what exactly, not because he has no reason to be sorry, but just the opposite. In anycase, I would never forgive him for the pain he has always given me. No matter what excuses my heart makes for him, I will never let myself feel so vulnerable to be forced into a situation again. It is because of my heart that I am in this mess. It is because I listened to my heart's desires instead of my common sense.

We sign the actual papers and then everyone gets up for my farewell. I look towards my parents and the tears automatically spring to my eyes. I throw my arms around their neck and start sobbing violently. Navya comes behind and rubs my back while my parents try to reason that this is a good thing for me. I can see through their false facade because I know they will miss me just as much, since I am their only child. I am escorted to Manik's car by my family and Manik shuts my door. He runs around to the other side and then sits in the driver seat. I look through the window to see my parents getting further and further away from me as we drive away towards the nightmare that is my life.

The car comes to a halt and I look around to see we are at the hotel instead of at the Malhotra Mansion. I wipe away my tears angrily and scream, "What the hell are we doing here?"

Manik says secretively, "You'll see, now come on!"

* * * * * * * * * * *