I wake up bright and early to the sounds of Manik snoring. Even when he isn't trying to be annoying, he is. Well atleast the sneezing stopped, although it is replaced with his abnoxious snores! I quickly get out of bed remembering that today is our reception, which is something I am definitely not looking forward too.  The reason being I will have to pretend to be madly in love with someone who I despise. I glance over at the sofa to see him sprawled out on it. He looked so peaceful that I really wanted to ruin his sleep. My evil mind starts going to work and I even have the jug of ice water in my hand, but I stop because my logic kicks in. Not only would he get sick again, but I would also have to take care of him and so in conclusion it's definitely not worth it. I take a quick shower and change into a sky blue sari with silver embroidery. I sit in front of the mirror lightly applying makeup. I start combing my hair with my hands to untangle the ends. I catch sight of Manik staring at me through the mirror from the sofa. I shoot him a glare and he quickly looks away. He grabs his towel and heads to the bathroom to have a shower.

He comes out in a matter of minutes, while I'm still in front of the mirror getting ready. I look up in the mirror to see Manik walking around the room in nothing but a towel. My eyes start wandering down to his toned abs and remain fixated. My senses finally kick in and I abruptly look away, completely ashamed of my actions.

Normally he would respond with a repulsive comment such as "like what you see" or something along those lines, but he didn't utter a word. It is actually strange. I shout, "CAN YOU PUT SOME CLOTHES ON?!" He looks like a deer caught in headlights and then starts violently nodding like a bobble head. He quickly throws on a shirt and heads to the bathroom with some pants. The weirdest part is he kind of look frightened because he kept watching me from the corner of his eye as if I would stab him with a knife at any second. I may hate him, but even I'm not that cold. Although that would relieve some of my anger…

I dismiss these thoughts and go downstairs to greet my in laws and see what's cooking…literally. I go into the kitchen, but as soon as I walk in Mukti starts yelling at me to get out and sit at the table. I, being the wonderful daughter-in-law I am, refuse to comply and start helping Mukti with the food. Mukti says, "Nandini you know Manik loves Halwa…"

I grin evily and reply, "Huh is that so…"Mukti nods innocently and is completely oblivious to my evil ways.

I start making halwa for his highness and add a few extra ingredients to give it that kick that Manik needs so badly. Let's see how that ******* likes laxitives in his food. Hey, I'm only returning the favor after all he tampered with my food at the office, but let's not get into that.

Eventually Mukti and I bring out the food and serve everyone. I know Ranvijay Papa, Nayonika Mom, Abhimanyu and Mukti would also want to try this halwa so I was sure to separate Manik's from everyone elses. Manik occasionally watches me from the corner of his eye. After handing Manik his halwa, he eyes it suspiciously.

Everyone starts complimenting the halwa I made, but Manik doesn't seem satisfied. I guess he really does know me too well. I watch as he sighs and makes a face before it even enters his mouth. He starts mildly gagging and quickly swallows the bitter halwa. Did I forget to mention I put in a bunch of salt?... well I did.

He continues to eat it, but it seems like he is immune to the taste now because his face shows a solemn expression. He even joins in with his parents in complimenting me. He just has to spoil all my plans all the time.

After breakfast, Manik spends half the day in the bathroom because of constipation. The odd thing is he didn't even complain about it because it was clear that I am at fault. He is really scaring me with his nonreactivess. Normal people would yell, but this guy won't even say a word. I guess I'm just looking for a reason to argue, but then again my hatred needs an outlet and he isn't giving me one. Later in the day, everyone goes into their room to pick out their outfits for the reception tonight.

We quickly avoid each other and go downstairs because it is held in the Malhotra Mansion.

(Their Attire)

A

s we walk down the staircase, we are greeted by the applause of our guests. I smile fakely and Manik just looks confused as to what he is supposed to do. I quietly whisper as we make our way down, "Just act like everything is fine." He looks at me unsure and then nods.

We walk down looking like a happily married couple should even though our reality is something else altogether. Ranvijay Papa and my father are on stage and congratulate us on the marriage. Ranvijay Papa says, "Let's have Manik sing us a song for his beautiful wife and my new daughter-in-law, Nandini." I causually glance over at Manik to see him staring at me. He slowly makes his way towards the stage and takes the mike. The lights start to dim and a spotlight lands on Manik.  The music starts playing in the background, which is Ke Bin Tere Jeena Nahi from the movie Aggar. (*Check media box)

He starts singing while making his way down the stage.

Bheed mein bhi hum tanha rahein tere gum ne yeh haalat kar di,
Kabhi khud ke liye kuchh soch sake itani bhi nahi fursat di

He moves past the crowd of people and walks towards me.

Aankhon ki talash jo hai, woh hai tera chehra,
Dhadkan dil ke paas toh hai, lekin hai bewajah,
Main hoon shaukh se abb koi patta tuta huva,
Mujhko yeh hawaayein udaati phire har jagah

Manik stare is a bit unnerving because he refuses to look away from me as if he is captivated by the mere sight of me.

He then walks past me and continues to sing with his back towards me. His eyes reflect his depressed and lonely state; I can't help, but feel a bit guilty.

Ke bin tere jeena nahi, haan bin tere jeena nahi,
Na bin tere jeena nahi, ja bin tere jeena nahi

He turns around so he is behind me and sings into my ear. I close my eyes as I feel his breathe against my face.

Aankhon ki talash jo hai, woh hai tera chehra,
Dhadkan dil ke paas toh hai, lekin hai bewajah,
Main hoon shaukh se abb koi patta tuta huva,
Mujhko yeh hawaayein udaati phire har jagah

He walks around me and his features soften as he looks over mine. He takes in our proximity as if it would be the last time.

He turns his back to me, but turns his head towards me as he sings.

Ke bin tere jeena nahi, haan bin tere jeena nahi,
Na bin tere jeena nahi, ja bin tere jeena nahi

He turns towards me completely and sings with passion in his voice as he looks into the depths of my eyes. I quickly realize what I am doing so I look away questioning myself.

Chahe jitne bhi aansu bahein,
Saansein seene mein chubhati rahein, muskura kar har gum sahein

Manik's eyes start to water and I see his hand wipe away a tear. He smiles fakely through his sadness as he sings to me.

Dil se ho kam kabhi na yeh dard tera, phool jaisa lage har zakhm tera,
Inko mujhko toh seena nahin, ke bin tere jeena nahi             

Manik places his hand against his chest, right over his heart. He picks up a rose and hands it to me. I slowly reach for it and as soon as our hands brush, I drop the flower. Manik bends to pick it up and stares at it lovingly.

Aankhon ki talash jo hai, woh hai tera chehra

Dhadkan dil ke paas toh hai, lekin hai bewajah,
Main hoon shaukh se abb koi patta tuta huva,
Mujhko yeh hawaayein udaati phire har jagah

He slowly starts picking petals off the rose. When nothing remains, he tosses the lone stem.

Ke bin tere jeena nahi, haan bin tere jeena nahi,
Na bin tere jeena nahi, ja bin tere jeena nahi

He starts walking away from me and back towards the stage.

Bheed mein bhi hum tanha rahein tere gum ne yeh haalat kar di

Kabhi khud ke liye kuchh soch sake itani bhi nahi fursat di

He stops in the middle and just sings with one hand in his pocket, along with his back facing me.

Teri yaadon mein har pal kate, khud se teri hi baatein karein,

Dil khijaaon sa banjar rahein,
Humko manjoor hai har sitam tera, berukhi bhi teri bewafapan tera,

Jaam kushiyon ka peena nahi, ke bin tere jeena nahi

Manik looks towards me sadly, while I look away. I look back to see him nodding as if accepting his defeat.

Aankhon ki talash jo hai, woh hai tera chehra,
Dhadkan dil ke paas toh hai, lekin hai bewajah,
Main hoon shaukh se abb koi patta tuta huva,
Mujhko yeh hawaayein udaati phire har jagah,
Ke bin tere jeena nahi, haan bin tere jeena nahi,
Na bin tere jeena nahi, ja bin tere jeena nahi,
Ke bin tere jeena nahi, haan bin tere jeena nahi,
Na bin tere jeena nahi, ja bin tere jeena nahi

He walks back towards me and finishes the song looking at me heartbroken.

Everyone starts to applaud and Manik starts thanking everyone. Manik excuses himself and I push all my thoughts aside as my eyes grow wide in shock. Who should enter the party, but Harshad Saxena. How can I forget my personal stalker? My eyes start searching the crowd for Manik, but I can't seem to spot him. He is never there when I need him.

When I turn around, I find myself staring into a familiar pair of brown eyes. I mentally curse and smile worriedly, "Oh umm hi Harshad. How's life?" Harshad looks a bit angrily at me and says, "I need to talk to you!"

I look for escape routes, but just find myself being dragged to the empty study. Harshad says,
"Nandini how could you marry Manik? I thought you loved me!" I tense up and feel very uncomfortable being alone with him.

I stutter, "Ha-Harshad I never…" He comes closer saying, "Nandini I know you love me, this marriage is just to get me jealous right? Well I am jealous so you can quit playing this dangerous game!" I look to my sides because Harshad has me backed up against the bookshelf. I start praying that someone shows up quickly. He turns his back towards me and goes into a trance about how much he loves me. I take this opportunity to try to get away. I dart towards the door, but fail miserably since Harshad catches me before I can even get close.

He pins me against the wall forcefully and blocks my path. I look into Harshad's fiery eyes as he demands, "Just admit you love me Nandini…ADMIT IT!"

I flinch and start pleading, "Harshad please let me go..."

Harshad grinds his teeth in fraustration saying, "I LOVE YOU NANDINI! DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND? I LOVE YOU!"

He starts calming down and explains, "Oh I get it, you're worried Manik won't let us be together right? Don't worry Nandini, I will take care of him and then he will never bother you again!"

Harshad pulls out a gun and loads it. I start getting really terrified. Harshad holds onto my face and says, "After Manik dies, we can be together then right Nandini?"

I reply hesitantly, "Harshad I don't…" Harshad punches the wall next to my head in frustration. Just then I hear movement from outside and then someone's voice calling my name. The person screams, "NANDINI? ARE YOU IN THERE?"

I know that instant that it is Manik. I yell, "MA…" but Harshad covers my mouth and places a finger to his lips whispering, "Shhh…" I start squirming to get free from his grip and then Manik finally breaks in. Harshad aims his gun towards Manik.

Manik looks shocked and says, "Harshad just put the gun down and no one will get hurt…"

Harshad growls, "Sorry Manik, you're a nice guy, but you chose the wrong girl…my girl"

I wail, "MANIK PLEASE JUST GO HE'S GOING TO KILL YOU!"

Manik shouts, "I'm not leaving you…EVER!

Harshad sadistically says, "That's too bad… goodbye Manik…"

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*Donot laugh at song choice, I wanted some other, but mind is clustered and can't think of anything else 🤦 I'll definitely change it later , but for now manage😬🤗
If you can ,then do suggest some good one's fitting into the situation.

*Thankyou so much for all votes and comments, I have read them all but couldn't reply as I am having exams. Heartfelt sorry for that. Will get back soon❤️