(Trigger warning for this chapter - Violence, and Sexual HarRASMENT )

"Pack this, this and this and this too!"

"Manik?"

"This one also, and that silver one? Pack that too."  Manik smiled at the lady behind the counter.

"Manik."

Nandini called out sternly this time and Manik turned to her finally.

"What?" He had the audacity to ask.

"What are you doing?" Nandini gritted her teeth in anger making him shake his head in disbelief.

"I am shopping." As if it wasn't obvious?

Nandini shook her head in dismay. "For?"

"For you idiot." Manik replied casually, "You are in Mumbai with me, so I am getting you something."

"Manik! We are here for Aliya, not me!" Nandini almost whisper yelled as the man in front of her stared at her a second before a frown adored his face.

"Why would I choose for her?"

There, Nandini almost gaped at him while standing in the middle of the store. What did he even mean by why would he choose for her?

Seeing her reaction, Manik looked surprised, "Wait - Don't tell me you thought I was going to choose a present for her?"

"It should be obvious, Manik."

He laughed. He laughed. Manik was really testing her patience at the moment. "Nandini, You do know how bad I am at this, right? I shop for you because everything looks good on you and you like my choice but Aliya - she is picky with all the diamonds and all. She won't like what I will choose for her. So, I can't do that."

Manik must have thought his little speech would move Nandini but all Nandini did was stare at him in disbelief.

"Are you getting her this gift or am I?" She asked, now completely pissed off at him.

"Why do you have to stare at me like that!" He complained but nevertheless answered. "Anyways, this gift is from both of us and how does it even matter if you choose or I do? Isn't that the same thing?" He paused for a moment, seeing her face. "Okay fine, this isn't helping me. Nandini -"

"Ayyappa! You can't be serious, Manik! I am so done with you. Shop on your own!"

With that, Nandini was storming away while Manik let out a dramatic sigh.

"And I don't like that golden bracelet you choose for me. It is tacky!" She almost shouted making him roll his eyes.

He had seen her eyeing it. She clearly liked it.

The lady at the counter looked at him with the expression that clearly read 'You poor soul'.

"Should I pack this golden bracelet too, Sir?"

"Of course," he smiled, "Madam was only throwing a tantrum. She liked it."

"Okay, Sir." The lady smiled. "It is really nice to see you knowing your wife's preferences, sir."

Manik's eyes went wide hearing the word wife but he didn't correct her at all. Instead, his mind came up with the picture of Nandini's flustered reaction when she would hear about it. Manik liked it. And he was going to do it.

Nandini was already inside the car by the time he sat inside. She glared at him as soon as he opened his mouth and Manik was quick enough to raise his hands in surrender.

"I mean no harm." He clarified in case it was not clear. And when Nandini didn't reply but started driving, he put his hands back down. "You know the lady inside thought you were my wife."

Manik laughed, as if even the idea of it was funny while Nandini was so surprised that she actually pulled the breaks.

"See, it is funny right." He laughed more, not even a bit fazed by her reaction. "I didn't even correct her."

"You are a devil, Manik." Nandini shook her head, trying her best to control the flush on her cheeks. She was sure Manik could see it and he was having fun at her expense now. "You should have told her we are not married."

"Aye, let her think whatever she wants too."

"You don't mind being associated with me?"

Manik looked at her like she had lost it. "Have you seen yourself?" Nandini tried to reply but he showed her his hand, huffing. "Have you ever googled yourself? I swear I can get a spa treatment for free anywhere for the rest of my life if I tell them I am Nandini Murty's husband."

A subtle scoff leaves her lips, "You don't need to do that. You are just as famous."

Manik shrugged. "I know. It is more fun to get privileges because of your rich best friend though."

Yeah, Nandini was sure she was going to commit a murder today.

And she hoped she was famous enough to be forgiven for it, because combined with the grief she would feel at the loss of losing her only best friend, Nandini was sure she wouldn't survive either of the outcome.

"Manik." Aliya was hardly able to conceal her shock when her eyes fell on Manik in the midst of the crowd. At first, she didn't even believe it was him.

It was not until Dhruv walked up to her and smiled at her. "Aliya, Come with me. Let me introduce you to someone." He held her hand and took her there, exactly in front of Manik.

"Aliya, meet him. He is Manik Malhotra." Dhruv smiled at Manik and then turned to Nandini. "And she is Nandini Murty. They are a big name in New York, business partners." Dhruv sounded happy but Aliya was not even listening, her eyes were still struck on Manik as Dhruv introduced her. "And guys, she is Aliya. My beautiful wife."

When nobody said anything, Dhruv frowned and turned to Aliya. "Baby? Is there anything wrong? Do you know them?"

"Huh?" Aliya turned to him and then the sudden realisation of where she was, or who she was struck her. She was no longer Aliya Khurana. She was Aliya Kapoor now, Dhruv's wife. "Yeah. I - I mean no."

She turned to Manik and Nandini and smiled. "Hello, I have heard about Murthy's quite a lot from Dhruv."

"Ah. Don't spill my secrets now. We are actually working with them this year." Dhruv let out a chuckle, not seeing the way Aliya had gone pale at his statement.

"Dhruv -"

Before Aliya could complete, Dhruv was called by someone. He nodded and turned to Aliya with a smile. "Give me a moment, I will come." He looked at Manik and Nandini. "Excuse me, guys."

As Dhruv walked away to talk to some other businessman, Manik finally turned his attention to Aliya. She had changed so much, gained some weight and her hair were now short, curled below her shoulders. She looked - different, but beautiful. Like a married woman in her sky blue colored saree and the makeup, not to forget the vermilion in her hairline and the nuptial chain around her neck.

Manik was so jealous of Dhruv Kapoor, the man who snatched the love of his life.

"Manik?" Aliya looked like she was in panic. "What are you doing here? Why are you here?" Somewhere, Aliya already knew the answer. She knew why Manik was there after three years.

Did he think she was waiting for him all this time? Aliya was, in the start but three years was a long time.

"Ar- Aren't you happy seeing me here?" Manik was hesitant to even ask. What if she said yes? Aliya did look at him like he was some dirty secret of her not worth showing to anyone.

"I - Of course, I am." She was lying. Aliya was lying to him. "But why are you working with Dhruv?"

"Why can't I?"

"Manik." Aliya let out a sigh. "Please don't." She was requesting him to stop and Manik didn't know what to say.

Beside him, Nandini held his shoulder and when he turned to look at her, she blinked her eyes with a head shake. She didn't want him to get angry here and cause a scene.

"Mr. Malhotra?" The three turned to the voice and the servant who had called out Manik's name bowed his head. "Mr. Kapoor is looking for you." Manik frowned and the servant pointed at Dhruv who was standing a little way for clarification.

"Okay." Manik dismissed the servant and looked back at Nandini. "Stay here, I will be back." When Nandini nodded in response, it was only then Manik walked away.

"Are - Are you two dating?" Aliya asked, hesitant. Manik did look like he was here for her but the way he looked at Nandini - said something else.

Nandini simply shook her head. "No, we are not."

"Oh? You two look close." Aliya said, and when Nandini kept looking at her face, she shook her head. "Oh, no Miss.Murty. Me and Manik, it was all in the past." The past Manik still hasn't been able to move on from. "I am happy with my husband now. I love Dhruv."

Nandini must have failed to keep the bitterness off her face because Aliya looked away in guilt. The woman she had been sacrificing her love for, that woman was living happily with her husband while her Manik was still haunted with nightmares of being left alone.

No, Nandini didn't blame Aliya. She knew it was not her fault for falling for the man she married. Because in that case, Nandini fell for a stranger she saw drunk in the middle of a road on a random night.

It was the circumstances, their fates or the density as people called it that they were here now. That she loved someone who loved someone else and the someone he loved, was in love with someone else. A vicious cycle made by fate they might never get out of.

"Miss.Murty?" Aliya called, and Nandini suddenly came back to her senses.

God. They were out in the open but the air was suffocating Nandini. She had imagined this scenario so many times - meeting the woman Manik loved and now standing in front of her, Nandini didn't know what to do.

She knew she wasn't supposed to feel jealous but Nandini couldn't stop her heart from feeling. But along with it came the guilt. Manik cared so much for her and what was Nandini doing? Manik loved Aliya, it was so simple.

"Excuse me, please." Nandini turned around and she had only taken a few steps when Dhruv came and stopped her out of nowhere.

"Miss.Murty, I just heard you are a very good singer. Please sing a song for us." Dhruv requested and suddenly everyone were staring at her. Nandini turned to look at Manik who was standing by the bar and he grinned at her with a thumbs up.

Of course he spread the little information at the first chance he got.

Nandini could not even deny because they were all waiting for her to say yes. She was not going to leave him. She glared at Manik who just rolled his eyes and stopped a waiter walking by.

The same water handed her the mike as she stood in the center. Nandini looked around and this time when her eyes fell on Manik, he was not looking at her. His eyes were searching for another face. Nandini knew who he was looking for.

Tu aata hai seene mein

Jab jab saansein bharti hoon

Tere dil ki galiyon se

Main har roz guzarti hoon

Silence filled the place except for her own voice. Nandini could feel Manik turning to her listening to her voice. His smile reflected back on her face as she let a soft smile play on her own face.

Hawa ke jaise chalta hai tu

Main ret jaisi udti hoon

Kaun tujhe yoon pyar karega

Jaise main karti hoon

Tearing away his gaze from her, Manik turned it to Aliya who seemed to be escaping from him.

Meri nazar ka safar

Tujhpe hi aake ruke

Kehne ko baaki hai kya

Kehna tha jo keh chuke

In the crowd of hundreds where he was not even looking for her, her eyes still chased him, and rested on his face. Nandini's own words echoed in her head.

"Have you ever thought of moving on, Manik?"

Manik didn't know why she asked but he shook his head.

"I can't."

Meri nigahein hain teri nigahon pe

Tujhe khabar kyu bekhabar

Main tujhse hi chup chup kar

Teri aankhein padhti hoon

Kaun tujhe yun pyar karega

Jaise main karti hoon

Nandini's eyes followed his gaze and she was not surprised when they stopped on Aliya. Nandini hated the way she could feel love pouring out of him as he stared at the woman.

At every warm smile he gave Aliya, Nandini wiped the lone tear that escaped her eye.

Tu jo mujhe aa mila

Sapne hue sarphire

Haathon mein aate nahi

Udte hain lamhein mere

Meri hasi tujhse

Meri khushi tujhse

Tujhe khabar kyu bekhabar

Jis din tujhko na dekhun

Pagal pagal phirti hoon

Kaun tujhe yun pyaar karega

Jaise main karti hoon

Nandini had only looked down for a single second and when she looked up again, Manik was nowhere. She panicked and looked around only to find him standing with Dhruv and Aliya now. When her eyes met Aliya's, Nandini looked away at the question in her eyes.

The sound of claps filled the space and from the corner of her eye, Nandini saw Manik clap for her too. She smiled and handed the mike back to the servant standing there before walking to where Manik was standing.

"Manik, don't drink too much." She said, nearing him and he nodded in response before keeping the glass back on the counter.

"Okay." Was all he said, and didn't touch the glass again.

"By the way, you sing amazing."

Nandini smiled, teasing. "I know right, you can never."

"Hey!" He whined. "Just because you are gifted doesn't mean you taunt me."

"Yeah yeah."

They heard Dhruv clear his throat from behind and suddenly Nandini realised how she hadn't even acknowledged them. She apologised but Dhruv and Aliya told her it was fine.

The cake was cut soon and Nandini turned to Manik.

"Manik, our present?"

Manik checked his pockets for the car key. "It is in the car, I will get it." He said.

Nandini shook her head, taking the car keys from him. "Let me get it. You stay here."

"Sure?"

"Of course, Manik. I am not a child."

And if Manik proceeded to compare their height with his palm and give her an unsure look, Nandini just stomped his feet with her five inch heel and walked away.

"Geez, you violent woman! Be careful!"

She heard him from behind and smirked at the little 'ows' he shouted after. Good, served him just right.

The parking area was dimly lit when Nandini walked in. She saw a few boys - apparently some extra waiters sitting at the side. They all looked drunk and smoking now. Nandini walked past them, trying her best to not look at them.

She took out the neatly wrapped present in blue wrapper and as she locked the car and turned around - she gasped seeing the four guys standing there.

"What do you all want?"

Now, Nandini was no damsel in distress. She could fight a guy or two but she was not sure if the Indo western sharara set she was wearing with this stupid long shrug would help her kick these four drunk guys.

They literally smelled of alcohol and smoke and then one of them had the audacity to step forward and corner her against the car. The guy held her hand and smiled.

"Leave my hand." Nandini tried to get him off and panicked when she couldn't. The more she struggled, the more they laughed.

"Why? Aren't you enjoying? I saw you sing, you have a nice voice." He said, "I wonder what you sound like in bed though." He turned to the other guys and let out a chuckle. "Do you guys think rich women sound different when they get laid?"

Nandini looked at him wide eyed at the vulgarity and even more when the other three laughed. When the boy's hand left her wrist and traced a finger on her face, Nandini jerked it away and slapped him.

"What a bastard."

With that she kicked him where the sun doesn't shine making him scream in pain. However, the other three looked more agitated now. Nandini knew she couldn't fight them all so she tried to leave.

"Leave my way if you don't want me to kick you too." She warned.

Nandini must have underestimated them or she didn't really see it coming when one of the guys grabbed hold of her shoulder and tore her shrug. She let out a gasp, struggling and in the process, the keys and the present fell somewhere in the bushes at the side.

Manik checked his watch again for the nth time. It had been around thirty minutes. How long does it even take to get a gift from the car?

"Is there something wrong, Mr. Malhotra?" Dhruv asked as he saw the worried look on his face.

"No. Just Nandini hasn't come back yet" He looked back in the direction leading to the parking lot. "Excuse me, Mr. Kapoor. I need to check on her."

Manik had been expecting anything but the scene he was met with when he walked in the parking lot. At a distance, four drunk guys dressed in waiter uniforms had cornered Nandini against their car.

She was struggling and he could literally see how scared she was.

"Manik!"

She shouted the moment her eyes fell on him. Manik only saw red. How dare they touch her, corner her and make her cry?

Manik had no idea what happened next but when he came into his senses, he had a guy pinned on the floor. Manik was punching him, and the guy looked half dead already. There were hands all around him, trying to pull him away amidst the loud shouts.

He could hear Nandini crying behind and reluctantly, Manik pulled away even if he was not satisfied. He should have broken these drunkards arms that touched his best friends.

He jerked off the hands that were on him and turned around to spot Nandini who was standing behind with Aliya beside her.

"The fuck is wrong with you!" He shouted, walking in a few long strides to reach her and Nandini met him half way. "Do you not know how to fight!?"

"They were four!" She cried silently as he pulled her in a hug, wrapping his arms around her tightly and hiding her face in his chest.

"Stupid woman." He muttered under his breath. "Stop crying," He sighed, looking down at her shaking shoulders, "I beat them up. Do you want them to apologise to you?"

Nandini shook her head, pushing herself more in him.

"I am sorry. I should have come earlier." Manik was so stupid. He pulled back, trying to check her for any injury. It was when he saw her torn shrug and Manik's boiled again. He looked at the weeping boys on the floor and before he could beat them up more, Nandini held his hand and shook her head.

With an eye roll, Manik removed his blazer to make her wear it. "Where is the car key? Let's go home." He didn't want to stay there for another moment.

"I don't have the keys."

"Why?"

"Fell down." She said, "don't know where."

Manik closed his eyes in irritation. Seeing this, Aliya and Dhruv walked forward.

"Mr. Malhotra, Miss. Murty, why don't you both stay here for the night?" Dhruv offered and Manik glared at him. "We are extremely sorry for what happened here. And I assure you these guys won't be spared without consequences."

"And our servants will find your car keys too. Please stay the night. We will feel really bad if you leave like this." Aliya added.

Manik looked back at Nandini in question, leaving the decision on her.

"Okay, We will leave in the morning," Nandini said and turned to him, "I don't want you to drive in anger, Manik. You drank too."

"Fine."

"Aliya, can you please show them the rooms baby? I will attend the other guests." Aliya nodded, and Dhruv walked to the others while Aliya guided them both to the guests room.

She showed them two rooms side by side but Manik ended up deciding against it. "I am not leaving Nandini alone here." The reason he gave.

"I am fine, Manik."

"You are not. And even if you are, I am not fine leaving you here alone anymore. It isn't safe." He turned to Aliya. "We are sharing one room, thank you!"

Aliya had surprise in her eyes as she agreed and handed him the key. Sure, she had known Manik was always possessive but - it seemed a lot more. She could see how scared he was that Nandini was hurt back there.

Aliya could not say she hasn't seen him care like this for anyone. He had taken care of her, but it seemed like he cared for Nandini the same way and he didn't realise it.

"Manik, I am really fine." Nandini rubbed his arm, as they sat on the bed. "You get used to such things when you are a woman."

"Nandini!" He chided, "You shouldn't be used to sexual harassment. I should have plucked out their eyes that looked at you in a bad way."

"How many guys will you do this to?"

"Every single bastard out there who does this to you!"

To his surprise, Nandini giggled. "I called him that too, bastard."

"Good, he was one! They were all!"

They were suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door.

"I will see." Nandini stood up before he could go.

It was Aliya with fresh clothes for them both. Nandini took them from her and watched the way Aliya looked back at her and Manik.

"Just distract -"

"I know." Nandini replied without a smile. "I know how to handle him."

"Okay. Good Night."

Distracting Manik was not difficult. Nandini was used to his ways by now. Whenever Manik didn't have anything to say, he would talk about his old days or mostly Aliya.

He always had so much to talk about Aliya that Nandini often wondered how could a person love another so much.

Even now when she asked him about the day, Manik's eyes twinkled.

"Isn't she so pretty?" He asked and Nandini smiled.

"Even though she is, do you know when you love someone, they appear more pretty to you than others."

Her opinion made Manik frown deeply as he stared at her.

"That's bullshit!" He said, "Aliya is pretty, but there are other women who are prettier. I am not a delusional teenager, Nandini."

"Can you tell me another woman you think is prettier than Aliya?"

"Of course, there's you. And there's - " Manik frowned again, and then whined, "Nandini, I don't stare at random women, you know. I literally know only you and Aliya and while Aliya is really pretty, she doesn't have the innocence you do."

"Oh, I am so flattered. Manik Malhotra thinks I am the prettiest woman he knows." Nandini teased as he glared at her. "You used to call me a potato face when we met."

Manik shrugged. "You are."

Nandini rolled her eyes and when a yawn slipped from her, Manik looked at the time.

"Oh, it is late. We should sleep now." He looked around the room and on the couch. "I will take the couch."

"You won't fit there." It was not even a lie. Nandini chuckled. "We can share the bed, it is pretty big, Manik. I don't mind."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I am."

"Fine, don't kick me in sleep." Before Nandini could reply, he patted her head. "Sleep tight."

"Good Night, Manik." Nandini wished him and gasped when his hand came around her waist to pull her back a little. "What are you doing?"

"You will fall down."

He reasoned, as if it didn't matter to him that they were sharing a bed and that his hand was still around her waist as they fell into a peaceful slumber.