Hasratein

■ F O U R ■

" Wrong! They are just saying the truth Ms. Nandini Murthy" came a feminine voice from the other side. Nandini turned to look at a girl with a skinny figure standing their all dolled up, with an evil smirk resting on her face.

The red strapless dress hugged her body and highlighted her lean figure. Highlighter dripped from every corner of her slim face. The red lipstick adorning her lips and the scarlett blush gave her face a rosy touch.

Although she looked pretfy but what overshadowed her outer beauty was the arrogance and disrespect in her words. Rudeness reflected on her face. No amount of expensive makeup could ever cover up the ego dripping from her. Her voice broke Nandini's chain of thoughts.

" Come on paps, click the photographs of this slut. You won't get a better opportunity", said the girl, Alia Singhania, the daughter of Mukesh Singhania.

She stepped towards Nandini with her eyes burning with anger and jealousy.

"What darling, why are you so stunned?", she asked raising her perfectly shaped eyebrow.

"Don't worry I know you are innocent." Her words confused Nandini.

"Excuse me" that was all that Nandini could utter. " What?! Don't look so surprised. You know, you are new here, there's nothing to be shocked. This is just a publicity stunt for the film."

The only words that reiterated in Nandini's mind were 'publicity stunt'. She couldn't believe her ears. Playing with someone's dignity was nothing but a way of promoting the film for these people. Were they even humans? Was there no humanity left in the industry that she had dreamt of being a part of? How could these people surrounding her stoop so low to get the attention of the audience? How could they play with someone's respect? Would she even be able to survive in this cruel place filled with such fake and heartless beings? These thoughts clogging her mind made her feel dizzy.

"By the way, I am Alia Singhania, the owner of Singhania production house, an aspiring actress and now, well, your well wisher" Alia whispered in Nandini's ears.

Who was she, made no difference to Nandini as her mind was still stuck on the words that she had uttered earlier.

" a publicity stunt!" A shocked whisper left Nandini's mouth.

" yes, A publicity stunt organized by my very dear Manik Malhotra, it was his idea only. Impressive, isn't it"

That was it for Nandini. As if what had happened earlier wasn't enough that now she was being told that it was all done by the person whom she looked upto, by that very person whom she had started to fall for.

Hot tears brimmed in Nandini's eyes. She didn't know whether it was hurting because of the hateful and disgusting stares and words that these reporters were throwing her way or because of the name that had just left Alia's mouth. Her heart was breaking into zillion pieces. She could no longer hear anything that the reporters were uttering as her head had started spinning. She felt weak all of a sudden and lost her balance but before she could touch the ground, a strong pair of arms clutched her waist and supported her. The touch felt familiar and she forcefully opened her eyes only to stare into those chocolaty brown orbs. She immediately hid herself in the crook of his neck.

" a publicity stunt organized by my very dear Manik Malhotra" the next moment Alia's words rang in her mind and she pushed Manik harshly.

Manik looked at her in disbelief and once again stepped forward to hold her. Alia watched the drama unfold before her eyes with an evil smirk. This gave peace to her burning black heart. On the other hand, the paparazzi too, was now busy in shooting the scene before them.

" Nandini, what's wrong?" asked a concerned Manik.

His words made Nandini angry beyond bounds. How could he? Was her emotions a game for him? Firstly he made her believe that he cared for her and then backstabbed her in the worst way possible. Was she nothing but a toy for him that how could play with whenever he felt like?

"Stop this drama of yours Manik Malhotra. WHAT'S WRONG, SERIOUSLY YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO ASK ME THIS AFTER WHAT ALL YOU DID" Nandini poked his chest with her index finger harshly and yelled with pain in her voice and hurt in her eyes.

" What have I done?" A clueless Manik asked with worry clearly visible on his features.

" I was such a fool. I believed you when you said that you cared for me" Nandini said in disbelief.

" Of course I care for you" said Manik being confused.

" This is your care THEN I DON'T WANT IT. DO YOU GET IT. I DON'T, JUST KEEP IT WITH YOURSELF AND LET ME LIVE IN PEACE."

" What do you mean?" Manik asked perplexed.

" You made it so dirty Manik. Because of you today these people are calling me a sl" Nandini whispered weakly and broke down.

" Nandini what are you saying, please say it clearly. And why are you crying? DAMN IT WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?"

" Oh wow Manik, oscar winning acting really!" Manik turned to look at the owner of the voice and it was then that he noticed the presence of Alia Singhania on the sets of his film.

"What are you doing here?" asked Manik in a dangerous tone.

"Relax Manik. Why am I here?! Umm, well that's not important but look at you! Seriously you are actually one of the best actor in this industry have! See na you have organized all this and you are only acting all oblivious." Alia said in a sweet voice.

" Organized what?"

"Oh come on Manik! Haven't you read the headlines in the paper? That means you haven't even seen the media coverage. No problem let me tell you so the media is here to cover the biggest headline of today, NANDINI MURTHY SLEPT WITH MANIK MALHOTRA TO BAG THE ROLE IN THIS BIG PROJECT"

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Hey!

How was the update?

What do you think will be Manik's reaction now that he knows what is being broadcasted by the media?

What will Nandini do now that she has fallen for Alia's words?

How will Manik prove the accusation against Nandini false? Will he be able to make Nandini trust him again? You will get to know very soon, stay tuned;-)

Any suggestions or your thoughts about any particular character?

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Thank you,

Best Wishes!

Inaayat