Hasratein

■ F I V E ■

Alia was interrupted by the roar of Manik.

" HOW BLOODY DARE YOU? " Manik stepped dangerously towards her and uttered the words.

" THE SAME WAY YOU BLOODY DARED TO REJECT ME FOR THIS BITCH" Alia whispered pulling him closed holding his collar.

" ALIA" Manik shouted with anger in his voice.

" Manik how can you choose her without even trying me. Trust me I am better than her in everything. This commoner can never quench your thirst like I can." Alia softly caressed the button of his shirt, saying the latter part seductively.

" KEEP YOUR DIRTY HANDS OFF ME" Manik pushed her uttering these words in a loud tone.

" AND HOW DARE YOU QUESTION NANDINI'S CHARACTER. SHE IS HERE BECAUSE SHE DESERVES IT. HER TALENT HAS BROUGHT HER HERE BUT PEOPLE LIKE YOU, WHO HAVE SUCH A FILTHY MIND THAT IS FULL OF CHEAP THOUGHTS CAN NEVER UNDERSTAND THIS ALIA SINGHANIA."

" Stop lying Manik, the truth is out." Alia said winking at him.

"TRUTH RIGHT, I'LL GET IT OUT. JUST WAIT AND WATCH YOU DADDY'S LITTLE PRINCESS, TCH TCH TCH"

"MANIK MALHOTRA, HOW THE FUCKIN' HELL DID YOU REJECT MY DAUGHTER AND CHOSE THAT UGLY BI"

" Not a word Singhania. It would be better if you get your dear daughter admitted in some good acting school instead of yelling at me. That cake faced woman doesn't know how to do anything except throwing herself on men."

I will finish you and that newbie for whom you rejected my daughter, what was her name, ya, N-A-N-D"

The voice of Mukesh Singhania echoed from Manik's phone.

" This recording will be mailed to all the media channels. Be ready to print the new headline, THE GOOD FOR NOTHING PRODUCER MUKESH SINGHANIA AND HIS LITTLE SPOILED BRAT ALIA SINGHANIA HAVE BEEN KICKED OUT OF THE INDUSTRY AFTER BEING BRUTALLY EXPOSED BY THE MANIK MALHOTRA" Manik commanded with authority and the media left from the venue, all ready to publish this next big news before the other channels to win the trp race.

" I WON'T SPARE YOU MANIK. AND I WILL TEACH THIS GIRL A LESSON, A LESSON WHICH SHE WILL BEVER EVER BE ABLE TO FORGET IN HER WHOLE DAMN LIFE. YOU BOTH WILL REGRET FOR HAVING MESSED UP WITH THE SINGHANIAS" Alia yelled at the top of her voice pointing her finger at Manik and Nandini and then harshly kicked the stone in front of her with frustration.

" First plan to save yourself and your dear father Ms. Singhania. Leave now and ya, hope to see you never ever again" Manik said with a smirk resting on his face.

Alia left from there muttering colorful profanities.

" Manik" Manik heard the whisper of Nandini and turned back to face her. His worry doubled as he glanced at her wobbling lips and eyes filled with tears.

" I am sorry for all this drama. I really had no idea that these Singhanias will stoop so low otherwise I wouldn't have had let you go through this.", said Manik sincerely.

Nandini threw herself in his arms without thinking twice. She hugged him tightly like her life depended on it.

" I am sorry for doubting you. Please forgive me." Came the meek whisper of Nandini.

"Hey, it's not your fault. That's fine" Manik broke the hug and wiped her tears away. He would have felt better if she would have atleast asked for an explanation before blaming it all on him but then he was mature enough to understand that she was not in a state to play this blame game. Moreover, he realised that they just met recently so trusting someone in such a short span of time might not have been possible for her. And most importantly, he simply couldn't even think of leaving the hand of the woman standing before him ever, let alone at a time like this when she actually needed his support and care the most.