MaNan FF - Love's Strategic Edge (On-going )

Chapter 55

~ 55 ~
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫

Manik and Aryaman stood on the deserted road, their faces illuminated by the cold, harsh glow of the car's headlights. Nandini clung to Manik's arm, her heart pounding as she watched the two men, both powerful and dangerous, face off. But there was no mistaking who held the upper hand. Manik was far more powerful than Aryaman Kapoor, not only in the business world but also as a mafia leader. Manik had alliances with numerous mafia leaders across the globe, giving him a formidable reach and influence. Aryaman, by contrast, led a small cult that Manik could crush in minutes. To Manik, it was almost entertaining to see Aryaman, this small-time cult leader, attempting to threaten him or even pretend to match his power.

Yet, beneath the amusement, Manik's anger simmered. Aryaman had crossed a line by endangering his Nandini. Yes, Nandini was his. Over the past few days, their bond had deepened. They had shared dinners, exchanged suggestions at work, and teased each other in the way that only close friends do. Their trust and faith in each other had grown unshakable, and it would take something major to happen in order to tear them apart.

Manik was renowned within the mafia world. While he might not be a household name across India, he was a figure of immense respect and fear among those who mattered. Mafia leaders across the globe bowed to him, not just because of his power but because of his principles. Manik had a reputation for not killing innocent people, but when necessary, he could be utterly ruthless. He was cold-hearted, strong-minded, and merciless to his enemies. He was also a physically imposing figure, a muscular bachelor at the top of the Malhotra mafia hierarchy, a position he inherited from his father.

When Manik was your enemy, he was a force to be reckoned with. Few dared to cross him, knowing that he could destroy their lives, their families, and their careers with a mere flick of his hand. His reputation for brutality was well-earned, capable of killing in the most painful and brutal ways imaginable. As a result, both in the mafia and business worlds, people respected and feared Manik Malhotra.

Aryaman, however, seemed oblivious to this. He was a rat trying to tarnish the Malhotra name by challenging Manik with his small cult of around a hundred men. Aryaman's men were aware that they stood no chance against Manik. They knew it wasn't just unsafe but outright suicidal to oppose him. What Aryaman didn't realize was that, if push came to shove, his own men would likely abandon him and side with Manik. Such betrayal would be devastating for Aryaman, leaving him to face Manik alone.

In the mafia world, the rules were simple: you either killed or made deals, or you died. There was no middle ground. While not all mafia leaders were completely heartless, they were often labeled as cold-hearted. The distinction was important; a cold heart could be melted and transformed, but a truly heartless person was unchangeable.

Manik, despite his ruthless exterior, was one of those who could be changed, as Nandini had shown. She had started to melt his cold heart, turning the monster into a person. This was something Aryaman could never comprehend, and it was what made Manik far stronger and more dangerous than he could ever hope to be.

Aryaman's sneer was evident even in the dim light. "Manik Malhotra, the infamous mafia leader," he mocked. "Here we are again, ready to kill each other. But look, I've got something you don't." He pointed towards Nandini, his eyes filled with malice.

Nandini stared back at Aryaman, her face a mask of calm despite the fear churning inside her. She knew better than to show any weakness. Aryaman's gaze bore into her, his words dripping with venom. "Come to me, Nandini. I'll forgive you for everything you've seen. We can start again, like best friends. Remember how he treated you? You told me he didn't like you, that he was dangerous. Come to me, Nandini. I'll keep you safe."

Nandini met his gaze, her expression unyielding despite the fear she felt. "You were never a friend, Aryaman. Friends don't manipulate and threaten each other. Manik might be ruthless, but he's honest about who he is."

Aryaman's lips curled into a sneer. "You think he's honest? He's a killer, Nandini. A heartless mafia leader who will destroy anything and anyone in his path."

Nandini's eyes flickered to Manik, her face remaining blank. Despite her fear, she wasn't about to let Aryaman manipulate her. Manik's grip on her arm tightened, a silent reassurance.

Aryaman's tone turned more insidious. "Your man here, he's a ruthless mafia leader, Nandini. I can protect you. You remember how I treated you in the beginning, don't you? Not like Manik, who was always rude and dismissive."

Manik's eyes blazed with anger, but he kept his composure. He knew Aryaman was trying to drive a wedge between them. As Aryaman continued his monologue, Nandini placed her left hand on Manik's, a calming gesture that softened his fury.

Manik's grip on Nandini's arm tightened, his fury barely contained. "Aryaman, you're delusional if you think she would ever trust you again. You're nothing but a traitor."

Aryaman's eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with malice. "And what about you, Manik? You think she can trust a man who kills for a living? Who can turn from a caring lover to a cold-blooded murderer in seconds?"

Nandini placed her other hand over Manik's, her touch a silent plea for calm. "Manik might have a dark side, Aryaman, but he's never lied to me about it. Unlike you, he doesn't pretend to be something he's not."

Aryaman laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Oh, how touching. The monster has found his beauty. But how long will it last, Nandini? How long before his darkness consumes you too?"

Aryaman laughed again, a cruel sound that echoed through the night. "Look at this! My beautiful Nandini, how did you manage to melt the heart of the most ruthless mafia leader? This should be front-page news! Manik, the monster, turned human by an ordinary girl."

Manik finally spoke, his voice cold and hard. "Aryaman, enough. Enough of your nonsense and stop being delusional that you can hurt Nandini or manipulate her or trying to fight against me. You very well know the consequence of this. Why are you wasting your time, Aryaman? Remember, you cannot manipulate her and Nandini is not yours. She's with me, and nothing you say will change that."

Manik's words were laced with a chilling finality. His presence was intimidating, his resolve unshakeable. Nandini could feel the power and determination radiating from him, and it gave her strength. She tightened her grip on his arm, silently conveying her support.

Aryaman's face twisted in rage, but he knew he was outmatched. Manik was not only stronger and more powerful, but he also had something Aryaman could never understand – genuine love and loyalty.

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