For Infinity

Part 4 : Devil

The most confused we ever get is when we try to convince our heads of something our hearts know is a lie.
________

Manik laid back on his bed, feeling drained of energy after a day packed of drama. The last thing he ever wanted was a girl to come into his life and create a havoc in his heart. As he recalled all the events a feeling of helplessness settled in his heart. Fab 5 was always known for it's unruly aura and not for once did he ever regret it. But, today it was different. For the first time he condemned himself for hurting someone, for hurting her.

He tried to forget everything that had happened but every time he closed his eyes her disappointed face would flash in front of him. Feeling confused he buried his face in the pillow beside his head so that he could hush down his frustrated shrieks not wanting the security to come running into his room. "Nandini Murthy, what have you done to me?" He whispered to himself but his heart already knew the answer.

Not able to get his mind off certain things he called for help. The help who would be there by his side no matter what and where. His best friends in happiness and solace, Fab 5 was the closest thing he had to a family. An ignorant mother and a busy father could never give you the joy even with all the world's wealth. It was only the unconditional love from his friends that could help him forget the pain and live in the moment. And not even 15 minutes later they all had gathered in Malhotra Mansion's living room, looking disturbed and puzzled. Not only Manik but they too were shaken after that incident. They were never subject to such humiliation, no one had ever dared to challenge them and today a mere common girl had done just that.

While Mukti lay sprawled over the sofa, Manik adjusted himself on the floor which was devoid of any little particle of dust. Cabir sat with Alya on the loveseat who just stared onto the blank TV screen. "Come on guys, why are you all so down? Let's just get over it and party in our style!" Cabir spoke breaking the deafening silence. "I guess he's right. There's a new club that has just opened. We should totally go. Anyway, I need to get a bit of vodka inside me to forget what happened." Alya said in agreement which made Mukti rise from her position. "Yes. Booze. Totally. Urgh! Manik why the hell did you stop me? I would have put her straight! She messed with us. With Fab 5!" She demanded an answer to the question which was running in all of their minds. It was very unlike Manik because he was the one who always stood between them and others who ever dared to hurt or rebel against Fab 5.

Manik was taken aback not knowing what to answer. He himself was bewildered and if they knew that he harboured any kind of feelings for her, it would hurt them beyond any imagination. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. He looked like someone had cut off his support system.

"Mukti just forget about it. Why are we even discussing this? What we did was wrong too. So it's better we just leave and chill out." The silent spectator of their band came to Manik's rescue, unknowingly. Meet Dhruv Vedant, the guitar percussionist and the only sane member of Fab 5. Because of his calm and good nature he was like the baby of their group, protected by each one of them. Manik thanked his stars for sending his baby brother as a saving grace. Taking it as a chance Manik spoke "Guys just leave it for now. Get ready, we are going to party." And that's how their friendship was. All for one and one for all.
___

Next day when Nandini reached college she tried hard with all her will power to avoid them, especially him. It was going to be tough to go against a pull because of which they kept bumping into each other.

As she walked towards her class someone, called her from behind. She turned around to come face to face with a guy who looked like the spawn of devil himself.
"

Hi! I'm Harshad Saxena. It's a pleasure to meet you. After all, you are the girl who had the guts to face the stupid Fab 5. They really deserved it. You have my support." He smiled like a Cheshire cat which made her cringe. Meet Harshad Saxena. The villain of S.P.A.C.E and the biggest enemy of Fab 5. He was Alya's brother but still she hated him for all the things he did to Mukti and her other friends. He just needed one way or another to mess with them and he found her as the perfect bait.

Nandini wanted run away at the next instance but she stayed not wanting to give rise to another drama.
"Hi, I'm Nandini." She kept it short wanting to run away from the awkward situation. Harshad noticed it and he burned from inside seeing her lack of interest in him. I am better than that Manik, he said through gritted teeth which went unnoticed by her.

"Sorry! I didn't want to creep you out. Since you are a fresher let me show you the college. I'm sure you didn't get a chance to do that." Harshad was the master of fake and he hit the right spot. Nandini couldn't say No now so, she went ahead with Harshad not before texting Navya her whereabouts. Better to be alert than sorry.

There was one person who witnessed their conversation. That one person who knew what Harshad was planning on. Manik was angry, very angry. Not because he was jealous or something but because he would use her innocence and her hatred towards them for his own purpose. He was a coward pig who would go to any lengths to mess with Fab 5. Harshad had taken a very wrong move by getting Nandini involved in their fights. Manik's will to protect Nandini grew stronger with every passing second. But, he needed someone's help to bring down Harshad. Someone, he could trust blindly and he had the right person in his mind. He pulled out his phone and dialled a contact. "Hey, tu jaha bhi hain jaldi se college pohoch. Meet me in our jam room in 15 minutes. There is something I need to tell you."

Any guesses who that person is? Well keep guessing till the next update! ;)

- Ashkins