The Ex's At War

Chapter 9 - Mistakes & Apologies

Manik had not yet calmed down, his entire being quaked in rage at the thought that I had objectified him being with me as a plan. Just then the door opened with a bang and before Manik could register who it was Cabir just marched in and punched Manik hard through his jaw. Manik lost balance and fell on the chair behind him. The sudden blow left him flabbergasted.

"What is wrong with you Cabir? Are you out of your mind?", Manik held the edge of the oval table of the conference room to get up. His held his jaw tight dreading it might have dislocated due to the massive punch.

"Saale I will tell you who is out of whose mind", Cabir grabbed his collar and jerked him vehemently. It was for the first time Manik had seen Cabir's this temperament since the time they have known each other, "So this is where you got the new designs from??", he charged at Manik once again.

Manik figured Cabir must have overheard their conversation and stopped protesting in fact tried to calm Cabir.

"Cabir listen...let me explain"

"What the hell will you explain Manik? I never thought you will stoop so low just for a project...so Nandini was basically right you are so jealous of her that you can't see anything beyond defeating her..her sincerity and integrity was put to scrutiny because of you...I am so ashamed of you Manik", he left his collar and pushed him backwards.

Manik straightened his disheveled blazer, "Fine if you have already decided what you want to believe then I guess there is no point explaining"

"Ahhh so you still have an excuse", Cabir hinted sarcastically. Manik kept quiet and loosened his tie and his behavior irritated him more, "You have tested my patience enough for the day now spill it out before I reward you with another punch", Cabir's temper denied to settle at the bay.

Manik thumped on the chair hauling a deep intake of breath, "Steve!!"

Cabir flapped his hands in air. He couldn't believe Manik did it out of insecurity but before he could accuse him further Manik started again, "The party that he wanted Nandini to attend with him was... a rave party...police raided it and Steve was arrested in a compromising position with a girl half his age...I came to know about it the very night from someone who was present there.."

"You mean the party in Panvel last week...freak yes I saw it on news", Cabir massaged his temple as he remembered watching it on TV.

"Steve's agent managed to get him out before media was involved thereafter I inquired about his background...he is a bloody womanizer...he already has 3 cases reported against him in London...I never liked the way he behaved with Nandini but she being her could never see through that b**t**d...it makes my blood boil to think it could have been Nandini with him in the party had she not hurt her foot that day"

"Manik you should have spoken about this to her"

"Really!! All her energy right now concentrates on defeating me..you think she would have never believed me? no instead she would think that I was trying to manipulate her against Steve and even if she knew she will still choose to work with him just to lower me...don't you know her and her world famous ego..she thinks she can never be wrong...I have already borne the brunt of it...I could have lost Dad forever uske stupid zid ke wajah se"

"Come on Manik we all know it was an accident", Cabir tried to be logical

"Yes exactly and what led to that accident Cabir?...Nandini still chose to support the lady who was responsible for my Dad's state...uski zid ke wajah se.. I...I...lost my baby even before I came to know about it..usne jaan boojh kar mujhe nahi bataya tha", a lump was stuck in his throat as he fought to blurt the words out. Cabir dabbed his shoulders in consolation. He understood what it meant to Manik. But he also knew nobody could be held responsible for the loss except destiny.