Living in the darkness.

The Torture

Manik's pov
I tighten the black strap hard against my palm. Folding the fingers in a fist, I hold up my both arms in air, extending the forearm with all force I pull a tight punch on the punching bag. Flexing my forearm again and extending the either for a punch.

I close my eyes, "Manikkkkkkkk" i hear NANDANI's cry in my ears. Her teary eyes. Last images of her flash in my vision and I punch harder.
Flashes of him dragging her by her hair.
I punch harder.
Flashes of myself, a helpless me. I punch the hardest.

The frequency and the velocity gain acceleration. With each flexion and extension my biceps muscles tightens and relaxes respectively. She was my weakness, she will be my strength. She is meant to strengthen me. I will bring my strength back. Out from that shabby place. Back from the darkness.

After an hour of rigorous punching, I take a step back and leave a sigh. I move back unwrapping my hands. My whole body marinated in sweat. Each and every pore of skin crying out of exertion. I walk to the table and Grab a water bottle and pour it above my head. I let the water cascade down my flesh. While I run my  fingers in my hair. When I finish pouring down the whole bottle I grab a towel and wipe my face off. Wiping my face clean my eyes fall on a lost Cabir. He is sitting in a wooden  bench with a shaker in his hand and aimlessly staring at the wall. "Cabir?" No answer. I call again "Cabir..." This time louder. Still the same. I walk closer and shake him a bit.

"Haa...Hann..." I eyes,his face, his expressions, all blank. "Cabir i was calling you since quite a while." "Ooh. Sorry I just zoned out." He made an miserable excuse. But I let him have his space until he is ready.

"So... The other khurrana has landed. Any movement in the Ooty estate??" I try to divert his attention. But he gives me an intense stare straight through my eyes. His eyes wanted to convey but couldn't find words.

"No." He paused. "No. There is no news yet."
****
NANDANI's pov

CABIR??? My mind couldn't accept the fact that it was Cabir's signature that was scribbled on the paper. The papers was no ordinary papers, they were the Ooty construction project papers. But why will Cabir do such thing. He is the closest being to Manik. He was never in the construction business. Then why is this all here. "Noo this cannot be our Cabir. He can never do this to Manik. There are definitely many more Cabir Dhawans in the world." I was consoling my mind. But if this is the same Cabir, then is Manik too involved? But then Madhyam? I start flipping pages when suddenly I heard the door flew open making me jump. "Madaam sir is looking for you goo fast." Jenny says breathing heavily.

Air leaves my lungs making all space go vacant. I quickly put the file back and slide the wood back to place. "Clean it up." I declare and run downstairs to find an impatient Madhyam tossing around in the room. As soon as his eyes fall on me he comes to me in two big steps grabbing my arm and twisting it behind my back,"Where the hell were you???" He growled under his breath making sure to keep it out of Aryaman's auditory range.  I stammer in pain, "Shh..Shruti."

Before I could speak any further Aryaman makes his entry with Shruti in his arms. Giggling and laughing. As soon as Madhyam gets aware of his presence he releases me and straightens himself. But when he sees Shruti with him he looks me with a suspicious eye. Think Nandani. Think. "Oohh! Here she is. I was searching for her." I speak managing a smile.

"I am so sorry Nandani. I just can't resist being around this little cupcake, she is soo adorable." Aryaman apologies. "Oh please don't apologise. She is too fond of you." I tell him.

"Of course she is. But we have some business waiting so please take care of my love, while I steal your lovely man." He says handing me Shruti. "And please can you arrange chicken for dinner? Any dish will do, but chicken."