The Forbidden Fruit (MaNan FF)

iv.

"You're not in your right senses, Cabir," Manik spoke through his phone for the millionth time, hoping his friend would change his mind. There was still time for it but knowing Cabir, he wouldn't. Manik still held on to that one percent chance of him magically liking his sister again and stopping both of them from making what he knew would be a terrible mistake.

"I'm sure about this, Manik," Cabir replied yet again, and he lied. He wasn't sure, he was terrified of this. He hated his sister but he was still thinking about whether or not they should go to this extent. He wouldn't let Manik know that, though.

"We're going to regret this," Manik stated, closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath.

"Oh, Manik," Cabir let out a bitter laugh, "you're not going to regret anything that gets you your parents' attention."

Manik clenched the marriage documents in his hands, knowing just how right his friend was, and he hated it.

xx

Nandini just knew that this was a bad day. Nothing bad had happened to her so far, but she knew something would be coming along. It just felt like this was a terrible,terrible day for her. Something life-changing would happen. She couldn't wrap her finger around it yet but she just knew.

"Nandini?" the soft, familiar voice of a male she knew caused her to turn around, and she smiled when she spotted him. A warm, genuine smile.

"Hi, Dhruv," she greeted him, and he gave her a cheeky smile.

"Hi. Um, it's been long," he nervously said.

"Yes, it has." She could clearly see from his nervous posture and the way he kept fidgeting his hands that he wanted to ask her something. She was scared of what it would be. "Did you need anything, Dhruv?"

"Actually, I- er- yeah, I guess," he stammered.

"Well...?" she pried.

"Um, if y-you're free to-today... w-will you-u go on a d-d-date with m-e?" he finally managed to get the words out. She wanted to laugh and pinch his cheeks. At times, he was very adorable.

Nandini knew of Dhruv's feelings about her since long, but she didn't reciprocate them. She felt a little guilty because she knew Dhruv liked her a lot and Navya always said that he was a nice guy whom she should give a chance. Heck, everyone - even her own parents - had suggested that.

It's true, she thought to herself, Dhruv is a nice guy, almost like the perfect guy.

Nandini smiled at him, flattered by his confession. She forgot about the nagging feeling which just screamed to her that this day was bad, that some terrible danger was coming. He made her forget all of those and she loved it. Maybe he deserves that one chance, she decided.

"Yes, Dhruv, I will go out with you."

xx

Manik got out of his car with his right hand in his pocket, clenching the piece of white cloth tightly. He was glad to find very few cars parked and no one around. Just like he said, Manik thought.

Cabir's decision to make Manik marry his sister took place a week ago, and he has been completely serious about it. The boy even found out all the necessary information for Manik. He researched and let him know that Nandini took extra classes on Wednesdays and by that time; her college was practically empty except for a few people roaming around. He personally made sure that no one would be around today so that Manik faces no disturbances in his plan.

When he noticed a familiar figure stepping out of the gates, Manik straightened up. Nandini spotted him quickly and as soon as she did, he gave her a charming smile. She simply looked confused.