"But, Mr Chopra, there were no kissing scenes in the previous script. And now you are telling that there are at least three kissing scenes and one of them is five minutes long. I mean...it's completely unacceptable. I am not at all comfortable. Please change it. I am not ready for this."

Nandini almost shouts at the Director who is busy checking the previous scenes' clippings. Reluctantly he turns at Nandini,

"I think you are mistaking, Ms Murthy. Recheck your contract and the script. All scenes are there. There even a make-out scene which will be shot next week as for this I need to book the studio for the night shift as Mr Malhotra doesn't have other time."

"What...?"

Nandini almost jolts up from her chair.

"Make-out scene! Are you kidding me? I will never do such scenes...especially with that Manik Malhotra. Change the plot."

She hoarses out with frustration.

"Relax Ms Murthy. You are unnecessarily getting hyper. The plot demands this scene and trust me, it will be aesthetically beautiful. There will be no vulgarity in it."

The Director tries to calm her down. Nandini stomps her foot in rage and vents out,

"Aesthetically beautiful.. my foot! I know who told you to change the plot. He has to answer me. Until then there is a big NO from me."

The director parts his lips for another explanation but before that Nandini bails out from his room. Her whole body is shaking with wrath.

"What does he think of himself? Cheap filthy mind...."

She keeps on muttering until she again reaches Manik's vanity. But this time she halts for a moment and inhales deeply to suppress her anger. This time she has to be composed to raise the topic. Because she knows that this man has the ability to turn the impossible to possible and this time, she won't lose the game. She knocks at the door. A virile voice answers,

"Come in...."

.............................................

Manik was reclining on his sofa and watching the cricket match when Nandini enters with determined steps. Manik glances at her and again fixes his eyes to the tv screen. It seems that he knows why she has come; however, he is reluctant to react.

"I won't do this. Tell the director to change the scenes."

Without any overture, Nandini straight comes to the point. A suppressed smile beams at Manik's lips.

"Care to explain what you won't do and what scene do you want to be changed?"

Manik's tone is as arctic as ice. Nandini hesitates for a while and comes nearer.

"I...I won't do any kis...kissing scene. I am not comfortable and that...that bedroom scene. Just impossible. He has to cut it from the script. Or else..."

She hisses but Manik continues the line with the same chilled voice,

"Or else? You will leave this movie? Can you? Who will pay the hospital bills? You know..right, you have signed the contract. The producer can demand a huge compensation because 50% shoot has been done. Now your backout could be suicidal for you."

For a second, their eyes remain seized. Both are trying to fathom each other's emotions.

"Why don't you leave me alone? Don't you feel disgusting to play these dirty games with me?"

Nandini mouths grievously while nearing Manik at a restless pace. Manik immediately throws the TV remote towards the sofa corner and leaps up.

"No, I don't feel disgusting because I am a shameless creature. Remember, once you said this to me. So, if I don't have shame then why do you expect decency from me? Listen, Ms Nandini Murthy...I am a very bad man, in fact, a moral-less filthy mind person who wants to make your life hell. By hook or by crook. So, save yourself from me. Tomorrow night we will shoot the make-out scene, either you want or don't want. You are professional. So, be professional. At the end of the day, you will be paid for kissing and bedding me on the screen and some of your hospital bills will be cleared. So, isn't it wise to shed this fake touch me not attitude? Because I know how much you love to be in my arms. I have that charms you know."

Manik sounds raspy while winking like a lothario. Within no second Nandini raises her hand to slap him. However, she can't succeed as Manik grabs her wrist in a blink of an eye and twists her hand behind her back. As a result, Nandini loses her balance and bangs on his chest. Their faces are inches apart. Both are almost stealing each other's breath.

"Not every time Ms Nandini. No, not this time. I am not that Manik anymore whom you can tie to your little finger and can do whatever you want. You have killed that Manik very long back. You have killed that innocent heart. This Manik Malhotra can snatch whatever he wants. Want to see how?"

Before Nandini can realise Manik's words perfectly he slams his lips to hers and bites her lower lip. Tears brim her eyes in pain. After defeating her initial bafflement, Nandini tries to push him back in order to free herself from his iron grip. In return, Manik clutches her nape and sinks his teeth more into her petals. He is pouring his vengeance through this forceful kiss. For a couple of minutes, Nandini scuffles to escape but when she realizes that it's almost impossible to resist this monster, she shuns her defiance and keeps standing like a lifeless statue. After some second, a salty taste makes Manik withdraw his lips. Nandini's eyes are closed. Tears are rolling down her cheeks. For a second, Manik's heart feels a jab. He observes her face. It is still that innocent and divine. Suddenly some flashbacks come in front of his eyes. He grits his jaw.

"Good job, Ms Murthy. The rehearsal of our kissing scenes was perfect. I think now your final performance will be better or you need more practice?"

Manik's snicker makes Nandini open her eyes with a jerk.

Author's note: Are you enjoying Manan's love-hate game? 😉😉Then please comment and share your views. ❤❤❤