Brute's Paradise

Chapter 2 - "Brute's golden cage..."

"Manik Sir! Is it necessary to collaborate with Dhawan's? I mean they don't have a good reputation in the market."

Ayan places his point hesitantly as he knows how Manik is possessive about his friends. Manik completes the last signature on the last page of the contract and stares up.

"I know, Ayan and exactly for that reason, I want this collaboration. Because I know neither Cabir nor Dhruv will ever ask for help from me. This is the smartest way to help my friends in their crisis. Don't worry I will take care of everything. By the way, what about Nandini's family? I hope you are taking care of them. I mean from every aspect."

Manik utters the last line in a perilous cold tone. Ayan's every pore gets alert. He replies in an assuring manner,

"Yes, Sir. Ummm...SP Bhosle is keeping in touch with them but as anticipated, Ma'am's parents aren't entertaining his questions. Sir...?"

Ayan halts as he wants to share something important. Manik's eyes squint in query.

"They want Ma'am to go over there. They want to meet their granddaughter."

Ayan's words make Manik's eyes blaze in a sinister emotion. He mutters in a low dangerous tone,

"It will never happen. Nandini will never leave me. Not for a month, not for a day or not for a second. She is safe in my paradise. Understood? Then make them understand this too."

"Ma'am can't go over there but they can come over here, Sir."

Ayan sounds unsure. He knows how dangerous it is to suggest something to Mr Manik Malhotra. Manik stares up and pins him with his cold penetrating eyes. Ayan gulps to moist his dry-up throat and replies in an alert voice,

"I am not suggesting it, Sir. Ma'am's father I mean Mr Venkatesh Murthy told this. They want to come over here. They want to meet their daughter and son and of course, their granddaughter."

He finishes the line in a low tone. Manik's arctic eyes are still piercing him.

"That is also not possible. I don't want that SP to come here to chase after them like a sniffer dog. You know right Nandini has murdered someone and police can easily find out the killer's name. How can I let the police so easily reach Nandini? No...never. For that, if she has to live the rest of her life without meeting her parents then she will. Convince her father that his daughter's safety is more important than his petty emotions. And it's not like they can't see or talk to their daughter and son. Video calls and phones are enough for them. Tell them to not expect more than that. Otherwise,...."

Manik halts for a moment and smirks.

"Otherwise, you know how to panic someone to refrain from their obstinance. Now, let's focus on the business. Send a copy of this contract paper to the Dhawan industry office. I want to start the project as soon as possible. Anything else?"

Manik's tone is flat. It's evident that he wants Ayan to leave right now. Like a veteran obedient, Ayan takes the file from the desk and gets up.

"No, Sir. It will be done. Sir, as per your instruction, Bob is keeping an eye on Ma'am Nandini. He informed that Ma'am went to visit Rishav's doctor. Any further instruction for him?"

He asks in a professional manner. Manik throws the pen at the desk and reclines on his chair.

"Just tell him to give me every single piece of information about her every movement. Tell him to act like her shadow. My angel should be protected from everywhere in my paradise."

Manik utters with a relaxing smile. Ayan nods and exits the cabin. Manik sways on his chair while murmuring,

"You are my priceless possession, Angel and I know how to protect it."