Manik smiled at Priya, his gaze predatory. Priya, frozen in shock, couldn't comprehend why he was here. Before she could even process the thought, Manik was upon her, grabbing her hand and pulling her forward until she collided with his broad chest. His arms clamped around her waist, holding her tightly. Priya squirmed, deeply uncomfortable, pushing against him with all her might, but his strength was overwhelming.
Manik, frustrated by her resistance, finally snapped, "Stop pushing me!"
Priya looked up at him, her voice trembling. "Let me go! Why are you here?"
Manik's smile widened. "I called you to meet me, so I'm here."
A horrifying realization dawned on Priya. This was Manik's plan. Jaya knew. Her other two friends knew too. "Jaya knows about you?" Priya asked, though Manik's silence confirmed her worst fears. Using a burst of desperate energy, Priya shoved him back. "What do you want?" she demanded.
Manik moved to the coffee table, where a file of papers lay. He picked it up and handed it to Priya. "Read this paper and sign it," he commanded, then returned to his seat on the sofa, sipping his wine, watching her. Priya stared at the file in her hand, her heart pounding. She opened it, and her eyes widened in horror. Marriage papers. And Manik's signature was already on them.
"What the hell?" Priya whispered, her voice barely audible. "What does this paper mean?"
"Baby, you're not dumb," Manik drawled, "and I know you can read. But if you want to hear it from me, fine. It's marriage papers for us."
Priya stood, utterly speechless.
"Sign it," Manik continued, his voice laced with unyielding resolve. "So we can legally become husband and wife. You are only mine."
Priya's eyes widened further, then she let out a furious shout. "Why should I marry you?! And I am not yours!" She whirled towards the door, twisting the handle, pulling, pushing. But it wouldn't budge. She knew she'd used her key card to open it, so why wouldn't it open now? She tried harder, frantically, but it was useless. Manik watched her struggles, calmly taking another sip of wine.
After a few moments, Manik finally spoke. "Baby, stop wasting time. The door won't open. It's on remote, and I have it. So be a good girl and sign the paper, and we'll be out of here soon. Come here."
Priya spun around, her eyes blazing with fury. She lunged at him, grabbing his collar. "Open the door!" she screamed. Manik didn't like her touching him, especially not like this, but he remained silent. "Open the door, and I will never marry you!"
Manik's anger flared. He grabbed Priya by both shoulders, pulling her so close she struggled violently in his arms. "Let me go!" she cried. He forced her down onto the sofa beside him. "Sign the document," he ordered, his voice low and dangerous.
"No!" Priya defied him.
Manik pressed closer, his breath hot on her face as she fought to escape. He looked at her struggling form, then, with a visible effort, controlled himself, letting out a frustrated sigh. "Baby, please just stop and sign the paper," he pleaded, his voice softer. "I don't want to hurt you. I love you so much."
Priya was momentarily stunned by his confession, but her struggle intensified. As she pushed against him, the swan pendant necklace Sai had given her flashed into view. Manik saw it, a vivid image of Sai placing it around her neck flashing in his mind. His anger boiled, amplified by the alcohol in his system, and he lost control. He grabbed Priya roughly, causing her pain, and she cried out, trying desperately to break free. She won't let me touch her, but Sai can? he thought, his mind consumed by a dark, possessive rage. You're my Priya. No one can touch you except me.