The next few days passed with similar activities: enjoying the scenery, a small banquet party, and Priya (Naina) diligently working on her assignments and internship. She continued to ignore Manik, especially when he tried to approach her to talk or touch. Her persistent coldness clearly frustrated him, but he kept his anger in check in front of the others. Priya (Naina) simply felt uncomfortable in his presence. Jaya, Anjali, Kabir, and Shweta all noticed Manik's intense interest in Priya (Naina). Jaya and Anjali, in particular, hoped to foster a relationship between them, even hinting at marriage, but Priya (Naina) remained utterly uninterested, much to their dismay.
Today was their departure. Naina, Kabir, Anjali, and Manik were in one car. Jaya, her fiancé, Shweta, Ankit, and Ashwini were in the other, larger vehicle. They stopped at a resort for lunch. Everyone got out, but Priya (Naina) remained asleep, having experienced another round of nightmares. Anjali tried to wake her, but Priya (Naina) mumbled, needing more sleep. Manik also tried, but she was in a deep slumber. He felt a pang of sadness, wishing he could just pick her up and force her to eat, upset by her continued dismissal of him. She was his, his possessive mind declared. A short while later, Priya (Naina) half-woke, secretly ate some chocolate, and drifted back to sleep.
After lunch, everyone got back into their cars. Manik, Kabir, and Anjali headed towards Mumbai. First, Manik dropped Priya (Naina) at her house. She had woken up a few hours before reaching home, and Anjali had offered her food, but Priya (Naina) had declined. Manik, Kabir, and Anjali then left. Priya (Naina) was overjoyed to be home. She freshened up, then eagerly devoured the delicious food her mother and aunt had prepared, especially since she hadn't eaten much all day. She then spent the rest of her day doing her work and enjoying time with her little cousin brother, before having dinner and going to sleep.
Her routine returned to college, studies, and home.
One day, as Priya (Naina) reached the college gate, a smile lit up her face. Her older brother, Amit, was waiting beside the family car, beaming. She ran and hugged him tightly, telling him how much she missed him. Amit, who studied Hotel Management at Bangalore University and lived in a dormitory, only came home during holidays. Priya (Naina) was overjoyed. Amit wasn't alone; his friend Sai had come to Mumbai for a visit. Amit introduced Sai to Priya (Naina), who smiled and shook his hand.
Nearby, two eyes narrowed with furious anger. Manik. He despised seeing Priya (Naina) close to anyone, especially other boys. He felt his control slipping, an urge to confront them, to stake his claim. Before he could act, Jaya and Anjali approached him, having noticed his furious gaze. They followed his line of sight to Priya (Naina) with her male companions, a look of surprise crossing their faces. "Let's go say hello!" Jaya suggested, and they headed towards Priya (Naina), with Manik following, a silent storm brewing within him.
Priya (Naina) saw them approaching. She offered a warm smile to Jaya and Anjali, pointedly ignoring Manik. She then introduced her brother Amit and his friend Sai. Manik simply glared at the two boys. "Let's go, Bhai," Priya (Naina) said, a clear dismissal. She waved goodbye to Anjali and Jaya, and then they got into their car. Manik drove Jaya and Anjali home, his mind consumed by Priya (Naina). He wanted to make her his, now, by hook or by crook. He yearned for her to be in his arms, always by his side.