Was thinking abt this too...the only reason why Manik might back off is becoz those attacks that Dhruv gets, otherwise Manik who clearly told Nandini that he doesn't like Dhruv and her friendship will not back off that easily. He never liked their friendship before and now it seems he's totally into Nandini, he was always obsessed with her, but clearly his feelings now have made a 480 degree turn...
I just hope he doesn't tell Nandini that it was all for revenge, if Manik decides to take the sacrifice route.....