She didn’t ask for his help, yet he was there, fighting battles she didn’t even know how to name.

Manik’s POV,

The drive back home was drenched in silence. No one dared to speak, and even the engine's faint hum felt loud compared to the storm raging in my mind. Navya had run straight to her room when we stepped into the house. Cabir and I had instinctively started following her, but Dad's firm voice stopped us.

“Give her some time,” he said softly but sternly. “Let her process this. Right now, she needs space more than anything.”

Mom placed a calming hand on Cabir’s arm, nodding in agreement. “She’ll talk when she’s ready, Cabir.”

I clenched my fists by my sides, my frustration bubbling just below the surface. I hated this—this helplessness, this inability to fix things. But I knew they were right. With a heavy sigh, I returned to the living room.

Cabir was sitting on the couch, his head in his hands, while Mukti and Alya silently tried to console him. Dhruv stood near the window, staring out into the night sky as if searching for answers.

“Manik,” Cabir’s voice broke through the silence as he looked up at me with red-rimmed eyes. “Can you… can you please check on Nandini?”

I froze, my brows furrowing. “Nandini?”

“She was crying when we left. Navya said she’s… she’s a little sensitive, emotionally. And after everything today…” He paused, his voice cracking. “Please, just check if she’s okay.”

For a moment, I hesitated. My mind was a mess, and I wasn’t sure if I had it in me to offer someone else comfort when I could barely process my own emotions. But then I remembered Nandini’s face at the temple—the pain in her eyes, the way she had clung to Navya like a lifeline.

“I’ll… I’ll call her,” I said quietly.

Cabir gave me a small nod of gratitude, and I walked upstairs to my room.

Once inside, I locked the door and leaned against it, rubbing my face with both hands. My head was pounding, my chest tight with emotions I couldn’t name. I started pacing from one corner of the room to the other, my thoughts racing at a speed I couldn’t control.

Should I even call her? What if she doesn’t want to talk? What if I make it worse?

But Cabir’s words echoed in my mind. “Please, just check if she’s okay.”

“Okay, Manik. Just do it,” I muttered to myself, grabbing my phone from the nightstand.

Her contact stared back at me, and for a few seconds, my thumb hovered over the call button. With a deep breath, I pressed it and held the phone to my ear.

The phone rang twice before the call connected.

“Hello?” I said cautiously.

Silence.

“Nandini? Are you there? Hello?”

Nothing. Just silence.

I frowned, pulling the phone away to check if the call had disconnected, but it was still ongoing.

“Nandini, if you can hear me, please say something. Anything.”

I was about to cut the call, thinking maybe she’d accidentally picked up, but then I heard it.

A sharp sob.

I froze, my heart dropping into my stomach.

“Nandini?” I said her name softly this time.

Another broken sob came through the speaker, followed by sharp, rapid breaths.

She’s crying. No… she’s…

My eyes went wide as realization hit me like a truck. She’s having a panic attack.

“Shit,” I muttered under my breath, running a hand through my hair as panic started clawing at me. Think, Manik. Think!

I had no one’s number from her family. No one to call for help. I was the only one here, on the other side of this phone, and I had to do something.

“Nandini,” I said gently, trying to keep my voice steady. “Listen to me, okay? Just… just focus on my voice.”

Her breathing was still uneven, with sharp gasps that made my own chest feel tight.

“Okay, Nandini, I want you to take a deep breath. Inhale slowly. Come on, with me, okay? Take a deep breath… in…” I exaggerated my own breathing, hoping she could follow along. “And now… exhale slowly. Like this.”

I waited, listening closely, but her breaths were still frantic.

“Hey, hey,” I said softly, trying again. “It’s okay. It’s just me, Manik. You’re okay, Nandini. Nothing’s going to happen. Just focus on me, okay? Follow my voice.”

I began breathing slowly and audibly, exaggerating every inhale and exhale. “In… and out… in… and out…”

Minutes passed—agonizingly slow minutes—but eventually, her breathing started to calm. The sharp gasps turned into shaky inhales, and the sobs faded into faint sniffles.

“That’s it,” I said softly, relief washing over me. “Good girl. You’re doing great, Nandini. Just keep breathing, okay? Slowly. You’re safe now.”

The line was silent for a moment before I heard her whisper faintly, “Manik…”

Her voice was so fragile, so broken, that it felt like something sharp had pierced my chest.

“I’m here,” I said softly. “I’m right here. Are you feeling better now?”

A shaky “Yes” came from her side, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.

“Okay,” I said gently. “Don’t think about anything right now. Just… just try to relax. Lie down if you can. Close your eyes. I’ll make sure you talk to Navya soon, okay? But for now, just… rest.”

“Okay…” came her faint reply.

“Good. That’s good,” I said, my voice softer now. “Take care, Nandini.”

The call ended, and I stared at the screen for a long moment before placing my phone back on the nightstand.

I sat down on the edge of my bed, running both hands through my hair. My shoulders felt heavy like I was carrying the weight of the world.

Today had been… too much. For everyone.

I lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, my mind racing with everything that had happened—the temple, Navya, Nandini’s breakdown…

One thing was clear to me now.

The Murthys’ wounds ran deep. And somehow, I was now tangled in the threads of their shattered lives.

Manik’s POV ends.

Navya's POV,

The room was quiet—so hauntingly quiet that even the faint ticking of the clock felt like a loud reminder of time slipping by. I sat cross-legged on the bed, my head hanging low as I stared at my trembling hands. Today had been… overwhelming.

Old wounds I thought had scabbed over were torn open, leaving me bleeding all over again. My father’s cold eyes, my mother’s silent guilt, my brother’s shocked face—it all played on a loop in my mind.

Cabir had been the only light during those dark days, the only reason I kept going. And now, here I was, back in the chaos I’d once escaped.

A soft knock on the door pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. I looked up, expecting Neyonika Aunty maybe, but instead, Manik Bhai and Cabir walked in. Manik Bhai shut the door behind him while Cabir approached me cautiously, his signature playful smirk in place.

“Hey, Madhubala. Planning to win an Oscar for today’s emotional performance?” Cabir teased, sitting down beside me.

I rolled my eyes despite the lump still stuck in my throat. “Really, Cabir? That’s your opening line?”

Manik Bhai chuckled softly and sat on the other side of me. “Don’t mind him, Navya. He’s just sad that you didn’t compliment his jacket today. He wore it just for you, you know?”

I let out a small laugh—a real one this time—shaking my head. “You two are impossible.”

“Ah, there it is!” Cabir clapped his hands, grinning. “That’s the smile we love!”

For a few seconds, the heaviness in the air lifted. Their jokes, though lame, felt like a warm hug. But the laughter faded quickly, and silence settled again.

Cabir leaned back on his palms. “Navya… how are you holding up?”

I took a deep breath, my shoulders sagging under the weight of the question. “I don’t know, Cabir. I feel… numb. Angry. Sad. It’s like there’s this knot in my chest, and no matter how much I cry or scream, it won’t loosen.”

Bhai spoke gently, “You don’t have to have it all figured out right now, Navya. You’ve been carrying this weight for years. It’s okay to let yourself feel—whatever that is.”

I blinked back the tears threatening to spill again. “You know, I thought time would make it easier. Maybe if I stayed away long enough, I’d stop feeling this hurt. But today, seeing them again… it feels like I’m right back where I started.”

Cabir placed a hand on mine. “You’re not alone this time, Navya. You’ve got me, Manik, Mukti, Alya, Dhruv… and Nandini. You don’t have to face this alone anymore.”

I nodded slowly, feeling the truth in his words.

Manik cleared his throat softly. “Navya… do you want to talk to Nandini?”

The mention of her name brought a lump to my throat again. My little sister—my Nandini—had looked so fragile today, her eyes filled with so many unspoken words.

“Yes,” I whispered.

Manik nodded, pulled out his phone, and dialed her number. It rang a few times before she picked up.

“Nandini?” Manik said softly. “Someone wants to talk to you.”

He handed me the phone, and I hesitated for a moment before putting it to my ear.

“Hello?” came her soft, hesitant voice.

“Choti…” I whispered.

There was silence for a moment, and then I heard her choked sob.

“Didu…”

Hearing her cry made my chest ache. “Shh, baby. Don’t cry. I’m here now. I’m so sorry for leaving you. I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too, Didu,” she whispered between sobs.

We stayed silent for a few moments, just letting our breaths fill the space between us.

“Are you okay, Nandini? Did you sleep? Did you eat?”

“I’m fine now, Didu. Don’t worry about me,” she said softly.

“Liar. Your voice says otherwise,” I teased gently, and she let out a faint laugh.

Manik and Cabir exchanged a look before standing up.

“We’ll give you two some space,” Manik said softly before walking out with Cabir.

Once they left, I leaned back against the headboard. “Nandini… tell me about you. About everyone. I missed so much, didn’t I?”

Nandini sniffled. “You know, Didu… there wasn’t a single day I didn’t miss you. Every festival, every little moment, I felt your absence. But… I survived.”

Her voice cracked at the end, and I squeezed the phone tighter.

“I’m so sorry, Nandini. I… I couldn’t come back. I couldn’t face them.”

“It’s not your fault, Didu. You were hurt. I understand.”

There was a pause, and then Nandini spoke again, her voice softer. “Didu, Prisha Bhabhi, and Ansh… you’d love them. Ansh is so naughty, and Bhabhi… she’s been our rock.”

I froze. “Ansh? Prisha… he’s married? And… he has a child?”

“Yes,” Nandini said softly. “He’s the cutest little boy, Didu. You’d love him.”

My chest ached with the weight of missed moments, of birthdays and milestones I wasn’t there for.

“I’ll meet them soon,” I said softly.

“You will, Didu. And Ansh will love you instantly. Just like I do.”

A tear slipped down my cheek, but this one wasn’t entirely out of sadness.

“Okay, Choti. You should rest now. We have so much to do tomorrow. The wedding functions start, right?”

“Yes,” she said, her voice lighter now. “Goodnight, Didu.”

“Goodnight, Nandini. Sweet dreams.”

I ended the call and placed the phone on the nightstand.

When I stepped out of the room, everyone was sitting in the living room—Neyonika Aunty, Raj Uncle, Dadi, Manik Bhai, Mukti, Alya, Dhruv, and Cabir. The atmosphere was calmer now, softer.

I walked up to Bhai and handed him his phone. “Thank you.”

He nodded silently. Neyonika Aunty stood up and pulled me into a warm hug.

“Feeling better now, beta?” she asked softly.

I nodded against her shoulder. “Yes, Aunty. Thank you.”

We all had dinner together—simple, warm, and filled with quiet conversations. It felt… peaceful.

Later that night, I sat on the bed in my room. Cabir joined me, leaning against the headboard beside me.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

I smiled faintly. “I think so. For the first time in a long while… I think I’m okay.”

Cabir took my hand in his and squeezed it gently. “No matter what happens, Navya… I’m here. Always.”

“I know, Cabir. And I’m so lucky to have you.”

In that moment, surrounded by the quiet night and the steady comfort of Cabir’s presence, I realized something.

The wounds might still be raw, but with time, love, and the people who truly cared about me… healing was possible.

Navya’s POV ends.

Nandini's POV,

As I descended the grand staircase of the Murthy Mansion, the faint clinking of cutlery and murmurs of conversation reached my ears. The dining hall was bathed in soft morning light, filtering through the large glass windows. Prisha Bhabhi and Mom were busy serving breakfast to Dad and Bhai while they sat at the head of the dining table, discussing something in low tones.

I took a deep breath and walked towards the table, pulling out a chair quietly. I started serving myself, focusing on the fruit bowl before me.

“Nandini,” Bhai spoke, breaking the silence. “We’ll need to leave for the hotel by two. The Mehndi function arrangements need to be cross-checked.”

I nodded without looking up. “Okay, Bhai. I’ll be ready.”

Mom’s voice came next, soft yet commanding. “Nandini, the beautician will arrive by four. It’s an important function, and everything needs to be perfect.”

I froze mid-bite and looked up at her. My stomach churned at the perfection and control she always demanded from me. “Of course, Mom. Anything else? Should I also ensure the sun sets at the perfect angle for the family photos?”

The sarcasm in my voice hung heavy in the air. Silence followed, broken only by the faint clink of Bhai setting down his fork. Mom’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she said nothing.

I stood up abruptly, my chair scraping against the marble floor. “I’m done. Excuse me.”

Without waiting for a response, I walked away, my heart hammering in my chest.

Back in my room, I leaned against the door, taking deep breaths. Calm down, Nandini. Breathe. I reminded myself again and again. My hands trembled slightly as I rubbed them together.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.

“Come in,” I said softly.

The door creaked open, and Bhai stepped inside. His shoulders were stiff, his face etched with worry and exhaustion.

“Bhai, sit down,” I said, gesturing to the edge of my bed.

He hesitated for a second before sitting down, his hands clasped tightly. His head was bowed, and I could see the torment in his eyes even without him saying a word.

“Bhai… look at me,” I said gently.

Slowly, he lifted his gaze, and the anguish on his face nearly broke me. In the next moment, he surged forward and wrapped his arms around me tightly.

“Navya hates me, Nandu,” he said, his voice cracking. “She… she couldn’t even call me her brother. Do you know how that feels? I deserve it—I know I do. I should have done more back then. I should have stopped Dad. But I couldn’t… I was helpless.”

His shoulders shook as he buried his face in my shoulder. I tightened my grip around him, trying to offer whatever comfort I could.

“Bhai… listen to me,” I said softly, pulling back slightly to look into his eyes. “Didu doesn’t hate you. She’s just… angry. And hurt. But hate? No, Bhai. She could never hate you.”

He shook his head, his eyes brimming with tears. “I tried, Nandu. I tried finding her. I wanted to bring her back, but there was no trace of her. I failed her.”

I cupped his face in my hands. “Bhai, listen to me carefully. I talked to Didu last night. I told her about Bhabhi and Ansh. You know what? She was excited—so excited to meet them. She loves us, Bhai. You just need to give her some time. She’ll come around. I promise.”

His lips trembled as he nodded slowly. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make things right, Nandu. I’m not letting her go this time.”

I smiled faintly and wiped a tear off his cheek. “Good. Now, go freshen up. We have a long day ahead.”

He nodded and left the room, and I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. My mind drifted back to last night—to Manik’s calm voice over the phone, his steady breathing guiding me out of my panic. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. How had I let him see me like that—so vulnerable, so broken? How would I face him now?

A knock on the door jolted me out of my thoughts again.

“Nandu, get ready. We have to leave in an hour!” Prisha Bhabhi’s voice rang through the door.

“Coming, Bhabhi!” I called back.

Downstairs, the staff bustled around, loading bags into cars and finalizing arrangements. Mom and Bhabhi were overseeing everything with sharp eyes. I stood to the side, scrolling aimlessly through my phone when suddenly, two hands covered my eyes from behind.

“What the—? Who is it?” I stammered, feeling a sudden rush of confusion and alertness.

A familiar voice spoke, playful and warm. “Guess who, babydoll?”

My eyes widened, and I shrieked, “Abhi?!”

The hands dropped, and I turned around to see my cousin and best friend, Abhimanyu Thakkar, grinning from ear to ear.

“Abhi!” I threw my arms around him, hugging him tightly. “You’re finally here!”

He hugged me back just as tightly. “Sorry, babydoll. Work kept me stuck. But now I’m here, and I promise I’ll rock your wedding!”

I pulled back and rolled my eyes. “Drama queen!”

He grinned cheekily. “Guilty as charged.”

“Where are Bade Papa and Badi Maa?” I asked.

A familiar voice answered, “We’re right here, sweetheart.”

I turned to see Mr. Akshat and Mrs. Niharika Murthy, the power couple walking towards us, their warm smiles making me feel instantly at ease.

“Bade Papa! Badi Maa!” I hugged them tightly, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “You both didn’t even call me after I came back. I’m so angry with you!”

“Oh, Nandu!” Badi Maa said, cupping my face. “We’re so sorry, sweetheart. Things were so busy, but we’re here now, aren’t we?”

Bade Papa patted my head. “We missed you, beta.”

The reunion was interrupted by a loud squeal. “Abhi Chachu!”

Ansh ran straight into Abhimanyu’s arms.

“Hey, little buddy!” Abhi said, swinging Ansh up into the air. “Look at you, growing up so fast!”

Ansh giggled, and for a brief moment, the entire atmosphere felt light and happy.

“Alright, everyone!” Prisha Bhabhi said, clapping her hands. “We need to leave now, or we’ll be late.”

With laughter and chatter filling the air, we all started heading towards the cars.

Nandini’s POV ends.

Manik’s POV,

The hall was alive with laughter, chatter, and the faint aroma of marigolds and roses. Though it wasn’t a large gathering, the people here were close family and friends, which somehow made the atmosphere even more intimate. I stood near the corner of the room, trying my best to ignore the relentless teasing from Mukti, Alya, and Navya.

“Manik, seriously, I can’t believe this! The Manik Malhotra is finally getting married,” Mukti said, her tone dripping with mockery.

“And to someone as sweet as Nandini,” Alya added, nudging me with her elbow.

Navya smirked. “Sweet? You don’t know. She’s got some fire in her. Poor Manik, you’ll be on your toes all your life.”

I groaned, running a hand through my hair. “Will you three stop already? It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Oh, it’s a huge deal,” Mukti quipped. “You’re practically the most eligible bachelor, and now you’re off the market. I mean, come on, Manik. Let us enjoy this moment.”

“Enjoy it quietly,” I muttered, but they only laughed louder, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

Before I could retort, the room fell silent, and all heads turned towards the entrance. Nandini had arrived with her family, her presence commanding attention without effort. She was wearing a simple yet elegant green lehenga, her hair tied in a bun.

I watched as she gracefully approached with her family. I straightened my posture, a strange nervousness settling in.

Nandini and I took blessings from each other’s families, a formal gesture, but something about it felt significant. When she hugged Navya, there was genuine warmth in the way they held each other. But then, Rudraksh and Swarna Aunty stepped forward, and I noticed Navya stiffen.

She stepped back.

The pain on Rudraksh’s face was evident, and even Aunty’s usually composed demeanor faltered. Nandini, ever the peacemaker, quickly introduced Navya to Prisha Bhabhi and Ansh.

Prisha Bhabhi enveloped Navya in a warm hug. “I’ve heard so much about you, Navya. It’s so good to finally meet you.”

Ansh, however, stood shyly behind Bhabhi, his little hands clutching her dupatta.

Nandini crouched down to his level, her voice soft and encouraging. “Ansh, don’t be shy. This is your Bua, your father’s sister.”

Ansh tilted his head, confusion was evident on his little face. “Bua? But why didn’t I meet her before?”

Before Nandini could respond, I stepped in, kneeling beside him. “Because she was busy with important things, champ,” I said, ruffling his hair. “But now she’s here, and you’ll see her more often.”

Ansh seemed to accept that, nodding solemnly. Cabir, never one to miss an opportunity, handed Ansh chocolate, earning an immediate smile. Navya bent down and hugged him, her emotions barely contained as she whispered something to him.

I saw Nandini place a comforting hand on Navya’s shoulder, and for a brief moment, there was a quiet understanding between the two sisters.

“Thank you for taking care of Didu all these years,” Nandini said to Cabir, her voice soft but sincere.

Cabir, always the dramatist, put a hand over his heart. “Oh, it was no big deal. Just being the amazing person, I am.”

Navya smacked his arm lightly. “Shut up, Cabir.”

We all laughed, but Nandini’s next words caught my attention.

“Didu, I have a surprise for you.”

Navya frowned. “What surprise?”

Before she could guess, someone closed her eyes from behind and said teasingly, “Guess who?”

Navya’s face lit up. “Abhi?”

Abhimanyu let go, and she turned to hug him tightly. “It’s been so long! How are you?”

“I’m good, and it’s so good to see you again,” Abhimanyu replied warmly.

His parents, Akshat Uncle and Niharika Aunty, soon joined in, and there were more hugs and warm greetings. It was a reunion that felt like a balm on old wounds, and I couldn’t help but smile at the scene.

Abhimanyu eventually turned to me, his expression playful. “So, you’re the one who’s going to handle my babydoll?” he said, addressing me directly. “All the best, bro. You’ll need it.”

I smiled awkwardly, unsure how to respond, while Nandini shot him a glare. “Abhi, shut up.”

“Alright, alright,” he said, raising his hands in surrender.

Dadi clapped her hands to gather everyone’s attention. “Let’s start the Mehndi function now!”

Nandini and I were seated side by side for the ceremony, and I could feel the eyes of our families on us. Swarna Aunty and Prisha Bhabhi started the ritual, applying a small design on Nandini’s hands, while I sat there awkwardly, wondering how long this would take.

When the Mehndi artist took over, Mom turned to me with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Manik, you had to apply a little mehndi too.”

I froze. “No way. Absolutely not.”

Navya, of course, wouldn’t let me off that easily. “Oh, stop being such a baby,” she said, grabbing a cone of Mehndi.

Before I could protest, she was drawing a small design on the back of my hand. Cabir and Dhruv burst out laughing, and I glared at them. “I’m never forgiving you two for this,” I muttered.

As I sulked, my gaze drifted to Rudraksh, who was watching Navya with such longing that it made my chest ache. I made a mental note to talk to her later. Mukti approached me with a plate of food, teasing me mercilessly as she fed me.

When the mehndi on my hands had dried, I was finally allowed to wash it off. Returning, I noticed Nandini still seated, her mehndi now being applied to her legs.

Eventually, Alya handed me another plate. “Here,” Alya said, smirking. “Feed her.”

I held up my hands. “How? My mehndi—”

“It’s dry, idiot. Go feed her.”

Nandini protested softly, “It’s okay. I’ll eat later.”

Mukti was having none of it. “No, you’ll eat now. Manik will feed you. End of discussion.”

With a resigned sigh, I took the plate and sat beside Nandini. The Mehndi artists had left, leaving us alone.

Nandini looked hesitant. “You don’t have to—”

“It’s fine,” I said, cutting her off. “Everyone else is busy. This will take time.”

As I fed her, the silence between us grew heavy. Finally, she broke it.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

“For what?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“For being a family to Didu. For not letting her feel lonely.”

Her words caught me off guard, but I shrugged. “You don’t have to thank me. I don’t call her my sister just for show. She is my sister.”

She nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. “And… thank you and sorry for yesterday,” she added hesitantly.

“For what?”

“For handling me. And sorry for troubling you. I wasn’t going to pick up the call but by mistake it…”

I sighed. “Nandini, thank God you picked up the call. Otherwise, who knows how long you’d have stayed like that? It wasn’t trouble.”

Her lips curved into a small smile, and for a moment, I saw a vulnerability in her.

“If you ever feel lonely or need someone,” I said quietly, “you can count on me.”

Her eyes widened slightly, but she nodded, her smile growing just a little.

The function wound down after that, and our families gathered to leave. Navya, Mukti, Abhimanyu, Alya, Dhruv, and Cabir couldn’t resist teasing us one last time.

Navya hugged Nandini, Prisha Bhabhi, and Ansh goodbye, but pointedly ignored Rudraksh and Swarna. The hurt on their faces was unmistakable, and I felt truly sorry for them for the first time.

As we all called it a day, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wedding was more than just a union of two families.

Hope you all like the chapter.....

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Kiara ❤️❤️