As Nandini exited Manik’s room, a faint smile lingered on her lips. She felt lighter, reassured by their conversation, and determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Her thoughts were still on Manik when she made her way toward the living room, her pace steady yet thoughtful. But as she rounded the corner, she collided with Soha, who seemed to appear out of nowhere. The sudden impact jolted them both, and Nandini quickly stepped back, her immediate reaction to apologize.

“I’m so sorry, Soha! I didn’t see you there,” Nandini said hurriedly, her expression contrite.

Soha, initially startled, took a moment to regain her composure. She looked at Nandini, her gaze a little too intense, as if she were scrutinizing every detail of Nandini’s face and demeanor. “It’s okay,” Soha replied, her tone even but laced with an undercurrent of something Nandini couldn’t quite place.

“So… how’s Manik?” Soha asked, her voice casual but with a hint of something more. Nandini couldn’t tell if it was genuine concern or just polite curiosity.

Nandini offered a polite smile, nodding slightly. “He’s fine now. Just needs some rest and he’ll be back to his usual self soon.”

There was a brief silence as Soha stared at Nandini, her eyes narrowing slightly. She seemed to hesitate, then spoke in a tone that made Nandini’s brow furrow. “You’re lucky, you know. To have all the things… I wanted,” Soha said, her voice tinged with a strange mix of bitterness and wistfulness.

Nandini blinked, taken aback. “What do you mean?” she asked, genuinely confused by Soha’s cryptic words.

Soha gave a short, humorless laugh, shaking her head slightly. “Oh, it’s nothing. Just… sometimes you don’t realize how much you want something until you see someone else with it,” she said, her voice trailing off as if she were speaking more to herself than to Nandini.

Nandini’s confusion only deepened. There was something off about Soha’s demeanor, something that felt almost confrontational, yet veiled in ambiguity. She wasn’t sure what Soha was trying to imply, and the conversation was quickly becoming uncomfortable. “Um, okay,” Nandini replied cautiously. “I’m not sure I understand, but… I hope you’re okay.”

Soha just smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me,” she said, her tone dismissive as she waved a hand in the air, turning away slightly.

Nandini nodded, still feeling unsettled by the exchange. She decided not to press further, sensing that whatever Soha was grappling with was not something she could easily resolve. “Alright, then. I’ll see you later,” Nandini said softly, before making her way toward the exit.

As she walked away, she could feel Soha’s eyes following her, a heavy, uncomfortable gaze that lingered even after she had left the room. Soha’s expression twisted with jealousy and sadness as she watched Nandini go. In her mind, Nandini had taken everything—her mother Vishakha’s attention, and Manik’s love, both of which Soha had once yearned for deeply. It stung her pride and her heart, and she couldn’t shake the bitterness that simmered beneath her calm exterior.

Nandini reached the living room where the rest of the group was still chatting, the atmosphere light and jovial. She tried to shake off the weird feeling from her encounter with Soha, forcing a smile as she approached her friends.

“Hey, I’m heading out,” she said, catching Cabir’s attention.

“You’re leaving already?” Cabir pouted dramatically. “You didn’t even let me get my revenge on Alya with you as my witness!”

Nandini laughed softly, grateful for the light-heartedness. “Next time, Cabir. I promise.”

Alya waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, please. You’ll never win, Cabir. Not even with Nandini’s help.”

As the group continued to tease and banter, Nandini made her rounds, saying her goodbyes. She felt a gentle tug on her arm and turned to see Navya by her side, her expression concerned. “Are you okay, Nandini? You seem a little… off.”

Nandini hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening before she leaned in closer to Navya. “I just had a weird encounter with Soha,” she murmured. “She said some things… I don’t know. It was strange. She talked about how I have things she wanted or something like that.”

Navya frowned, her brow furrowing in thought. “Soha’s seems… complicated. She’s probably dealing with her own stuff. Don’t read too much into it.”

Nandini nodded slowly, though she couldn’t entirely dismiss the uneasy feeling that lingered. “Yeah, you’re right. It just threw me off.”

Navya squeezed Nandini’s arm reassuringly. “Focus on what matters, Nandini. You and Manik—nothing else. Let the rest of the noise fade away.”

Nandini smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Navya. I needed that.”

After bidding farewell to everyone, Nandini and Navya finally made their way out, stepping into the cool night air. As they settled into the car, Nandini’s mind drifted back to the odd encounter with Soha, her words replaying over and over like a broken record. The drive home was quiet, save for the soft hum of the engine and the occasional passing car. Nandini stared out of the window, her thoughts still muddled.

Navya glanced at her from the driver’s seat, breaking the silence. “Still thinking about what Soha said?”

Nandini sighed, nodding slightly. “I know I shouldn’t let it get to me, but I just don’t understand why she’d say something like that. It felt… personal.”

Navya shrugged, keeping her eyes on the road. “She’s probably projecting her own insecurities onto you. You can’t control how she feels, Nandini. Just stay true to yourself and Manik.”

Nandini nodded, appreciating Navya’s steady perspective. “Yeah, you’re right. I guess it’s just one more thing I have to navigate.”

Navya gave her a reassuring smile. “And you will. You’re stronger than you think, Nandini.”

By the time they pulled up in front of Nandini’s home, the lights inside were still on, a warm glow spilling out onto the front porch. As they stepped out of the car, Nandini could see Vishakha, Bela, and Mahir seated in the living room, their silhouettes visible through the sheer curtains. Taking a deep breath, Nandini braced herself as she pushed the front door open.

Inside, the atmosphere was quiet but comfortable, the soft murmur of a distant TV show playing in the background. Bela looked up first, her face lighting up at the sight of Nandini. “There you are! How’s Manik? Is he feeling better?”

Nandini nodded, smiling faintly. “He’s fine now. His fever’s down, and he’s resting.”

Bela nodded approvingly, her eyes crinkling with warmth. “Good, that’s good to hear.”

Vishakha, who had been listening quietly, turned her attention to Nandini. Her expression was calm but tinged with an underlying concern. “Nandini, why don’t you sit down and have dinner with us? You must be hungry.”

Nandini glanced at the spread on the table—a variety of dishes, lovingly prepared. She hesitated, the thought of sitting down with them feeling like a daunting task at the moment. “I already ate there,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. “I’m just going to head to my room. It’s been a long day.”

Vishakha’s face fell slightly, the disappointment clear in her eyes. She tried to mask it with a small smile, but Nandini caught the fleeting look of hurt. “Alright, Nandini. Rest well.”

Nandini nodded, avoiding eye contact as she made her way upstairs. She could feel Vishakha’s gaze on her back, the weight of her mother’s unspoken words pressing down on her. Once in her room, Nandini closed the door behind her, leaning against it as she let out a weary sigh. The day had been emotionally exhausting, from caring for Manik to the strange encounter with Soha, and now the silent tension with her mother. It was all too much.

She moved to her bed, sinking onto the soft mattress as her mind replayed the day’s events. Soha’s cryptic words, the way Vishakha had looked at her with that mixture of sadness and frustration—it all swirled in her mind, a storm of thoughts she couldn’t quite untangle. She wished for a moment of peace, a reprieve from the constant push and pull of emotions that seemed to follow her everywhere.

Downstairs, Vishakha watched Nandini’s retreating form with a heavy heart. She could sense the distance growing between them, each interaction feeling more strained than the last. It pained her to see her daughter so closed off, so guarded, especially when all she wanted was to protect her. Vishakha glanced at Bela and Mahir, their concerned expressions mirroring her own.

“She’s so distant lately,” Vishakha murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know how to reach her anymore.”
Navya said sarcastically, “As if you don’t know the reason Amma.”

Bela reached over, squeezing Vishakha’s hand gently. “Give her time. She’s dealing with a lot right now. She’ll come around.”

Vishakha nodded, though the ache in her chest didn’t ease. She could only hope that, in time, Nandini would open up to her again, and that the bond they once shared could be mended.

A week had passed since Manik's fever had subsided, and though the physical discomfort had gone, the mental strain of his responsibilities loomed large. He was now knee-deep in preparing for the final presentation of the collaboration deal with Mahir, the very reason that had brought him to India in the first place. As the CEO of his empire, the stakes were high; tomorrow’s presentation would be the culmination of months of hard work, strategy, and negotiations. Manik had always been a confident leader, but tonight, a subtle undercurrent of anxiety pulled at him.

The clock struck midnight as Manik sat at his desk, the soft glow of his laptop screen casting shadows across his face. His office was dimly lit, papers strewn about, and his notes from the day’s work lay scattered around him. He ran his fingers through his hair, sighing deeply as he stared at the presentation slides. The numbers looked right, the strategy was solid, but there was a nagging doubt in the back of his mind—what if the sponsors didn’t like it? What if, after all the effort, something went wrong?

Unable to shake off the restless feeling, Manik glanced at his phone. Without thinking twice, he dialed Nandini’s number. The call rang a few times, and just when he was about to hang up, Nandini’s sleepy voice came through.

“Manik? It’s so late… is everything okay?” Nandini’s voice was soft, still tinged with drowsiness, but her concern was immediate.

Manik leaned back in his chair, a small smile tugging at his lips at the sound of her voice. “Hey, sorry for calling this late. I didn’t wake you up, did I?”

Nandini yawned softly, shaking her head though he couldn’t see it. “No, it’s okay. I was just about to sleep. What’s up? You sound… off.”

Manik hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should burden her with his worries. But he knew better than to keep things from Nandini; she always had a way of making everything seem less daunting. “Tomorrow’s the big day,” he began, his voice tinged with unease. “I have the final presentation for the collaboration in front of the sponsors. It’s all set, but… I don’t know, Nandini. What if they don’t like it? What if something goes wrong?”

Nandini could hear the uncertainty in his voice, and it tugged at her heart. She sat up in bed, turning on the bedside lamp and letting its warm glow chase away the darkness. “Manik, you’ve worked so hard on this project. You’ve put in your best, and I know how meticulous you are with everything you do. There’s no way it won’t impress them.”

Manik sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he stared at the screen, his mind racing with a hundred different scenarios. “I just… I keep thinking about everything that could go wrong. What if they find flaws? What if they think it’s not worth the investment?”

Nandini’s voice was calm, and steady, a soothing balm to his frazzled nerves. “Manik, listen to me. You’re brilliant, okay? You’ve always been so sure of yourself, so driven. This project is a reflection of all the hard work you and your team have put in. The sponsors are going to see that. And even if they have feedback, it’s not the end of the world. It’s just another step towards making the project even better.”

Manik closed his eyes, letting her words sink in. It was like a cool breeze on a hot day, calming him, grounding him. “You make it sound so simple,” he murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Nandini chuckled softly. “That’s because it is, Manik. You always overthink things when it comes to your work, but that’s only because you care so much about it. And that’s a good thing. It shows how much this means to you. But you also need to trust yourself. You’ve got this.”

Manik felt a wave of relief wash over him, her unwavering faith in him chipping away at the anxiety that had settled in his chest. “You think so?”

“I know so,” Nandini replied confidently. “Remember, you’re not alone in this. You have me. And no matter what happens, I’m here for you. You’re not defined by one presentation or one project. You’re so much more than that.”

Her words were like a soothing melody, weaving a sense of peace into his chaotic thoughts. Manik let out a deep breath, feeling some of the tension leave his body. “You always know what to say to calm me down,” he said softly, a genuine smile finally breaking through.

“That’s because I know you, Manik. I know how much you want this to succeed, but I also know how capable you are. You’ve overcome so many challenges before, and this is just another one. You’re going to walk into that room tomorrow, give that presentation, and show them exactly why they should believe in your vision.”

Manik nodded, her words wrapping around him like a warm blanket. He felt lighter, his worries not completely gone but certainly more manageable. “Thank you, Nandini. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Nandini smiled, her eyes softening. “You’d still be amazing, but maybe just a little more stressed,” she teased lightly. “But I’m glad I can be here for you.”

Manik chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing. “You’re my rock, you know that?”

“And you’re mine,” Nandini replied, her voice filled with affection. There was a brief pause, and then she added, trying to lighten the mood further, “Besides, what’s the worst that could happen? Maybe you’ll trip on your way to the stage or accidentally call the sponsor by the wrong name. But hey, at least it’ll make for a good story!”

Manik laughed, the sound warm and genuine, easing the last of his doubts. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

“But you love it,” Nandini shot back, her tone playful.

Manik’s voice softened, the smile in his tone unmistakable. “Yeah, I do. More than you know.”

There was a comfortable silence between them for a moment, the kind that felt like a shared embrace even over the phone. Nandini could sense that Manik was feeling better, and that in turn eased her own worries. “Just take it one step at a time, Manik. You’ve got this. And if you ever need a reminder of how amazing you are, just call me. I’ll be your personal cheerleader.”

Manik grinned, the image of Nandini in a cheerleader outfit amusing him more than it probably should. “Deal. I might hold you to that.”

“Anytime,” Nandini replied, her voice light and filled with warmth. “Now, go get some rest. You need to be at your best tomorrow, and that means no more overthinking. Just sleep, okay?”

“Okay,” Manik agreed, feeling a newfound sense of calm wash over him. “Goodnight, Nandini. And… thank you. For everything.”

“Goodnight, Manik. You’re going to do great tomorrow,” Nandini assured him one last time before hanging up.

As the call ended, Manik set his phone down and leaned back in his chair, a small, content smile on his face. Nandini’s words lingered in his mind, a comforting echo that soothed the last of his worries. He knew the road ahead wasn’t without its challenges, but with Nandini by his side, even the most daunting tasks seemed a little less intimidating.

He glanced at his presentation slides once more, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. He could do this. He would do this. For himself, for his team, and for Nandini, who believed in him even when he doubted himself. Manik closed his laptop, setting it aside as he prepared to get some much-needed sleep. Tomorrow was a big day, but with Nandini’s support and his own determination, he felt ready to face whatever came his way.

Nandini, meanwhile, lay back in her bed, her mind finally at ease knowing Manik was feeling better. She closed her eyes, a soft smile still on her lips as she drifted off to sleep, comforted by the knowledge that, no matter the distance, they were always there for each other. And in the quiet of the night, as both of them found solace in their connection, the world seemed just a little bit brighter.
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Hope u all like the chapter.....

Few words for Manik....

Few words for Nandini....

What were your favourite moments???

Will Soha do something in her jealousy???

Thank u 🙂🙂

Love,
Kiara ❤️❤️