Love or Game (Complete✅)

Chapter 30 - "The moonlight tryst..."

I don't know where am I going to? I don't know what is my ultimate destination? I don't know where will I get my utmost peace? I clutch the steering and press the accelerator a bit more. When I came out of ELYSIAN, my mind was as blank as space. Bhai's words are creating havoc in my heart. He wants me with Manik. Maybe Manik wants it too. But can it be possible? How can I let my love ignore my dignity? He not only broke my trust in him but he also has broken my trust in the word Love. I don't think I can ever be able to welcome this word in my life. When I got Ajja's letter and came to know that he is actually the indirect reason for Navya's all pain, I decided one thing. I decided to transfer my share of ELYSIAN to her name and join Murthy Creation. Manik has already got half of the share by the power of attorney paper. So, it would be fair enough to mend Ajja's gaffe by making both the brother and sister the owners of the company. I think Ajja also had wanted me to do so if he would have been with me. ELYSIAN is my dream, my brainchild. It is painful to give your own baby to someone. But this is the only way to atone Ajja's fault. Being his granddaughter, I have to do this. However, this decision is not enough right now. I veer the car towards the outskirt of the city. I need some breathing space. Otherwise, this emotional turmoil will break me from inside. The road is bleak. My car whizzes past some stationery shops on the roadside and gradually the road becomes more dark and deserted. I roll down the window glass and a cool gust hits my face, soothing the burning sensation of my eyes. I grip the steering with my right hand and place my left hand on my lower abdomen. Aliya's words are hammering in my head,

"Nandini, it's only two months pregnancy. If you want, we can terminate it. It's all up to you."

I gulp the lump and harden my jaw.

"Should I? Should I terminate a life? Can I be so cruel?"

For the first time, I ask my Inner Goddess and she responds,

"If you can't be cruel you have to leave your loved ones forever."

I yell in my mind,

"But why? Why can't I be happy with my child? It's my baby...growing inside me. I don't need anyone to father my child. When he has ignored my love, why should I make this child a way to return to him? I am enough for my baby and my child is enough for my happiness."

"And what about the society? What about your brother? Will Cabir be happy to see you like this? He can't be in peace to see you in this condition and neither can you accept Manik in your life. Don't forget this society still has a prejudice for single mother and here you are going to be a mother of a love child whose father denied your love."

My Inner Goddess gives her justification. I suddenly push the brake and the car stops with a jerk. The place is silent and dark just like my heart. I keep my forehead on the steering and close my eyes.

"I am sorry, Bhai. Whatever you want is not possible for me. I love Manik. Maybe I will love him forever. But I can't live with him. Not for your happiness, not for my happiness and not for my baby's happiness. And for this, if I have to take this decision, I will."

I mutter as I am trying to convince myself. Unwantedly a lone tear trickles down my cheek. I press my lips under my teeth to control my sobs. My hands automatically caress my belly and a plead escapes my mouth,

"Don't snatch this happiness from me..."

Only then my mobile coos and breaks my reverie. I reluctantly lift it from the adjacent seat. It's a message from Manik. Unexpected but coincidental! My jaws harden.

"Can you please meet me? For Once?"

His message flashes. I inhale sharply and reply,

"Come to Isle Lake. I will be waiting for you."