An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 23

A Week of Silence – Manik's Return

Nandini had been working non-stop in the hospital. The day had started early, and by 1 p.m., she was already exhausted from back-to-back surgeries. She decided to call Manik before heading into the OT for her final procedure.

Manik: "Heyyy!" His cheerful voice immediately lifted her spirits.

Nandini, despite her fatigue, smiled hearing his voice. "Done with your packing?"

Manik: "Yep, all set. Leaving for the airport soon."

Nandini: "Good."

Manik: "How are your surgeries going?"

Nandini: "Two are done, just five minutes to go for the last one."

Manik: "All the bestttt!"

Nandini: "Thank youuu."

At that moment, a nurse entered the room. "Nandini Ma'am, everything's ready."

Nandini: "Hmm, coming."

Manik: "Okay, go now. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

Nandini: "Hmm, call me once you reach."

Manik: "Okay, ma'am."

As Nandini was about to end the call, Manik's voice came through again, softer this time.

Manik: "Wait, Nandini."

Nandini: "Hmm?"

Manik: "I love you. And I will miss you. Really."

Nandini's heart softened at his words, but she kept her composure. "I will miss you too. I love you. Take care. Bye."

Manik: "Bye."

They hung up, each going back to their respective duties. Manik left for the airport, and Nandini walked into the OT, her mind distracted but focused on the task at hand.

Later that night, Manik arrived and called Nandini. It was already late in India, and he knew she needed rest, so he didn't keep her on the phone for long.

Manik: "Hiiiii."

Nandini: "Hey hey."

Manik: "What's up?"

Nandini: "Dinner's done, bed time. You?"

Manik: "In a meeting."

Nandini: "What? Why are you talking to me then?"

Manik smiled, amused by her reaction. "Well, I want to. Besides, I haven't talked to you all day. You know I've been taking family calls."

Nandini sighed. "Alright, okay. Now get back to your meeting. Bye!"

Manik: "Good nighttt."

Nandini: "Sadly, I can't wish you good night right now. But all the besttt!"

Manik chuckled, and they hung up. The lightness of the conversation stayed with him as he returned to his meeting with a renewed sense of energy.

Meanwhile, Nandini couldn't sleep. After hanging up with Manik, she received a call that kept her awake the entire night, her thoughts restless and clouded.

One Week Later – The Silent Strain

A week passed without a word from Nandini. No calls. No texts. Not a single update. Manik, who had been calling non-stop, grew more and more anxious. Every time he called, the response was the same – she was still at the hospital, working long hours, not coming home for days.

Manik couldn't take it anymore. He was done with the unanswered calls, the silence, the cold distance. He had to go back to India and see for himself what was going on.