An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 37

The whole family sat in the garden, their faces etched with worry for both Manik and Nandini. Despite the tension, they were all supporting each other in their own way.

Navya said, "I'll bring the coffee."

Nandini responded, "I'll come with you."

Both of them got up to leave when Radhika called out, "Masi, can you make me a chocolate shake, please?"

Nandini smiled warmly at her and said, "Okay, baby."

The two girls headed toward the kitchen when Nandini's phone rang.

"Hello?" Nandini answered, her voice filled with concern.

A voice on the other end was urgent. "I'll be there soon, provide him with oxygen, and make sure he is stable."

Navya, noticing the urgency, asked, "What happened, Nandu?"

Nandini explained, "Navya, I need to leave for the hospital urgently."

Navya was shocked. "What? Nandini, you know it's not safe."

"I know, Navya, but I'm needed. I can't leave a patient to die just because I'm not safe."

Navya hesitated, "Nandu, I understand, but do you think Bhai will allow you? Do you think Mom and Dad will agree? And foremost, do you think Manik will let you go?"

"I know he won't, and I'm short on time right now. Listen, don't tell him I'm going, don't tell anyone, in fact. I'll be back soon, I promise."

"Bakwaas mat karo, Nandu," Navya protested. "Ham bhi tumhe kyu jaane de? It's not safe, do you understand that? Isn't there another doctor who can go?"

"There's no one free, Navya," Nandini explained. "It's my work, and I've said this before, nothing can stop me from doing what I do for others. I'm going. Take care."

Without listening to Navya's protests, Nandini ran upstairs to get her bag and lab coat.

As she drove, she thought to herself, "Maybe I was wrong in how I did this, but I'm definitely not wrong in why I did it. I may have been too harsh with Navya, but I'll talk to her later. There's no time right now."

When she arrived at the hospital, she was greeted by the receptionist. "Hello, Nandini Ma'am. You here today?"

Nandini, confused, asked, "What do you mean by that? You called me and said we had a very serious case?"

The receptionist apologized, "Sorry, Ma'am, there seems to be some confusion. We do have cases, but the doctors are managing them. I didn't call you."

Nandini was taken aback. "Maybe there's been some confusion. Anyway, never mind, I'm here now. Line up some appointments, then."

"Of course, Ma'am," the receptionist said, handing her the keys to her cabin.

"Thank you," Nandini replied, walking toward her cabin.

When she entered, she found it dark. As she walked toward her desk, the door opened, and Soha entered with a smirk on her face.

"Hello, Nandini. How are you?" Soha taunted.

Nandini glared at her. "What are you here for?"

"Don't be scared, darling," Soha said with mock sweetness. "I'm just here to ask for my Manik."

Nandini's voice was cold. "Scared of you? Hardly. Just because I'm not replying doesn't mean I can't. Stay within your limits, Soha."

Soha laughed. "I love Manik, Nandini. Just give him to me, and I'll leave you alone. You'll be safe."

Nandini, unimpressed, replied, "Love, huh? Do you even know what love means, Soha? You lust after Manik, you don't love him."

Soha's eyes narrowed. "And how do you know I don't love him?"

Nandini said firmly, "Because lust takes, but love gives. That's what you can't understand."

"SHUT UP!" Soha yelled, clearly losing her temper. "I'm not here for your philosophy, Nandini. Just give me my Manik. He's mine. I have a right to him."

Nandini scoffed. "The same right where your gifts haven't even been accepted? The same right where Manik didn't even show up for you? Listen, Soha, this is the last time I'm telling you—dare you touch my family, you'll be left with nothing."

Soha's anger exploded. She grabbed the nearest vase and hurled it at Nandini. Instinctively, Nandini ducked, but a shard of glass grazed her head, causing a small cut.

Soha laughed bitterly. "Lucky you. But this is just the beginning. I won't stop. No one is going to get away with this."

Soha stormed toward Nandini, raising her hand to strike her again. But before she could, a strong hand grabbed hers.

Manik's voice thundered, "STOP IT, SOHA!" He turned to her, his eyes blazing with fury. "Enough of this drama. How dare you harm Nandini?" He stepped forward, pushing her away. "You should be grateful you're a woman, and I respect women, but you don't deserve that respect. Shut up, or I won't be able to stop myself from doing what I should have done long ago."

Soha tried to reason with him, "Manik, what are you saying? I love you. You love me. Don't listen to Nandini. She's a..."

Before she could finish, Manik slapped her hard across the face.

Nyonika, walking in behind them, spoke in a calm yet dangerous voice, "One more word from you, Soha, and you won't be able to stand. I'm proud of my son for not beating you to death right here, even though you deserved it. But don't forget, I have no such hesitation."

Soha tried to appeal to Manik. "Manik, I love you! Please, listen to me!"

Manik, with his eyes burning with anger, looked at her coldly. "One more time, Soha—take my name from your mouth, and there will be no stopping me." He took a step toward her, making it clear. "I already have the love of the best girl in the world. Why would I waste my time with you?"

He turned to Nandini, who had been quietly standing in his arms since he entered the room. "Nandini, are you okay?"

Abhimanyu walked in, observing Nandini's condition. "Manik, let me help. She has a cut on her head, and she's been holding her stomach for a while. Something's wrong. Let's take her to the dressing room."

Manik was frozen in shock, seeing the blood on Nandini's head and the way she was clutching her stomach. Without saying another word, he lifted her into his arms and rushed out of the cabin, followed by the rest of the family.

Abhimanyu and Cabir stayed behind with Soha and the officers.

Abhimanyu spoke firmly, "Everyone's said enough already. But just to make sure you understand, Soha, dare you even look at Nandini again, you'll regret it. I'm not just her brother, I'm her protector."

He left, and Cabir added, "Inspector, take her away. Do whatever you have to, but if I see her anywhere near our family again, it won't be good."

The officer nodded, and a female constable escorted Soha out. As she was led away, Soha kept blabbering, but no one paid her any attention.