An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 39

It had been four days, but Manik and Nandini still hadn't had that conversation. Nandini was on bed rest and had improved a lot. Manik had been doing everything he could to help her recover, from feeding her to giving her medications, accompanying her on the prescribed morning and evening walks, and making sure she slept on time. He was setting the bar high for every man out there.

Despite all this care, Nandini tried to initiate a conversation, but every time she did, Manik would dodge it. Not that he didn't talk to her; he did. But it was always in response to her questions or instructions, and nothing more.

Nandini was completely fine now, aside from the occasional sharp pains, which the medicines helped ease.

Today, at Malhotra Mansion:

Raman spoke up, "Raj, Nandu is well now. We should leave for the Murthys' place. It's all sorted, and we need to continue with the preparations too."

Raj replied, "Arey, Raj, Nandu needs more rest right now."

Nyonika added, "I agree, it gets so quiet around here without her."

Ishita, with a gentle smile, said, "Just a few more months, Nyonika, then she'll be here with you both."

Nyonika, understanding that they both wanted to spend some time with Nandini before her wedding, nodded in agreement, and Raj did too.

Ishita stood up, ready to go, "I'll just go and tell Nandu."

Nandini was resting in the room, lying on the bed while Manik sat beside her, his laptop open in front of him, but his attention clearly divided.

Ishita knocked on the door. Manik looked at Nandini, but she was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even hear the knock.

"Yeah?" Manik called out.

"It's me," Ishita responded.

"Come in, Mom," Manik replied, smiling.

Ishita entered the room, her expression warm and kind. "Nandu," she said.

Nandini snapped out of her thoughts and turned to face her mother. "Hmm, Mom?"

Ishita smiled at her. "Sweetheart, we need to leave for the Murthys today evening. Be ready, okay?"

Nandini was caught off guard by the sudden change, unsure how to react. She gave her mother a soft smile and nodded, trying to mask the swirl of emotions in her heart.

Ishita patted her cheek affectionately and gave Manik a knowing smile before leaving.

Nandini remained in her thoughts for a moment, her gaze lingering on Manik. Then she decided to get up, but Manik, ever watchful, stopped her.

"What do you want?" he asked, his voice quiet but firm.

"I need to pack, Manik," Nandini said, her voice low, unsure.

"You don't need to," Manik replied, his tone gentle but insistent. "Rest a little longer. I'll pack for you."

Nandini shook her head softly. "It's okay, Manik. This is not what you should be doing. You're not ready to do what you really need to do."

Manik frowned, his confusion evident. "What I need to do?"

"Exactly," Nandini whispered, staring at him with longing, her eyes full of unspoken words. "You're not ready to talk. You keep dodging me."

They shared a long, intense gaze, as if trying to read each other's soul.

Manik finally broke the silence. "Nandini, you don't need to pack. Just rest for a while." His voice softened, but there was still a distance.