An Arranged Journey To Forever

123

Manik wiped the beads of sweat from Nandini's forehead, his voice laced with urgency yet carrying an undertone of reassurance. "Come on, Nandini. You can do this, can't you?" he whispered, his fingers trembling as he stroked her damp hair.

Nandini, exhausted beyond measure, barely found the strength to glare at him. "Manik, for heaven's sake, shut up! You're not helping at all," she snapped, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps. Her nails dug into his palm, her grip tightening with every wave of pain. Manik winced but didn't complain. How could he? The agony reflected in her eyes made every discomfort of his seem inconsequential.

Six hours had passed, and yet their stubborn little one refused to make an entrance.

The doctor's voice cut through the room with urgency. "Mrs. Malhotra, you cannot stop now. If you give up, it could be very dangerous. Do you hear me?" she asked, noticing how Nandini's eyelids fluttered, her consciousness slipping. Panic flashed across the doctor's face. "Mr. Malhotra, you need to step outside. This is getting critical. We have to proceed with an emergency C-section."

Manik's stomach twisted in knots. "But... you said it would be a normal delivery. What changed? What's wrong?" His voice was barely above a whisper, his hand clutching Nandini's with desperation. She looked so fragile, her strength visibly drained. He hated this—this helplessness gnawing at his very being.

"We don't have time to explain. Please, let us do our job," the doctor insisted firmly.

With a heavy heart, Manik let go of Nandini's hand, feeling like he was surrendering a part of himself. He staggered out of the room, his legs barely carrying him. The weight of uncertainty bore down on his shoulders. Manik had no choice but to agree. Everything was happening too fast for him to process. Amayra had undergone minor surgery a few weeks ago and was recovering well. Cabir was back, but his relationship with Navya was over. She had suffered a miscarriage after slipping from the stairs during an argument, where she had threatened to harm herself due to Cabir's distant behavior. Cabir knew something was deeply wrong with her mental state. He could never forgive her for the loss of their child, though a part of her also seemed to accept that it was for the best.

Navya's neglect toward Radhika had already made him question her ability to be a mother. Now, with her admitted to a mental asylum, he had taken full responsibility for Radhika. He couldn't abandon the little girl—he loved her, even if the nature of their relationship would one day be difficult for her to understand. But he knew she would be safe and happy with Nandini, Amayra, and the little one soon to arrive.

Manik stepped out of the labor room, his body feeling drained as he collapsed onto a bench, burying his face in his hands. The family had been informed that a C-section was necessary. The uncertainty gnawed at him, but he had to trust the doctors.

Cabir sat beside him, offering silent support as he placed a comforting hand on Manik's shoulder. He understood his friend's turmoil all too well.

"She'll be okay," Cabir assured him, his voice steady. "Nandini is strong. She always has been. And soon, you'll be holding your daughter in your arms."

Manik exhaled shakily, nodding but unable to shake the fear tightening around his heart. He had never felt this powerless before. The woman he loved was in that room, fighting, and all he could do was wait.

He collapsed onto the bench outside, his head buried in his hands. The family had already been informed about the surgery. Cabir sat beside him, rubbing his shoulder in silent support.

"This isn't how it was supposed to go," Manik murmured, his voice breaking. He felt himself unraveling. "I never meant to fall in love this hard, Cabir. But now, look at me—I can't function without her. She's in there, fighting, and I can do nothing. Nothing."