Hold On My Heart (Complete)

18: Until It Hurts

Nandini’s POV

"Nandini, think again!" Navya said.

"I’ve already made up my mind, Navya. I want this."

"Look, I know he isn’t lying, Nandini. He really loves you. And yes, he made a mistake, but if you try to understand, he’s actually not the one to blame… it’s all his brother’s fault. Instead of punishing him, you're doing wrong to Manik. Is that fair?

Nandini, all these years, you’ve hated yourself—but ever since he came into your life, you’ve started to love yourself. You can’t ignore the fact that he’s done so much for your happiness! Everyone makes mistakes, and I know some can’t be forgiven, but in love… everything can be, Nandini. As a friend, I’m asking you—please, think again,” she said.

"Navya, I’m getting late for work. We’ll talk later," I said and walked away.

I’m not working in that office anymore. I’ve rejoined the coffee shop I used to work at before.

While taking an order, I walked towards the counter to relay it. Suddenly, I felt dizzy. Everything went black.

“You okay?” one of the workers asked.

“Yeah,” I replied, holding my head.

I rushed to the bathroom, throwing everything on the chair. I puked. What is going on? I washed my face two or three times before coming out.

I’m not feeling well.

I asked the manager for leave, and thank God, he agreed.

I called Navya and asked her to pick me up. I was feeling so dizzy I could collapse any moment.

"Nandini!" someone caught me just before I could fall. I turned—and it was Manik.

I instantly pulled away, ignoring his presence.

“You okay?” he asked. I didn’t reply. We're still married, so I know he has the right to ask… but no. I’m not going to answer him.

“What’s it to you?” I snapped.

“Nandini, you don’t look well. Let me take you to the doctor.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Oh, Nandini, are you alright?” Navya came running toward me.

“Yeah… please, take me away from here,” I said. She looked at Manik, then at me.

We left from there.

At the doctor’s clinic…

“Nothing to worry about. It’s normal in your condition,” the doctor said. Navya sat beside me.

“What condition?” I asked.

“You don’t know?”

“No. Is it something serious?” I asked again, my heart racing.

“You’re pregnant, Mrs. Nandini,” she said.

It felt like the ground had disappeared beneath my feet. I was speechless. Is this… good news? Or bad?

As we stepped out of the clinic, I saw Manik. I rolled my eyes.

“Manik, please leave me alone,” I said.

“Nandini, I just want to know if you're okay,” he asked.

“Yes, as you can see—I’m fine. Fit and fine,” I replied sharply.

“Actually, she—” Navya started to speak, but I held her arm firmly.

“I said I’m fine. Navya, let’s go,” I said, dragging her away.

“Why didn’t you let me tell him?” she asked once we were away.

“Are you mad or what? Of course, I won’t tell him.”

“But soon he’ll find out. You can’t hide this forever, Nandini.”

“I can… because I don’t want this child. No. I’m giving him a divorce, so yeah—I can’t have this child.”

“Nandini, are you mad? You want to abort?”

“Yes, I want to. And you have to swear you won’t tell anyone—anything—about my pregnancy. Promise me,” I said.

“But, Nan—”

“Promise me.”

“Fine. I promise I won’t.”

“Thank you.”

“But Nandini… you’re doing wrong. I’m telling you.”

“I’m doing what’s right, Navya—you just can’t understand! Look, soon we’ll be divorced. After that, everyone will start talking about the baby. They’ll try to accuse me. And what about the baby? When he grows up, he’ll ask about his dad. What should I tell him? That your dad raped me? Seriously? No, I can’t. I can’t do this,” I said, my voice trembling.

“Whatever it is, Nandini… if you want to abort, that’s your choice. But Manik has the right to know. You’re taking that away from him. You shouldn’t.”

“Navya, please drop this topic. I’m tired of it,” I said.

“Fine, I’m quiet.” She zipped her mouth while I rolled my eyes.

Days passed. I haven’t seen Manik again—which, for me, is definitely a good thing. I know he follows me, but he never comes in front of me.

Manik’s POV

It’s been 3 weeks, 2 days, and 5 hours since she said she hates me. I can’t forget those words. She was right—staying in jail wasn’t hard. But staying away from her? That’s beyond hard. I see her every day at the cafe… but I can’t talk to her.

I don’t know if she’ll ever forgive me. But I’m going to wait. She said she’ll file for divorce, but I guess she hasn’t yet… and that gives me hope.

I was sitting on a bench, waiting for her, as she worked inside the cafe. Just then, I got a call from Cabir.

“Yes?”

“Where are you, Manik?”

“What happened?”

“Come to Navya’s place ASAP.”

“What are you doing there, bro?”

“Forget that and just come as soon as possible, Manik.”

“Tell me, Cabir—Is it serious? Is it about Nandini?” I asked, panic rising in my voice.

“Yes, it’s related to her. Now please come fast.”

I hung up and jumped into my car, starting the engine. I hope it’s nothing bad. She’s in the cafe… then what could it be?

Reaching Navya’s house, I knocked. Cabir opened the door.

“What happened? What is it?” I asked anxiously.

“Come inside.”

“Navya… is Nandini alright?” I asked, looking around.

“Sit, Manik.”

“What’s going on? Will you please just tell me?”

“Manik, I’ll tell you… but you have to promise to control yourself.”

“Now you're scaring me! For God’s sake, tell me! Cabir, say something!”

“Nandini… she aborted your child,” Navya said.

“What?”

Alina❤