Crossroads of love: Enstranged or Adultery?

Bridges of Understanding: Morning Talks and Evening Walks

Manik's house greeted the morning with an air of familiarity. Sunlight spilled through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the Malhotra family as they prepared for the day. In his room, Manik stirred from his slumber, ready to embrace the routine that awaited him. The clock's soft ticking echoed in the background as he changed into his gym attire, the fabric whispering promises of a new day.

Downstairs, the heart of the home buzzed with life. Manik descended to the aroma of brewing coffee and the comforting chatter of his parents. Mr. Malhotra, engrossed in his newspaper, looked up and greeted his son with a smile. (Mr. Malhotra inquired, a routine question as comforting as the morning sun.)

Shrikant: Morning, son. Ready for your routine?

Manik: Absolutely. Thinking of a walk today. (Manik replied, exchanging a grin with his father. Mrs. Malhotra, a beacon of warmth, nodded in agreement. The rhythmic clinking of utensils echoed from the kitchen as the family prepared to embrace the day.)

As Manik savored a quick breakfast, Nyonika, the epitome of grace, joined the family scene. 

Nyonika: Good morning, everyone. (She announced, her presence adding an extra layer of warmth to the room. Manik, ever the dutiful son, greeted his mother.)

Manik: Morning, mom. (manik was going outside but nyonika interrupted him.) 

Nyonika: Manik, wait a minute. I'll join you for the walk. Just give me five minutes. (She declared, gracefully gliding towards the living room.)

Manik: Sure, mom. I'll be in the living room. (Manik affirmed, already envisioning the refreshing outdoor air.)

Out on their morning walk, the tranquil surroundings mirrored the calm facade of the Malhotra family. However, the silence was soon broken as Nyonika, perceptive as ever, decided to address the unspoken. (she inquired gently, her eyes searching Manik's face for answers.)

Nyonika: Is everything okay?

Manik: Yeah, mom, everything's fine. Why do you ask? (Manik responded, a touch of hesitation in his voice.)

Nyonika: I'm your mother, Manik. I sense when something's bothering you. What's going on? (Nyonika probed, concern etched across her features.)

Manik: Things with Prena haven't been the same. (Manik confessed, the weight of his words lingering in the crisp morning air.)

Nyonika: How?  (Nyonika pressed, her maternal instincts on high alert.)

Manik: Before Myeesha, everything was perfect. Now, it feels like we're drifting apart. Prena has changed. (Manik revealed, the vulnerability in his voice reflecting the complexity of his emotions.)

Nyonika: Changed? How? (Nyonika questioned, her pace matching Manik's but with an added layer of concern.)

Manik: She used to be ambitious. Now, she's content being a housewife. I'm not a priority. (Manik admitted, a tinge of sadness in his eyes.)

(Nyonika stopped walking, the gravity of her son's words sinking in.)

 Nyonika: You need to talk to her. Communication is key. (she advised, her voice carrying the weight of experience.)

Manik: I tried, but she insists everything is fine. (Manik confessed, a sense of helplessness evident in his tone.)

Nyonika: If you're not happy, tell her the truth. I'll talk to Prena as well.  (Nyonika assured, her determination shining through.)

Manik nodded, grateful for his mother's support.

The mother-son duo resumed their walk, the path ahead filled with both the beauty of the morning and the complexities of relationships. As they strolled side by side, the whispers of change lingered, waiting to be acknowledged and confronted in the light of a new day.