Eternal Echoes: A Love Beyond Boundaries

Chapter 5: The Third Wheel

The morning after Anjali's arrival, the atmosphere in the apartment had changed. The storm outside had passed, but a new one seemed to be brewing inside. Manik and Nandini went about their routines, but there was a sense of tension in the air. Anjali and her baby, Asha, were still asleep on the makeshift bed in the living room, and the apartment felt smaller, more cramped.

Manik made breakfast, frying eggs and toasting bread, while Nandini brewed tea. They exchanged brief smiles, but their thoughts were preoccupied with their new guest. Anjali's situation was dire, and they both wanted to help, but they also sensed that this was the beginning of a challenging new chapter in their lives. Over breakfast, they discussed their plans.

"We need to find a way to help Anjali long-term," Nandini said, concern etched on her face. "She can't stay here indefinitely."

"I agree," Manik replied, glancing toward the living room. "Maybe we can help her find a job and a safe place to live."

As they talked, Anjali woke up and joined them at the table, looking worn but grateful. "Good morning," she said softly, managing a weak smile. "Thank you for everything. I don't know what I would have done without your help."

"You're welcome," Nandini said, smiling back. "We're glad you're here. How did you sleep?" "Better than I have in a long time," Anjali replied, her eyes welling up with tears. "I don't know how to repay you." "You don't need to think about that now," Manik said gently. "We'll figure something out."

Over the next few days, Anjali settled into their home, and it quickly became apparent that her presence was not without its challenges. Nandini, juggling her studies and writing, found herself increasingly stretched thin, trying to support Anjali and care for Asha. Manik, engrossed in his engineering projects, was often absent, physically and mentally. Tensions began to rise. 

Small, seemingly insignificant incidents started to create friction between Manik and Nandini. One evening, Nandini came home to find Anjali cooking dinner with Manik in the kitchen, laughing and chatting as if they were old friends.

"Hi, Nandini!" Anjali greeted her cheerfully. "Manik was helping me with dinner. I hope you don't mind."Nandini forced a smile. "Of course not," she said, but inside, she felt a pang of jealousy. It was her kitchen, her space, and seeing Manik and Anjali so comfortable together made her uneasy.

Later that night, as they lay in bed, Nandini couldn't hold back her feelings any longer. "Manik, do you think Anjali is getting too comfortable here?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady. Manik sighed, turning to face her. "She's been through a lot, Nandini. She needs our help." "I know," Nandini replied, her voice softening. "But it feels like she's taking over our lives. I barely see you anymore, and when I do, you're with her."Manik reached out to hold her hand. "I'm sorry, Nandini. I didn't mean for it to feel that way. I'll make more time for us, I promise." Despite his words, the situation only worsened. 

Anjali's dependency on them grew, and she began to monopolize more of Manik's time. Whenever Nandini tried to discuss it with Manik, he seemed dismissive, convinced that she was overreacting.

One afternoon, Nandini came home from her literature class to find Anjali crying in Manik's arms. He was comforting her, whispering soothing words. Nandini felt a sharp sting of jealousy and anger. "What's going on?" she demanded, unable to hide her frustration. Anjali quickly pulled away, wiping her tears. "I'm sorry, Nandini. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."Manik stood up, his expression one of frustration. "Nandini, she was just upset. Her husband has been trying to contact her, and she's scared. "Nandini took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "I understand, but this isn't working. We need to find a better solution for Anjali."

Manik nodded, but there was a growing distance between them. Over the next few weeks, the tension escalated. Anjali's presence became a constant source of strain, and the once harmonious relationship between Manik and Nandini began to crack.

One evening, after another argument, Nandini decided to confront Anjali directly. She found her in the living room, playing with Asha. "Anjali, we need to talk," Nandini said, her tone firm. Anjali looked up, her expression wary. "What is it, Nandini?"

"I appreciate that you're in a difficult situation, and I want to help, but you're coming between Manik and me," Nandini said, trying to keep her voice steady. "This isn't healthy for any of us."

Anjali's eyes filled with tears. "I never wanted to cause problems. I'm just so scared and alone.""I know," Nandini replied, softening slightly. "But we need to find a way to help you that doesn't destroy our relationship. Manik and I have been through so much together, and we can't let this come between us."

Anjali nodded, sniffling. "I'll start looking for a job and a place to stay. I don't want to be a burden."Nandini felt a wave of relief. "Thank you, Anjali. We'll help you with whatever you need, but we need to do this together, as a team."

Over the next few days, Manik and Nandini worked together to find a solution for Anjali. They reached out to local shelters and organizations that could offer support. Anjali found a part-time job at a local café, and they helped her find a small apartment nearby.

The day Anjali moved out, there was a sense of bittersweet relief in the air. Nandini and Manik helped her settle into her new place, and as they left, Anjali hugged them both tightly."Thank you for everything," she said, tears in her eyes. "I'll never forget your kindness."As they walked back to their apartment, Manik slipped his arm around Nandini's waist. "I'm sorry for everything, Nandini. I should have listened to you more."

Nandini leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his embrace. "We both made mistakes, Manik. But we got through it together."They stood on their balcony, looking out at the city that had tested and strengthened their bond. The challenges they had faced had made them stronger, more resilient. They knew that whatever came next, they would face it together, their love unshakeable.

In the quiet of the night, with the city lights twinkling in the distance, they held each other close, ready for whatever the future held. Their love, tested by trials and tribulations, had not only survived but thrived, proving that together, they were unstoppable.

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Writer's note : Are you guys enjoying the story till here ? Please feel free to share your thoughts. What you guys think should i close this Anjali's part here or you guys want more twist turn and willing to test the strength of manan's bond. Lets share your thoughts and please vote this chapter minimum 200 star so that it will motivate me to write more updates in this story. I'm planning to end this story after one or two chapters because my initial plan was to write this story as short as it would be but the amount of love you guys are given to my story i just cant think of stop writing. So please share your thoughts with me.