Love Will Find A Way

Chapter-51: Unveiling the Truth

After Nandini fell asleep, Manik developed a new nightly routine of speaking to their baby. It had been a week, and this ritual brought him peace and connection.

Nandini had been on edge all morning. It was Sunday, and the house was usually filled with the comforting hum of family activity, but today it felt different.

Manik had been unusually distant for the past few days, his eyes clouded with thoughts he wasn’t sharing. She noticed Neyonika and Dadi often looking at him with tears, a silent sadness they weren’t addressing openly. Today, Manik was nowhere to be seen, and the family’s silent understanding made Nandini's anxiety grow.

Determined to find out what was happening, Nandini called Cabir. She knew if anyone could shed light on the situation, it would be him. She dialed his number, her heart pounding with worry.

“Hey, Nandini,” Cabir answered, his voice cheerful but tinged with a hint of concern.

“Cabir, I need to ask you something,” Nandini said, trying to keep her voice steady. “What’s going on with Manik? He’s been so distant lately, and today he’s disappeared. I’ve noticed Mom and Dadi looking at him with tears. Please, I need to know what’s happening.”

Cabir hesitated on the other end, his silence only adding to her anxiety. “Nandini, it’s not my place to tell you. Manik should be the one to share his past with you.”

“Please, Cabir,” Nandini pleaded. “I just need to understand. I’m really worried about him. Who is Aryan?”

Cabir sighed deeply; the sound filled with reluctance. “Alright, I’ll tell you what I can. But remember, this is Manik’s story to tell in full. They were very close, almost inseparable. Today is the anniversary of Aryan’s death. That’s probably why he’s gone to his apartment.” 

Nandini’s heart clenched. She had no idea Manik had been carrying such a heavy burden. “Thank you for telling me, Cabir. I need to go to him.”

Cabir said in a concerned way. "Just... be gentle with him, Nandini. He's dealing with a lot."

"Thank you, Cabir," Nandini said, determination lacing her voice. "I'll go find him.

Nandini entered the apartment and was immediately enveloped by darkness. The usual warmth and light that filled the place were gone, replaced by an eerie stillness.

She called out, “Manik?” but received no response. The silence was heavy, almost oppressive. Her heart pounded with worry as she moved further inside, her eyes adjusting to the dim light.

She made her way to the bedroom, where the darkness was even more profound. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of the room: everything was in disarray, objects scattered and broken on the floor. The sight was jarring, a stark contrast to the usual orderliness.

Amid the chaos, she saw a figure holding a photo frame beside the bed on the floor. Manik. He was lost in his thoughts, his posture slumped, exuding an air of despair.

Summoning all her courage, Nandini stepped carefully over the debris and kneeled beside him. She whispered his name softly, “Manik?”

There was no response. He continued to stare at the photo frame, seemingly unaware of her presence. Gently, she placed her hand on his shoulder, hoping to reach him. “Manik, look at me.”

With a sudden jerk, he looked up, his eyes wild and filled with pain. Seeing her, his expression quickly shifted to shock and then to anger. “What are you doing here?” he shouted, his voice hoarse and filled with raw emotion. “I said leave!”

Nandini flinched at his outburst, but she remained steadfast. Today, she was determined to understand his pain, no matter how much he pushed her away. “Manik, I’m not going anywhere. I need to know what’s hurting you so much.”