Love Will Find A Way

Chapter-53: Midnight Surprise

The next day went by in a blur of routine activities for Manik and Nandini. Work, practice sessions, and everyday chores filled their time. By evening, the younger clan has gathered at Malhotra Mansion, filling the place with laughter and chatter.

Despite the lively atmosphere, Nandini noticed something off about Cabir. He was unusually distant, barely acknowledging her presence and responding curtly whenever she spoke to him. This was unlike him, and it worried her.

As the evening wore on, with everyone engrossed in their conversations and activities, Nandini saw an opportunity. She noticed Cabir sitting alone on the couch, his expression thoughtful.

Gathering her courage, she approached him and sat down beside him, speaking in a hushed tone to avoid attracting attention.

"Cabir," she began softly, "can I ask you something?"

Cabir looked at her, his face a mix of annoyance and curiosity. "What is it, Nandini?"

Nandini took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. "I've noticed you've been ignoring me and being a bit... rude. Did I do something to upset you?"

Cabir's eyes flashed with frustration. "Do you really need to ask that, Nandini? Do you not consider me your brother?"

Nandini was taken aback. "Of course, I consider you my brother, Cabir. Why would you think otherwise?"

Cabir sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Because you hid things from me. About Manik. I thought he had finally accepted you, that things were getting better. But I learned yesterday that it wasn’t true."

Nandini's heart sank. "What do you mean? What did you learn yesterday?"

Cabir's expression hardened. "Manik told me by mistake. He said he's still struggling to trust, that he's scared of getting hurt again. He said he can't love you or anyone."

Nandini felt a pang of guilt and sadness. "I'm so sorry, Cabir. I didn't mean to hide anything from you. It's just... complicated. But we did talk about it last night, and things are starting to change."

Cabir looked at her skeptically. "What do you mean?"

Nandini took a moment to collect her thoughts before explaining. "Manik and I went to Marine Drive last night. We had a long conversation about everything. He admitted his fears and told me he’s willing to start from scratch, to try and be friends. He even said he wants to be a good father."

Cabir's expression softened slightly. "He said that?"

Nandini nodded. "Yes, he did. It was a difficult conversation, but it felt like a step forward. I know it's not a perfect solution, but it's a start."

Cabir sighed, his anger melting away. "I'm sorry for being harsh, Nandini. I was just worried about you. You’ve been through so much, and I hate seeing you hurt."

Nandini smiled gently. "I understand, Cabir. And I appreciate your concern. But please, trust that I’m trying to make things work. Manik and I are both trying."

Cabir nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "Okay, I’ll trust you. But promise me one thing."

"What is it?" Nandini asked.

"Promise me that if something goes wrong, you’ll tell me. Don’t hide things from me again. I want to help you, Nandini. We're family."

Nandini's eyes welled up with gratitude. "I promise, Cabir. I won’t hide anything from you again."

Cabir smiled and pulled her into a brotherly hug. "Good. Now, let's go join the others before they start wondering where we disappeared to."

Nandini nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. As they rejoined the group, she felt a renewed sense of hope and determination to make things work with Manik, knowing she had the support of her family behind her.