Love Will Find A Way

Chapter-64: Shattered Trust

One week had passed since the incident that shattered Nandini's heart. Every day, Manik stood outside the Murty mansion, hoping for a glimpse of her, hoping for a chance to speak to her.

He called her and sent her messages, but she never picked up, and she left his messages on seen. No one in the family spoke to him. He was barely eating, and his health was deteriorating rapidly.

It was midnight when Manik decided to leave once again, defeated and exhausted. As he took a step forward, his vision blurred, and he collapsed on the ground. A guard, noticing his fall, rushed to him and tried to wake him. Panic-stricken, the guard called the mansion's landline.

Nandini, sitting alone in the living room, answered the ringing phone. She was puzzled by a call so late at night. When she heard the guard's frantic explanation, she was shocked.

"Bring him inside quietly," she instructed, her voice trembling with concern.

She opened the gate, and the guards carried Manik to her room, laying him gently on the bed. Nandini fetched a glass of water and sat beside Manik. She gazed at him, taking in his sickly appearance.

For a moment, the harsh words he'd said blurred in her mind, replaced by the sight of the man she once knew. But reality quickly set back in. She knew he had been standing outside every day; sometimes she saw him from the terrace, and the guards confirmed he never left, not even for food. She wondered if he had eaten anything in weeks.

Determined, she went to the kitchen and prepared a plate of food. Returning to the room, she sprinkled water on Manik's face. Slowly, he opened his eyes and saw Nandini. Emotions flooded him—relief, happiness, guilt. Before he could speak, Nandini placed the plate in front of him and commanded, "Eat."

Manik remained motionless, so Nandini started feeding him herself. They sat in silence, Manik's tears falling as he realized how much he had missed her and how foolish he had been not to value her. After feeding him, Nandini took the plates back to the kitchen. When she returned, she found Manik still sitting on the bed, waiting for her.

Seeing her, Manik stood and moved towards her, holding her hand. "Nandini, please, forgive me," he pleaded. "Or at least listen to me."

Nandini’s expression was cold, detached. "You have five minutes," she said, her voice firm. "After that, you have to leave."

Manik took a deep breath and began, "That day, I received a call from a police officer. He informed me that Riya died in jail. All the memories, Aryan’s struggle, his lifeless body—it all came rushing back. I was consumed by anger and pain. I didn’t mean any of the things I said to you. I was just... I was just broken."

He paused, tears streaming down his face. "I know this doesn’t justify my actions. I hurt you. I hurt our baby. I’m so sorry, Nandini."

Nandini remained silent, her face impassive. "Your time is over," she finally said. "You can leave now."

Desperation clawed at Manik. "Nandini, please, give me a chance. I’ll do anything to make it right. Please, just one chance."

Nandini shook her head, her resolve unwavering. "Goodnight, Manik."

Realizing he could not persuade her tonight, Manik nodded, defeated. "I will win you back, Nandini. I promise." With that, he turned and left the room.

As the door closed behind him, Nandini sank onto the bed, feeling a mix of exhaustion and determination. She knew she could not afford to be weak this time. She had her family, and she had herself. She would not let Manik's words sway her again.

The next day, Nandini finally stepped out of the house with Navya and Ishita. They got into a car, intentionally ignoring Manik who was waiting outside. Manik watched them leave and quickly got into his car, following them at a distance. The car stopped at a nearby park, and the women entered, Manik trailing behind them.