Love Will Find A Way

Chapter-66: A list of Tasks

Nandini decided that if Manik were truly sorry and committed to making things right, he would have to earn her trust and forgiveness. She was determined to make him understand the pain he had caused and to see if he was sincere in his efforts. This was not going to be an easy path for either of them.

The next morning, Nandini was up early, and she found Manik waiting outside the Murty mansion as usual. With a determined look, she called him over and handed him a list of tasks.

Nandini decided that Manik needed to experience the challenges and efforts she had endured alone for the past two years. She wasn't doing this out of spite but to give him a real understanding of the emotional and physical toll she had carried. She made it clear to Manik that if he was serious about making amends, he would have to step up and prove it through actions, not just words.

"I need you to help with these chores today," she said sternly. "If you want to prove yourself, then start by doing what I have to do daily."

Nandini handed Manik a long grocery list one morning. "If you want to help, start by getting these," she said, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Manik looked at the list, his eyes widening. "This looks like a month's worth of groceries."

"It's just for the week," Nandini replied, her tone nonchalant. "And make sure you get everything right. No mistakes."

Manik nodded, determined. He spent hours at the supermarket, fumbling through the aisles, trying to distinguish between different types of flour and spices. He even FaceTimed Neyonika for help, much to Neyonika’s amusement.

"Wow, Manik. You've become a domestic hero," Neyonika joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Manik smiled wearily. "It's the least I can do, Mom. I need to show Nandini that I'm serious about changing."

Neyonika sat down at the kitchen counter. "You've got a long road ahead, my son. But I can see you're determined. Just remember, actions speak louder than words."
When he returned, Nandini inspected every item meticulously. "You got everything," she said, slightly impressed. "But you took so long. Next time, be quicker."

Manik smiled, knowing he had passed the first test.

The next day, Vivek handed Manik a recipe book. "You're cooking dinner tonight."

Manik's confidence wavered. He had never cooked more than instant noodles and once for Nandini that too because he saw his Dadi making that. He spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, boiling pasta, and trying to make a decent sauce.

When it was finally time to eat, everyone gathered around the table, eyeing the dishes skeptically. Nandini took the first bite and winced. "This is... interesting," she said diplomatically.

Navya, who was visiting, couldn't hold back her laughter. "Manik, what is this?"

Manik blushed, scratching the back of his head. "It's supposed to be pasta with homemade sauce."

Vivek patted his back sympathetically. "It's a good effort, Manik. But maybe next time, follow the recipe a bit more closely."

Ishita handed Manik a basket full of laundry. "You're doing the laundry today."

Manik frowned, "Isn't it just putting clothes in the washing machine?"

Ishita laughed. "Oh, you'll see."

Manik spent the next hour sorting clothes by color and fabric type and then figuring out the washing machine settings. He ended up with a load of whites turning pink because of a stray red sock.