Chapter-67: Storm Of Words

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It was a sunny afternoon, and Manik had just finished running some errands when he decided to swing by the park where he knew Nandini often went for her walks. As he approached, he spotted her sitting on a bench, laughing heartily with a man he didn't recognize. The sight of her so happy, yet not with him, stirred a pang of jealousy and insecurity deep within him.

The man, who seemed to be about their age, was animatedly talking and making Nandini laugh. He had a friendly demeanor, and it was evident that Nandini enjoyed his company. Manik watched from a distance, feeling a mix of emotions-relief that Nandini was smiling, but also a gnawing fear that someone else could take his place.

His heart sank further when he saw the man place his hand gently on Nandini's belly. Her laughter softened into a warm smile as she felt the baby's kick. The man looked delighted, sharing the moment with her, and for a brief second, Manik felt like an outsider in what should have been his intimate moment.

Manik's thoughts raced. Who is he? How does he know Nandini? Why is she so comfortable with him? The questions buzzed in his mind, amplifying his insecurity.

Nandini noticed Manik standing a few feet away, his face a mask of hurt and confusion. She quickly looked away, choosing to ignore him and continue her conversation with her friend. This deliberate dismissal felt like a dagger to Manik's already wounded heart.

Unable to bear the sight any longer, Manik turned and walked away, feeling defeated. He headed back to the Malhotra mansion, his mind in turmoil. He knew he had no right to be jealous, given his past mistakes, but he couldn't help the fear that he was losing Nandini and his baby before he ever really had them.

Back at the mansion, Manik paced his room, his thoughts a chaotic swirl. He tried to shake off the image of Nandini laughing with another man, but it was seared into his mind. He felt an overwhelming sense of loss and helplessness.

Why can't I make her smile like that? he thought bitterly. Why does she look happier with him?

He sat down heavily on his bed, running a hand through his hair. His chest felt tight, and he struggled to breathe evenly. He knew he had to talk to someone about this, or he would go crazy.

Manik found Cabir in the living room, engrossed in a book. Without a word, he sat down beside him, his expression so troubled that Cabir immediately put the book down.

"What's wrong, Manik?" Cabir asked concern etched on his face.

Manik sighed, leaning back on the couch. "I saw Nandini today. She was with some guy at the park. They were laughing, and he put his hand on her belly. The baby kicked, Cabir. The baby kicked for him."

Cabir frowned, trying to understand the situation. "Who was the guy? Did you ask her about him?"

Manik shook his head. "I couldn't. She ignored me, and I didn't want to make a scene. But it hurt, Cabir. It felt like... like they were a family, and I was just some stranger."

Cabir placed a reassuring hand on Manik's shoulder. "Manik, you need to calm down. Nandini has friends, and it's good that she's happy and the baby is active. But you need to focus on what you can control-your actions and your efforts to win her back."

Manik looked down, his voice barely above a whisper. "What if she doesn't want me back? What if I've lost them for good?"

Cabir sighed. "Manik, you can't think like that. You've been making progress. She's starting to see your efforts, even if she doesn't show it. Just keep being there for her. Show her that you're committed, not just with grand gestures but with your everyday actions."

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