Love Will Find A Way

Chapter-68: Bridging the Distance

As Nandini entered her ninth month of pregnancy, Manik intensified his efforts to show his love and care through actions rather than words. He understood that Nandini needed to see his commitment and consistency, not just hear it.

One night, as Nandini lay asleep, she stirred slightly, wincing in pain. Manik, who had been watching over her from the doorway, noticed her discomfort. He quietly approached the bed and gently lifted the blanket to reveal her swollen feet and legs.

Without waking her, he sat down at the edge of the bed and began to massage her legs with gentle, soothing strokes. He worked carefully, ensuring that his touch was light and comforting. Nandini's expression softened in her sleep, and Manik felt relieved knowing he was helping her, even if only a little.

After finishing, he watched her momentarily, his heart full of love and regret. He leaned in and whispered, "I'm here for you, Nandini. Always."

Manik found small ways to make Nandini's life easier. When she struggled to bend down and pick something up, he was there, silently helping her. When she needed something from a high shelf, he retrieved it without her asking.

One afternoon, Nandini was sitting in the living room, reading a book. Manik came in with a small footstool and gently lifted her feet onto it, giving her legs a much-needed rest.

"You don't have to do all this, Manik," she said, her voice wavering with a mix of emotions.

"I want to," he replied simply. "I want to be here for you and our baby."

Nandini looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. It was hard not to be moved by his dedication, but the hurt she felt was still too deep to ignore.

As part of her routine, Nandini went for evening walks in the garden. Manik often joined her, keeping a respectful distance unless she indicated she wanted him closer.

One evening, she was particularly tired and her feet were aching. Manik noticed and offered his arm for support.

"Here, lean on me," he said softly.

Reluctantly, she accepted his help, and they walked together, his presence providing a steadying influence.

The moonlight is filtered through the curtains of the Murty mansion, casting a soft glow over Nandini's room. She sat on her bed, a book in her hands, trying to lose herself in its pages to escape the whirlwind of emotions that had become her constant companions. Her thoughts, however, kept drifting back to the man who had hurt her and the child growing inside her.

Manik, on the other hand, was in turmoil. He had been drinking heavily, trying to drown his sorrows and the pain of the distance between him and Nandini. The alcohol made him more vulnerable, more desperate. He stumbled through the mansion, his heart aching with the need to see her, to feel close to her again.

He pushed open the door to her room, his vision blurry and his steps unsteady. Nandini looked up, startled, as he entered. Her eyes widened in surprise and concern as she saw the state he was in.

"Manik, what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice a mix of worry and confusion.

Manik didn't respond immediately. He walked over to her and sank to the floor beside the bed, resting his head on her lap. The book slipped from her hands as she instinctively began to caress his hair. The simple, tender gesture felt like a lifeline to him, a moment of solace in his stormy world.

"Nandini," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "I can't take it anymore. I need you back. I love you so much. I'm so sorry for everything."

Nandini remained silent, her hand gently stroking his hair. She listened as he poured out his heart, his words slurred and his eyes filled with tears.