Threads of Friendship, Bonds of Marriage

Chapter: 15

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{ASHA MULTISPECIALITY HOSPITAL}

Navya: Are you still worried about what happened at the airport?

Nandini: No, Navu. I've long forgotten about that. Manik isn't a bad person; it was just a terrible situation that ruined everything. And you know this better than anyone.

Navya: That's true. I am their biggest fan. That's why I was more shocked than you. I knew Manik was rude, arrogant, and all that, but he has a good heart. And speaking of that, I have something to tell you.

Nandini (raising an eyebrow): What? I hope it's good news.

Navya: Yes, remember those sudden first-class tickets we got after that awful encounter?

Nandini: Yes... What about them?

[As Nandini remembered the airport incident, Navya dropped a bombshell that left Nandini utterly stunned.]

Navya: Manik arranged those flight tickets, and he made sure we landed safely at Mumbai airport throughout our journey.

[Nandini was dumbfounded. In her wildest dreams, she never imagined that the same person who had caused her so much distress at the airport had secretly ensured their safety without any hint of recognition.]

Nandini: How do you know this? And how can you be so sure?

Navya: Nandu, you know I'm a huge fan of his. I run fan pages and YouTube channels dedicated to him. I know there's more to him than meets the eye.

Nandini: I already had a feeling.

Navya: Exactly. So, when Nani and Mom mentioned him and Nani suggested you marry Manik, and Bhai is in favor too, I was confused.

Nandini: I was confused too because he never gets this close to anyone without knowing them well.

Navya: Out of curiosity, I did a little digging at the office and found an email about tickets in our names. Manik had paid for them. I had to tell you. Remember how Dhruv also said at the airport that Manik is a selfless person?

[Nandini recalled Dhruv's words at the airport, where he had described how Manik's protective nature could sometimes come off as monstrous, but underneath, he was genuinely kind-hearted.]

Nandini: Yes, I saw that care and truthfulness at the party.

Navya: So, that's my point. Our start was rocky, leading to misunderstandings. But after the trip, we've grown closer. We've started to understand each other. In fact, Manik behaves normally around you.

Nandini: I agree with that. Manik is genuinely good-hearted, he doesn't have any selfishness in his heart. He cares for everyone. In Lonavala, I saw how respectfully he treated the uncle and aunty. They were just caretakers of the house, but he treated them like family. And he ensures everyone treats them the same. He shows the world his strong, arrogant side to protect himself from getting hurt. And after so long, I've found someone who trusts me, who doesn't judge me. Every moment spent with him on the trip is unforgettable. The way he stood up for me in front of Sonia, took me to his secret spot, which he hadn't shared with anyone, not even his Fab 4.