Threads of Friendship, Bonds of Marriage

Chapter : 16

First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to all my readers, both new and old. Your votes and comments have truly made me happy, and I'm incredibly grateful for your unwavering support. You have been the backbone of this journey, and I cannot thank you enough.

I am confident that you will continue to inspire me with your valuable votes and comments. Your encouragement keeps me going, and I hope you will keep sharing this story with others. Thank you once again for being a crucial part of this journey!

****************

{Entrance of Asha Hospital}

[It was late, around 11 PM, and after a long, exhausting day, Nandini decided to take a walk in the hospital garden. The cool night breeze felt refreshing against her skin, and she looked up at the stars, finding solace in their distant glow. Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a notification. She pulled it out from the pocket of her white apron and glanced at the screen.]

Navya: Did you talk with Manik?

[Nandini bit her lip, realizing she had completely forgotten her promise to Navya. Quickly, she typed back.]

Nandini: Just finished my duty. I'm texting him now.

Navya: I knew it. That's why I messaged you. Now, talk to him and then fill me in.

Nandini: Done.

[Nandini opened Manik's WhatsApp chat, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She hesitated for a few minutes, unsure of what to say. Her heart raced at the thought that he might not like her message or that he might already be asleep. But she had made a promise to Navya. Taking a deep breath, she began to type.]

Nandini: Hey Manik! It's Nandini. I need to talk to you. If you have time, can I call you?

[She read her message several times, then finally sighed and hit send. She quickly informed Navya that she had sent a message to Manik and now just had to wait for his reply.]

*************

{Malhotra Mansion}

[Meanwhile, Manik stepped out of his room after a shower, looking for Cabir. He found Mukti standing in the common balcony, looking visibly upset. Concerned, he hurried over to her.]

Manik: Mukti, what's wrong?

Mukti: Cabir...

[Hearing Cabir's name, Manik felt a jolt of panic.]

Manik: What happened to him? Is he okay?

Mukti: I don't know. I saw him storm out in anger. I tried calling him, but he didn't pick up, and now his phone is unreachable.

Manik: God! This Cabir!

Mukti: Did you two fight?

[Manik didn't respond, guilt washing over him. Mukti realized something was wrong.]

Mukti: Tell me, Manik, what happened between you two?

Manik: Mukti, this is not the time for that. Let me find out where Cabir is first.

Mukti: Okay, but please keep me informed.

Manik: I will.

[Manik rushed out of the mansion, dialing Cabir's number repeatedly. He also called a few Cabir's old friends, but no one had seen him. Frustrated, he sat in his car, when a notification popped up from an unknown number.]