Threads of Friendship, Bonds of Marriage

Chapter : 17

Hello lovely readers,

The next chapter is here for you! Again, thank you for your votes, and comments, and for sharing these stories with your loved ones. You all are the backbone of this story. Enjoy the new chapter!

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

{Outside of Operation theater}

Manik: Nandini.

[She stops and turns to him. Manik approaches, wanting to speak but hesitating.]

Nandini: What is it, Manik?

Manik: Please, don't get angry, but I need to do this for myself.

[Nandini looks at him, puzzled. Manik comes close, gently holding her face in his hands. She feels a flutter in her stomach, anticipating his touch. Closing her eyes, she feels his warm breath on her face. He kisses her forehead softly, lingering there, both finding comfort in the gesture. This time, Nandini doesn't pull away. Manik pulls back slightly, still holding her face. Slowly, she opens her eyes, meeting his gaze directly.]

Manik: I really needed that. I hope you don't mind.

Nandini: No. I understand now.

[Manik releases her and gestures for her to go, blinking back his emotions. Nandini gives him an assuring smile and enters the OT. The doors swing shut behind her, and the sound of her footsteps fades away. Seeing Nandini's smiling face, Manik can't help but smile too.]

[Inside the OT, the sterile environment is filled with the hum of medical equipment. Nandini's team is already assembled, their faces masked and ready. She takes a deep breath, putting on her surgical gloves, and steps forward, her mind focused on one thing: saving Cabir's life.]

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

{After 2 Hours}

[The Fab 4 and Abhi are anxiously waiting outside the OT. The sterile smell of the hospital and the incessant beeping of monitors fill the air. The white walls and bright fluorescent lights create a stark, clinical environment that feels both suffocating and isolating. Alya and Mukti cling to Dhruv and Abhi, their eyes red and swollen from crying. The red light above the OT door glows ominously, heightening their anxiety. The tension in the air is palpable, and the occasional sound of footsteps or distant voices only serves to amplify their distress. Abhi tries calling Manik again, but it goes to voicemail.]

Dhruv: (voice shaking) Any news?

Abhi: (sighing) Nope. He's not picking up. I just hope he doesn't do something stupid.

[Mukti breaks the hug from Dhruv, her eyes flashing with concern and frustration. She looks at the boys, her expression a mix of worry and anger.]

Mukti: Why? Why would Manik do something?

Dhruv: (trying to calm her) Mukti, that's not what Abhi meant. But we all know Manik can do something reckless when he's angry.

Abhi: (nodding) True. And as a lawyer, I don't want to end up defending him.

[Abhi tries to lighten the mood, but it backfires. Mukti glares at him, her frustration evident.]

Mukti: We all know, even if Manik did something wrong, he'd never hurt anyone beyond a point.

Abhi: (softening) Babe, I know that. And if it ever came to that, I'd know how to cover it up.

Dhruv: (sighing) Abhi, you really think that's okay to say?