Threads of Friendship, Bonds of Marriage

Chapter : 18

{ICU Room}

[Manik couldn't help but feel uneasy seeing Cabir lying motionless on the bed. The hospital room was dimly lit, the steady beeping of the monitors the only sound breaking the silence. Cabir, who despised hospitals, now lay there, a patient himself. Manik's heart pounded with worry, thinking about how Cabir would react when he woke up. Would he be angry at Manik or forgive him?]

Manik: Cabir, no matter how many times I say sorry, it won't be enough. I've always protected you, but I don't know how I ended up hurting you yesterday. Honestly, Cabir, you don't look good like this. You have to wake up for us. Fab 5 needs you, buddy.

Nandini: Don't worry. He'll wake up soon.

[Manik turns to look at Nandini, who walks over to check Cabir's report. The sterile smell of the hospital mixed with the faint aroma of Nandini's perfume.]

Manik: Where were you?

Nandini: Well, as I said, I came to join after my shift, but you were sleeping, so I thought it wasn't right to disturb you.

Manik: You should have woken me up.

Nandini: Manik, I know you like taking care of everyone, but for that, you need to stay healthy too.

Manik: Then why don't you apply that to yourself?

[Nandini couldn't argue further. Manik remembered the previous night's talk and felt a pang of guilt again. He glanced at Cabir, his friend's still form weighing heavily on his mind.]

Manik: Nandini, can I talk to you?

Nandini: Yeah, sure. Go ahead.

[Manik gestures for her to come closer. Nandini walks over and stands in front of him while he remains seated beside Cabir, the cold metal of the chair contrasting with the warmth he felt from her presence.]

Nandini: I can see that guilty look on your face again.

Manik: (with a slight smile) How do you know me so well?

Nandini: You know me very well too.

[Once again, a wave of guilt hits Manik's heart, but this time, he maintains his composure so Nandini doesn't notice. The dim lights cast shadows on their faces, adding to the tension in the room.]

Manik: Last night was very long.

Nandini: Agreed. But they say all's well that ends well. You know Manik, I froze when I saw Cabir in that state, but I'm happy we managed to stabilize him.

Manik: And I will always be grateful to you for that. You saved me from a lifetime of guilt.

Nandini: Manik, don't give yourself too much credit. What I did was my duty, and Cabir is my friend too.

Manik: (surprised) When did that happen? You and Cabir?

Nandini: Don't be surprised. We talked during the trip. He asked for friendship, and who wouldn't want a cheerful friend like him?

Manik: Impressive. So, he was doing all this behind my back.

Nandini: (frowning) Did he do something wrong?

Manik: Nope. In fact, I'm happy you're mingling with my friends.

Nandini: Don't get any wrong ideas. I did it for Navya. She has a huge crush on him.

Manik: Impressive. So, he was doing all this behind my back.

Nandini: (frowning) Did he do something wrong?