TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP

Chapter-30: Vishakha's Resolve

The night was calm, the air filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers as Vishakha, Bela, and Mahir sat on the lawn. Mahir was in high spirits, cracking jokes and making light conversation, but Vishakha’s furrowed brow and distant gaze did not go unnoticed by Bela.

Bela leaned closer to Mahir and whispered, "What do you think is bothering her?"

Mahir shrugged, still smiling. "Maybe she’s just tired. Let’s ask her."

Clearing his throat, Mahir turned to Vishakha. "Hey, Vishakha, you look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders. What’s going on?"

Vishakha snapped out of her thoughts, her eyes focusing on them. She took a deep breath before speaking. "I’ve been thinking about Nandini."

Bela’s concern deepened. "Is she alright? Did something happen?"

Vishakha shook her head. "She’s fine. It’s just… I’ve been thinking about her future, her marriage. She’s getting older, and I don’t want her to face what I did. I want her to settle down, to have a secure life."

Bela and Mahir exchanged startled glances. Bela was the first to respond. "Marriage? But why so suddenly? Has something happened?"

Vishakha sighed, her voice tinged with worry. "I don’t want her to wait too long. I want to see her happy and settled. And I’ve found someone I think might be a good match for her."

Mahir raised an eyebrow. "Have you talked to Nandini about this? What if she already has someone in mind?"

A flicker of anger crossed Vishakha’s face. "No, she doesn’t. My daughter can never break her promise to me. She will marry the person I choose for her."

Bela’s expression turned serious. "Vishakha, you should at least talk to her. She might have her own feelings about this."

Vishakha’s eyes hardened. "I know what’s best for my daughter. She will marry the man I’ve chosen. I’ve already arranged for us to meet him next Wednesday."

Mahir’s eyes widened in surprise. "Next Wednesday? That’s only four days away! Don’t you think we should give Nandini some time to process this?"

Vishakha’s determination was unwavering. "I will inform her, but not yet. I want to make sure everything is in place first."

Bela and Mahir knew there was no arguing with Vishakha when she was this resolute. They exchanged a resigned look and nodded in agreement.

Bela reached out and placed a comforting hand on Vishakha’s arm. "Alright, we’ll support you in this. But please, talk to Nandini soon. She deserves to know what’s happening."

Vishakha’s expression softened slightly. "I will. Thank you both for understanding."

Mahir leaned back in his chair, his jovial mood now subdued. "I just hope Nandini is okay with all this. She’s a strong girl, but this is a big decision."

Vishakha nodded, her eyes reflecting the weight of her responsibility. "I know. And I trust that she will understand and accept my decision."

The conversation drifted back to lighter topics, but the tension lingered in the air. Vishakha’s mind was still preoccupied with the upcoming meeting, while Bela and Mahir couldn’t shake their concern for Nandini.

Meanwhile, in her hospital cabin, Nandini was oblivious to the plans being made for her future. She was lost in her thoughts, excited about Manik’s impending visit to India, and anxious about how Navya would react to her relationship with Manik.

The night grew deeper, and the plans set in motion by Vishakha, Bela, and Mahir would soon intertwine with the lives of Manik and Nandini in ways they couldn’t yet foresee. The days ahead promised excitement, challenges, and revelations that would test their bonds and bring them closer together.