The Malhotra family sat together for dinner, the soft clinking of cutlery and the gentle hum of conversation filling the air. Raj and Neyonika were discussing the day’s events with Mukti and Alya, who chimed in with their thoughts, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
Manik, however, was only half-listening, his thoughts drifting to Nandini. He hadn’t heard from her since their last conversation, and a small part of him was worried, though he tried to shake it off.
Just as he was about to take a bite of his food, his phone buzzed on the table. The name on the screen made his heart skip a beat: MOONSHINE.
Nandini.
He quickly picked up the phone and answered, “Hello?”
Silence.
He frowned, checking the screen to make sure the call hadn’t dropped. But it was still connected.
“Hello?” he repeated, his voice laced with concern.
Across the table, Raj, Neyonika, Mukti, and Alya noticed his sudden shift in demeanor.
Mukti raised an eyebrow, nudging Alya, who whispered, “Who is it?”
Manik glanced at them, trying to keep his voice calm. “It’s work,” he lied, standing up from the table. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
He hurriedly left the dining room, heading straight for his bedroom where he could have some privacy. Once inside, he closed the door behind him and brought the phone back to his ear.
“Nandini, are you there?” he asked, his voice more urgent now.
On the other end, there was still silence, but then he heard it—a small, choked sob. Manik’s heart dropped. “Nandini? What happened? Why are you crying? Did someone say something? Are you hurt? Please, say something!”
Her silence was killing him. He felt a wave of panic wash over him, feeling helpless miles away from her.
His voice softened, turning into a gentle plea. “Moonshine, what happened, baby?”
At that, Nandini’s sobs turned into full-blown crying. She was crying hysterically, and Manik could feel his heart breaking with every sound.
“Manik, I can’t breathe,” she managed to get out between sobs. “It’s too much. I need you. Please, take me away. Please.”
Manik’s worry turned into full-blown panic. He tried to calm himself, knowing he needed to be strong for her. “I’m here, Nandini. Just breathe with me, okay? Inhale… exhale… that’s it, keep breathing with me. Now, tell me what happened.”
It took a few moments, but Nandini’s sobs slowly subsided enough for her to speak. “Manik… Mumma… Mumma called a family… they’re coming tomorrow…”
Manik’s mind raced. “Okay, so what does that have to do with us?”
Nandini’s voice trembled. “They’re coming to see me.”
Manik said still not getting the meaning behind her words. “Are you a museum Nandini that they are coming to see you.”
Nandini said closing her eyes in pain. “For marriage.”
Manik’s world seemed to tilt, his feet rooted to the floor as he tried to process her words. “You’re joking, right?”
“I’m not joking, Manik,” Nandini replied, her voice filled with despair. “They’re coming tomorrow. Please, take me away from here. Mumma will never accept our relationship. Let’s just run away. Please, Manik, please.”
YOU ARE READING
TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP
General FictionHe is sturborn. She is calm. He is rude and arrogant. She is humble and loving. He can be described in one word as MONSTER. She can be described in one word as ANGEL. Both are poles apart yet together. Secret and long distance relationship. He says...
