TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP

Chapter-40: Panic Attack

As the evening unfolded, Nandini moved through the crowd, greeting guests and exchanging pleasantries, her mind occupied with the upcoming revelation. Suddenly, she spotted Navya, Vishakha, Bela, and Mahir engaged in conversation with a couple she didn't immediately recognize. Curious, she made her way over, her heart skipping a beat when she noticed a young man standing with them.

As she approached, the couple turned to greet her with warm smiles. "Happy birthday, Nandini," the woman said, her tone gentle and kind.

"Thank you," Nandini replied, forcing a smile as she tried to place their faces. The young man next to them, with a shy smile, stepped forward and wished her as well. "Happy birthday, Nandini," he said, his voice soft.

"Thanks," she replied, her smile feeling even more strained as she realized who they were. This was Mr. and Mrs. Maheshwari, and their son Ronit-the very man her mother had chosen for her to marry. Nandini's heart sank. Why were they here?

She exchanged a few more polite words with them, her mind racing as she tried to maintain composure. Finally, she turned to Vishakha.

"Mumma, can I talk to you for a moment?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with tension.

Vishakha nodded, excusing herself from the conversation and following Nandini to a quiet corner of the garden. The air was cooler here, and the noise of the party seemed to fade into the background.

Nandini took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Mumma, why did you invite them?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, though the urgency was clear.

Vishakha looked at her with a mix of surprise and confusion. "Nandini, they're family friends. And now we're going to be family, so it's only natural they'd be here."

Nandini felt a pang of frustration. "Mumma, I didn't say yes to anything yet," she said, trying to keep her voice calm but unable to hide the strain.

Vishakha's expression softened slightly, but there was a firmness in her tone as she replied, "Nandini, do you have any issues with the boy? Or his family?"

Nandini shook her head, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "No, Mumma, it's not that. Ronit seems like a nice guy, and there's nothing wrong with his family, but-"

Before she could finish, Vishakha interrupted, her tone growing slightly sharper. "Then what is the problem, Nandini? If the boy is nice and there's no issue with his family, why are you hesitating? Do you think I would make a wrong decision for you?"

Nandini felt a rush of emotions-frustration, sadness, and a deep sense of helplessness. She wanted to tell her mother everything, to explain why this arrangement couldn't work, but she couldn't find the words. Not now, not like this.

She sighed, feeling defeated. "Mumma, I just... I just need some time. I'll talk to you about this after the party, okay?"

Vishakha looked at her daughter, her expression softening as she reached out to gently touch Nandini's cheek. "I know you're nervous, beta, but trust me. I would never choose something that isn't right for you. Now, let's not think about this anymore. It's your birthday, and everyone's waiting for you to cut the cake."

Nandini nodded, her heart heavy with unspoken words. She knew she couldn't push this conversation any further right now. "Okay, Mumma," she said quietly, forcing a smile. "Let's go cut the cake."

As they walked back to the center of the party, Nandini's mind was spinning. She knew she had to have this conversation with her mother soon, but for now, she had to put on a brave face and get through the rest of the evening.