Crossroads of love: Enstranged or Adultery?

Nightmares and Reality

Nandini found herself at a lavish party, a stark contrast to her usual quiet existence. The soft music, the elegant people, the laughter—all of it felt foreign and overwhelming. She glanced around, her heart pounding in her chest. The sight of Prena, dressed to the nines, sent a shiver down her spine. Prena's gaze, cold and calculating, seemed to pierce through her.

Prena: Nandini. (Prena's voice was a dagger.) You're nothing but a homewrecker, a gold digger. You broke my family.

The words hung in the air, heavy and accusatory. Nandini's breath caught in her throat. She tried to protest, but her voice was lost in the din of the party. Prena's accusations grew louder, more venomous, until they were the only thing she could hear.

Nandini: I'm not a homewrecker! (Nandini shouted, tears welling up in her eyes. But her words were drowned out by the jeers and whispers of the crowd. The room began to spin, the faces around her blurring into a mass of judgment and scorn. She felt herself spiraling into darkness, the weight of Prena's words crushing her spirit.)

With a gasp, Nandini jolted awake, her heart pounding in her chest. The nightmare lingered, its terror refusing to fade. She could still hear Prena's voice echoing in her mind. 

Nandini: I'm not a homewrecker. (she whispered, her voice trembling as she sat up, drenched in sweat. Panic seized her, the room felt too small, the air too thick.)

Struggling to control her spiraling anxiety, Nandini forced herself to take deep breaths. Inhale, exhale, she repeated in her head. But it wasn't enough. She needed to move, to escape the suffocating confines of her room. She slipped out of bed and made her way to the terrace, hoping the cool night air would soothe her frayed nerves.

On the terrace, under the blanket of stars, Nandini began to dance. The familiar movements brought a sense of calm, the rhythm helping her regain control. Slowly, the panic subsided, her breaths evening out as she lost herself in the dance.

Once the panic had fully ebbed away, Nandini stopped dancing and leaned against the railing, staring into the night. Her mind wandered back to the dream, to Prena's harsh words. The fear and doubt still gnawed at her, refusing to let her rest. She needed to talk to someone, to find reassurance. Without thinking, she reached for her phone and dialed Manik's number.

The phone rang once, twice, but she quickly disconnected the call. It was midnight—what was she thinking? She didn't want to disturb him at this hour.

Instead, she scrolled through her contacts and hesitated for a moment before dialing another number. The call was answered almost immediately.

Abhimanyu: Nandini? What's wrong? (Abhimanyu's voice was calm, comforting, just what she needed.)

Nandini: I... I had a nightmare. (She began, her voice trembling.) It was about Prena... She said I was a homewrecker, that I broke a family... I can't shake it off. It felt so real.

Abhimanyu listened patiently as she recounted the details of her nightmare, his silence encouraging her to continue. When she was done, he spoke gently.

Abhi: Nandini, dreams are often a reflection of our fears. But you know you're not what she called you. You should talk to Prena and Manik about this, clear the air.

Nandini: But how can I? (Nandini asked, doubt creeping into her voice.) What if it makes things worse?

Abhi: It won't. (Abhimanyu reassured her.) It's important for all three of you to address this but start with Manik. Be honest with him about how you're feeling. I'm sure he'll understand."

Nandini sighed, still unsure but comforted by his words. 

Nandini: I guess you're right... I'll talk to him first.