Manik stood at the top of the staircase, his heart pounding as he prepared to go to Nandini’s house. The morning light streamed through the large windows, casting long shadows across the floor. He was determined, his resolve hardening with every step he took.
The previous days had left him restless and desperate to see her, hold her, reassure her that everything would be alright. He knew her mother’s anger wouldn’t make things easy, but he didn’t care—he had to see Nandini.
As he descended the stairs, he saw everyone gathered in the living room. They were waiting for him, their expressions tense and worried. Raj and Neyonika were there too, their faces etched with concern.
Manik noticed the hesitant looks exchanged between his friends, and his brows furrowed. “What’s going on?” he asked, his voice edged with impatience.
Cabir stepped forward, trying to find the right words. “Manik, we’ve been talking, and... well, we think it might be better if we go to Nandini’s house first. Alone.”
Manik’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger sparking in his chest. “What do you mean? I’m going too.”
Dhruv, always the calm and measured one, spoke up. “We know, Manik. But we’re worried about how Nandini’s mother might react if she sees you. She’s still really angry, and she might not let you see Nandini at all.”
Mukti nodded in agreement. “We just want to go there first, talk to her, and maybe try to calm her down. Then you can come over once things have settled a bit.”
Manik’s frustration bubbled to the surface, his voice rising. “No one can stop me from meeting Nandini. I don’t care how angry her mother is—I need to see her!”
Raj stepped forward, placing a calming hand on Manik’s shoulder. “Manik, listen to them. They’re just trying to help. We all want what’s best for you and Nandini.”
Manik shrugged off his father’s hand, his emotions swirling in a mix of anger and desperation. “What’s best for me is to see Nandini! I can’t just sit here and do nothing while she’s hurting.”
Neyonika approached him, her eyes filled with concern and motherly love. “We understand how you feel, Manik. But you have to think about what’s best for Nandini too. If her mother is still upset, it might make things worse if you go there right now.”
Manik’s jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. He felt like a caged animal, trapped by circumstances beyond his control. He wanted to scream, to tear through the obstacles in his way, but he knew his parents and friends were only trying to protect him. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm raging inside him.
“Fine,” he finally said, his voice low and strained. “You guys go ahead. But if I don’t hear from you soon, I’m coming over. I don’t care what her mother says—I’m not waiting.”
Cabir nodded, relieved that Manik was at least willing to consider their plan. “We’ll go now and keep you updated. Just... try to stay calm, okay?”
Manik didn’t respond, his eyes dark and brooding as he watched his friends gather their things and prepare to leave. They could see the tension in his posture, the barely restrained anger simmering just beneath the surface.
Mukti gave Manik a quick hug before heading out the door. “We’ll take care of it, Manik. Trust us.”
Alya followed, giving him a reassuring smile. “We’ll bring her back to you. I promise.”
Abhimanyu was the last to leave, giving Manik a firm nod. “Hang in there, buddy. We’ve got this.”
As the door closed behind them, the silence in the room was deafening. Manik stood there, feeling a sense of emptiness settle over him. He knew they were right, but it didn’t make it any easier to accept.
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...
