MISRE-AD | 𝔞𝔟𝔥𝔦𝔪𝔞𝔞𝔫

15- The changing relations

''Manu'' Manisha called out her husband by his nick name who seemingly looked busy in his files.

''Manoj! listen to me!'' Manisha this time touched his shoulders.

''Meenu--please I am working now.''  Manoj dismissed her and put on his glasses and began reading the case file.

It had been three years since Manoj had left the Poddar mansion. He had worked hard and had achieved success in his profession.

A senior advocate that too in Delhi district court with respect and good name. Manoj was often sidelined and was often given smaller jobs because of his so called 'incapability of handling larger cases'. He had proved his mother wrong.

After Armaan had left, he too had decided to leave the house. Manisha was the one to stop him but he was resolute.

Manisha after much thinking had agreed to accompany him.

And the Poddar house--once lively had become dead.

''Manoj you are not talking to me anymore! You have changed!'' Manisha complained like a child.

Manoj couldn't help but let out a deep sigh as he closed the file in front of him. The words that Manisha had uttered resonated in his ears, stirring emotions he had suppressed for years.

"Manisha, please understand. I have a lot on my plate right now," Manoj said softly, trying to maintain his composure. He gazed into her eyes, noticing the hurt and confusion reflected in them.

Manisha took a step back, her eyes welling up with tears. She remembered the days when Manoj used to have time for her, their late-night conversations, and how they would laugh until the early hours of the morning. But now, it seemed like he was slipping away, drowning in the sea of his responsibilities.

"It's like I don't even know you anymore, Manoj. What happened to us?" Manisha's voice quivered with emotion, her heart aching for the connection they once shared.

Manoj reached out and cupped her face gently, wiping away the tears that streamed down her cheeks. "I know it feels like we're drifting apart, Meenu. But I promise you, I'm still here. I'm just trying to make a name for myself, to prove my worth," he said, his voice raw with vulnerability.

As he spoke, memories flooded back to Manoj – of the struggles he faced, the challenges he overcame, and the sacrifices he made to reach where he was today. But in the pursuit of success, he had unknowingly distanced himself from the one person who meant the world to him.

Manisha looked into his eyes, seeing the turmoil within him. She realized that underneath the facade of confidence and ambition, lay a man who was fighting his own battles, carrying his own burdens.

With a newfound understanding, Manisha pulled Manoj into a tight embrace, enfolding him in her warmth and love. "I'm here for you, Manoj. Through thick and thin, highs and lows. We're in this together," she whispered, her words a balm to his weary soul. 

Manoj kissed her forehead and rubbed her back affectionately.

''I know Meenu--I have drifted apart from you but I don't want to suffer and neither want you and our kids to suffer like the past. I understand the distance but I promise you--I will spend time with you and kids. I will keep my professional life and personal life separate.