TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP

Chapter-49: The Concert

Nandini remained lost in her thoughts, the memories of those five agonizing months without Manik playing on a loop in her mind. Every day had felt like an eternity, filled with an emptiness that she couldn't fill, no matter how hard she tried. She had thrown herself into her studies, hoping that the distraction would numb the pain, but nothing worked. The gnawing worry for Manik and the sting of his absence had consumed her completely.

Then, one day, while she was sitting in the college cafeteria, an announcement echoed through the halls:

"Attention, students! There's an opportunity for an internship as an intern doctor in London for two months. Those interested can apply for the entrance exam. Details are on the notice board."

Nandini's heart skipped a beat. London. The word echoed in her mind, bringing with it a rush of emotions. This could be her chance-her chance to find Manik.

For the first time in months, she felt a flicker of hope. The idea of being in the same city as him, even if just for an internship, filled her with a renewed sense of purpose. She knew it was a long shot-London was a massive city, and she had no idea where Manik could be. But the thought of being even a little closer to him was enough to ignite a fire within her.

Determined, Nandini rushed to the notice board, reading through the details of the exam. She knew this was her only chance, and she wasn't going to let it slip through her fingers. She needed to go to London, not just for the internship but to find Manik.

From that moment on, Nandini devoted every waking hour to preparing for the exam. She studied late into the night, her mind sharp and focused. She attended every preparatory class, consulted with her professors, and even formed a study group with a few other students who were also aiming for the internship. But even with all that, her mind kept drifting back to thoughts of Manik-where he could be, what he was doing, whether he was okay.

As the exam day approached, Nandini felt a mixture of anxiety and excitement. She knew she had prepared well, but the stakes were high. This was her one shot at getting to London, and she couldn't afford to fail.

Finally, the day of the exam arrived. Nandini entered the exam hall with her heart pounding in her chest. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of all the work she had put in, and focused on the questions in front of her. The exam was challenging, but Nandini pushed through, determined to succeed. When she walked out of the exam hall, she felt a sense of relief but also a nervous anticipation for the results.

A week later, the results were announced. Nandini's hands trembled as she checked the list of names posted on the notice board. And there it was-her name, right near the top. She had made it.

Nandini's happiness knew no bounds. She felt a surge of joy and relief as if a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She could hardly believe it-she was actually going to London. She immediately called Vishakha, barely able to contain her excitement as she shared the news.

"Mumma, I cleared the exam! I'm going to London for the internship!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with joy.

Vishakha's initial reaction was one of worry. "London? But Nandini, how will you manage all alone? It's a foreign country, and you've never been away from home for so long."

Nandini understood her mother's concern, but she was determined. "Mumma, I'll be fine. This is such a huge opportunity for me. And I won't be alone-there will be other students, and I'll be working in a hospital. I can do this."

Vishakha sighed, still worried but seeing the determination in her daughter's eyes. She knew how much this meant to Nandini. "Alright, but we need to make sure you're well-prepared. You'll need a safe place to stay, and everything has to be arranged properly."