Monster's Queen 👑

Chapter 24

Nandini got ready in a simple suit, her movements quick and efficient. After sending the leave mail from her phone, she made her way downstairs, where she found Ritu busy making breakfast. They exchanged warm greetings of "Good morning" with easy smiles, the comfortable familiarity of the household routine setting in.

As Nandini settled at the dining table, Riddhi, Siddhi, and Nitya joined her, each one noticing her casual attire. Nitya, always quick to tease, couldn't resist a playful jab. "Tum ready nahi huyi?" she asked with a mischievous grin. "All-time punctual Nandu ko der kaise huyi?"

Nandini blushed slightly, but her smile didn't waver. She had already messaged Nitya earlier, explaining her plan to spend the day with Abhimaan. Nitya was the only one who knew about their secret relationship, so the teasing was in good fun. Nandini simply shrugged, her eyes twinkling with the shared secret, knowing that Nitya would cover for her without missing a beat.

Nandini smile nervously and said"Just a little headache, probably from all the work this week. And honestly, there's not much for me to do today. The students are all busy preparing for the freshers' event, and with Saturday and Monday off, it's practically a long weekend."

Riddhi, concerned, placed a hand on Nandini's forehead as if checking. "Thank goodness, no fever," she said with relief. "But you should really rest today. Do you want me to stay with you? I can cancel my plans."

Nandini shook her head with a soft smile, touched by Riddhi's offer. "I'll be fine, really. You should go and have fun. I'll just take it easy today, maybe catch up on some sleep and relax."

Riddhi looked at her hesitantly but then nodded. "Okay, but promise me you'll rest. Call me if you need anything."

"I promise," Nandini replied, feeling a surge of affection for Riddhi's protective nature and also guilty for lying too .

Nandini caught Nitya's teasing smile and knew immediately what her best friend was hinting at. Narrowing her eyes in mock warning, she tried to give Nitya a stern look, but it only made her look even more adorable. Nitya, grinning mischievously, added, "Do rest well, Nandu," her tone light but laced with knowing amusement.

Nandini rolled her eyes, trying to maintain her serious expression, but the corners of her lips betrayed her as they curled into a reluctant smile. Despite the playful banter, the warmth between them was undeniable, and Nandini couldn't help but feel grateful for having such caring bestfriend.

The girls sat together for breakfast, the usual chatter and laughter filling the air. Nandini, however, politely declined to eat with them, explaining she wasn't hungry just yet and would have something later. The others didn't press her, though Riddhi and Siddhi both gave her concerned looks, reminding her to take care of herself.

Before leaving for college, each of them insisted she rest properly, and Nandini assured them she would. She waved them off with a smile, feeling a sense of peace and comfort as they headed out, the house growing quieter as the door closed behind them.

Nandini turned to Ritu with a gentle smile. "Ritu aunty, aap bhi nasta karlo, and then you can take a break. I'll be here with Snowy, and I'll handle lunch myself."

Ritu looked at her with a mixture of affection and gratitude. "Ji beta," she replied warmly, appreciating Nandini's thoughtfulness. After finishing her breakfast, Ritu tidied up quickly, following Nandini's instructions, and then took her leave, feeling reassured that Nandini had everything under control.

Now, with the house to herself, she could finally relax and look forward to spending the day with Abhimaan. With the house now quite, Nandini felt a calmness settle over her. She had the whole day ahead to spend with Abhimaan, and she was determined to make it special.