Threads of Friendship, Bonds of Marriage

Chapter: 27

{Asha Multispeciality Hospital}

[His voice is icy, tinged with self-reproach. He yanks his phone from his pocket, dialing furiously. On the fourth attempt, someone finally answers.]

Manik: Dad, why wasn't I informed about Buadadi?

[His father's voice is calm but concerned, trying to diffuse the situation.]

Raj: Manik, I only found out recently.

[Manik's temper flares, frustration bubbling over.]

Manik: I'm sure Daddu knew about her arrival ahead of time.

Raj: That's irrelevant now, Manik. What's going on? Why are you so angry?

[Manik's control snaps, his voice rising with each word.]

Manik: Because she took Harshad away! He was supposed to be under our watch!

[Raj's silence speaks volumes. When he finally speaks, his voice is laden with disbelief.]

Raj: But how? He was under your supervision.

[Guilt gnaws at Manik. His voice tightens with self-blame.]

Manik: I got distracted. But if I'd known she was coming, I wouldn't have left him alone. We were supposed to take him to court today, Dad.

Raj: I understand, son. But there's nothing we can do about it now.

[Manik's frustration peaks, his voice cracking with emotion.]

Manik: Where is she now?

Raj: She's here at the office. But Manik, don't act out of anger. We need to handle this carefully.

[Manik's eyes darken, a storm brewing behind them. His voice is low, filled with barely restrained rage.]

Manik: Dad, he hurt Cabir. He violated Nandini. And she's still protecting him!

[Raj's voice softens, trying to calm the fire in his son.]

Raj: I know how you feel, but this isn't the time for impulsive decisions. We can't afford to make a mistake.

[Manik's voice drops to a dangerous whisper, his anger simmering just beneath the surface.]

Manik: You always have an excuse. But I've already made Harshad pay for what he did to Cabir. He won't escape justice for what he did to Nandini.

[He disconnects the call without waiting for a response, turning on the guards with a look that could kill them.]

Manik: Get out. Now.

[The guards scatter, their fear palpable as they leave him alone with his rage. The hospital corridor seems to close in on him, the walls suffocating as he fights to keep the darkness at bay.

With a sudden burst of anger, he slams his fist into the wall, the pain barely registering as he lashes out again, this time at a nearby table. The wood splinters under the force of his blow, the sound echoing through the empty hallway.