TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP

Chapter-54: Shadows of the Past

The next day, Nandini woke up with a renewed sense of determination. She knew she couldn't stay cooped up in her room anymore; it was time to face everything head-on. After taking a deep breath, she got out of bed and went through her morning routine, brushing away the lingering thoughts of the previous day. As she dressed, she chose an outfit that made her feel strong and ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

With a final look in the mirror, Nandini straightened her shoulders and left her room. After so many days of isolation, the corridor felt unfamiliar, but she walked through it with purpose. As she approached the dining room, she could hear the faint clatter of dishes and low murmurs of conversation. She stepped into the room and saw Vishakha, Mahir, Bela, and Navya seated at the dining table.

The room fell silent as they all turned to look at her. There was a brief moment of hesitation, but Nandini greeted them with a calm smile. "Good morning," she said, her voice steady.

"Good morning, princess," Mahir replied, his tone gentle, as if testing the waters. Bela and Navya exchanged relieved glances, while Vishakha remained quiet, her eyes observing Nandini closely.

Nandini took her seat at the table, and breakfast continued, albeit a bit more subdued than usual. The clinking of cutlery and the occasional comment about the food filled the silence. Despite the tension in the air, Nandini felt a sense of normalcy returning, and it gave her strength.

After a few minutes, Nandini cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention. "I’ve been away from the hospital for too long," she began, her tone matter-of-fact. "I have to get back to work today. I've already taken too many leaves."

Vishakha looked at her daughter, concern evident in her eyes. Before she could say anything, Nandini continued her voice firm but without malice. "I also need my phone back, Mumma."

Vishakha hesitated, her hand unconsciously reaching for her pocket where she kept Nandini's phone. "Nandini, I…"

Nandini held up a hand, stopping her. "Don’t worry, I won’t meet Manik for the time being. But that doesn't mean I've changed my decision. I just need to get back to my life."

There was a moment of silence as Vishakha processed Nandini’s words. Finally, with a resigned nod, she took out Nandini’s phone and handed it to her. "Take care of yourself," Vishakha said softly, her voice laced with unspoken emotion.

Nandini accepted the phone and gave her mother a small, reassuring smile. "I will, Mumma."

With that, she stood up from the table, her resolve strengthening with each step. "I’ll see you all later," she said, and without waiting for a response, she left the dining room, making her way to the hospital.

As the door closed behind her, the others sat in silence, processing the encounter. Bela sighed softly, looking at Vishakha. "She's strong, Vishakha. She’ll be okay."

Vishakha nodded slowly, her eyes still on the door where Nandini had just left. "I know," she whispered, more to herself than to anyone else.

Nandini stepped outside, feeling the warm sunlight on her face. She took a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill her lungs. The world felt different now like she was seeing it with new eyes. The weight on her shoulders was still there, but it felt more bearable. She wasn’t running away anymore—she was facing it all.

Arriving at the hospital, Nandini greeted her colleagues and settled into her routine. The familiar environment provided a sense of comfort, and soon, she was immersed in her work. But deep down, she knew this was only the beginning. There was still much to face, but for now, she was ready to take it one step at a time.