Sunday morning was tranquil, with the sun casting a warm glow over the city. Cabir, Alya, Mukti, Dhruv, and Abhimanyu had decided it was high time to check in on Nandini. She had been shutting herself off more than usual, and the group felt that a visit might cheer her up.
Alya, leaning against the kitchen counter, asked, “Are we not going to ask him to come with us?”
Cabir shrugged, though his eyes betrayed the worry he felt for his friend. “I asked him already, but he said he’s too busy with work. You know how he’s been lately—just burying himself in work to avoid everything.”
Mukti sighed, fiddling with her phone. “I wish he’d just come. I mean, Nandini and he haven’t spoken since… everything.”
Dhruv nodded in agreement. “Maybe if he saw her, it would help, you know? They both need to talk things out, but they’re so stubborn.”
Abhimanyu, ever the practical one, suggested, “Let’s give him some time. Maybe this isn’t the right moment for him. We can’t force him to face things he’s not ready for.”
After a moment of contemplative silence, they collectively agreed to respect Manik’s decision. They finished their quick breakfast, made sure they had everything they needed and started heading out. Just as they were about to leave, Soha appeared in the doorway, a hesitant smile on her face.
“Hey,” she greeted, her voice a little too bright for the solemn air around them. “Mind if I join you guys?”
The group exchanged surprised glances. Mukti, usually the first to voice any concern, raised an eyebrow. “You want to come with us to see Nandini?”
Soha nodded. “Yes, if that’s okay. I just thought… I’d like to get to know her better.”
Cabir shrugged, offering a half-smile. “Sure, why not? The more, the merrier.”
Alya, sensing a bit of awkwardness, tried to lighten the mood. “Alright, let’s head out then. Nandini’s going to be so surprised to see all of us.”
They piled into two cars and drove over to Nandini’s house. The ride was filled with light chatter, but there was an underlying tension, especially with Soha in tow.
Upon arriving at Nandini’s house, they were greeted at the entrance by Navya, who immediately wrapped each of them in warm hugs. She gave Soha a small, polite smile, acknowledging her presence but not fully understanding her intentions. As they stepped inside, they were met by Vishakha, Bela, and Mahir, who had been sitting in the living room, enjoying their Sunday morning tea.
“Hello, everyone,” Vishakha greeted with a polite but distant smile. She seemed preoccupied, her eyes flitting to Soha with a mix of curiosity and something unspoken.
Soha, standing near the back of the group, looked at Vishakha with eyes filled with a strange longing, a yearning that Vishakha felt too but didn’t want to acknowledge. She quickly turned her gaze away, her heart sinking with the thought that perhaps Vikrant had moved on and was building connections she could no longer be a part of.
“Good to see you all,” Bela said warmly, breaking the silence as she motioned them inside. “Nandini’s upstairs. Navya can take you.”
They followed Navya up to Nandini’s room. As they approached, the sound of rapid typing reached their ears. Navya knocked lightly on the door before pushing it open, revealing Nandini, hunched over her laptop, deeply engrossed in her work. She looked up, surprised at the sight of her friends filling the doorway.
“Nandini!” Mukti exclaimed, rushing over to give her a tight hug. “We’ve missed you so much!”
Nandini smiled, though it was faint, her eyes reflecting a blend of warmth and the weariness that had settled into her routine. “I’ve missed you guys too.”
YOU ARE READING
TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP
General FictionHe is sturborn. She is calm. He is rude and arrogant. She is humble and loving. He can be described in one word as MONSTER. She can be described in one word as ANGEL. Both are poles apart yet together. Secret and long distance relationship. He says...
