TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP

Chapter-65: Silent Tensions

As Nandini exited Manik’s room, a faint smile lingered on her lips. She felt lighter, reassured by their conversation, and determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Her thoughts were still on Manik when she made her way toward the living room, her pace steady yet thoughtful. But as she rounded the corner, she collided with Soha, who seemed to appear out of nowhere. The sudden impact jolted them both, and Nandini quickly stepped back, her immediate reaction to apologize.

“I’m so sorry, Soha! I didn’t see you there,” Nandini said hurriedly, her expression contrite.

Soha, initially startled, took a moment to regain her composure. She looked at Nandini, her gaze a little too intense, as if she were scrutinizing every detail of Nandini’s face and demeanor. “It’s okay,” Soha replied, her tone even but laced with an undercurrent of something Nandini couldn’t quite place.

“So… how’s Manik?” Soha asked, her voice casual but with a hint of something more. Nandini couldn’t tell if it was genuine concern or just polite curiosity.

Nandini offered a polite smile, nodding slightly. “He’s fine now. Just needs some rest and he’ll be back to his usual self soon.”

There was a brief silence as Soha stared at Nandini, her eyes narrowing slightly. She seemed to hesitate, then spoke in a tone that made Nandini’s brow furrow. “You’re lucky, you know. To have all the things… I wanted,” Soha said, her voice tinged with a strange mix of bitterness and wistfulness.

Nandini blinked, taken aback. “What do you mean?” she asked, genuinely confused by Soha’s cryptic words.

Soha gave a short, humorless laugh, shaking her head slightly. “Oh, it’s nothing. Just… sometimes you don’t realize how much you want something until you see someone else with it,” she said, her voice trailing off as if she were speaking more to herself than to Nandini.

Nandini’s confusion only deepened. There was something off about Soha’s demeanor, something that felt almost confrontational, yet veiled in ambiguity. She wasn’t sure what Soha was trying to imply, and the conversation was quickly becoming uncomfortable. “Um, okay,” Nandini replied cautiously. “I’m not sure I understand, but… I hope you’re okay.”

Soha just smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me,” she said, her tone dismissive as she waved a hand in the air, turning away slightly.

Nandini nodded, still feeling unsettled by the exchange. She decided not to press further, sensing that whatever Soha was grappling with was not something she could easily resolve. “Alright, then. I’ll see you later,” Nandini said softly, before making her way toward the exit.

As she walked away, she could feel Soha’s eyes following her, a heavy, uncomfortable gaze that lingered even after she had left the room. Soha’s expression twisted with jealousy and sadness as she watched Nandini go. In her mind, Nandini had taken everything—her mother Vishakha’s attention, and Manik’s love, both of which Soha had once yearned for deeply. It stung her pride and her heart, and she couldn’t shake the bitterness that simmered beneath her calm exterior.

Nandini reached the living room where the rest of the group was still chatting, the atmosphere light and jovial. She tried to shake off the weird feeling from her encounter with Soha, forcing a smile as she approached her friends.

“Hey, I’m heading out,” she said, catching Cabir’s attention.

“You’re leaving already?” Cabir pouted dramatically. “You didn’t even let me get my revenge on Alya with you as my witness!”

Nandini laughed softly, grateful for the light-heartedness. “Next time, Cabir. I promise.”

Alya waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, please. You’ll never win, Cabir. Not even with Nandini’s help.”