Threads of Friendship, Bonds of Marriage

Chapter: 31

Warmest wishes to you and your loved ones this Diwali! May this festival of lights bring you prosperity, joy, and countless new beginnings. May your path be illuminated with happiness, and may the coming year be filled with success, health, and peace. Thank you for being part of this journey—wishing you a bright and joyous Diwali! 🌟✨

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{Late Night, Malhotra Mansion}

[The tension in the room was palpable, thick like an oppressive fog, as Sonia's sarcastic comment cut through the fragile peace.]

Sonia: (sarcastic) Nandini, you sound just like the people who sell tobacco, only to open a hospital afterward. Typical.

[Her biting words hung in the air, leaving everyone stunned into silence. Nandini's face paled, her eyes filling with unshed tears. The room seemed to hold its breath as if waiting for the next blow. Abhi says stepping forward, his voice trembling with anger.]

Abhi: Sonia, what nonsense are you talking about?

[He moved closer, his fists clenched, but Manik remained focused on his mother, though the tight line of his jaw betrayed his barely contained rage.]

Sonia: (shrugging, feigning innocence) What did I say wrong, bro? We all know why she went to the U.S. She wanted to keep us safe, even if it meant running away. But Now she is back, and now we're left to deal with the consequences.

[Her words sliced through Nandini's already fragile resolve, and she winced as if struck. Tears spilled from her eyes, her body trembling. Navya, seeing her friend breaking, immediately stepped in, putting a protective arm around her.]

Navya: That's enough, Sonia! Do you ever think before you speak? You're just blaming Nandini for no reason!

[Nyonika, still recovering, forced herself to speak up, her voice weak but determined.]

Nyonika: Sonia, don't say things like that. Nandini saved me. If she hadn't been there in time to pull me from the car... I was...

[Her voice cracked, the memory of the accident clearly too raw. The fear in her eyes was evident, and everyone could feel the gravity of the situation.]

Manik: (cutting her off, his voice thick with emotion) No, Mom... nothing would've happened to you. You're safe now.

[Harsh, sensing the growing tension, attempted to steer the conversation back to gratitude.]

Harsh: (his voice calm but firm) Let's end this here. Nandini, we are thankful to you, Bachcha, for saving Nyonika.

[Nandini wiped her tears hastily, her voice trembling but resolute as she spoke.]

Nandini: (softly, wiping her tears) Please, don't thank me, Daddu. Spending time with her felt like I had my mother back after so many years. If anything, I should be the one thanking her.

[Nyonika, moved by Nandini's words, gestured for her to come closer. Manik, his heart heavy, stepped aside, allowing Nandini to kneel by Nyonika's side. With gentle hands, Nyonika cupped Nandini's face, her fingers soft on her cheek as she pressed a kiss to her forehead. The gesture sent a wave of warmth through the room, dissolving the tension, at least for the moment.

Nyonika's voice broke the quiet, soft yet warm, drawing everyone's attention.]

Nyonika: Nandu, do you know... I always wanted a daughter just like you. Now it feels like I've finally found her.