Threads of Friendship, Bonds of Marriage

Chapter: 32

Malhotra Mansion - Late Night
Living Room

Manik: Dad, it's not like you're clueless about my life anymore. And for your information, the one I like is already approved by everyone—Mom and Dadi's first choice, in fact. So, I'm sure you both won't have any objections either.

[A murmur swept through the room like a ripple in a still pond. Harsh's stern expression faltered for a moment, his eyes darting to Raj, who stood straighter, a look of realization dawning on his face. They recalled the moments when Savitri, the family's grandmother, had dropped subtle hints about Sonia and Nandini. The air felt charged with unspoken words, as though the walls themselves were whispering secrets.]

Durga: (clenching her fists, her voice cutting through like ice) Manik, stop this nonsense right now. Enough with the suspense—just tell us who she is!

[The room seemed to grow colder as Durga's impatience flared. Manik, catching the venom in her tone, smirked slightly, his gaze locking onto hers. The flicker of the fire illuminated the barely concealed anger in her eyes, but he remained calm, almost mocking, as he toyed with the rising tension.]

Manik: (mockingly) What do you think, BuaDadi? Who could it be?

Durga's irritation hit its peak, her lips pursing into a thin line, her jaw tightening. Her patience, already stretched thin, snapped as she leaned forward in her chair, her hands gripping the armrests, gritting her teeth, her voice low and dangerous.]

Durga: I'm warning you, Manik. Stop testing my patience with these puzzles.

The air felt charged with electricity, like the moments before a storm's first thunderclap. Manik let out a deep sigh, his smirk fading as the weight of the moment pressed down on him. Manik gently pulled Nandini closer, despite her obvious hesitation. The silence that followed was deafening, the weight of their collective gazes falling heavily on her as if the entire world had turned its focus on the pair.]

Manik: Nandini is my bride. Very soon is going to be " Mrs. Nandini Manik Malhotra".

[The words landed like a thunderclap. Gasps echoed around the room, bouncing off the marble floors and the high, vaulted ceilings. Nandini's eyes went wide with shock, her breath catching in her throat as the room seemed to spin. Her heart pounded so loudly in her chest that it drowned out the whispers and murmurs surrounding them. She had never imagined, never once, that Manik would declare his intentions like this—without consulting her, without warning.

Cabir, who had been watching from the sidelines, chuckled softly, though his tone was laced with irony.]

Cabir: (murmuring, amused) Well, he sure knows how to make an impact.

[Durga's icy gaze locked onto Nandini, her lips curling in contempt. Her fury was a palpable force, radiating from her like waves of heat. Nandini's hand remained clasped in Manik's, but her body was stiff, her mind racing, trying to make sense of the whirlwind that had suddenly engulfed her life.

Manik: And you could also call her "Dr. Nandini Manik Malhotra" because she won't be giving up on her dreams. She'll become the best heart surgeon, and no one will have the right to make decisions for her anymore.

[The declaration hung in the air, daring anyone to challenge him. Durga's rage simmered beneath the surface, her knuckles white as she gripped the arms of her chair. Her voice, when it finally came, was low and venomous, filled with a lifetime of bitterness.]

Durga: Enough of this nonsense, Manik. This girl will never be your bride. I won't allow such destruction in my home. I made this mistake once with Raj, and look where it's led us! (pointing accusingly at Manik) A son who can't even be raised properly.