Notes of Love

rekindling silent ties

Nyeonka's voice trembled as she confronted Manik, her words heavy with helplessness. "If you don't speak to us, how will we help you out, Manik?" The years of silence between them loomed like a dark cloud, each moment reminding her of the distance that had grown since he was a child in need of love and support. Manik's response was cold, a barrier he had erected to shield himself from the past. 

"The best thing you could do is leave me alone, just like you did all those years when I needed you." He stepped out of the car, a wave of hurt crashing over him as he recalled the memories of abandonment. It was a familiar pain, one that still stung with each reminder of the mother who had left him feeling unworthy and unloved.

As Nyeonka got out of the car, her heart sank at the sight of Cabir and Mukti nearby. She composed herself, forcing a soft smile onto her lips as she approached them. "Hey, nice to see you guys." The warmth in her voice contrasted sharply with the storm brewing inside Manik. He stood apart, his anger simmering just beneath the surface, a potent mix of resentment and hurt. Each laugh from Cabir and Mukti felt like a jab, a reminder of the camaraderie he had once cherished and now found so isolating.

Nyeonka's gaze shifted to Nandini, the new face in the group. Nandini's innocence was palpable, her dove-shaped eyes sparkling with a curiosity that felt foreign to Manik. It was unsettling for him to see someone new so easily included in their tight-knit circle, especially when music, a realm so deeply personal to him—was about to be shared. Cabir's excitement broke through his thoughts. 

"This is Nandini. She's new to college, and you know what, Aunty? Manik and Nandini are going to perform a duet in Musicana!" The announcement echoed in Manik's ears, each word amplifying his discomfort.

Nyeonka's smile faltered as she processed the implications. She knew the significance of music in Manik's life, it was both his solace and his sanctuary. The idea of him letting someone else into that space felt both beautiful and painful. 

She studied Nandini, noting the girl's soft smile that made her heart warm even amid her own worries. 

"Hi," Nandini said shyly, her voice delicate and soothing, momentarily breaking through Manik's anger. Yet, his resentment towards his mother twisted within him again, driving him to keep Nandini at bay, to protect himself from further hurt.

"I will come to see you guys perform," Nyeonka said, her smile a mask for her lingering sorrow as she climbed back into her car and drove away. The sight of her leaving felt like a familiar wound reopening in Manik's chest.

"What was the need to introduce Nandini to Nyeonka?" he snapped at Cabir, frustration boiling over. The tension in his voice startled Cabir, who fumbled for words. "I just thought—" he stuttered, but his attempt to explain fell flat against Manik's anger. Nandini, feeling the weight of the moment, quietly excused herself, her heart heavy as she made her way to class.

After Manik snapped at Cabir, the air thickened with tension. Nandini stood at a distance, feeling the sharp edges of his anger cut through her. She had thought they were building something new, something promising, but now she felt like an unwelcome guest in a fragile world. The way 

Manik had recoiled from her presence when Cabir introduced her to Nyeonka echoed in her mind. It was clear he wasn't happy about being called her friend in front of his mother, and that realization stung.

As Nandini quietly excused herself, the knot in her stomach twisted tighter. She walked away, struggling to shake off the hurt. The camaraderie she had hoped to share with him felt overshadowed by his discontent, and her heart sank at the thought that she might merely be a distraction for him, someone he didn't want to acknowledge in front of his past.