Chapter: 34

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{Hospital Park Area}

[As Cabir approached, he spotted Manik standing near the tree line, his tall figure silhouetted against the glow of the hospital lights. Manik stood still, staring intensely at a window—Nandini's room. His posture was rigid as if the weight of his thoughts were pressing down on him like a physical burden.

Cabir walked over quietly, his footsteps barely audible on the gravel path. He came to stand beside Manik, neither of them speaking at first. The only sounds were the rustling leaves and the occasional car passing by in the distance. The tension between them was almost unbearable, the air thick with unspoken words.]

Cabir: (softly, breaking the silence) Why are you punishing yourself like this?

[Manik didn't answer right away. His eyes remained fixed on Nandini's window, the light flickering inside casting shadows that danced along the walls. His jaw tightened, his face unreadable except for the slight twitch of his brow.]

Manik: Is that what you came here to say?

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Manik: Is that what you came here to say?

[Cabir sighed, shifting his weight as the wind picked up, sending a chill through the air. He shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, feeling the weight of the moment press down on him.]

Cabir: No, I came to listen. For once.

[Manik's head turned slightly, his sharp eyes narrowing as he studied Cabir's face. There was a flicker of something—curiosity, perhaps—before he raised a questioning eyebrow, urging Cabir to go on.]

Cabir: (his voice calm, but serious) The Manik I've known my whole life—this isn't him. You're not the calm, patient guy I grew up with. Something's different.

[The wind whipped through the trees, rustling the leaves and sending a cold gust across the park. Manik's face hardened, his arms crossing over his chest as though he was trying to shield himself from the truth in Cabir's words.]

Manik: (growling, dismissive) Cabir, not now. I just need to talk to Nandini. I know I shouldn't have brought up marriage in front of everyone. She got scared and rejected me because of it.

[Cabir's brow furrowed, frustration bubbling to the surface. He turned to face Manik, his voice soft but filled with determination.]

Cabir: Do you really think that's why she rejected you?

[Manik whipped his head toward Cabir, his eyes sharp and defensive, like a wounded animal ready to strike.]

Manik: Of course. If I'd warned her first, she wouldn't have freaked out.

Cabir: (calmly, trying to break through Manik's walls) Manik, you're missing the point. She didn't say no because of your proposal. She said no because she thinks she's not good enough for you. For any of us. She's blaming herself for everything bad that's happened in our lives.

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