Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-20: Nandini's Dilemma

Sometimes, the hardest battles are the ones we fight within ourselves.

Nandini's POV,

I woke up to the soft light filtering through the curtains, blinking away the remnants of sleep. As I shifted, I noticed Ansh still curled up beside me, his little hand clutching mine as he slept peacefully, his tiny snores barely audible. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of him, his cherubic face so serene and innocent. Gently, I leaned in and kissed his forehead, feeling a sense of warmth spread through me.

But as I pulled away, the smile faltered, and reality hit me hard. Today wasn't going to be easy. My thoughts immediately drifted to the people who were coming to meet me-people who would judge me, look me up and down, decide my worth in a matter of minutes, and expect me to somehow be... what? A perfect match for some stranger?

I tried to push the thought away. It's just a meeting. That's all. Just a casual meeting, and then I'll reject them. No big deal.

But then the doubt crept in. What if Dad pushes me into something? What if he decides for me, and I have no choice but to comply? What if this is one of those situations where I say no, but the decision is already made for me?

I couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness that churned in my stomach. If my father decided something, nothing and no one could change his mind.

I sighed, sitting up on the bed and carefully removing my hand from Ansh's grip so I wouldn't wake him. I grabbed the pillow next to me and placed it gently beside him, tucking him in a little more. He barely stirred, his little face still relaxed in a peaceful slumber. I smiled again, but it was bittersweet.

Shaking off my thoughts, I stood and went into the bathroom, trying to freshen up. The pressure was mounting, and it felt suffocating. After a few minutes, I took a deep breath and forced myself to take it one step at a time. Get through today, Nandini. It's just lunch and a meeting. Nothing more.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, I saw Ansh sitting up on the bed, rubbing his eyes. He looked so adorable, his messy hair sticking up in all directions, his small features still sleepy. My heart melted. I sat down beside him, my fingers brushing through his hair as I kissed his head.

"Good morning, Choco Pie," I said softly, my voice laced with affection.

He smiled sleepily and threw his little arms around me in a hug. "Good morning, Bua," he mumbled, still half asleep.

I couldn't help but laugh. "When did you wake up, huh? I asked, ruffling his hair.

He pulled back slightly, blinking up at me, and then said, "Five minutes ago... maybe ten? I don't know."

I chuckled at him, but just as I opened my mouth to say something else, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!" I called out, my heart still heavy with thoughts of the day ahead.

The door opened, and in walked Prisha Bhabhi, with a soft smile on her face. As soon as Ansh saw her, his face lit up, and he practically leaped into her arms.

"Mumma!" he squealed, hugging her tightly.

She chuckled, her voice full of warmth. "Did you sleep well, my little one?" she asked, smoothing his hair back gently.

"I did, Mumma! I didn't trouble Bua," Ansh said, looking up at her with a proud smile.

Bhabhi raised an eyebrow and glanced over at me, a teasing smile on her lips. "Is that true, Nandini? He was a good boy?"

I nodded with a grin. "He was perfect. No trouble at all," I said, my voice light, even though I could feel the tension creeping back into my chest.

"Good boy," she said to Ansh, kissing him on the cheek. "Now, come on. Let's get you ready for the day. You have a school picnic today."