Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-29: Dinner Plans

The room held memories of a younger her, free of burdens, yet now, those walls bore witness to a woman navigating her storm.

Nandini's POV,

How could Manik introduce me to his friends like that? Without any warning? I sighed, shaking my head. He was always so unpredictable. Before I could react, I was pulled into a tight bear hug by Mukti and Alya with warm smiles.

At first, I froze, not used to such sudden affection, but then I slowly wrapped my arms around them and reciprocated the hug. Their warmth felt genuine, and it eased some of my nerves.

When we pulled back, Cabir and Dhruv extended their hands toward me, their smiles friendly and inviting. I shook hands with them, their firm yet gentle grips offering a sense of reassurance.

Manik leaned back in his chair, his expression neutral but his tone teasing as he said, "Miss Murthy, these are my friends. Or, as they like to call themselves, my family."

Mukti and Alya immediately turned to him, mock-glaring. "Seriously, Manik? 'Miss Murthy'? How can you be so formal with her? She's practically family now!" Mukti exclaimed, hands on her hips.

Alya nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Manik, loosen up a little!"

Manik shrugged, clearly unfazed by their scolding. "It's work. I keep things professional," he replied nonchalantly, which only earned him more disapproving looks.

Meanwhile, I stood there, feeling slightly out of place. Their energy was contagious, but I wasn't used to being the center of attention. "Why don't you all sit down? I'll bring some refreshments," I offered, trying to shift the focus away from myself.

Cabir and Dhruv exchanged amused looks. "Nandini, you don't have to do that," Dhruv said kindly.

"Yeah, just chill. We're not guests," Cabir added, waving his hand dismissively.

But I shook my head, smiling politely. "It's alright. Please, make yourselves comfortable."

Before they could protest further, I slipped out of the cabin, needing a moment to collect myself.

As soon as I stepped into the corridor, I exhaled deeply, placing a hand over my chest to calm my racing heart. "What just happened?" I muttered under my breath.

I started walking toward the cafeteria, my mind racing. "Seriously, God? You couldn't have given me a sign? A little warning that today was going to be this chaotic?"

Reaching the cafeteria, I began preparing a tray with refreshments. "And Mr. Malhotra... What was he thinking, introducing me like that without even telling me first? Couldn't he have given me a heads-up?" I grumbled to myself, carefully arranging cups and snacks on the trolley.

Pushing the trolley back toward his cabin, I took another deep breath. "Okay, Nandini, just get through this. Smile, serve the refreshments, and don't let them overwhelm you."

When I entered the cabin again, Mukti and Alya immediately sprang to their feet, smiling warmly.

"You don't need to serve us," Alya said, taking the tray from my hands.

Mukti joined her, helping arrange the refreshments on the table. Their gestures were so kind and effortless that it made me smile. "Thank you," I said softly, genuinely touched by their thoughtfulness.

They both grinned. "No problem!" Mukti said cheerfully.

"Now come and sit with us," Alya added, pulling a chair out for me.

"Oh, no, it's fine," I said quickly, waving my hands. "I have a lot of work to do-"

"You're not getting out of this," Mukti interrupted, her tone playful but firm.