Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-30: Considering Her

Sometimes, kindness isn’t in grand gestures—it’s in quiet moments where someone asks what you think.

Manik’s POV,

As Nandini left for the washroom, I was alone in her room. The silence felt heavier than I expected, so I decided to look around, letting my curiosity take over.

The room was spotless—too spotless like no one lived there. The desk was bare, with no book or personal item in sight. The bed was neatly made, and even the curtains were perfectly aligned. It didn’t feel like a room where someone spent their time.

On the dresser, I spotted a few photo frames. Moving closer, I picked one up. It was an old picture of her, probably from her school days. Her face looked younger, softer, and carefree. It struck me that this might’ve been from before she left for New York before her life changed.

The sound of the washroom door opening brought me back. I turned, and there she was, walking out with a towel in her hands, wiping her face. Her damp hair clung slightly to her neck.

“Your room looks… pretty clean,” I said, trying to make conversation.

She sighed and gave me a look, one that carried a hint of amusement but also something else I couldn’t quite place. “You mean empty, right?”

I stammered, caught off guard. “No, not that, but—”

She cut me off, her tone straightforward. “I don’t live here.”

Her words hung in the air, leaving me confused. What did she mean? Before I could ask, she turned away, as if dismissing the subject entirely.

I was about to press her on it when the door suddenly creaked open. A small boy burst in, his tiny feet padding across the room as he ran straight to Nandini.

“Bua!” he shouted gleefully, throwing his arms around her.

I watched as she crouched down, enveloping him in a warm hug. Her entire demeanor shifted—her usually reserved, professional self-melted away, replaced by a softer, playful side I hadn’t seen before.

She tickled him lightly, making him giggle, and then looked up at me. “Ansh, say hello,” she said, her voice gentle but firm.

The boy turned to me; his wide eyes suddenly shy. I crouched slightly to his level, offering him a smile. “Hi, Ansh.”

He clung to Nandini’s leg, hiding his face briefly before peeking out again. I chuckled, trying to ease his nervousness. “That’s a great name you have, buddy.”

Encouraged by Nandini’s nod, he finally stepped forward. “Thank you,” he said, his voice soft but clear.

I smiled warmly. “I’m Manik. Nice to meet you.”

He tilted his head, thinking for a moment, and then asked, “You’re going to marry my bua?”

The question caught me completely off guard. I froze, glancing at Nandini, who looked equally startled. For a second, neither of us said anything, the awkwardness thick in the air. Finally, I cleared my throat.

“Yes,” I said simply, nodding.

Ansh studied me for a moment before breaking into a grin. “Okay!” he said, his acceptance is both surprising and amusing.

Before I could say anything more, he gasped. “Oh, no! I forgot. Mumma told me to call you both downstairs!”

Nandini smiled, ruffling his hair. “Well then, let’s go.”

Ansh grabbed her hand, and she led the way to the door, glancing back at me briefly. “Come on,” she said, her voice soft.

I followed them out, feeling an odd mixture of curiosity and warmth. Watching Nandini interact with Ansh was like seeing a different side of her—a glimpse of the person she was behind all the layers she kept hidden.