Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-31: Engagement Blues

She built walls to keep the world out; he was too stubborn to stay on the other side.

Manik’s POV,

The office was buzzing with its usual activity. I sat in my cabin, reviewing the presentation for the upcoming meeting. My focus was sharp as always, but a small part of me was distracted—thinking about dinner last night, the priest’s visit, and the sudden acceleration of my life toward marriage.

My phone buzzed on the desk, cutting through my thoughts. The screen lit up with "Mom" flashing across it. I sighed, already knowing what this was about.

“Hello?” I answered, keeping my voice neutral.

“Manik,” Mom began her tone all too familiar—a mix of authority and impatience. “ I called to remind you to come to the designer’s shop after your meeting. We need to finalize your engagement outfits today.”

“Mom,” I started, pinching the bridge of my nose, “I have back-to-back work today. Can’t this wait?”

“Absolutely not,” she said firmly. “This is for your engagement, Manik. You and Nandini need to be there. Everyone else is already at the shop waiting.”

I leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly. “Fine. After the meeting, I’ll—”

“Don’t forget to bring Nandini with you,” she interrupted.

“I’m sure she can—”

“No excuses, Manik,” Mom cut me off. “You’re both coming. Together.”

“Alright, fine. Bye,” I said, hanging up before she could start another tirade.

When I looked back at Nandini, she was still busy at her desk, completely unaware of the detour awaiting her after the meeting. Great. Another awkward car ride.

The meeting went as planned, though I was itching to leave before Mom’s call turned into a full-blown disaster. Once the conference room cleared, I walked back to my cabin, where Nandini was already organizing her notes.

“Miss. Murthy,” I called, standing by the doorway.
She looked up, her pen paused mid-motion. “Yes, Mr. Malhotra?”

“We need to leave,” I said, folding my arms. “Mom has already called me a thousand times. She’s waiting for us at the designer’s shop.”

Her expression shifted, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she masked it with her usual calm demeanor. “Oh… okay. Let me just grab my bag.”

Within minutes, we were in the car. She sat quietly beside me, her gaze fixed on the passing streets. I could feel the tension radiating off her—it wasn’t uncomfortable, but it wasn’t exactly pleasant either.

“You, okay?” I asked, glancing at her briefly.

“Yes,” she replied quickly, her tone too polite. “Just… thinking.”

“About?” I prodded, curious despite myself.

She hesitated, then shook her head. “Nothing important.”

As I parked the car in front of the boutique, I noticed the bustling energy inside through the large glass windows. Great. Another round of interrogation awaits.

I glanced at Nandini, who was quietly gathering her bag. She looked like she’d rather be anywhere else, but so would I.

“Ready?” I asked, not waiting for an answer as I stepped out.

We walked into the boutique together, the soft chime of the doorbell announcing our arrival. The room was a vibrant mix of colors and fabrics, racks upon racks of designer clothes surrounding a group of very familiar faces.