Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-35: The Return of Dadi

She didn’t need words to tell me I wasn’t forgiven; the distance in her eyes said it all.

Nandini’s POV,

The morning sun peeked through the blinds as I opened my eyes, squinting against the brightness. My phone buzzed on the nightstand, and when I picked it up, the clock read 9:00 AM. Panic immediately surged through me. Bhai was supposed to be here by 10:30 to pick me up.

I threw the covers aside and hurried into the bathroom. The hot water did little to calm my nerves as I showered, the thought of moving to the Murthy Mansion looming large in my mind.

Murthy Mansion.

The place I once called home but now felt more like a prison. A place where every corner held memories—some good, some painful. A place I had successfully avoided for years, except for brief visits that were necessary.

But this time, it was different. This time, I would have to stay there. Not for a few hours, not even for a single night—but for days.

I took a deep breath, wiping the mirror as steam clouded my reflection. “You can do this, Nandini,” I whispered to myself. “It’s temporary. Just a few days.”

After dressing in a comfortable kurta and jeans, I started with the last-minute packing. My suitcase lay open on the bed, half filled with clothes, toiletries, and a few essentials. I threw in a few books for distraction, my journal, and the sketchpad I hadn’t touched in a while.

When everything was done, I zipped the bag and looked around my apartment one last time. I closed my eyes, taking one last moment to center myself. “You’ve faced worse,” I told myself. “You’ll face this too.”

The shrill sound of the doorbell broke my thoughts. My heart jumped. Bhai was here.

I opened the door, and there they were— he was standing tall with his ever-calm demeanor, and Ansh, his little tornado of a son, beamed up at me with a toothy grin.

“Bua!” Ansh yelled, his tiny arms reaching out.

I laughed and pulled Bhai into a quick hug before scooping Ansh into my arms. “And how’s my little champ today?” I asked, tickling him lightly.

Ansh giggled, squirming in my arms. “Bua, Ansh is here to pick you up!” he declared proudly, his voice full of excitement.

I kissed his cheek. “Really? You came all the way just for me?”

“He cried so much!” Bhai said, shaking his head with a fond smile. “He wouldn’t stop until I promised to bring him along.”

I chuckled, looking at Ansh’s mischievous grin. “Well, I’m glad you came. I don’t think I could’ve done this without my little buddy.”

Ansh puffed out his chest proudly, making me laugh.

I turned to Bhai. “Give me a second. I’ll grab my bag.”

He nodded, stepping inside while I quickly pulled my suitcase to the door. Bhai took it from me without a word, effortlessly carrying it out to the car while I locked up.

The drive to the Murthy Mansion was filled with Ansh’s endless chatter. He talked about his new toy car, how he had won a sticker in school, and how he was excited to spend time with me. His innocent excitement was infectious, momentarily distracting me from the knot in my stomach.

“Bua, will you play with me at Dadu’s house?” Ansh asked, his eyes wide with hope.

“Of course, champ,” I said, ruffling his hair. “I’ll play with you as much as you want.”