Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-38: Reunion

They say time heals all wounds, but mine have only grown deeper, a quiet reminder of a love that felt more like abandonment.

Manik’s POV,

The morning sunlight filtered through the lush trees in the garden of the Malhotra mansion. It was a peaceful day, but my mind was restless. I had stepped out for a breath of fresh air when I saw Navya sitting on the stone bench near the fountain, her arms wrapped around her knees. Her gaze was distant, lost somewhere I couldn’t reach.

I walked over quietly, not wanting to startle her, and sat beside her. She glanced at me briefly before returning her attention to the flowers.

“Remember when we first met?” I asked, breaking the silence.

Navya’s lips curved into a soft smile. “Yes, of course. How could I forget? It was two days before Cabir and I left for Bangalore. It was Raksha Bandhan.”

I nodded, leaning back against the bench. “I still remember how you were missing your family that day. You were crying so much.”

Navya chuckled lightly, but there was a sadness in her tone. “I felt so alone back then. And I still remember what you said to me. Don’t ever shed a tear till your this brother is alive. He’ll always be there for you, no matter what.”

I turned to her, my voice steady. “I meant every word then, Navya, and I still mean it now. No matter what, I will always be here for you.”

Her smile faltered, and she looked down at her hands. “You’ve kept that promise, Bhai. Even though I missed my family, you were always there to ensure I didn’t feel lonely. I’ll always be grateful for that.”

I sighed, choosing my words carefully. “You know, Navya, sometimes people become so helpless. No matter how much they want to fix things, they just… can’t.”

Her expression shifted, her smile fading completely. She looked at me, her eyes narrowing slightly. “What are you trying to say, Bhai?”

I hesitated. “You know exactly what I’m saying, Navya.”

“No, I don’t,” she said, her tone firm.

I took a deep breath, knowing this wouldn’t be easy. “Navya bacha,” I began softly, “sometimes situations make things worse than they need to be. Do you really think Rudraksh was at fault?”

Tears welled up in her eyes, and her voice shook. “Then was I at fault, Bhai? Was loving someone and wanting to be with him wrong?”

I shook my head immediately. “No, Navya. That’s not what I’m saying. I’m trying to tell you that Rudraksh loves you. I’ve seen it in his eyes. The way he looks at you, with so much longing… it’s painful to watch. Do you know how hurt he was when you called me ‘Bhai’ but didn’t even look at him?

“You were so young back then. You couldn’t handle the situation yourself. How could you expect him to handle it perfectly? He was only two or three years older than you. If it had been in his hands, I’m sure he would have done things differently. At least talk to him, Navya. Give him a chance.”

She wiped her tears angrily. “Okay, let’s say he was as helpless as I was. But what about my own mother? She chose her husband over her child, Bhai. She knew he was wrong, but she still took his side.”

Her voice cracked, and I felt her pain as if it were my own. I leaned forward, trying to meet her gaze. “Navya, you chose your love over your family too.”

She froze, her tear-streaked face turning toward me in shock.

I continued gently. “Bacha, I’m just trying to show you the other side. You left them first. You could have stayed and fought, but you chose to leave. When you chose your partner, it was good, but when your mother chose hers, it was wrong. How is that fair?”