Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-46: A Heart Unheard

It's strange how the people we least expect end up seeing the parts of us we hide the most.

Nandini’s POV,

A dull throbbing in my head pulled me from my sleep. I groaned softly, shifting under the warm blankets as my body protested against waking up.

I felt exhausted.

Slowly, I fluttered my eyes open, only to shut them immediately when the bright morning light hit me. Ugh, it's too bright.

After a few seconds, I took a deep breath and tried again, carefully sitting up on the bed. A sharp pain shot through my head, and I instinctively reached up to hold my forehead.

Hangover.

Great.

Before I could dwell on it, I heard a deep voice from across the room—

“Good morning.”

I turned toward the voice, blinking against the light. My vision adjusted, and I saw Manik standing in front of the mirror, setting his hair. His sharp jawline, his effortlessly messy hair, and his crisp white shirt made him look like he was pulled out of a magazine.

I frowned; my voice hoarse from sleep.

“Why are you up so early?”

He chuckled, the sound deep and amused. “Early? Nandini, it’s 9:30.”

My eyes widened in horror.

“What?!” I shrieked, throwing the blanket off me. 9:30? How could I sleep this late?!

Manik smirked, clearly enjoying my panic.

“How did I sleep this long?” I mumbled, rubbing my temples. “Why didn’t you wake me up?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so now it’s my fault?”

I glared at him. “Obviously! You should’ve—” I suddenly paused as a realization hit me like a truck.

“Wait.” My voice dropped. “I was at a club last night…”

I turned toward him, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “How did I land up here?”

Manik clicked his tongue, shaking his head. “Hold your horses, madam,” he teased. “You were too deep in sleep, so I didn’t wake you up. And about last night—” he folded his arms, smirking— “you got drunk.”

My eyes widened in pure horror.

“I—WHAT?!”

Manik simply nodded, amusement dancing in his eyes.

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to remember. Did I… did I do something embarrassing?

I quickly looked at him. “Did I create any drama?”

He shrugged casually. “Don’t worry, nothing to panic about.”

I let out a small breath of relief.

“Anyway,” he continued, “we’ll talk later. I’m heading to the office, otherwise, I’ll be late.”

I nodded absentmindedly, but then he added—

“Oh, and according to your friends, Mukti dropped you here. They approached me for your address since they didn’t know where you lived.”

I blinked. Mukti?

Does that mean his friends saw me drunk? God.

But at least that meant nothing too crazy happened.