Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-48: Scars He Never Showed

She wasn’t sure if it was the ice cream, the moonlight, or the way he simply existed beside her—but for once, she didn’t feel alone.

Nandini’s POV,

Dinner was peaceful.

I sat at the dining table with Dadi, Neyo Maa, and Papa, eating quietly while my mind wandered elsewhere.

Manik and I were leaving soon to pick up Didu and Cabir Jiju from the airport.

As I placed my spoon down, I looked at Neyo Maa and said, “Manik and I are going to the airport to pick up Didu and Cabir Jiju.”

She gave me a warm smile and nodded. “Alright, beta. But don’t be late. And Manik—drive slow.”

I turned to look at him, knowing exactly what was coming next.

Manik smirked. “Slow? Do you even know me, Neyo Maa?” he said with mock innocence. “I was planning to race on empty roads at night, maybe even drift a little for fun—”

Before he could finish, Papa smacked him lightly on his head.

“Stop it, idiot!” Papa scolded, shaking his head. “You’ll drive properly, and you won’t make me regret sending my daughter-in-law with you.”

I felt my cheeks heat up at the term daughter-in-law.

I still wasn’t used to it.

Manik, however, laughed. “Okay, fine, fine. I was just kidding!”

I shook my head at his antics, picking up my purse. “We’ll get going then.”

Papa nodded. “Take care, beta.”

Neyo Maa added, “And don’t hesitate to call if needed.”

With that, we left the house.

The car ride was silent.

Not an awkward silence—just comfortable.

The soft hum of the engine mixed with the mellow tunes playing on the radio.

Manik focused on the road, while I sat beside him, my eyes drifting to the passing city lights.

But my mind was elsewhere.

I was thinking about… him.

I didn’t realize it earlier, but today I shared every detail of my day with Manik.

Even the smallest things.

And the strangest part?

He actually listened.

Not just with passive interest, but with real attention.

I had never done that before. I never really talked about myself like that.

But with him… it just happened.

It made me wonder—would this bond between us stay like this?

Or was it just temporary?

I let out a quiet sigh, staring at the passing streetlights when suddenly—

“Nandini.”

Manik’s deep voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

I blinked, turning my head to him.

“We’re here,” he said, parking the car in front of the airport arrival terminal.

I quickly nodded, shaking off my thoughts.

Manik unbuckled his seatbelt and was about to step out when he paused.

“Stay inside,” he told me firmly. “I’ll get them.”