Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-59: The Shock She Wasn't Ready For

I wanted to be strong. I wanted to breathe. But all I could do was tremble, praying for Manik’s arms to pull me back to safety.

Manik’s POV,

As I buttoned the cuffs, I heard her footsteps approaching.

“Wait,” she said softly.

I turned, and she had my file in her hand. “You forgot this,” she said, holding it out to me.

“Thank you,” I smiled, taking it from her hand. But something about her expression made me pause. Her fingers lingered around the file even after I took it.

Her eyes were cast downward, avoiding my gaze. Her brows were pulled slightly together, and I knew that face too well.

“Nandini?” I asked gently, keeping the file on the side table. “What happened?”

She shook her head, lips pressed into a thin line. “Nothing.”

I didn’t buy it. Not for a second.

I stepped closer and slipped my fingers under her chin, lifting her face to meet mine. Her eyes looked glassy, like tears were fighting to hold their place.

“Why so upset, hmm?” I asked softly. “Tell me.”

She looked into my eyes for a moment and then whispered, “It’s the first time you’re going away… even if just for a day.”

And there it was.

The honesty. The vulnerability. The pure attachment in her voice made my heart ache and swell all at once.

I smirked a little, trying to lighten the mood. “Aww… someone’s being clingy today,” I teased, raising an eyebrow.

Her nose scrunched slightly. “Manik…”

“What?” I grinned. “Missing me already?”

“Don’t tease me, please,” she whispered, and her voice trembled a little.

The teasing smile on my lips faded as I saw the sadness in her eyes.

“Hey…” I cupped her cheek. “Baby, I don’t want to go either. Trust me. If it wasn’t important, I’d cancel it without thinking twice.”

She nodded slowly.

“It’s just one day,” I said, trying to reassure her. “By the time you wake up tomorrow, I’ll be here.”

She was silent, but her eyes were doing all the talking.

Then, she reached for my shirt. Her fingers began buttoning it up slowly, delicately—almost as if every button was a goodbye. Her touch was gentle, lingering longer than needed, like she didn’t want to let go.

I watched her silently, my heart melting at how she poured her emotions into even the smallest gestures.

As she reached the second-to-last button, I smirked. “If you keep doing that so slowly, I might just cancel the meeting and stay home.”

She looked up, startled, and blushed. “Manik…”

“Just saying,” I chuckled. “You know exactly how to make me stay.”

“You’re impossible,” she murmured, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

I slipped my arms around her waist and pulled her close. “And you like that anyway.”

She nodded against my chest, and I held her for a few seconds longer than necessary.

“Take care of yourself, okay?” I said, brushing her hair behind her ear. “Eat on time. And text me if you miss me.”