Humesha A MaNan FF (COMPLETED)

Unhealed Wounds

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The next morning in the United States, the Murthy Mansion stood proud against the faint golden rays of dawn. Inside, while most of the house remained wrapped in slumber, Nandini Murthy was already awake. Discipline was a part of her existence, ingrained by her Amm’s values back in India.

No matter where life had taken her—across oceans, through heartbreak, into motherhood—she never let those rules fade. At 5 a.m., she rolled out her yoga mat and began her rehearsals. Her body moved with fluid grace, her breaths steady and mindful. Every note, every stretch, was a reminder that she was still Nandini, the girl who once found solace in music and discipline.

An hour later, she tied her hair in a bun and made her way to the kitchen. Today, she wanted to surprise everyone with a Punjabi breakfast. She remembered Arhaam and Zyaan’s fondness for parathas with butter and chole. The sizzling sound of ghee in the pan and the spicy aroma filled the mansion.

By the time she laid the table, the house slowly came alive. Arhaam and Zyaan came rushing, their innocent faces glowing with joy.

“Wow, Mom! I love you, this is the best morning,” Arhaam exclaimed, jumping into his chair.

“Yes maa, best morning with best breakfast!” Zyaan echoed.

Nandini smiled warmly. Their joy was her greatest reward.

“Chup chap khana khao, don’t butter my bestie!” Navya Mehra teased, pulling Zyaan’s ear.

“Baby doll, this is wow!” said Abhimanyu Murthy, exaggerating as usual, earning a playful eye roll from Nandini.

The family breakfast was interrupted when someone suddenly hugged Nandini from behind. She stiffened instantly, panic flashing in her eyes. But as she turned, her shock melted into recognition.

“O hello bhai sahab… who are you? Why are you here?” Nandini asked in mock anger.

The man grinned. “Miss, I’m Madhyam Singhania. And Nandini ki best friend forever!”

“Oh really? Well, I don’t know any Nandini,” she replied, trying to mask her amusement.

But Maddy wasn’t one to give up. He began tickling her until she laughed breathlessly.

“Maddy, stop! Can’t breathe!” she cried.

Finally, he let her go and pulled her into a tight hug. “I missed you, baby.”

Before she could respond, a little voice interrupted.

“Who gave you permission to call my mom baby?!” Arhaam shouted, glaring at Maddy.

Maddy laughed, “Arey piddi!”

“Mommmm! I won’t leave him!” Arhaam ran after him, his tiny legs pumping. But just as he was about to trip, strong arms caught him in time.

The room fell silent. Everyone’s eyes turned toward the man holding Arhaam.

For Nandini, the sight was like a thousand emotions crashing at once—shock, happiness, sadness, anger, longing.

Arhaam squirmed. “Who are you? Why are you here? I know you saved me, but you can’t just come into someone’s house without permission!”