His Euphoria | 18+

16

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Nandini ended the call after a long and emotional conversation with Rajeev. Her fingers trembled slightly as she placed the phone down on the table, her heart heavy but hopeful.

Turning to Fab-4, who were seated in the living room, their eyes eager for an update, she let out a soft sigh.

"Raj uncle said... It's done. Anita has signed the divorce papers. She's out of his life now," she announced gently.

Mukti exhaled sharply, throwing her arms in the air. "Thank God! Finally that bitch is out of Uncle's life."

Aliya's eyes burned with restrained fury. "I can't wait for Manik to get well and give her the punishment she deserves."

"Yeah, only Buddy has the right to punish her," Dhruv added, his jaw tight with controlled rage.

Their eyes then shifted to Cabir, who was sitting quietly at the corner of the couch, his face pale and distant as he stared at his phone.

Mukti noticed it first. "What happened, Cabir? Aisa kya dekh liya phone mein ki tere chehre pe 12 baje hue hain?" (What did you see on the phone that your face looks so disturbed?)

Cabir forced a laugh, hiding whatever had caught him off guard. "Haha... nothing Mukti. Just saw a new dish. Couldn't control my excitement. That was a happy shock."

His fake cheerfulness didn't go unnoticed, but none of them pushed further. They chalked it up to overthinking and turned their attention back to Nandini.

"By the way, Nandini," Mukti said, leaning forward, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips.

 "You know, we all used to tease Manik that he would never get married."

Aliya giggled. "Yeah! I mean, every girl in college was mad for his attention, but he never seemed interested."

Dhruv nodded. "We made so much fun of him. But after that incident..."

"Come on, Aliya, forget it, please," Mukti interrupted quickly.

But Aliya shook her head, her voice cracking. "How can I, Dhruv? I am the reason for Manik's situation..."

Nandini looked at her, surprised and empathetic.

"Aliya, I don't know what incident you're talking about... but by seeing you all and your love for him, I can say none of you could ever hurt him intentionally. You're not at fault. Maybe the situation forced it."

There was a long silence. Then Mukti said softly, "Nandini, do you know what Manik used to say back in college days?"

Nandini shook her head, curious.

"He used to say that one day, a star would come into his life. Someone who would light up his darkness, solve all his problems, and fill his world with brightness..."

Mukti smiled, eyes glistening. "Today, I can see that star in real life... and it's you, Nandini."

Aliya leaned over and squeezed her hand. "Because of you, we got our Buddy back. And we got a beautiful soul like you in our lives, too."

Nandini's heart swelled with warmth. "I can do anything for you guys. I didn't know before how much I'd grow attached to you all... especially Manik."

Before the moment could go deeper, a familiar voice echoed from the corridor.

"Nanni Mumma! Mujhe bhook lagi hai!" (Nanni Mumma! I'm hungry!)

Nandini jumped up, smiling at the sound of Manik's childlike voice. He stood there, pouting with wide, innocent eyes.