MaNan: Strings That Bind Us

*Embarking on a New Chapter*

Manik: "You’re right, Mom. I should take some time off."

Nandini didn’t respond. She simply placed the bowl on the table, her face calm, though her eyes betrayed the hurt she felt. She knew he wasn’t being sincere; it was just a hasty attempt to undo the damage.

The dining room fell into a brief silence, a tension hanging in the air. But the silence didn’t last long, as it was soon broken by Raj Malhotra’s booming voice coming from the hallway.

Raj (loud and cheerful): "So, guys, what’s going on?"

His vibrant Punjabi energy filled the room as he entered, instantly brushing away the unease lingering moments ago.

(Raj Malhotra—a man with a kind heart. He was the backbone of the Malhotra family, a father who could go to any extent for the happiness of his loved ones. His love for Nandini was just as strong as Neyonika’s, and his playful, doting personality made him a favorite in the household. After all, who could resist his charm, especially when paired with his unwavering support for his wife?)

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Nandini bent down to take Raj’s blessings, he placed his hand gently on her head.

Raj: "God bless you, beta!"

Nandini smiled warmly, feeling an unexpected surge of comfort in his words.

Raj: "So, what’s for breakfast? I’m starving!"

Neyonika glanced at him with a teasing smile.

Neyonika: "Today, everything is cooked by Nandini. She didn’t even let me help. So technically, we’re also doing her pehli rasoi rasam."

Raj: "Wow! That’s amazing. I’m so excited to eat the food today " (He clapped his hands enthusiastically.)
"Come on, let’s sit! By the way, where’s Mukti?"

Neyonika sighed, shaking her head.

Neyonika (sarcastically): "Probably still sleeping, as usual. Have you ever seen her wake up this early?"

Raj chuckled, his tone indulgent.

Raj: "It’s okay, let her enjoy her life. This is her time to live carefree. Let her do what she wants to."

Nandini smiled faintly, admiring his easygoing and supportive attitude. A pang of sadness tugged at her heart as she thought of her own parents, who had controlled every aspect of her life, including forcing her into this marriage.

Raj: "Nandini, beta!"

Snapping out of her thoughts, she quickly replied.

Nandini: "Yes, uncle?"

Raj (with mock sternness): "First, stop calling me uncle. Call me dad, okay?"

Nandini: "Okay... Dad."

Raj smiled warmly before continuing.

Raj: "I know you wanted to be a fashion designer. I want you to continue your studies, just like before, okay?"

Tears welled up in Nandini’s eyes, and one slipped down her cheek. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard. At that moment, she felt a deeper affection for Raj than she had ever felt for her own father, who had never cared for her dreams.

Raj (concerned): "Oh no, beta! Why are you crying? Did I say something wrong?"

Nandini quickly wiped her tears, shaking her head.

Nandini: "No, Dad. I just feel so lucky to have you and Mom as my in-laws."

Manik, who had been silently observing from the side, couldn’t help but think to himself: She didn’t mention me. Why would she? As if I’ve given her a reason to. I already hurt her on her first day here.