MaNan: Strings That Bind Us

"Unseen Shadows"

Raj: "Nandini respects her family, she values relationships, and she understands love. Alia? She never cared. She even insulted her own parents then what we can expect from her. She never respected our culture, and she lived life only for herself."

Manik turned to Nandini, his heart sinking. She stood there, her face pale, trying to process everything.

Nandini: "So... I was just the better option?"

Neyonika: "No, beta. We always loved you like a daughter. But we wanted Manik to marry someone who truly valued relationships. Someone who wouldn't abandon him the way Alia did and now after seeing you both together I'm more sure that I made the right decision. Only because of you I saw the old Manik! Who loves his parents, his sister and does everything for this family!"

Manik let out a bitter laugh.

Manik: "And you thought bribing Alia was the right solution?"

Neyonika lowered her eyes.

Neyonika: "We know it was wrong. But tell me, Manik... if Alia truly loved you, wouldn't she have fought for you? Wouldn't she have refused the money? Wouldn't she have come back?"

Manik had no answer.

Neyonika: "We had no problem accepting her if she truly loved you. But she didn't. The moment she got a better deal, she walked away without even looking back."

Silence filled the room. Manik was struggling to breathe.

Everything he believed in... was a lie.

Nandini looked at him with unreadable eyes. Mukti stood frozen, still processing the truth.

Manik turned away, his mind swirling with questions.

He needed to think.

His mind was clouded with emotions he couldn't even name. Betrayal. Anger. Confusion. Pain. Without saying a word, he turned around and walked out of the house.

Neyonika called after him, her voice trembling.

Neyonika: "Manik! Listen to me!"

But he didn't stop.

The door slammed shut behind him.

Neyonika broke down into tears, covering her face with her hands. Raj sat beside her, pulling her close, trying to console her.

Raj: "He will understand. Give him time."

Mukti, who had been silent all this time, shook her head in disbelief.

Mukti: "I don't know, Dad... Bhai is shattered. He loved Alia with everything he had. And now, to know the truth like this..."

Raj sighed.

Raj: "We had no other choice Beta. He'll realize we did what was best for him."

Hours passed. The tension in the house remained thick. Eventually, Raj, Neyonika, and Mukti went to their rooms, leaving only one person still waiting.

Nandini.

She paced around the hall, glancing at the clock repeatedly.

"Where is he?"

It was almost 2 AM when the door finally creaked open.

Manik stumbled inside, barely able to walk straight. His usually sharp eyes were unfocused, his steps clumsy. He smelled strongly of alcohol.

Nandini's eyes widened in shock.

Nandini: "Manik?! Are you drunk?"

He didn't answer. He tried taking another step but lost his balance. Nandini rushed to him, holding him before he could fall. His entire weight leaned onto her.