Dark strings and Delicate chords [Completed]

Chapter 19: A Leap into Time - Scars of the Past, Shadows of the Present

Chapter 19: A Leap into Time — Scars of the Past, Shadows of the Present

Three Years Later...

The world had changed, time had moved forward — ticking relentlessly, but for some hearts, the clocks had stopped. It had been three long years since that night — a night that tore the threads of trust, love, and hope from Nandini Murthy and Navya Naveli's lives. A night that began with abandonment and ended in heartbreak.

And yet, the world never stops. The stars they once dreamed under had shifted. The voices that once promised to never leave... had faded into echoes.

Mumbai – Malhotra Mansion

The golden logo of Malhotra Industries shimmered on the wall behind the broad executive desk as Manik Malhotra flipped through documents with barely concealed frustration. His jaw clenched as he stared at the marketing reports, but the anger wasn't about numbers—it hadn't been about business for a while now.

Three years.

It had been three years since she left. Without a word, without a goodbye. Just vanished.

"Sir?" his assistant knocked gently on the open door, "Your meeting with the German investors is about to begin."

Manik looked up, nodding once before dismissing her with a wave. His cold, brooding aura had only intensified. Once the angry rockstar, now the ruthless businessman—he was the epitome of control in the boardroom and chaos in the heart.

Cabir's Restaurant – "Masala Kingdom", Mumbai

Cabir Dhawan leaned back in one of the plush lounge chairs of his latest restaurant launch, his eyes scanning the floor buzzing with celebrities, influencers, and media.

But no amount of cameras could capture what his heart still missed.

Cabir had everything—fame, success, a chain of high-end restaurants across India and Dubai, but somewhere amidst the spices and glam, he missed a certain crazy laugh. A girl with loud bangles and louder Bollywood dialogues.

Navya.

He still remembered her dancing on "Sheila Ki Jawaani" in the rain during their trip. He hadn't laughed like that since.

Mukti & Aliya's International Boutique – "Aurum"

In Paris, Mukti Vardhan zipped up the back of a red evening gown on a supermodel, adjusting the sleeve before stepping back. She shared a knowing look with Aliya Saxena, who was busy sketching the next line.

Their fashion boutique, Aurum, had become a household name in the fashion capitals of the world. Yet, in their late-night conversations, both women admitted one thing: the silence of Navya still echoed. The quiet firebrand who had once slapped Cabir for spilling coffee on her new top.

Mukti missed Navya. Aliya missed Nandini. Both missed the completeness their girl gang once had.

Dhruv Vedant's Dance Academy – New York

The studio reverberated with the beats of high-energy hip-hop as Dhruv moved in sync with his students. The mirror reflected his passion, sweat, and emotion, but the emptiness in his gaze couldn't be ignored.

After the session, he walked into his office and stared at an old group photo on his desk—Fab 5, Navya, Nandini. Smiling, carefree.

"Where did we go wrong?" he whispered, as the photo blurred through his tears.

Delhi – A Small, Beautiful Home

Sunlight poured through gauzy curtains into a charming, cozy living room. Plants lined the window sill, soft cushions scattered across the sofas, and bookshelves filled the corners. The home was warm, comforting—much like its occupants.

Nandini Murthy, now a woman of quiet elegance, stood by the kitchen counter, her hair tied in a low bun, wearing a white satin shirt tucked into tailored pants. She looked stunning, composed... but if someone looked closely, they could still see the cracks in her smile.

She poured coffee into two mugs, just as Navya walked in, wearing a flowing skirt and crop top, hair damp from her shower.

"Mornings without deadlines... are heaven," Navya sighed, stretching.

"Until Aryaman comes screaming about designs," Nandini said with a smirk.

"Don't jinx it," Navya chuckled.

They weren't the same girls anymore. Time had reshaped them, pain had redefined them. But in each other's presence, they found solace, comfort, and a little hope.

Sid Kapoor's Office – "Royal Ethos Jewellery"

Sid Kapoor, the charming owner of Royal Ethos, stood near Nandini's desk as she presented her latest collection. Her sketches were detailed, elegant, bold—a mirror of her transformation.

"This... is breathtaking, Nandu," Sid said softly.

Nandini smiled gently, "It's the Jaipur-inspired bridal line. I thought of peacocks and sunsets..."

"You've outdone yourself again," Sid complimented, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Their bond was special. He never questioned her past, never tried to fix her. He simply stood by her.

Aryaman & Navya – Fashion Studio

Aryaman Khurana tossed a roll of fabric toward Navya, who caught it just before it knocked over a mannequin.

"Are you trying to kill me?" she narrowed her eyes.

"Just making sure you're awake, Navs," Aryaman teased.

They bickered often, but Aryaman respected her boundaries. He knew she had scars. And he never asked about them.

Manik's Bedroom – Night

Manik lay in bed, scrolling through Instagram, his heart stopping for a second as a photo came up—a jewellery collection credited to "N. Murthy" at Royal Ethos.

Was it her?

No photo. No personal account. No clues.

He threw his phone aside, fisting his hair in frustration.

"Why Nandini... why did you leave me?"

He still didn't know about Raman Murthy's death. Or the marriage pressure on Navya. Or the loneliness they both lived through. All he saw was the silence. The exit. The betrayal.

Raj and Nyonika Malhotra – Office Archives

Raj Malhotra stared at the old employee files in confusion.

"Raman Murthy. Project Head – Mumbai Unit. Resigned three years ago... no forwarding address."

"We should have noticed sooner..." Nyonika murmured.

"Too late now. They're gone. Just gone," Raj sighed.

But somewhere deep down, they both felt the guilt of letting something slip through the cracks.

Nandini's Balcony – Night

Nandini sat with her sketchpad, sipping herbal tea, watching the stars. Her expression unreadable.

Navya joined her, resting her head on Nandini's shoulder.

"I had a dream last night," Navya whispered. "We were all together. In SPACE. Laughing, dancing..."

Nandini didn't reply.

After a long pause, she said, "Dreams are just lies our hearts tell us when we're trying to survive."

Navya closed her eyes, holding back tears.

They were strong women now. Successful. Independent. But the past still lived inside them like an echo.

Nandini's heart... still beat for Manik Malhotra.

She just didn't want it to anymore.