Dark strings and Delicate chords [Completed]

Chapter 21: Storm of Emotions

Chapter 21: Storm of Emotions

The sun had barely risen over the horizon, casting a golden hue on the bustling city of Mumbai. The Malhotra mansion was decorated like a royal palace, lights cascading like waterfalls over the pillars, floral arrangements adorning the entrance, and the air alive with excitement. Aliya and Dhruv's wedding festivities had begun. Fab 5 and Abhimanyu had been working tirelessly for days, but amidst all the planning, a shadow lingered in each heart — the shadow of the past that still hadn't found its closure.

Today was the day that would rewrite everything.

At Mumbai's elite Royal Ethos showroom, the glass doors slid open. Nandini stepped inside, her calm eyes scanning the lavish interiors, the staff bowing to her respectfully. Clad in a beige co-ord set with a delicate diamond pendant, she looked elegant, confident, composed — and yet, her heart trembled. Navya walked beside her, dressed in a soft pastel green Indo-western outfit, her eyes tired but resilient. Sid and Aryaman followed them, casually chatting, unaware of the emotional tornado their friends were about to face.

"Mumbai," Nandini whispered under her breath. The name alone sent a thousand memories crashing against her chest.

"I hope we don't bump into them," Navya murmured. "I don't think I can take that right now."

"Same here," Nandini said, her fingers clenching her phone a little tighter.

They were here for work — just that. It was just another project. Or so they told themselves.

**

At the Malhotra mansion, preparations were in full swing. Mukti and Abhimanyu were inspecting the setup when Mukti received a call from the fashion studio.

"Your designers will be reaching in thirty minutes for the final fittings and presentation," the voice said.

"They're here?" Mukti smiled. "Great! We'll be ready."

Aliya, overhearing, turned and clapped. "I'm so excited to see what they bring! Their designs are just—gorgeous!"

Manik, who was standing beside Raj and Dhruv, looked up. He wasn't listening to them. His mind was elsewhere. His eyes often drifted toward the gate, his phone always within reach, but still no call, no message from her.

He didn't know why he still hoped.

He had convinced himself he was angry at Nandini — for leaving him, for not giving him a chance to explain, for believing what she saw without confronting him. But deep down, the truth was simple: he missed her. Desperately.

"Manik," Raj's voice cut through his thoughts. "Come, meet the jewellers who made Aliya's set. They're coming over for a preview."

Manik sighed and followed him.

**

At the same time, outside the mansion, a luxury cab pulled up. Nandini stepped out, files in hand, eyes scanning the entrance.

"I can do this," she whispered.

Navya joined her, adjusting her folder of sketches. Aryaman and Sid walked behind them, dressed in semi-formal wear, cheerful and oblivious to the tension building up in their friends' hearts.

The guards greeted them and led them toward the presentation hall.

**

Inside, the moment the glass door opened and Nandini walked in, time stopped.

Cabir, who was joking with Dhruv and Abhi, froze mid-sentence.

Mukti gasped.

Aliya stood, shocked, her hand over her mouth.