Dark strings and Delicate chords [Completed]

Chapter 28: "Steps Toward Healing"

Chapter 28: "Steps Toward Healing"

The morning sun peeked through the sheer curtains of Manik and Nandini's room, casting soft golden light across the bed where the two lay — entangled in a bittersweet embrace that spoke volumes of pain, love, and years lost in silence. Nandini stirred first, her eyes fluttering open. For a moment, she forgot where she was. But then her gaze fell on Manik, his arm loosely wrapped around her waist, and everything came rushing back.

She gently pulled away, not wanting to wake him, and walked into the bathroom. The moment the water hit her face, tears mixed with it — not out of fear or anger this time, but exhaustion. Her heart had poured itself out the night before, and even now, she felt vulnerable.

Downstairs, Raj and Nyonika were already in the living room, sipping tea. Navya joined them soon, her eyes still sleepy.

"Good morning, beta," Nyonika smiled. "We were thinking, why don't you and Nandini take a break today? No pressure. Just relax."

Navya nodded slowly. "Maybe that's a good idea."

Raj smiled. "And tonight, we'll have a small dinner — just family. Peaceful. No drama."

Just as he said that, Manik entered the room.

Navya stiffened slightly, but Raj greeted him normally. Nyonika watched her son carefully — there was still tension, still mistrust. But also... something different in his eyes. Something softer.

A Strange Calm Before the Storm

Meanwhile, Nandini stepped out of the room and spotted Manik heading toward the garden. She watched him from afar — his back turned, his hands stuffed in his pockets, his stance restless.

And then she turned and walked away.

She wouldn't allow herself to fall again — not so easily. Last night was a crack in the wall she built around her heart. Nothing more.

Later in the day, Navya stood with Nyonika in the study. "I've decided to stay in Mumbai permanently."

Nyonika looked surprised. "What about your job in Delhi?"

"I left it," Navya said simply. "I want to work with Aliya and Mukti. Be around Nandini. She needs me. And maybe... I need her too."

Aryaman, who had joined the video call from Delhi, was shocked. "You left your job? Navya, that's huge."

"I know," she said softly. "But I need this change. Please support me."

There was a pause — and then Aryaman smiled. "I'll miss you. But I'll always support you."

Over the next few days, Nandini tirelessly searched for work. She applied to design houses, boutique studios, even as a creative consultant — but somehow, none felt right. Every rejection stung a little more.

Manik observed everything silently — from behind pillars, windows, and half-closed doors. He saw her frustration, her disappointment, her resilience. And every time she crumbled just a little, his heart twisted.

Raj and Nyonika kept her spirits up. They filled the house with laughter, stories, and kindness. Raj even bought Nandini a sketchbook and colored pencils, encouraging her to design again.

"You remind me of your father," Raj said one evening. "Gentle. Stubborn. Talented. He'd be proud of you."

Nandini teared up and hugged Raj tightly, her voice muffled. "I miss him so much."

That night, in his study, Manik sat alone, staring at the moon outside. His thoughts echoed painfully.

"I'm such a fool," he whispered to himself. "I forced her. Hurt her. And now I watch her fall apart while I can't do anything but wait."

But somewhere deep inside, there was hope — fragile but growing. Because Nandini had started talking. She had cried in his arms. She hadn't run again.

Maybe that meant something.

As night fell, Nandini passed by Manik's room and stopped. The door was open. He was asleep on the couch, papers scattered around him, his head resting on a file. The window was open, and he looked... exhausted. Vulnerable.

For a moment, Nandini just watched him. No hate. No anger. Just memories.

She quietly stepped in, picked up the scattered papers, covered him with a blanket, and left.

She didn't say a word.

But her actions did.