An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 4

Manik was holding the earring, staring at it blankly. He felt a strange connection to Nandini.

Manik: "What are you, Nandini? I feel something for you. I don't know if I love you, but I know I like you. You're such a pure soul. I can't wait to meet you again."

Just then, Nyonika called out, "Manik, Manik, open the door, beta. Should I pack for you?"

Manik snapped out of his thoughts, carefully putting the earring in his pocket, and let Nyonika in.

Manik: "Ma, packing? We still have two days before we leave!"

Nyonika: "You haven't packed for your one-day office trip, beta. We're going to Mumbai for the wedding shopping with everyone. Pack your clothes now because we won't be coming back right after the wedding."

Manik: "You do it, Ma. Packing's not my thing."

Nyonika: "Of course, that's why I'm here."

She went inside the walk-in closet to pack his clothes, while Manik sat down to finish some office work.

At Murthy Mansion, Nandini and Naira were chatting.

Naira: "Di, won't you miss me? My wedding is before yours, you know!"

Nandini: "Of course, I'll miss you. But it's also good, I'll get everyone's undivided attention. I can finally go on solo trips!"

Naira: "That's so mean! Alright, let's go somewhere, maybe a movie?"

Nandini: "Hmm, let's go. Promise we'll go tomorrow evening, not today. Now go and rest."

Naira: "I'll miss you, Di."

She hugged Nandini, and though Nandini tried to stay strong, she couldn't help but feel sentimental.

Nandini: "I'll miss you too, little one. But I know Kartik is the one for you."

Naira: "Yes, Di, he's the best. But don't worry, your 'one' will be here soon too! Yay, I'm excited for that!"

Nandini: "Shut up. Nothing's happening right now. Go sleep quietly."

Naira left, and Nandini decided to browse Instagram for a while. She saw Manik's follow request. After thinking for a moment, she accepted it and was instantly charmed by his pictures.

She couldn't resist liking all of his posts, even though she knew Manik would notice. But he wasn't any different—he was also busy admiring her pictures as soon as she accepted the request.

Manik was mesmerized. How could a girl pull off both western and traditional looks so effortlessly?

They both drifted into a deep slumber, thinking about their growing feelings for each other.

The day came when they were leaving for Mumbai. At the airport, the media was, as usual, hounding them. Raj decided to make a clear statement to avoid any assumptions.

Raj: "Guys, please, we need some privacy for a few days. We are leaving for a family wedding, and it would be nice if you could give us a little space."

The media was left perplexed as they departed.

They arrived in Mumbai early in the morning, at 5 a.m., where Raman and Ishita were waiting for them. Raj and Raman hugged, and Ishita and Nyonika were overjoyed to meet their childhood friends.

Cabir and Manik met Ishita.

Manik: "Namaste, aunty."

Ishita: "God bless you, beta," with a constant smile on her face.