An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 10

Manik reached Nandini's room and found her sitting on the bed. Without saying a word, he walked toward her and bent down to treat her feet.

Nandini looked at him and said, "Manik, what are you doing?"

Manik replied, "What? Bring your foot here."

Nandini hesitated, "Manik, it's okay, don't touch my foot."

Manik gently insisted, "Don't tell me you believe in all this, Nandini. Come on, give it to me."

Nandini realized arguing would be pointless, so she gave in. Manik carefully applied ointment and wrapped a crepe bandage around her foot.

Manik, still focused on her foot, said, "Now listen, tomorrow, no more hopping around like this. One day, stop these monkey-like stunts. It's just Mehndi, you don't need to walk, and I will be right beside you. I don't care what others think. Fine?"

Nandini, wide-eyed, responded, "Manik, do I look like a monkey to you?"

Manik was stunned, "What the hell? Out of everything I just said, that's what you heard? Nandini, okay, sorry. Did you understand everything else?"

Nandini replied, "Hmm, okay..."

She said it so cutely that Manik couldn't help but smile. He hugged her and gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead.

Manik said, "Good, now sleep. Night!"

Nandini, smiling, replied, "Night."

Manik left her room, and Nandini whispered to herself, "I'm lucky I have you, Manik."

That night, they both fell asleep, waking up early the next morning.

Nandini wore a beautiful green saree, as all the ladies were dressed in sarees for the morning ceremony.

They all sat together for breakfast, with Manik staying close to Nandini the entire time. As they walked downstairs together, Manik held her protectively.

The family was surprised to see the "oh-so-private couple" walking together in front of all the guests. But they were happy, and everyone adored the couple.

When they asked what had happened, Nandini explained about her sprained foot, and now Abhimanyu was by her side, staying protective.

At the dining table, Ishita said, "Naira, Nandu, the kids... Inaaya is coming today. Try to stay calm, especially you, Naira. Please, it's your wedding."

Naira screamed, "WHAT?" while Nandini choked on her food. Manik immediately gave her some water.

Manik gently said, "Easy, Nandini, please."

Nandini nodded, still feeling a bit shaken.

Naira, annoyed, said, "Mom, we won't say anything if she stays in her limits. Kartik, stay away from her. I'm telling you."

Kartik jokingly replied, "Of course, I will. She's clingy, you know?"

Ishita warned, "Kartik, your wedding's coming soon, so you'll be spared. Manik, be careful."

Nandini immediately looked up at Manik. He caught her gaze, understanding her silent request, and nodded. Nandini smiled back at him.

They had already developed a deep understanding between them.

Inaaya, Nandini's cousin, had a tendency to show off. She came from a family who wasn't wealthy, but she always tried to make herself seem like the best. Her father owned a showroom, and her mother was a housewife. They lived in a small town, and Inaaya would only meet Nandini and her family at weddings. Inaaya's family lived in a modest 2BHK flat, but Inaaya was constantly trying to compete with Nandini in everything, from her career to her fashion sense, and even intelligence.