An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 11

Nandini was all dressed up in her lehenga for the Mehndi ceremony, ready for the celebration. Her hair and makeup would be done by Nyonika.

Nandini looked at Naira and said, "Thank you, Naira... Now it's your turn, wear it quickly."
Naira playfully replied, "Hmm, hmm."

The two sisters quickly got ready and headed to Nyonika's room.

Nandini settled down on the bed as Nyonika started doing Naira's hair and makeup. Once Naira was finished, she left for her room. Nyonika returned to Nandini, holding a box containing their ancient jewelry—beautiful beyond words. Inside was a diamond set that sparkled with extraordinary brilliance, like something from a dream.

Nandini looked at it in awe. Nyonika smiled and said, "Nandini, you're like a daughter to me. I'm not just a mother-in-law, I'm a mother giving you this gift. Don't refuse."

Nandini smiled and nodded. "Should I wear it now?" Nyonika asked.

Nandini grinned. "Hmm, but on one condition: you wear what's kept there too. Agreed?"

Laughing, Nyonika replied, "Done."

The two women got ready and went downstairs together, greeting everyone with their radiant presence. The compliments flowed freely, and Manik's heart swelled with pride. He was the happiest to see the bond between the ladies, and of course, he was completely mesmerized by how stunning Nandini looked. Meanwhile, Inaaya sat fuming in jealousy, but no one paid her any mind.

The Mehndi ceremony began, and everyone was having a blast. Naira, always the life of the party, was dancing around, pulling Nandini along with her. The two sisters performed a traditional dance, and it was a sight to behold.

Later, everyone sat down to get their hands done. Naira's mehndi took around five hours, while Nandini's took three. The rest of the ladies finished in about two hours.

Inaaya, who didn't particularly like mehndi, decided to get it done when she saw how Manik was adoring Nandini's hands. She purposely sat beside him, leaving no space between the two. Manik felt uncomfortable, but before he could react, Nandini came over, asked him to stand, and sat in his place, giving Inaaya a sharp glare. Then, she started talking to Manik, and he couldn't help but be impressed by her calm demeanor.

Manik whispered, "Woah, dangerous girl."

Nandini smiled. "Be thankful."

Manik grinned. "I am."

The two of them shared a laugh, but Inaaya wasn't ready to give up. She leaned in and said, "Manik, tell me, which design would suit me best?"

Manik shrugged. "Sorry, I don't really have an idea about this."

But Inaaya pressed on, "But you helped Nandini choose, right? Come on, Mr. Malhotra, you can help me too."

Manik was firm: "Don't compare Nandini to yourself. I helped her because I'm her fiancé, and I know her choices. I don't know yours, so ask your boyfriend for help. Nandini, how about we grab something to eat?"

Nandini nodded, "Hmm."

And with that, the two of them walked away, leaving Inaaya behind, seething with anger.

Nandini laughed. "Woah, dangerous man."

Manik replied with a smirk, "Malhotras are dangerous... You didn't know?"

Nandini raised an eyebrow. "Of course, I do. But just be careful. Inaaya is crazy—she'll do anything."

Manik cupped her face gently. "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to us."