An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 13

Nandini woke up first that morning. After freshening up, she went to her room to get ready. They were free in the morning, so they decided to go on a jungle tour before the evening's sangeet. By the time Nyonika woke up, she descended to find everyone at the table except Nandini.

Ishita greeted Nyonika with a "Good morning" and asked, "Nandu nahi uthi?" 
Nyonika replied, "Good morning, she woke up really early." 
Naira chimed in, "She must be in her room. I'll go check."

When Naira went to the room, she panicked at the sight of Nandini vomiting. 
"Nandini, are you okay? Do you need water?" she asked frantically. 
Nandini, trying to calm her down, reassured her, "Relax, it's just a little dizziness. I'm fine. It's probably just fatigue, don't worry." 
"Are you sure? We can skip the trip. I'll stay with you," Naira insisted. 
"No, Naira! Enjoy your wedding. Stop always compromising," Nandini said. 
"But I'm not compromising. Nothing is more important than you," Naira replied firmly. 
"Let's go downstairs then," Nandini said, sensing Naira's concern. 
"Okay," Naira responded.

When they joined the others, Nandini's pale face revealed her discomfort. 
"I'll be fine. I'll still join you all. The plan won't be canceled, okay?" Nandini assured everyone. 
Ishita asked cautiously, "Are you sure?" 
Nandini smiled, "Yes, I'm sure."

Manik stepped in, "I'll stay with you... if Mom and Dad agree." 
Raman smiled, "Why would we refuse? Let's go have breakfast and get going."

They all had breakfast and set off for the jungle tour. Manik stayed close to Nandini in another jeep, along with Radhika, while the others split into four other jeeps.

During the ride, Radhika, with her curiosity, asked, "So you two are getting married, right? Manik Uncle, will you take Masi with you?" 
Manik grinned, "No, we'll all come together. Whenever you want, I'll come to meet you. Okay?" 
Radhika nodded excitedly, "Pakka?" 
"Yep," Manik confirmed. Then he reminded Nandini, "Take your medicine." 
Nandini whined, "Manik, I just had juice." 
"Stop acting like a kid," he teased. 
"I'm not acting like one! Please," Nandini pouted. 
"No," he said firmly. 
Radhika, trying to help, teased, "Masi, if Uncle called a lion, would you take it seriously?" 
Nandini laughed, "A lion? He's scared of them, not me." 
Manik playfully protested, "What? I'm not scared!" 
"Yes, you are," Nandini teased back. 
And just as they were talking, a loud lion's roar echoed through the jungle, causing Nandini and Radhika to jump and cling to Manik. Nandini wrapped her arms around his waist, while Radhika held his hand tightly. 
Manik chuckled, trying to calm them down, "Relax, girls. It's just a lion. It's normal in the jungle. Radhika, sit here and calm down." 
Radhika nodded and settled down, playing with her doll. 
Manik gently reassured Nandini, "Stop panicking. It's okay." 
Nandini sighed, "Hmm." 
Manik, softly caressing her cheek, asked, "Are you alright?" 
She nodded, smiling, "Yeah, I'm fine." 
"Well, someone isn't scared, huh?" he teased her. 
"I wasn't before, it just startled me," Nandini replied. 
Manik smiled knowingly. They realized they were still in a close embrace, sharing a deep connection, lost in each other's eyes. 
Radhika, breaking the silence, pointed out, "Look, elephants!" 
Manik and Nandini snapped back to reality, both laughing softly and admiring the beauty of nature.

After enjoying the sights and taking plenty of photos, they returned home, and Nandini seemed better. She rested while the others gathered in her room. Manik stayed close, his hand entwined with hers, while Abhimanyu checked on her health. Naira and Navya were gossiping, and Kartik and Manik were talking cricket.

Later, Naira suggested, "After the sangeet, how about a movie night? Just us?" 
Nandini smiled, "I'm in." 
But Abhimanyu and Manik both said in unison, "No, you're not." 
Nandini chuckled, "Come on, I'm fine." 
Manik, looking at her seriously, said, "You need rest." 
Nandini huffed, "I'm fine, Manik." 
Manik, knowing how stubborn she was, relented, "Alright, no whining." 
"Yay!" Nandini cheered, then playfully asked, "Bhai, please?" 
Abhimanyu sighed, "Fine, done."