An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 14

The day had finally arrived for Kaira's wedding, and Naira was getting ready in her room. The house was buzzing with excitement as everyone else was preparing for the big event. Manik, Abhimanyu, and Cabir were busy handling the last-minute details, while Nandini stayed by Naira's side, trying to keep her calm.

Naira was nervous, her mind racing with thoughts about the ceremony.

Naira: "Di, how do you think Kartik will be feeling? What if I trip and fall on the stage? It'll be so embarrassing. How should I walk? Should I just look down the whole time?"

Nandini chuckled and shook her head.

Nandini: "Oh come on, stop acting like a lunatic. We're going to walk and dance, and nothing sad will happen. Stop being so conscious! Anyway, I'll always be here with you, right?"

Naira took a deep breath and smiled. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Di."

Just then, Ishita, Raman, and Abhimanyu joined them. The family was emotional, knowing that Naira would be leaving for L.A. soon. It would be hard for them to say goodbye, but Nandini would be there to offer them support.

Tears flowed as they comforted each other, and then Manik called Nandini, asking her to call Abhimanyu since his phone was unreachable.

Manik: "Nandini, is Abhimanyu there?"

Nandini's voice cracked from the tears.

Nandini: "Yeah, Manik...should I send him?"

Manik: "Yeah, the baraat is here. Everyone should come down. Are you crying?"

Nandini: "No, I'm just... emotional. I'm fine."

Manik: "Okay, just send them down."

Manik knew it was natural for her to be emotional about her sister's wedding, but he still decided to be there for her. He understood how hard it was for Nandini.

Nandini informed everyone, and they all made their way downstairs.

Naira: "I'm going to miss you, Di."

Nandini: "I'll miss you too, darling. Please, don't cry now."

The two sisters shared a heartfelt moment before someone came to call them. As they made their way out, Nandini noticed Naira becoming conscious again.

Nandini gently held Naira's hand and reassured her as they walked down together. Abhimanyu, Cabir, Manik, and a cousin were holding the canopy for the bride. Manik and Nandini exchanged a small smile. Manik couldn't help but notice how beautiful Nandini looked in the red lehenga he had helped choose for her. He also noticed the tears in her eyes.

Manik smiled at her, silently reassuring her.

Nandini, sensing the weight of the moment, held Naira's hand tighter, as Navya stood by her on the other side. Nandini gave Naira a smile to encourage her, and Abhimanyu noticed Nandini's comforting presence. He asked her how Naira was holding up, and Nandini reassured him that she was emotional, but she was managing.

They reached the stage and the traditional rituals began. The music played, and as the day went on, the energy shifted. The happiness in the air was palpable. After a while, the traditional Bhangra song started, and all three girls—Naira, Nandini, and Navya—began dancing. Ishita and Nyonika joined them, adding to the fun.

Abhimanyu watched his sisters dancing, while Manik's eyes never left Nandini. Even though she was sad, she was trying her best to put on a brave face for everyone, smiling through the tears.

Meanwhile, Cabir couldn't help but keep glancing at Navya. They had grown close, and now there was something more between them, something unspoken. But for now, they kept enjoying the festivities.

As the ceremony progressed, Kartik and Naira stood at the stage, completing their vows. The rituals continued, and when the time came for a break, Manik pulled Nandini away, knowing she needed a moment to collect herself.

They walked together up to the terrace, away from the crowd. The view of the night sky and the surrounding greenery was breathtaking.

Nandini: "It's beautiful up here."

Manik wasn't looking at the view. He was focused entirely on her, his gaze soft and loving as the moonlight bathed her in a warm glow.

Manik: "Nandini...I know I'm not the most expressive person. You know that about me. But I'm glad I have you. You understand me without needing words. I don't know how, but I fell in love with you. And I know it's fast, but it feels right. I love you, and I can't imagine my life without you. I want to be by your side forever."

He paused, waiting nervously for her response, unsure if he had made things awkward.

Manik: "You don't have to say anything right now—"

But before he could say anything more, Nandini pulled him into a tight hug, her arms wrapped around his neck, and her head resting on his chest.

Nandini: "I love you too, Manik. I love you so much."

Manik stood there, speechless, unable to believe what he had just heard. The fireflies twinkled around them, and the first raindrops began to fall, adding magic to the moment. The soft glow of fairy lights illuminated them as they stood there, their love glowing just as brightly.

The wind blew, scattering flowers around them as they held each other close. Manik kissed Nandini's forehead, and she looked up at him. Their eyes locked, and their lips slowly came together, sealing their love in a kiss. It was sweet and soft, the kind of kiss that spoke of purity and trust.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were smiling, basking in the magic of the moment. But their moment was interrupted by the sound of Cabir and Navya.

Navya: "Wait... is this what we think it is?"

Nandini grinned and nodded at her friend.

Navya: "Woohoo! I'm so happy for you guys!" She pulled Nandini into a tight hug.

Cabir hugged Manik, his excitement obvious.

Cabir: "Alright, you two lovebirds, the pheras are about to start. Get ready to go downstairs. Oh, and by the way, Aunty said we can change into lighter clothes if we're feeling too heavy. And I'm guessing you two are a little wet from the rain!"

They both laughed as they walked back to their rooms to change into lighter outfits. Nandini wore a red suit set, and Manik changed into a red kurta.

As they made their way back down to the mandap, they were met with enthusiastic hugs and congratulations from everyone. Naira, without caring about anyone else, pulled Nandini into a tight hug. Nandini was surprised but hugged her sister back just as tightly.

After a while, Nandini helped Naira change into a saree for the pheras and vidaai, as the lehenga wasn't suitable for travel. They came down together, and the pheras began.

Manik and Nandini stood together, slightly apart from the crowd. Manik wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. They both watched the wedding, the solemnity of the moment not lost on them.

Manik: "We still don't have a wedding date, do we?"

Nandini: "Once we get back to Mumbai, we'll figure it out."

Manik: "I'm excited."

Nandini, still in his embrace, looked up at him with a playful smile.

Nandini: "Excited? What happened to the typical groom who loves his bachelor life?"

Manik: "I love you more than that."

They both chuckled, watching as Kaira's wedding continued. As the ceremony neared its end, Kaira was officially married, but for Manik and Nandini, the real journey was just beginning.