An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 20

BIG DAY TODAY. Manik and Nandini were both sound asleep in their rooms, completely unaware of the time or the significance of the day.

Suddenly, there was a knock at both their doors.

Ishita called out, "Nanduuu!" while Nyonika shouted, "Manikkk!"

Both of them jerked awake, still groggy.

Manik and Nandini said in unison, "Coming, Mamma!"

They grabbed their phones, still half asleep, forgetting that it was their Roka day.

Nandini suddenly gasped, "Oh my god, it's our Roka today!"

Manik's eyes widened as he said, "It's the day!"

They both tried to call each other at the same time.

The voice on the phone replied, "The number you are trying to call is currently busy."

Nandini frowned. "Busy? Who is he talking to this early?"

Manik muttered, "It's our day, and she's busy with someone else? No, no, maybe a glitch. Let's try again."

Nandini tried calling again, but it was still busy.

"What the hell?" Nandini said, frustrated.

Manik sighed. "Let her be. I'm not calling now. She'll reach out when she's ready. No point in rushing."

Not the ideal start to the day.

After they freshened up and got ready in their outfits, both families headed to the temple for the ceremony. The Roka was to take place in a temple with high spiritual significance, secluded from the city in a remote area.

The Malhotras arrived first, and Nyonika along with Bua Ji began overseeing the decorations. The temple, a grand structure centuries old, was now under the Malhotras' care. Tourism was halted for the day, with only the priest present. It was perched on a hill, offering a peaceful, serene atmosphere—everything one could want for spiritual reflection.

But Manik and Nandini, clearly, were not feeling peaceful at all.

Soon after, the Murthys arrived. As Nandini descended, Navya helped her adjust her lehenga. Manik was already staring at her, his mouth slightly open. Nandini looked absolutely ethereal in her traditional fusion lehenga with a modern twist. Manik couldn't help but be charmed by her.

But as soon as Nandini caught his gaze, he quickly looked away, embarrassed.

Internally, Nandini thought, "Seriously? He's been busy with god knows who, and now he's avoiding me? Fine, I won't talk to him either. Let him do whatever he wants."

She ignored him and greeted Cabir, hugged Nyonika and Raj, and met Mukti too. She learned that Aliya was unwell and couldn't attend, so Dhruv stayed with her.

Manik, on the other hand, was getting irritated. "How dare she ignore me? We need to talk. What does she think of herself?"

Nandini, in her mind, thought, "I need to talk to him. We can't keep ignoring each other during the ceremony."

As she was thinking this, Manik pulled her aside to a secluded corner.

"Why are you ignoring me?" Manik asked, a little frustrated.

"Exactly! Why are you ignoring me when you're the one at fault?" Nandini shot back. "How dare you avoid me?"

"I was at fault? Nandini, you were the one busy this morning, busy with who knows who," Manik said, pointing at her.

"No, you were the one talking to god knows who. Was it a girl? Go marry her if you're so busy or marry your phone. That's the best choice!" Nandini snapped back.