An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 29

Ishita nodded. "We'll have to be very careful."

Nyonika thought for a moment. "So what about the Roka ceremony? How should we handle that?"

Raman quickly responded, "Bhabhi ji, you can do it any day, no need to follow any specific rituals for the fake engagement. We don't need a muhurt (auspicious time) for that."

Manik hesitated before speaking up. "Actually, Ma, I don't want the Roka ceremony to be done with all the rituals and formalities. Because if we do that, it'll make the relationship seem real, and I don't want that. Nandini and I have already decided, and I don't want to be engaged to someone else."

Everyone in the room, except Nandini, said in unison, "Awww."

Nandini smiled warmly at Manik, her eyes soft with love. Manik returned her gaze, feeling more at ease now. Both of them knew how lucky they were to have each other.

Nyonika smiled fondly at Manik. "You're so sweet, Manik. By the way, I don't want to make Soha go through all the traditional rituals either. We'll just do the symbolic gifting. No puja for the chunni, and that way the engagement won't feel official."

Ishita agreed. "That sounds perfect. We can do the Roka ceremony in a couple of days."

Nyonika added, "Alright, Nandu, come with me upstairs. Ishita, you should also pick out the jewelry while we can still get everything done before the wedding."

Ishita nodded. "Yes, let's go."

Nandini smiled at them. "You both go ahead. I'll be there after I change."

Nyonika nodded. "Okay, beta. And you all should get some rest. Raj, why don't you sleep upstairs with us? We'll take a bit longer down here."

Raman agreed, "Sure, we'll be watching the cricket match anyway. Manik, Cabir, you in?"

Cabir enthusiastically responded, "Yo, I'm in!"

Manik nodded, a small smile forming on his face. They moved to the living room, where the men made themselves comfortable on the mattresses.

Nandini, after changing, came down to see everyone gathered around the television, eagerly watching the match. She chuckled quietly at the sight.

Raj waved her over. "Come on, Nandu! The match is great, come join us!"

Manik couldn't take his eyes off her as she entered. He smiled, his heart warm.

Nandini turned to her father, "Papa, you watch. Let me go now. Good night!"

She hugged him and also gave Raman a quick hug. "Night, Dad."

"Sweet dreams, Nandu," Raman replied warmly.

Cabir smiled and added, "Good night, Bhabhi!"

Nandini smiled back, "Good night, everyone. Good night, Manik."

"Good night," Manik said softly, his smile never leaving his face.

As Nandini walked away, Manik's gaze followed her until she disappeared from sight.

Raj teased, "Beta, don't stare too long, she's gone now!"

Everyone laughed, but Manik just blushed, still smiling.

And that was the beauty of this big, loving family. Even when they were dealing with serious plans, they knew how to enjoy the little moments and fight through challenges together, with smiles and laughter.