An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 32

Manik had already freshened up and was descending down the stairs when he saw everyone gathered in the hall. Nandini was still in the kitchen.

Manik walked over and joined his family.

Nyonika looked up and asked, "Ishita, where is Nandini?"

Ishita replied, "She's still in the kitchen, finishing up some last-minute dinner preparations. I'll go help her."

Navya, who was standing nearby, chimed in, "Aunty, you sit, I'll go help."

Ishita nodded, and Navya went to the kitchen to assist Nandini with the preparations. They finished up quickly and Nandini came out to inform everyone that dinner was ready.

Nyonika clapped her hands. "Alright, let me serve the food. Bhai-saab, Ishita, kids, please go to the table."

Everyone made their way to the dining table, but Manik remained standing. He glanced around and saw four empty chairs: one for Nyonika, one next to Cabir, and two at the other end. It wasn't hard to guess where Manik would sit, was it?

Cabir smirked, noticing Manik's hesitation. "Ha, I see what you're doing. Sitting over there on purpose, huh?"

Manik shot him a glare. "Shut up."

Nandini, Navya, and Nyonika entered the room together.

Navya was about to sit beside Manik when Cabir called out to her.

"Why do you have to be a third wheel here? Come sit here!" Cabir teased.

Navya raised an eyebrow, clearly understanding the playful situation. "Oh, what do we know? Maybe you should have told us where to sit."

Trying to avoid any more teasing, Nandini quickly sat beside Manik.

Dinner began, and the atmosphere was light with playful chatter. Manik turned to Cabir.

"By the way, you said you had something to tell me?" Manik asked, his curiosity piqued.

Cabir casually replied, "Yes, but not right now."

With that, he went back to eating.

Nandini, intrigued, leaned over and whispered to Manik. "What do you think he has to tell you?"

Manik shrugged. "How would I know? You're asking me like I'm a mind reader."

Nandini teased him softly, "You could at least tell me normally, Mr. Akdu."

Manik grinned, "You're Ms. Akduain then."

Nandini laughed quietly, shaking her head. "That's not even a word, Manik."

Manik smirked, "It is. You just didn't study enough. Duffer."

Nandini rolled her eyes. "Shut up and eat your food with your mouth closed."

Manik shot back, "You probably can eat with your mouth closed. We, on the other hand, have this special talent."

Nandini simply said, "Okay, enough. Shhh."

Manik smirked and whispered, "Fine, Shhh."

The two continued eating, exchanging smiles and playful glances.

Soon, everyone was done with dinner and they moved to the indoor garden to wait for Cabir to start the much-anticipated conversation.

Cabir stood in front of everyone, theatrically preparing to speak. "Alright, everyone, sit tight because I have some very good news. Brace yourselves, especially you, oldies, don't slip and fall."

Raj laughed. "Hey, oldies? Who are you calling old?"

Cabir responded with a smirk, "I'm talking about you, Dad."