An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 35

"Alright, it's settled," Raman said, breaking the silence. "Let's call the commissioner to our house and present him with everything, including this recording as evidence."

"Yes, that's the plan," Raj agreed. "Manik, beta, we understand you don't want this to go public, but we must. The world needs to know the truth. Otherwise, the Vermas will play the victim card against us."

"Yes, Manik," Nyonika added. "And now, your name won't be associated with hers as her fiancé anymore. It's all over."

Manik glanced at Nandini, who gave him a reassuring smile and a gentle blink. He smiled back at her in return.

"Okay, Mom, Dad," Manik finally responded, his voice steady.

"Good, very good," Nyonika said, beaming. "Now, let's get ready for the puja. The preparations are all done."

"We're all set, Mom," Cabir chimed in from the side. "You ladies go ahead."

Nyonika nodded, and all the women went to their rooms to prepare.

Meanwhile, the men were gathered in the hall, chatting when Nandini's phone, which had been left on the table, suddenly rang. Manik saw it was from the hospital. Thinking it might be urgent, he immediately went upstairs to give it to her.

He knocked on her door.

"Come in," Nandini called from inside.

As Manik entered, he was momentarily speechless. Seeing her dressed in a traditional, simple yet stunning outfit, he couldn't help himself. He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Nandini smiled at him through the mirror. She placed her hands over his, which were resting on her waist.

"You look beautiful," Manik whispered, his voice filled with admiration.

"Well, thank you," Nandini replied teasingly. "Was that what you came here to say?"

Manik, his expression playful, responded, "Oh, I swear, you're looking so stunning that I completely forgot why I came in here."

Nandini turned around to face him. "So, you like it?"

"Yes," Manik said with a smirk, "and even if you weren't dressed up with all these unnecessary jewels—though they do make you look even more beautiful—I would have reacted the same way."

"You love me that much," Nandini said, her voice softening.

Manik smiled warmly. "You know, I never planned on loving you this much, nor did I expect you to be on my mind this often, but somehow, here you are, always in my thoughts. It's a surprise, but I love it... and I love you even more."

Nandini smiled brightly, her heart swelling with love at his words. Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. Manik kissed her forehead as they stood there, holding each other.

"Before your emotional side takes over," Manik teased, breaking the hug. "I finally remembered what I came here for."

Nandini laughed and pulled away from him. "Tell me, what's it?"

Manik quickly replied, "You got a call from the hospital. It might be urgent. Here, take it."

"Oh, thank you," Nandini said, grateful for his thoughtfulness.

"For what?" Manik asked, a playful glint in his eye. "I've told you before, Nandini, the relationship we share doesn't need any formalities."

Nandini smiled, nodding in agreement. "You're right."

"I'll be waiting downstairs," Manik said, giving her one last smile before leaving the room.

Nandini answered the call. It was the hospital reception asking about a file. Thankfully, it wasn't urgent. She breathed a sigh of relief and made her way downstairs.

As she entered the hall, she found Abhimanyu sitting on the couch. He immediately wrapped an arm around her shoulders and smiled at her.

"Nandu, I just realized... it's been so long since we had time to ourselves," he said, his voice slightly nostalgic. "How about a little sibling bonding time?"

Nandini chuckled. "Why not, Bhai? In fact, I thought you must have found a girl since you've been so busy."

Abhimanyu rolled his eyes. "Oh please, you'll be the first one to know, even before the girl, if that ever happens."

Nandini smiled, teasing him. "That's sweet of you, Bhai. But I want you to prioritize your life and whoever you end up with over me. I'll have to take second place, and after a few years, maybe even third or fourth."

"Don't talk nonsense, Nandu," Abhimanyu said, his tone serious. "You should know by now, when it comes to choosing between you and anyone else, I'll always pick you. You'll always come first, even before myself."

Nandini felt a lump in her throat but nodded, not wanting to drag the conversation further. She knew deep down that she would never want her brother to choose her over his own personal life. But if Abhimanyu truly loved her that much, no situation would change that. Not even Nandini herself.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, she noticed Manik looking at her, his eyebrows raised in concern. He had definitely noticed the tension on her face. Not wanting to discuss it at that moment, Nandini simply nodded at him and mouthed a "Nothing" before turning her attention back to her brother.

Soon, Nyonika and Ishita joined them in the hall. Together, they all went to the temple in the house to offer prayers.

Manik and Nandini sat at the front, side by side.

The priest, Pandit Ji, motioned toward them. "Manik, Nandini, take the arti, children."

Nandini nodded and stood up, holding the plate with the offerings. As she did, the veil on her head slipped off. She attempted to adjust it with her shoulders, but Manik noticed and immediately moved to help her.

He gently placed his hands on her shoulders and fixed the veil for her, his actions tender and caring. Nandini smiled at him gratefully. The elders watching the scene couldn't help but "Aww" at their sweet bond.

They began performing the arti together, followed by all the other couples. Coincidentally, Navya and Cabir also ended up doing the ceremony together.

Once the puja was over, everyone returned to the hall.

Manik turned to his mother. "Mom, Nandini and I need to head to the office now. She needs to finalize the interior designs, and then we'll be visiting the orphanage for a while."

"Alright, beta," Nyonika replied.

Manik and Nandini left in his car, ready to start their day.

Raj, too, stood up. "We'll go to the commissioner's office now. We'll meet you there."

Raj, Abhimanyu, and Cabir left as well.

Nyonika turned to Ishita. "Let's go take care of the invitation cards. When the kids return, they'll decide which ones to print."

"Go ahead, Aunty. I'll join you in a bit. I need to put Radhika to sleep," Navya said, her voice soft.

Nyonika and Ishita nodded and went to the study room, while Navya stayed behind.