An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 42

Nandini walked up to Abhimanyu with a hopeful expression.
Nandini: "Bhai, come on, tell me! I'm dying to know!"
Abhimanyu: "No, Nandini. A big 'no' from me!"
Nandini pouted, trying her best to convince him.
Nandini: "Pleaseeeee!"
Abhimanyu just shook his head, grinning. "NO."
Nandini crossed her arms in frustration.
Nandini: "Fine, I give up. You won't tell me, but I'll find out anyway!"
Abhimanyu: "Oh, wait for Greece, and you'll know everything, no worries."
She threw a mock glare at him, but her lips curled into a smile. "You're impossible!"

Nandini moved back to her seat, and as she glanced at Manik, she noticed him smiling quietly to himself.
Nandini: "What's so funny, huh?"
Manik, pulled from his thoughts, raised an eyebrow.
Manik: "Nothing at all."
Nandini narrowed her eyes. "I'm starting to think everyone in this house has lost their mind, especially you two."
Manik chuckled.
Manik: "Excuse me?"
Nandini teased as she left the room.
Nandini: "I'll just go help the ladies in the kitchen. At least they're sane!"

As she walked off, Manik couldn't help but smile at her retreating figure.

After the dinner, Nandini pulled Manik outside to the backyard.
Manik: "You're in a hurry, Nandini? What's going on?"
Nandini folded her arms, raising an eyebrow.
Nandini: "You're not fooling me, Manik. Tell me the venue. You can't hide it forever."
Manik smiled mischievously.
Manik: "I'm just trying to surprise you, Nandini. I want you to see it for yourself, and trust me, it'll be worth the wait."
Nandini shook her head, trying to stay firm.
Nandini: "You're impossible. But I hate surprises, Manik. Especially when it's something this big."

Manik stepped closer, his voice soft.
Manik: "But I love you, Nandini. I want to see that smile on your face when you discover it. That's why I'm keeping it a secret."
He leaned closer, brushing his lips near her ear as he whispered.
Manik: "You know how much I love seeing you happy."
Nandini's heart fluttered, and she couldn't help but smile.
Nandini: "You're too much, Manik. You really think you can hide it from me forever?"
Manik grinned, stepping back.
Manik: "Oh, you'll find out soon enough, trust me."

As she continued to playfully glare at him, he ran off, shouting.
Manik: "It's a surprise, Nandini! You'll thank me later!"
Nandini stood there for a moment, stunned by his antics. Then, she called out.
Nandini: "I HATE SURPRISES, MANIK! And I hate you for keeping it from me!"

But even as she yelled, she couldn't hide the smile creeping onto her face.

Scene 3: The Car Ride and Texts

Later, as the Malhotras and Murthys were heading home, Manik drove the car, his eyes glancing at Nandini through the rearview mirror.
Nandini, sensing his gaze, looked up and saw his smile, and despite herself, her heart melted. She returned the smile, her cheeks warming.
Nandini: "Okay, fine. You win this round. But I'm still not letting you off the hook easily."
Manik chuckled, his hands on the wheel.
Manik: "I'll take that as a 'Thank you' for the surprise."

As the car ride ended, Nandini pulled out her phone, eagerly checking the message from Manik.
Manik: "Reached home. Don't be mad, baby. I want you to see the venue for yourself and see that happiness on your face. Trust me, you'll love it."
Nandini smiled softly as she typed back.
Nandini: "I'm not mad, Manik. Just... a little impatient. But I know you're doing this for me. I'll be okay."

Manik responded almost immediately.
Manik: "I'm glad, love. I want nothing more than to make you happy."
Nandini: "Well, you're doing a good job so far."
Manik: "You haven't seen anything yet. I have a lot more surprises for you."

Nandini grinned, shaking her head.
Nandini: "Let's see if I can keep up with you, Mr. Malhotra."
Manik: "Challenge accepted, Ms. Murthy."