An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 43

Nandini woke up early, feeling excited about spending the day with Abhimanyu. She quietly prepared a cappuccino, just like old times, and walked into his room to find him already up, getting ready.

Abhimanyu noticed her and smiled. "What a pleasant surprise, Nandu. You're up so early?"

Nandini gave him a playful smile in return. "Bhai, seriously, you need to get some manners. A simple 'good morning' is all it takes, just so you know."

Abhimanyu chuckled. "I know, I know. I've been saying that to you for years now."

He approached her, slipped his watch on, and casually wrapped his arms around her neck.

"Whoa, careful! Coffee's in my hands!" Nandini warned him, shifting her cup slightly.

Abhimanyu looked at the coffee and then back at Nandini, his eyes twinkling with appreciation. "Hmm, nice, nice. I'm impressed," he said as he plopped onto the bed, holding the coffee cup in one hand.

"But Nandu, don't do this too often. You're spoiling me," he added with a playful grin.

Nandini raised an eyebrow, curious. "Why? What's wrong?"

Abhimanyu paused for a moment, his expression turning more serious as he looked at her. He hesitated before continuing. "I've gotten so used to it, Nandu. And now, when you're going away in a few days... I don't know what I'll do without these little things."

Nandini softened, placing the coffee on the table before sitting down beside him and pulling him into a sideways hug. "Bhai, it's just for a little while. I'm not going anywhere far. I'm right here, okay?"

Abhimanyu sighed in relief and kissed her forehead, his usual smile returning. "Thank God for that."

"Now, have your coffee. It's getting cold," Nandini teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Abhimanyu smiled gratefully. "Oh yes, thanks a lot, Nandu."

"No need for thanks, Bhai," she replied, getting up. "I'm heading down now. Come downstairs when you're ready. I've planned everything for today: breakfast at Mom's kitchen, then shopping, lunch, a movie, and then a walk at Marine Drive. All set?"

Abhimanyu's eyes lit up. "Sounds perfect! But what about ice cream? Can we do that too?"

Nandini chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Of course, Bhai. How could I forget?"

"Perfect. You go on, I'll join you in a minute," Abhimanyu said, his tone light as he watched her head for the door.

After their light-hearted exchange, Nandini made her way downstairs.

"Good morning, Mamma, Papa," she greeted as she walked into the living room.

Raman looked up from his newspaper and smiled. "You're up early, princess. Good morning," he said, pulling her into a warm side hug.

Ishita, who was making tea in the kitchen, glanced over. "Of course she's up early—siblings' day today, right?"

Nandini nodded enthusiastically. "Yep, it's our day!"

Ishita smiled. "Breakfast, then?"

Abhimanyu entered the room just then. "Bahar hi, Mamma. Good morning," he said, flashing his usual mischievous grin.

Raman, pretending to be sad, sighed dramatically. "So, I won't get to spend time with my princess even on Sunday?"

Nandini immediately felt a twinge of guilt but Abhimanyu was quick to jump in, trying to lighten the mood. "Aye Aye Nandu, no need to listen to him! He's just emotionally blackmailing you. Dare you change the plans, I'll have to deal with you myself."