An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 44

Today was the day. Navya, Radhika, and Cabir were leaving for Tennessee. As decided, Cabir was free, so he agreed to go with them. Everyone was at the airport to drop off the trio.

Radhika was in Nandini's arms, not at all ready to leave her. Navya and Cabir were saying their goodbyes to everyone.

"Bye, Nandu. How do I hug you? Radhika, come on baby," Navya said, her voice a little choked with emotion.

Nandini smiled at her and hugged her from the side. "You know I will miss you, right?"

Navya nodded and hugged her again. Both girls had tears in their eyes.

Radhika, wiping her tears, said, "Auntie, I will not go."

Nandini held her close, trying to console her. "Baby, you're not going away from me forever, okay?"

"But I want to be with you too," Radhika sniffled, her voice breaking as she cried harder.

Nandini felt tears in her eyes too. She tried to comfort Radhika, but it was all in vain.

Manik, who had been standing beside them, knelt down and wiped Radhika's tears. "Radhika, baby, you will be back with us. I promise, please don't cry now."

Alongside, he rubbed Nandini's arms, trying to keep her calm.

Navya stepped in, gently taking Radhika in her arms. "Nandu, she'll stop crying in a bit, we're getting late. Don't worry."

Nandini nodded in understanding, still trying to hold herself together.

Radhika wailed, "Auntie, no! I don't wanna go, please!"

Her cries broke Nandini's heart, but all she could do was hug Radhika tighter. Finally, Navya took Radhika's hand and, after waving a final goodbye, they went inside the terminal.

Manik looked at Nandini with concern. "Nandini, you okay?"

Nandini nodded, wiping her own tears. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Manik pulled her into a comforting hug. "They will be back soon."

Nandini sighed, feeling a little better. "I am happy that Navya took this step, but Radhika was crying so badly. I never like seeing her cry."

Manik gave her a reassuring smile. "I know, Nandu. It'll be okay. It will all be fine. Now, go home and rest."

"Bye," Nandini said softly, her voice still shaky.

Manik smiled, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "See you later."

Both families left the airport, heading to their respective homes. The men went off to work, and Ishita left to look after the NGO, leaving Nandini alone in the Murthy Mansion.

Feeling the emptiness, Nandini sat on the couch, trying to distract herself by thinking of something to do. As she reached for the remote, her phone rang. It was a call from Naira.

"The best sister calling at the best time," Nandini thought as she smiled, picking up the phone.

"DIIII hai," Naira said, her voice chirpy as always.

Nandini couldn't help but smile just from hearing Naira's enthusiastic tone. It was enough to make her forget her worries.

"Heyyy, what's up?" Nandini asked.

Naira replied, "Just cooking dinner."

Nandini said, "Dinner? Oh, right, it must be dinner time there. So what's cooking, Mrs. Goenka?"

Naira replied, "Nothing special. What about you? Did Navya leave?"

Nandini said, "Yes, she did. Radhika was crying badly, yaar. I miss her."

Naira replied, "I understand, Di, but don't be sad."

Nandini said, "Hmm, yes. So when are you coming, Naira? Will you come for the wedding?"

Naira replied, "Of course, Di. Flights are available, it's just that Kartik isn't well these days."

Nandini asked, "What? What happened? Is he okay?"

Naira assured her, "Yeah, yeah, the doctor says it's normal. Once he gets better, we'll be there."

Nandini said, "Okay, good. I'll be waiting, and I miss you."

Naira said, "I love you, Di. Bye."

Nandini replied, "Bye."

Nandini felt a lot better after talking to Naira. She went to the kitchen to get herself a cup of coffee when her phone rang again.

She smiled looking at the caller ID and picked up the call.

"Hello, Mr. Malhotra," she answered.

Manik replied, "Oh hey, Madam. Where were you?"

Nandini replied, "Where am I? At home."

Manik said, "Ahaan, phone was busy, I was calling you."

Nandini checked her phone to see his missed calls.

Nandini said, "Oh, I am so sorry, Manik. I was talking to Naira. I didn't see your calls. Really sorry."

Manik reassured her, "Nandini, not a big deal. Stop saying sorry now."

Nandini replied, "Umhmm, I'm not used to it yet. Anyway, where are you? Office?"

Manik replied, "Yeah, just wrapped up a few meetings. Have to leave for one more in a minute."

Nandini said, "Okay, all the best."

Manik smiled, "Oh yeah, I called you to know if you're okay? I know no one is home and you must be missing Radhika, right?"

Nandini was happy sensing his concern. "I'm okay, Manik. Don't worry. It will take time, but I'll be fine."

Manik said, "Hm, I'm here for you, okay? Is there something I can do to make you feel better?"

Nandini was about to deny when something struck her mind.

Nandini said, "Well, yes, you definitely can."

Manik said, "Ahaan, demanding. What is it?"

Nandini said, "Tell me the venue, Manik. I will be in the best of my states."

Manik laughed, "Ha ha ha, don't play this card on me, Nandini. NO."

Nandini said, "Manik, please, don't you love me anymore?"

Manik laughed, "What's this emotional blackmailing? Of course, I love you."

Nandini said, "Then tell me."

Manik replied, "Nandini, we already had a conversation about this. You have no patience, seriously."

Nandini said, "What? I have patience, that's why you are walking on your legs till now, Malhotra."

Manik chuckled hearing her. "Such a deadly fiancée."

Nandini replied, "More to know about your fiancée. Don't tell me, I can be patient, and you'll have to witness that now. I won't even mention the venue until the wedding."

Manik said, "That's like my girl. Did you have something?"

Nandini replied, "Coffee in progress."

Manik said, "Okay, good. Do not overwork and rest. I will call you later."

Nandini replied, "Okay, bye. I love you."

Manik replied, "I love you too."

They hung up the call, and Manik proceeded with his meetings while Nandini sat with her coffee, scrolling through Instagram.

The Murthys returned shortly after. Everyone had their dinner and went to bed, getting a day closer to the wedding.