An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 45

Months passed, and soon, there was just a week left for the families to leave for Greece.

In these months, it had been one of the best phases of Manik and Nandini's lives. Their love had only grown stronger. They did have arguments, of course, but it was always because of their deep love, and those moments never created any distance between them.

There was something else they both realized during this time—neither of them could stay away from the other for more than twelve hours, even when they fought. Even in those moments, when things weren't perfect, they still managed to talk, even if it was just with "hmms," "okays," and "fines." But they always heard each other's voices.

Everything was set for the wedding, and the guests were invited. Some were genuinely happy for them, while others held onto their rigid ideas. But they couldn't let that ruin their happiness. Navya and Radhika were supposed to fly to Greece directly with Cabir.

This week had been hectic for both families—shopping, last-minute preparations, and gathering all the necessary materials, as there was no guarantee they'd find everything in Greece.

Today, Naira and Kartik were landing in India, and Nandini and Ishita were bubbling with excitement.

Abhimanyu said, "Ishi ma, I'm going to the airport. Manik called me, they should be here any minute now."

Ishita responded, "Okay, beta, don't wait around. GO, bring them here!"

Nandini added, "Yes, go ahead! What are you waiting for?"

Abhimanyu shook his head with a smile and left for the airport.

Twenty minutes later, the Malhotras arrived, but Naira and Kartik were still not there.

Manik watched Nandini, her excitement lighting up the room. He couldn't help but admire her. But just as he was lost in thought, they heard the car horn.

Naira's voice rang out. "Dii, Mamma!"

Nandini turned around, and before she could react, Naira was in her arms, pulling her into the tightest hug. Nandini smiled and hugged her back.

"I missed you," Nandini said, her voice full of love.

"I missed you guys more, like a lot," Naira said, grinning. "Ishi ma!"

Naira went around to meet everyone, greeting each person warmly.

Meanwhile, Kartik bent slightly as if to touch Nandini's feet, but she playfully spanked him on the shoulder.

"I'll give you a tight one, huh?" Nandini teased, trying to hold back a laugh.

Kartik chuckled and gave her a big hug.

"How are you now?" Nandini asked, looking up at him with concern.

"Perfectly fine in front of you," Kartik said, flashing his signature grin.

Nandini smiled warmly at him, happy to see him doing better.

He went on to greet the rest of the family.

"Hey, Manik Jiju," Kartik said, giving Manik a playful salute.

Manik raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "Manik is fine, okay?"

Kartik laughed, "Haha, yes."

Ishita called out from the kitchen, "Naira, Kartik, breakfast?"

Naira responded, "Yes, Ma. We'll just freshen up and come."

Everyone agreed, and the group headed to the dining room. Nandini was about to follow when Manik held her wrist gently.

Nandini turned around, raising an eyebrow.

"Excuse me? Where's my hug?" Manik asked, his eyes glinting mischievously.

Nandini laughed lightly, "What?"

"What 'what'? I agree you're excited and happy and I'm glad to see you like this, but you literally forgot about me all this time," Manik teased, pouting a little.

Nandini furrowed her brows, ready to reply when Manik pulled her into a warm embrace, wrapping his arms around her waist. Nandini rested her head against his chest, feeling the peace and calm she always felt in his arms.

She peeked up, her eyes meeting his, and she couldn't help but smile at how handsome he looked.

"I can never forget you, okay?" Nandini whispered. "I've told you before, when I look at you, I can't help but smile."

Manik smiled back, his heart full of love, and kissed her softly on the lips.

They were about to separate when they heard a loud cough.

Cabir, standing a few feet away, said with a mischievous grin, "Ahem, ahem. Manik bhai, have you eaten? Or are you full from all the kisses?"

Manik shot him a warning look. "SHUT UP, CABIR."

Trying to avoid further embarrassment, they quickly went in to join the family for breakfast.

Nyonika said, "So, shopping today. Manik, Nandini, Abhimanyu, Naira, Cabir, Mukti, Alya, Dhruv—you all go shopping and get whatever you need. We elders have some other work to do."

Ishita added, "Sounds good. Just make sure you get everything you need, because finding traditional stuff in Greece will be a challenge."

Alya replied, "Okay, Aunty."

The younger crowd finished breakfast quickly and got ready to leave.

Ishita turned to Nandini and asked, "Nandini, you'll be able to choose all your outfits, right?"

Nyonika nodded, "Don't worry, Ishita. The kids will help her. Nandu, just buy the outfits for the functions, okay? I've already got your clothes for the small pujas and functions covered."

Nandini smiled and nodded.

Nandini, Manik, Naira, and Kartik left in one car, while the rest of the family went in Cabir's car. Abhimanyu was with the elders, driving their car, as Nandini had already chosen his outfits during the last shopping trip.

Naira, full of excitement, asked, "Di, what color have you decided for your lehenga?"

Nandini replied, "Red, probably. We'll see."

Naira smiled, "Red is cool."

Kartik, ever the troublemaker, asked, "What about you, Naira?"

Naira, knowing Kartik hated black, teased, "Maybe black, royal and sexy."

Kartik looked at her with a neutral expression, and Nandini shot Naira a disapproving glare.

Kartik immediately responded, "Ha Ha Ha, NO."

Naira just smirked, "Ha Ha Ha, yes."

Kartik, unable to resist, started tickling her, "You're not wearing black."

Naira squealed, "Kartik, stop, ha ha, please."

Kartik continued tickling her, and just when Naira thought she couldn't take it anymore, she heard Nandini clear her throat.

"Stop behaving like kids, you two," Nandini said, her tone half-serious, half-amused.

Naira teased, "And you need to let that cool side of yours come up. Why do you always act like a chachi?"

Nandini and Naira exchanged looks, but it was the word "chachi" that stuck with them.

Kartik, shocked, asked, "Chachi? Um, don't tell me she'll be there?"

Naira and Nandini both made horrible faces at the thought, while Manik just looked at Nandini in confusion.

The scene had shifted, and now they all had to gear up for their shopping spree, but the playful and teasing moments had set the tone for what would be a fun and emotional day ahead.