An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 50

Everyone had settled inside the resort, but Nandini couldn't find the right moment to hug Manik and tell him just how special she was feeling. Still, her smile never faded from her face, a smile so radiant that it spoke more than words ever could. That's the beauty of love, isn't it? It doesn't always need words. Love is often spoken through glances, through shared moments, through the quiet bond that two people build with each other.

As they all gathered in the hall, refreshed and eagerly waiting for Navya, Radhika, and Cabir, the excitement was palpable. A few close family members had joined them, including Manik's grandmother and Nandini's grandfather. The atmosphere was filled with love, laughter, and an undeniable sense of family.

Nandini and Alya were engrossed in their conversation while Naira chatted away with Mukti, with Ayeza adding her own cheerful comments. Meanwhile, the boys were enjoying some time by the indoor pool, laughing and joking around. Suddenly, they heard a familiar voice — Radhika's excited scream.

That one simple sound, that tiny bundle of joy entering the room, caused a shift in the air. It wasn't just Radhika's arrival that lit up everyone's faces, but it was Nandini's reaction that stood out. Her pupils widened, her smile growing so large that it could've lit up the entire room. In that moment, Manik just had to chuckle. He chuckled not because Nandini looked funny, but because he knew exactly how she felt. His own emotions mirrored hers. Six months apart, and the longing to see her, to hold her, to laugh with her—it had never gone away. He missed her every single day.

And then, how could Manik forget about Cabir? How had he missed his little brother for all these months? Though Cabir wasn't his brother by blood, Manik often thought of him as his own. His jokes, his playful nature, and his surprising wisdom when needed. He missed it all.

Without a second thought, both Manik and Nandini practically jumped out of their seats, rushing towards the entrance, making the others laugh and follow them.

But, as expected, someone had to comment. "Here she comes with her illegitimate child to bring chaos," Swarna's voice rang out, dripping with disdain.

Nandini, ignoring the comment, immediately scooped Radhika into her arms, her heart swelling with love for the little girl. And Manik—he was engulfing Cabir in a hug, holding him tightly as if he were afraid to let go. Cabir had missed his serious, big brother more than he cared to admit.

Radhika, with a wide smile, said, "I missed you, Masi."

Nandini kissed her cheek softly, whispering, "I missed you more, baby."

"No, I missed you more," Radhika insisted, her voice filled with childlike innocence.

Nandini playfully scrunched her eyebrows and said, "No, I did."

Radhika shook her head firmly, "No, me, Maasi."

The back-and-forth continued as Nandini walked further inside, Radhika still in her arms, a warmth in her heart.

Meanwhile, Navya, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow and teased, "What about us? Don't we deserve some hugs?"

Cabir, his voice soft but audible, replied, "I'm here, aren't I?"

Manik's sharp eyes immediately caught the comment, and his gaze turned cold. A warning shot was fired in Cabir's direction—there was no room for such jokes when it came to Nandini. The glare from Manik was enough to make Cabir fall silent.

But what Manik hadn't realized was that Nandini had heard everything. The slight awkwardness in Navya's reaction did not go unnoticed by her. She chose to let it go for the time being, as the reunion was more important than any tension.

The group continued to meet and greet, but as the emotions ran high, Nandini and Cabir finally shared a hug of their own, both of them feeling the absence of each other during the months apart. Nandini's eyes welled up with tears as she whispered, "I missed you so much, especially when Radhika would ask about Harshad. I didn't know how to handle it alone."

Navya, also with tears in her eyes, added, "I missed you too, especially when I had to manage everything on my own. You always made it seem so easy."

Nandini sighed, her voice quiet. "You don't have to live there anymore, you know?"

Navya sighed deeply, a soft smile on her lips. "Let's not talk about that now. Don't spoil the mood."

Agreeing with that, they all moved inside the resort, with Radhika having the time of her life in Manik's arms. The warmth of family surrounded them, and despite all the small disagreements and awkward moments, the joy of being together was enough to make everything else fade into the background.

As Nandini watched Radhika happily nestled in Manik's embrace, her heart swelled with an emotion she couldn't quite put into words. It was a feeling that only love could bring—a love so deep that it made every moment feel like a cherished memory in the making.

And there, in that little bubble of love and laughter, Nandini couldn't help but realize how lucky she was. She had found her person in Manik, the one who completed her in ways she hadn't even known were possible. The way he looked at her, the way his touch made her feel at home—it was a feeling she had always longed for, and now, it was her reality.