An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 51

Dinner was in full swing, a warm and joyous affair. Most guests were genuinely happy for the couple, their smiles reflecting the love in the air. But then, there were some—and if you know, you know—who just couldn't resist spoiling a happy moment. They always had something or the other to say, but no one really cared anymore. Over time, everyone had mastered the art of ignoring negativity, letting it fade into the background like white noise.

Nandini and Mukti had finished their dinner early and were now serving the guests. No one wanted the hotel staff to do it tonight—this was a personal gathering, a celebration of love, not just another formal event.

"Um, Mukti, pass me the rice," Manik said casually.

Except Mukti wasn't holding the rice—Nandini was. He knew that. But asking her directly, in front of family, guests, and a few toxic presences, felt awkward.

Mukti smirked, instantly catching on. With a teasing nudge, she gestured toward Nandini, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Nandini sighed but stepped forward, the rice bowl in her hands. As soon as she reached Manik, he shot her a look—subtle but clear. You shouldn't have come.

Why? Because—

"Ohhhh, look at this! Even among guests, Romeo and Juliet can't stay apart," Cabir announced dramatically, grinning. "Bro, control yourself! Not that I'd mind hearing some good news the morning after your wedding, but at least let Bhabhi breathe!"

"Morning after?" Dhruv scoffed. "Why wait? Why not on the wedding night itself?"

Abhimanyu smirked. "Why not tonight?"

Laughter erupted across the room. Even the elders struggled to maintain their composure, while the older family members tried to appear unaffected—but failed miserably. The entire gathering, including the hotel staff, was caught in a wave of amusement.

Manik shot a murderous glare at Dhruv and Cabir before landing a solid punch on Cabir's stomach.

"You're dead," he muttered, but Cabir just howled with laughter.

Nandini, completely flustered, had no idea how to react. Face burning, she did the only thing she could—she placed the rice bowl beside Manik and bolted toward the terrace.

Manik cursed under his breath.

"Ahem," Raman teased. "Manik, aren't you feeling thirsty, son?"

Manik blinked, distracted. "Huh? Oh. Right. I'll be back."

Without another word, he got up and followed Nandini.

Up on the terrace, she stood by the railing, lost in thought, the night breeze teasing her hair. Manik approached silently, stopping beside her. Without a word, he nudged her elbow.

Startled, she turned, her face instantly flushing a deep shade of red.

Manik smirked. "You think I came here to fulfill Abhi's wish?"

Her breath hitched. "Wh-what are you talking about, Manik?"

Manik loved the effect he had on her. He stepped closer, the warmth of his presence making her even more nervous. His hands rested lightly on her back, grazing the bare skin exposed by her backless kurti, sending a shiver down her spine.

Leaning in, he lifted her chin gently with his fingers, making her look into his eyes. Finding no resistance, he pressed a soft kiss to her lips—a fleeting touch, but enough to leave her stunned.

Stepping back, he folded his arms, raising an eyebrow.

Nandini stood frozen, eyes wide, lips parted in surprise.

Manik waved a hand in front of her face. No response. Smirking, he pinched her nose lightly.

"Back here, shorty."

That snapped her out of her daze. The moment realization hit, her expression changed—and Manik knew he was in trouble.

"Shorty? Really?" she huffed. "And who do you think you are, Mr. Giraffe?"

Before he could react, she grabbed the nearest object—a handful of flower petals from the decorative bowl—and flung them at his face.

"Hey!" Manik dodged, laughing. "That's not fair!"

But Nandini wasn't done. She picked up a cushion and launched it at him. Manik ducked just in time.

"Nandini, Nandini, wait! I'm sorry, okay? But let's not start throwing things, I'm not even married yet—" His words cut off when he saw what she was reaching for next.

"Nandini, no. Not the vase!"

Realizing she had actually grabbed a legit vase, she blinked and quickly set it aside.

"Oh... oops." She bit her lip. "I didn't even realize I was holding that."

Manik sighed in relief before chuckling. "And that is exactly why I call you Sherni," he whispered, stepping closer. "You get so focused on your target, you don't even notice what's around you."

Nandini turned away with a laugh and walked toward the couch. "I'll take that as a compliment, Mr. Giraffe."

"It was meant to be one."

She threw him a fake smile. He returned an even faker one.

A moment later, both of them burst out laughing.

She shifted to the side, making space for him to sit. He settled down beside her, and before they knew it, they were deep in conversation, talking about anything and everything.

Hours passed unnoticed, their words weaving through the night like an endless melody.

By the time it struck 3 AM, Nandini had fallen asleep mid-conversation. Manik watched her for a moment, a soft smile playing on his lips. Carefully, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to her room.

Making sure she was comfortable, he pulled the blanket over her before stepping away.

A new day awaited them—a new beginning, the first step into their forever.

With that thought, Manik headed to his own room, a content smile lingering on his face.