An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 58

THE DAY!

It was the day when Manik and Nandini would finally become one in every sense—heart, soul, and destiny. They had endured trials, faced storms, and walked through fire, but love had been their anchor. And today, love had won.

Of course, this wasn't just any wedding. It was a unique celebration of a unique couple, tied together by the threads of fate. Their families, as distinct and unconventional as they were, had planned a morning devoid of chaos. No last-minute frenzies, no panic—just calm anticipation and joy. Guests wandered at leisure, basking in the ethereal beauty of Greece, capturing the breathtaking views as souvenirs of the day. 

Meanwhile, in the estate's grand theater room, both families sat together, watching wedding films of their ancestors. From great-grandparents to parents, each story of love played out on the screen in vivid snapshots of time.

"Imagine living a moment you were never present for," someone mused.

Ishita and Raman's wedding movie flickered on the screen, showcasing a heavily pregnant Nyonika, radiant with the promise of new life.

Cabir nudged Manik. "Dude, you were technically at your parents' wedding. If only you knew their greatest symbol of love would one day become yours to cherish."

Manik feigned annoyance, rolling his eyes, but his heart swelled with unspoken emotions. It was destiny—written long before they even existed.

As laughter and nostalgia filled the room, Nandini leaned into Manik, her arms wrapped around his, head resting against his shoulder. His hands remained steady on his knees, cross-legged, yet the warmth between them spoke volumes.

"One day, we'll be watching ours," Nandini whispered.

Manik turned, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "With our family."

Sitting at the topmost row, lost in their own world, they stayed entwined as memories unfolded before them.

Draped in an exquisite pastel lehenga, Nandini stood before the mirror, absorbing the gravity of the moment. Her reflection was more than just a bride—it was a testament to her journey. From childhood innocence to reckless teenage years, from the carefree days of college to finding a love so deep it changed her forever. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her lips curled into a smile as she recalled every stolen glance, every whispered confession with Manik.

Her trance shattered when the bridal entry song resonated through the hall, signaling her time had come. A deep breath. A step forward. A new life awaited her—filled with love, challenges, and everything in between.

Her 'Veeres'—Navya, Naira, Alia, and Mukti—flocked around her, beaming with excitement.

"The prettiest bride ever," Alia gushed.

"Thank you," Nandini said, her voice warm and sincere.

Alia hesitated before speaking again. "Nandini, I know this is unexpected, but I need to say it. I've spoken to Manik about this before, but I owe it to you too. I was insecure, and yeah, it was justified. Manik was always my safe place, more than Cabir or Dhruv. I mistook it for love. It wasn't my fault—I convinced myself it was real. But you... you make him whole. You bring out something in him I never could. And I'm so, so happy for you both! I mean, MUKTI, CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS? Nandini is officially family now!"

Nandini hugged her, touched by her honesty. "I know, right? It feels... right."

"Alright, emotional time over! Let's get you married!" Navya grinned as Naira adjusted Nandini's dupatta, ensuring perfection.

As they made their way toward the open courtyard, nerves crept up on Nandini. The weight of every expectant gaze, the hushed whispers, the flashing cameras—she suddenly felt like she couldn't breathe.

Just as she was about to succumb to the overwhelming tide of emotions, a tiny hand slipped into hers.

Little Radhika, all smiles and innocence, looked up at her. "Masi, you look so prettyyy!"

Nandini bent down, pressing a kiss to her cheek, leaving a faint lipstick stain.

Giggling, Radhika planted two kisses on Nandini's cheeks in return.

"Why two?" Nandini asked.

"One from Manik Mausa. He told me to give you an extra one from him."

Nandini's heart melted. He knew her. He always knew when she needed him—even when he wasn't physically there.

Hand in hand, Radhika walked beside her, swinging their hands playfully, banishing all nervousness. As they reached the entrance, the muffled sounds of guests and ceremonial preparations grew louder. But then—

Her eyes found him.

Manik.

Everything else faded into insignificance.

His gaze, intense and unwavering, anchored her. A storm of emotions swirled in his dark eyes—love, longing, disbelief that this moment was real. Tears glistened, mirroring her own. How was it possible to love someone this much in such a short time? But when something is meant to be, time bows before destiny.

The opening notes of "Peer Vi Tu" played—except it wasn't the original. It was Manik's voice.

Her breath hitched.

He had sung for her.

As she ascended the stage, her fingers instinctively intertwined with his. They didn't need words. The tremble of their hands, the shimmer in their eyes, the silent promise exchanged—it was enough.

Manik cupped her face gently, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, sealing every unspoken emotion between them. A single tear escaped Nandini's eye, and he wiped it away, his touch lingering as if he never wanted to let go.

Before emotions could overwhelm them, the joyous beats of celebratory music filled the air. Their bridesmaids, full of mischief, stole the spotlight with their flawless performance. Soon, even the elders—Nyonika, Ishita, and the rest—danced with unbridled joy. Laughter and cheer resonated all around them.

Then, it was time.

The garland ceremony.

Pink and crimson adorned the floral garlands—pink for the beauty of their bond, crimson for the depth of their love. The moment was surreal, dreamlike, a scene plucked from an eternal love story.

As the chants of "Ram Ram Jai Raja Ram" echoed and the stage filled with clouds of ceremonial smoke, they exchanged garlands, sealing their promise. But it wasn't just flowers they exchanged—it was lifetimes. Responsibilities. Families. A future intertwined beyond return.

"I love you, Mr. Malhotra," Nandini whispered, her voice trembling with overwhelming joy.

Manik, knowing her too well, wrapped an arm around her, rubbing her shoulder in comfort. "I know. And I love you, Mrs. Malhotra. More than you'll ever know."

This was their world.

And in this world, love had found its forever.