An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 60

They were all back in India now, after a whirlwind of emotions and unforgettable moments in Greece. That place would forever hold a special place in Manik and Nandini's hearts. Now, they were at the Murthys' residence, where Nandini's farewell was set to take place.

It wasn't a farewell laced with unbearable sorrow, considering that the Malhotra Mansion was just a short drive away. But no matter how near or far, a daughter's vidaai was always emotional. Ishita couldn't help but let a few tears escape as she held her dearest daughter close, knowing that from this day forward, Nandini would be more of a Malhotra than a Murthy. A daughter-in-law rather than just their little girl.

"Ishita, stop crying. Nandini is right here," Nyonika said, placing a comforting arm around her.

Ishita nodded, swallowing her tears as she looked at the wonderful family her daughter had become a part of.

Nandini, meanwhile, was hugging Abhimanyu, who gently kissed her forehead, offering her a warm and reassuring smile. She returned it with gratitude, but the moment she met her father's gaze, all her strength crumbled. Tears welled in Raman's eyes, and in that instant, she couldn't hold back anymore. No matter how old a daughter gets, the sight of her father's tears will always break her.

With one last tight hug, promises of regular visits, and endless reassurances, she wiped her eyes, letting out a soft laugh at Raman's attempt to put on a brave front. Then, as Abhimanyu opened the car door for her, she took a deep breath and stepped in, ready to begin the next chapter of her life.

The car ride was quiet, yet filled with an unspoken warmth. Manik hadn't let go of her hand from the moment they stepped out of the Murthys' house. His grip was firm, protective, as if he were making sure she felt secure in every sense.

Nandini smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder. Manik turned slightly and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

"What's going on in that little mind of yours?" he asked, gently poking her temple with his thumb.

She hesitated. "Hmm?"

Manik raised an eyebrow. "Don't even try, Nandini. You know you're terrible at hiding things from me."

She let out a sigh, playing with the edge of her dupatta. "Manik, umm... nothing."

He narrowed his eyes. "Right. And I'm the President of India."

A small chuckle escaped her lips, but then she turned serious again, hesitating for a moment before finally speaking.

"Manik... do you think we're ready for—"

"For?" he prompted, even though he already knew what she was talking about. But he wanted her to say it, to break down any walls of hesitation between them. They were married now, and there was no space for awkwardness.

She took a deep breath, looking into his eyes, and with newfound confidence, she finally asked, "For a physical relationship between us?"

Manik's lips curled into a slow, proud smile. He had expected her to stumble, to blush furiously, but instead, she had met him with courage, with transparency. And that meant the world to him.

"Nandini," he said, his voice softer now, his thumb grazing the back of her hand, "this decision will never be mine. It will always be yours. Whenever you are ready, we'll talk about it. We won't rush anything. For now, I just want to cherish every moment with you, just like this—having you beside me, unconditionally."

Her heart swelled at his words. How did she get this lucky? Without thinking, she leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss to his cheek.

"And the Best Husband Award goes to...?" she whispered teasingly.

Manik chuckled, squeezing her hand. "I'll gladly take that award if it means seeing this smile on your face forever."

Their laughter filled the car as they continued their journey to the Malhotra Mansion, hand in hand, hearts intertwined.

At the entrance of the Malhotra Mansion, Nyonika welcomed Nandini with open arms, showering her with love.

"Welcome to your home, beta," she said warmly, hugging her tightly.

Raj, too, greeted her with a proud smile, placing a delicate necklace around her neck—the first gift from her new family. Nandini felt an overwhelming sense of belonging, of love. She was truly home.

As night fell, Manik led Nandini towards their room, but before she could step inside, he stopped her.

"Give me a minute. Come in only when I say," he instructed before disappearing inside.

Curious, Nandini waited until he called her in. When she stepped in, the room was in complete darkness.

"Manik?" she called out, stumbling slightly over something.

"Oh, oh, careful! Stand still, Mrs. Malhotra, before you sprain your leg on your very first day here," he teased from somewhere in the room.

Before she could respond, his voice softened.

"Nandini, I know I don't say it all the time, but I love you in a way that words will never be enough to express. And since you always say actions speak louder than words, I wanted to show you instead."

The lights flickered on, and Nandini gasped. The room had completely transformed. Gone were the dull, dark tones she had once commented on. Now, it was bright, warm, and filled with life. Soft lighting in every corner, bright bedsheets, fresh wall colors, and, most importantly, a wall filled with their pictures—right from their roka to their wedding. Their journey, captured and displayed beautifully.

Tears pricked at her eyes, but she willed them away, replacing them with the widest smile she had ever worn.

She turned to find Manik standing beside her, his hands in his pockets, watching her reaction. Without another word, she lunged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around him.

"Crazy woman," he muttered, chuckling as he held her just as tightly. "So... did you like it?"

Nandini pulled back slightly, looking up at him with teary eyes full of love. "Like it? Manik, I love it. I love you."

He brushed away a stray tear from her cheek. "Good. Because this is just the beginning."

And with that, she leaned in, whispering soft thank-yous and endless I love yous against his chest, as he held her close, knowing that this—this right here—was the beginning of their forever.