An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 62

 As the designer laid out the options before her, she asked with a warm smile, "What exactly do you wish to wear for tomorrow, Mrs. Malhotra? A lehenga?"

Nandini sighed, shaking her head with a small chuckle. "Honestly, I've been in lehengas for every function so far, and I want something different. Definitely not a lehenga this time. I want to wear a saree for my reception."

"Great choice! Let's try on a few and see what suits you best," the designer responded enthusiastically.

Nandini nodded. "Sure, if you could have them sent to my room upstairs, I'll be there in a bit." She flashed a polite smile before heading toward the kitchen.

Just as she stepped in, she was greeted by a warm embrace from Nyonika. "Hi, baby," her mother-in-law cooed affectionately. "Reema is here, choose whatever makes you feel the best, okay?"

"Haan, Mamma, I met her outside," Nandini replied before opening the refrigerator, pulling out a plate of brownies. She popped a piece into her mouth just as her phone buzzed with a message from Manik.

Nandini, I'm at Mukti's place. She's feeling a bit stressed, so I'll be late. Won't be able to help you choose your reception outfit—but hey, that's a good thing, right? It'll be a surprise for me. Also, Naira sent something for you this morning; it's in your cupboard. Take care, I love you <3

A soft smile graced Nandini's lips. Even in his absence, Manik knew how to make her heart flutter. She quickly replied before rushing upstairs, curiosity piqued by what Naira had sent. Upon reaching her room, she found a neatly wrapped box with a small note attached.

Di, I'm confused, and you're the only one who can help me, as always. Open the box and call me.

Frowning slightly, she unwrapped the package and gasped. A pregnancy test—positive.

Her heartbeat accelerated, emotions colliding within her. Joy, confusion, and concern mingled together. She instantly grabbed her phone and called Naira.

"Congratulations, my darling!" Nandini exclaimed as soon as her sister answered.

"Di... umm... thank you," came Naira's hesitant, almost uneasy response.

Something wasn't right.

"Naira, what's wrong? Aren't you happy? And why haven't you told Kartik yet?" The questions tumbled out in rapid succession.

A quiet sob came from the other end. "Di, I don't know how to say this over the phone. I need to see you."

Alarm bells rang in Nandini's mind. "Naira, calm down first. Listen, take care of yourself, okay? I'll be there soon."

"No, Di. Not today. We're meeting tomorrow anyway. Please, don't worry about me—I'll be fine."

After much coaxing, Nandini reluctantly agreed, but a nagging feeling refused to leave her. If everything were fine, Naira would be over the moon, just like Nandini herself would have been in different circumstances.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Reema's knock. For the next hour, they meticulously sifted through sarees, finally settling on a breathtaking red embroidered masterpiece—royal, elegant, perfect. She presented it to Nyonika and Bua Dadi, both of whom adored it instantly.

But then came a comment that struck her deep. "Nyonika, look at Nandini. The way she's already embracing responsibilities in this house... do you think Navya could manage the same with a child to care for?"

Later that night, Manik returned home, exhausted yet eager to see her. His heart warmed at the sight of Nandini asleep against the headboard. Smiling, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before heading to freshen up.

When he returned, she was awake, watching him with tired eyes. He climbed into bed beside her, opening his arms. Without hesitation, she nestled against him, her head resting on his torso. His fingers traced soft patterns in her hair, his touch gentle, reassuring.

"Busy day, Mrs. Malhotra?" he murmured, pressing another kiss to her forehead.

"Not really, Mr. Malhotra. But it seems you did. How's Mukti?" she asked, looking up at him.

"She'll be okay," he replied, avoiding details. "Did you eat?"

"Brownies," she confessed with a cheeky smile, rolling off him and heading toward the door. "Now, let's go downstairs. You need to eat."

"Brownies? That's not real food, Nandini! How do you even enjoy those cake-like things? They're not nutritious at all!" he argued, following her.

"Excuse me! Do you even know how heavenly they taste?" she shot back as they descended the stairs, their playful bickering echoing through the hall.

Dinner was filled with laughter, stolen glances, and inside jokes. The stress of the day lingered in the background, but their togetherness made everything lighter.

Back in their room, as they settled into bed, Manik pulled Nandini closer, gazing into her eyes. "You know, you look mesmerizing in my t-shirts," he teased, noticing how she had slipped into one of his oversized tees.

"Well, they're comfy," she shrugged, suppressing a grin.

Manik smirked, pulling her onto his lap, making her squeal. "You're comfy."

She giggled as he nuzzled into her neck, his stubble tickling her skin. "Manik! That tickles!"

"Oh?" He smirked mischievously before peppering her neck with light kisses, making her giggle even harder. "So... does Mrs. Malhotra want a goodnight kiss?"

She feigned deep thought. "Hmm... I don't know."

With a playful growl, he flipped them over, pinning her gently beneath him. "Let me convince you then."

Her laughter turned into a soft sigh as he kissed her deeply, pouring every ounce of love into that moment. When they finally pulled away, their foreheads touching, she whispered, "I love you, Manik."

"I love you more, Nandini," he murmured, pulling her closer.

Despite the rollercoaster of emotions that day, as they lay tangled in each other's arms, Nandini knew—no matter what came their way, together, they could handle anything.