An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 63

Naira sighed heavily, her voice trembling as she confessed, "I don't know, Di. We've been struggling for so long, and I don't think it's working out anymore. And this baby... it just complicates everything." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she poured out her heart to Nandini, who immediately pulled her into a comforting embrace.

Naira wiped at the corner of her eyes, her emotions raw. "Kartik and I fought before coming to India. Our relationship is barely holding together. We keep pretending everything's fine, but in reality, we're just drifting further apart. Neither of us is even trying anymore. Silence has taken over where love used to be."

Her voice faltered as she continued. "And then, at your wedding, I saw him talking to some woman. He looked... engaged, like he cared. I lost it, Di. I accused him of cheating, of betraying me, and it got ugly. We said things we shouldn't have. He was furious, and before I knew it, he was on a flight back to L.A. without even looking back. And then the next morning... I found out I was pregnant."

Nandini pulled back slightly, holding Naira's face between her hands. "Naira, you both are hurting each other without even realizing it. How do you expect Kartik to react when you accuse him without proof? I understand why you felt the way you did, but he never got the chance to hear your side. And now, this isn't just about you two. There's a baby involved. You have to talk to him."

Naira shook her head, her voice laced with doubt. "Di, in L.A., he accused me of being involved with his friend. How could he think so little of me? What if he doesn't even accept this baby as his? What if—"

Nandini gently squeezed her hand. "Naira, stop torturing yourself with 'what ifs.' Talk to him first. Give him a chance."

Naira bit her lip, thinking hard. "Should I tell the family?"

"Only if you want to."

Taking a deep breath, Naira made up her mind. "I want Kartik to know first."

"Then go to him. Face this head-on."

Overwhelmed yet relieved, Naira hugged Nandini tightly. She knew this was going to be one of the hardest moments of her life, but with Nandini's support, she felt a little stronger.

Meanwhile, across town, Nyonika sat at her vanity, carefully applying her makeup for the evening reception, but her thoughts were elsewhere.

"I'm confused, Raj. I just want Cabir to be happy," she admitted, setting down her brush with a sigh.

Raj adjusted his tie, glancing at her through the mirror. "I feel the same way, Nyonika. But we can't go against Bua. Not now. We'll talk to Cabir later."

As Naira left for the venue, Nandini was struggling with the heavy wedding jewelry Nyonika had gifted her. The rich crimson of her vermillion, the chooda on her wrists, and the wedding ring on her finger—all symbols of her new life with Manik.

Manik walked in, placing his phone on charge, only to stop in his tracks. He watched her, his gaze softening. "Look at you," he murmured in admiration.

Nandini smiled, catching his reflection in the mirror. "Thank you, husband. Now go get ready while I visit Mamma. These earrings are impossible to put on."

Manik smirked, stepping closer. "Well, I am at your service, Madam. Let me do the honors."

Taking the delicate earrings from her hand, he gently pushed her hair aside. Instead of fastening them immediately, he leaned in, pressing soft kisses along her shoulder, trailing up to her ear.

Nandini gasped, swatting his chest. "Manik! Either help me, or I'm going to Mamma."

Chuckling, he raised his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. I'll behave."

As he carefully secured the earrings, she watched him in the mirror, her heart swelling with love. "You're the best," she whispered.

He pressed a tender kiss to the top of her head. "And you are mine."

Later, Nandini knocked softly at Supriya's door. "May I come in, Dadi?"

"Please, Nandini," Supriya called from inside.

Stepping in, Nandini found Supriya elegantly draped in a green saree, her presence radiating warmth and wisdom.

"You look beautiful, Dadi."

Supriya smiled warmly. "So do you, dear. Sit down."

Reaching for a box from her cupboard, Supriya placed it in Nandini's lap. "Do you know what this is?"

Nandini studied it. "A jewelry box?"

"No, my child. This is our family's heritage, passed down from generation to generation. It belongs to our daughters-in-law. It should have been given to you by Nyonika, but she seems preoccupied with Cabir. No matter. These are rightfully yours now."

Nandini hesitated. "Dadi, wouldn't it be unfair to take all of this?"

Supriya sighed. "Fairness does not always prevail, Nandini. Women must fight for what is theirs. I fear that if Nyonika continues prioritizing Cabir, she may eventually hand everything over to him and his wife. Where would that leave you and Manik? I do not wish to sow discord, but I want Manik to be treated fairly. There is nothing wrong in ensuring that."

Before Nandini could respond, Nyonika entered, her expression unreadable. "Bua, do you truly believe I would let anyone take away Nandini's rights?"

"Mamma, please, that's not what she meant," Nandini interjected quickly.

Supriya turned to Nyonika, her voice tight with emotion. "Manik was unwell this morning, and you weren't even there for him. You had no idea. Instead, you were with Navya because Cabir wanted you there. My  concern is justified Nyonika, isn't it?"

Tears brimmed in her eyes as she clutched Nandini's hands. Supriya's words had struck her like a hammerblow. Was she really avoiding her own son?  "I promise you, Nandini, you will always have your rightful place in this house. No one will take that away from you."

Nandini smiled reassuringly. "Mamma, I know that. And I also know Navya isn't the kind of person to claim something unfairly. Let's not worry about things that haven't happened yet."

Taking a deep breath, Nyonika nodded, regaining her composure. Together, they made their way downstairs, where Manik was already waiting.

On the way to the venue, Manik stole glances at Nandini, who sat quietly, staring out of the window. Gently, he reached for her hand.

"Why was Mom crying?" he asked softly.

Nandini turned to him, meeting his gaze. She knew the road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—no matter what happened, they would face it together.