An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 64

"Manik, how did you know?" Nandini asked, her voice laced with surprise.

Manik sighed, his gaze steady on her. "Nandini, I know my mother. I can see through her, read her emotions like an open book. I know when she's truly happy, when she's in doubt, and when she's putting on a façade. Right now, I can tell—she's unsure about Cabir and Navya."

Nandini hesitated for a moment before speaking, her eyes searching his face. "Manik, Dadi believes that Navya isn't the right fit for the family. And somewhere... your mother prioritizes Cabir over you."

Manik's fingers tightened around hers at the mention of this painful truth. His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he turned his face away, looking out of the car window. The soft glow of the streetlights illuminated his face, highlighting the silent agony he tried so hard to hide. His grip on Nandini's hand didn't falter, as if grounding himself in her presence.

When he didn't respond for a long moment, Nandini gently nudged him, bringing him back from his spiral of thoughts.

"How is Dadi wrong, Nandini?" he whispered, his voice breaking slightly. "Mom isn't at fault. I won't blame her. It's just that... somewhere along the way, she wanted to prove to everyone that Cabir belonged—that he was as much her son as I am. In doing so, she prioritized him, even if she didn't realize it. It's not that I envy Cabir—I love him, and he deserves all of it. But when we were kids... there were nights I cried myself to sleep, longing for her attention. But she was always busy—with Cabir's homework, his health, his needs. I know she never meant to hurt me. It just... happened. And yet, I love her. I always will. But if ever there was a choice between me and Cabir... I know who she would pick."

Tears slipped down his face now, unrestrained. His voice held years of silent suffering, wounds that had never fully healed. Nandini's heart ached seeing the vulnerable side of the man she loved. She had never imagined how much he had bottled up inside him, never voiced, never let anyone see—not even her, until now.

Not knowing what to say, she wrapped her arms around his, pressing a soft kiss against his chest, right where his heart was. "Manik, I'm here. Always. And I promise you, you will never have to feel second to anyone with me."

Manik closed his eyes at her words, her warmth soothing his aching soul. Slowly, he leaned down and placed a lingering kiss on her forehead—a silent promise, a quiet thank you. Without another word, he continued driving, but the weight on his heart felt just a little lighter, knowing he wasn't alone anymore.

As they arrived at the venue, they were met with flashing cameras and swarming media at the entrance. Manik pulled into the parking lot and reached for the door handle when Nandini stopped him, holding his hand firmly.

She pulled out a handkerchief from her bag and gently wiped the faint trails of tears from his face. "The world doesn't get to see this side of my Manik," she whispered, her voice full of love. "This is just for us."

Manik smiled, his heart swelling at her words. "What would I do without you?" he murmured, brushing a hand against her cheek.

With one final glance, he stepped out of the car, and Nandini followed. At the entrance, Fab5, Navya, Naira, and Abhimanyu were waiting for them.

"Excuse me, Mr. Malhotra, Ms. Murthy—" a reporter called out, trying to get their attention for a few pictures.

"Mrs. Malhotra," Manik corrected smoothly, his eyes twinkling as he pulled Nandini closer. She looked up at him, her lips curving into a smile, her heart fluttering at the way he said it with so much pride.

Inside, Nandini's parents and brother rushed to greet her.

"We missed you, baby," Ishita and Raman said as they enveloped her in a tight hug.

Abhimanyu scoffed playfully. "Don't believe them, Nandini. They were out for a movie last night. No one missed you. Not even me."

Nandini smacked his chest lightly. "Shut up, Abhi."

The reception was a sophisticated affair, meant for extended family, business associates, and well-wishers who couldn't attend the wedding. It was less about dancing and more about conversations, handshakes, and formal greetings.

"If I may steal my wife for a moment?" Manik's voice interrupted her conversation as he approached, slipping an arm around her waist possessively.

"All yours now, Mr. Malhotra," one of her fellow doctors teased before walking away, leaving them alone.

"Mrs. Malhotra is too busy to give her husband some time, I see," Manik teased, slipping his hands into his pockets, tilting his head slightly as he smirked.

"Or maybe her husband is the one too busy?" Nandini countered with a playful smile, raising an eyebrow.

Manik chuckled, loving her feisty spirit. "Mind meeting some of my college friends?"

"Of course. Introduce me," Nandini said warmly.

He led her to two gentlemen standing nearby with their wives. "Hey, Manik's wife! Hello, Bhabhi!" one of them greeted.

"Hi," Nandini replied, smiling.

"We must admit, we never thought anyone could handle this guy." One of them chuckled. "We thought he was destined to live alone with his attitude."

"Oh please," Manik huffed. "I had girls falling for me in college."

"Yeah, yeah. But none of them were brave enough to actually deal with you," the other guy teased, making them all laugh.

Before Manik could retort, Alya appeared, grabbing Nandini's arm. "Come on, we need you with us!"

Nandini smiled at the others before letting Alya drag her away. "So, Mrs. Newly Married, how's life?" Mukti asked, giving her a quick hug.

"All well. Manik told me you were stressed lately. Are you okay?" Nandini asked gently.

Mukti hesitated for a fraction of a second before composing herself. "I'm fine now," she said lightly.

Nandini noticed the discomfort in her tone but chose not to press further. Instead, they settled down, chatting amongst themselves. The girls made a special effort to include Navya, who still seemed uneasy in the grand setting.

Later in the evening, Cabir and Navya took the stage, officially announcing their relationship. Cabir even got down on one knee, proposing to Navya in front of everyone. While most of the crowd cheered, Manik's mother, Nyonika, along with Raj and Supriya, remained uncertain.

Watching from a distance, Nandini felt a tug in her heart. She wasn't sure why, but she had an urge to speak to Nyonika—not about Cabir and Navya, but about Manik. About the pain he had carried all these years, the love he still longed for from his mother.

Because if there was one thing Nandini was sure of, it was that Manik deserved to be loved. Completely. Unconditionally. And she would make sure he never felt alone again.