An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 75

Manik watched Nandini as she flinched slightly in her sleep, the effects of the medication still evident on her delicate features. His gaze remained fixated on her, admiration evident in his eyes. Just then, she stirred, her eyelids fluttering open to meet his intense gaze.

"Good morning," Manik murmured, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. A soft smile graced Nandini's lips as she snuggled closer, pressing a tender kiss against his chest.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Perfect," she replied, slowly sitting up, her eyes never leaving his.

"When did you wake up?" she asked as she stretched.

"Just five minutes ago," he answered before swiftly pulling her back onto the bed. The sudden motion made her eyes widen in surprise as she landed on top of him.

"What are you doing?" she asked, feigning irritation.

"What do you think?" he teased, his arms tightening around her waist.

"Manik, I need to go," she protested, trying to wriggle out of his grasp.

"Go where?" he asked, effortlessly flipping their positions so he was on top of her now.

"I have so much to do! It's Cabir's engagement, and here you are, acting so carefree," she huffed, her brows furrowing.

"Exactly! It's Cabir's engagement, not ours. A little delay won't hurt," he whispered mischievously as he trailed soft kisses along her neck. His touch sent shivers down her spine, and for a moment, she forgot about everything else. He would have continued his sweet torture had she not suddenly pushed him away.

"You are impossible!" she exclaimed before darting into the bathroom, leaving Manik chuckling as he ruffled his hair in amusement.

The entire family gathered in the beautifully decorated garden, where the roka ceremony, followed by the engagement, was set to take place. It was an intimate affair with only close family and friends, as the event had been arranged on short notice, making it difficult for many relatives to attend.

Navya sat gracefully in her exquisite purple lehenga, perfectly matching Radhika's attire. Cabir sat beside her, both surrounded by their loved ones.

Nyonika stepped forward to perform the rituals, followed by Ishita.

"Navya, Naira couldn't make it, but she sent this for you," Ishita said, handing over a beautifully wrapped box. Navya accepted it with a warm smile, nodding appreciatively as Ishita affectionately patted her cheek before returning to her seat.

"Navya, I wasn't sure what you'd like, but Nandini told me you love perfumes, so this is from Fab 5," Alya said, presenting her with an elegant luxury perfume hamper. Navya's face lit up with gratitude as she thanked them.

Manik and Nandini stepped forward next.

"Navya, do you remember when you told me how much you missed your mother but felt too afraid to face her after everything that had happened? Now that you are about to start this beautiful new chapter, there should be no regrets, right?" Nandini asked gently.

Navya looked at her, confused at first, but within seconds, realization dawned upon her. Her gaze followed Nandini's, and what she saw next took her breath away—her mother was walking towards her.

"Amma..." Navya gasped, her voice trembling with emotion. She immediately stood up and ran into her mother's embrace.

"I missed you so much, Amma," she whispered, her tears soaking into her mother's dupatta.

"Liar! If you truly missed me, you would have called me," Vimla chided lovingly, her voice betraying the deep longing she had felt all these years.

"I was scared... What would I have even said?" Navya admitted, her vulnerability evident.

"You didn't need to say anything, Navya. A mother always understands," Vimla reassured her, wiping away her daughter's tears. "Now enough of this. Introduce me to my son-in-law."

Navya, still overwhelmed, took her mother to Cabir. The moment Cabir saw her, he respectfully bent down to touch her feet, earning a heartfelt blessing.

"He's wonderful," Vimla said, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for bringing happiness into my daughter's life. Honestly, I had given up hope that anyone would ever accept her."

Cabir quickly held her hands, stopping her from folding them in gratitude. "Aunty, Navya is the best thing that ever happened to me. She's a blessing in my life."

Vimla then met Nyonika and Ishita before turning to Nandini.

"Thank you, Nandini... If not for you, I would have missed my daughter's wedding," Vimla said, hugging her tightly.

"I'm so sorry for missing your wedding, dear. A different country felt too overwhelming," Vimla said apologetically.

"Aunty, please don't apologize. What matters is that from now on, you won't miss any family celebrations," Nandini reassured her with a smile.

Vimla turned to Manik and Nandini. "You two make such a beautiful couple."

Manik, smiling warmly, bent down to touch her feet as well.

Navya, still emotional, pulled Nandini into a tight hug. "Thank you so much, Nandini. Thank you!"

"Now, for the actual gift," Nandini said, handing her a delicate, stunning necklace. "This is worth more than money—it's a token of love."

As the engagement ceremony continued, the couple exchanged rings, officially sealing their bond.

Later, as everyone rejoiced, Navya and Cabir found themselves in a heated discussion.

"Cabir, I've always wanted a destination wedding," Navya insisted.

"Navya, we could have planned it earlier! Now, with just a day left before the haldi, mehendi, and wedding, it will be stressful for everyone," Cabir tried reasoning with her.

"Why is it so difficult? If everyone else can have a destination wedding, why can't I?" she argued, frustration evident in her voice.

Meanwhile, Vimla approached Nandini. "I don't understand all these destination weddings, but if it's my daughter's wish, please make it happen," she pleaded.

Nandini nodded, then went to Nyonika. "I know it's difficult, but can we try? It's her dream, and she deserves to have it fulfilled."

After some hesitation, Manik stepped in. "Mom, Dad, since Navya wants this and now my wife is asking for it too, let's do it."

Nyonika sighed before agreeing. "Fine. Where does she want the wedding?"

"I love mountains!" Navya said excitedly.

After a quick discussion, Nandini suggested, "How about Mahabaleshwar? It has mountains, waterfalls, and it's close to Mumbai."

"Perfect!" Navya beamed.

 "Done. We have a property there. I'll handle the arrangements. Let's leave tonight."

As they rushed to pack, Nandini glared at Manik, who was lying on the bed. "What are you doing?"

"Resting. I have to drive," he said lazily.

Irritated, she threw a perfume bottle at him. "Violent much?" he chuckled.

"Pack your own things!" she huffed.

Manik smirked. "Fine, I used to do it before you anyway."

Soon, their suitcases were packed, and as Manik carried both theirs downstairs, he whispered, "Ready for our next adventure, Mrs. Malhotra?"

Nandini smiled. "Always."