An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 84

Nandini was trying to cover Manik's eyes with her palm. A blindfold wasn't available, so this was the only way. Manik observed how difficult it was for her to walk while covering his eyes.

"Stop, you'll hurt yourself," Manik said, holding her hands in his as he voluntarily closed his eyes. Nandini smiled at his trust.

"Just lead me, okay?" Manik instructed.

"No, I'm pushing you into the water," Nandini teased.

"You can. I won't mind, but I know you won't," Manik replied with a smirk. "Though, you could be better at your jokes, Nandini."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. My humor has been declining with you around. You're rubbing off on me," Nandini giggled.

"Blah," Manik retorted.

In the middle of their banter, Nandini stepped on a stone and slipped.

"Ouch!" she squealed, but before she could fall, Manik caught her. Even with his eyes closed, he had reacted instinctively. Maybe this was what love truly was—knowing the other's state without words or sight. Just feeling it.

"Are you okay?" Manik asked, concern lacing his voice.

Nandini simply smiled. "How did you know I slipped?"

"I felt it, Nandini. Now tell me, are you okay?" he asked again, still keeping his eyes closed.

"Why are you talking with your eyes closed?" Nandini questioned.

"What do you want me to do? Ruin your surprise? Then you'll sit there grumpy all the time," Manik teased, helping her stand but not letting go of her hand.

"I'm okay. Now, come on," Nandini said, pulling him forward.

"Careful. I'm not holding you again," Manik warned.

"You will. Even if I fall a hundred times, you will," Nandini said sincerely. A small smile appeared on Manik's lips. He knew she trusted him as much as he trusted her, but hearing it in words made it different.

"Open your eyes now, Manik," Nandini instructed.

Manik nodded and slowly opened his eyes, taking in the breathtaking sight before him.

"Are we literally in a forest right now?" Manik asked in disbelief, looking around. They stood on a wooden platform, surrounded by towering trees. A winding road led them there.

"Yes," Nandini confirmed, admiring the surroundings.

"Are you for real?" Manik asked, pulling her into his arms.

Nandini nodded, smiling. "Real and yours."

Manik chuckled, tightening his hold around her waist. He never would have imagined a forest for a date. Only his wife—his unique, unpredictable wife—could plan something like this.

"You know what this means?" Nandini asked, wrapping her arms around his chest.

Manik raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"That a leopard or a lion could pounce on us if they're hungry," she deadpanned.

"Oh yeah? Well, we'll eat them instead. How's that for a plan?" Manik joked.

Nandini gave him a tight-lipped smile. "Perfect. But seriously, we need to leave before our allotted time is up, or we might actually have uninvited guests."

Manik laughed, letting her push him towards the small table set for them. They sat down as Nandini served food, but Manik wasn't eating. Instead, he just looked at her—intensely, with quiet admiration.

Nandini noticed. "What?" she asked, offering him a bite of pasta. He took it but remained silent.

Then, finally, he voiced what had been on his mind. "I know you do nothing without a reason, Nandini. Why did you choose this place?"

She smiled slightly. "You know the reason, Manik."

He did. Of course, he did.

"Because when we realized we were sure about each other—when we knew we wanted forever—we were in a forest," Manik answered for her.

Nandini nodded. How could he forget what their Dehradun trip had done for them? It was during Naira and Kartik's wedding that everything had changed, that they had embraced the love they now shared.

"Whenever I think about those days, Manik, I feel like our marriage is different from most arranged marriages. We weren't strangers. Our families weren't strangers. The support and understanding were always there. Do you think that made things easier for us?" Nandini asked, her voice tinged with thoughtfulness.

Manik was slightly taken aback by her question. "Why are you suddenly thinking about this?" he wondered. But instead of asking, he chose to answer.

"No, Nandini. You and I believe that no matter the family dynamics, they can never dictate the feelings two people share. Right?" She nodded. "So even if our families weren't close, I still would have fallen in love with you."

Nandini smiled as Manik tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, but most people realize their love after years of marriage. We did it so soon. Does that make us privileged?"

Manik placed a gentle kiss on top of her head. Something was bothering her—he could tell. She was searching for answers through him.

"There are no privileges in love, Nandini. Realizing love early doesn't make you advantaged, and realizing it late doesn't make you disadvantaged. The only thing that matters is that we found it. We confessed it. We are happy. That's all that counts."

Nandini smiled, finally reassured.

"And I would love to know why these absurd thoughts entered your mind, but later," Manik added, pulling her closer until there was no space between them.

"I love you," Nandini whispered, her hands moving up to his nape as she initiated the kiss. Manik held her securely, his fingers tangling in her hair. Their lips met, and it felt just like the first time—new, intense, and deeply consuming.

He only pulled away when a small electric bell rang on the table.

"Time to go, Manik. It's getting dark—it won't be safe anymore," Nandini reminded him.

Manik registered her words but wasn't ready to let go yet. He held her gaze, resting his forehead against hers.

"Thank you. This was the best date ever," he whispered. "You know what you mean to me, Nandini. I love you."

She smiled, her heart swelling with emotion. "I love you too, Manik. Always."