An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 95

Nandini stepped into the house at 1:30 in the afternoon, pleasantly surprised to find everyone gathered in the living room, including the Murthys, Mukti, Alya, and Dhruv.

"Hiii!" Alya greeted enthusiastically, pulling Nandini into a warm hug, followed closely by Mukti.

"We missed you! And you missed out on so much fun. Manik must have taken note of your absence. We had an amazing time partying and shopping—you would have loved it!" Mukti said, side-hugging her as Nandini chuckled.

"I agree," Nandini replied playfully.

Manik, who had been observing the conversation, raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? I bored you?" he asked in mock disbelief.

Nandini, now seated beside Abhimanyu, who pulled her into a light hug, smirked. The two had a lot to catch up on, their conversations long overdue.

"Sort of," she teased, pressing her lips together to suppress a grin while Manik stared at her, unimpressed.

"Ouch! Someone just bruised your ego, Manik," Dhruv teased, as the elders remained engaged in their discussions while the younger group delved into their usual playful banter.

"Nandini, go freshen up. I'll get your lunch ready," Nyonika offered kindly.

"No, Mamma, I'm really not hungry," Nandini pleaded, her eyes earnest.

"Not hungry? Why? What did you even eat that made you full?" Manik interjected before Nyonika could respond.

"Manik, please. I just don't feel like eating right now," she said softly.

Manik nodded, choosing not to press the matter further. Nandini then headed upstairs, changing into a light, elegant white kurti before descending. She noticed the group had moved to the garden, their laughter filling the air, while Navya was in the kitchen, busy preparing snacks.

"Need a hand?" Nandini offered.

"No, I'm fine," Navya replied, not meeting her gaze.

"Are you sure?" Nandini pressed gently.

Navya sighed, turning to her. "Yeah, Nandini. Why do you always think I can't do anything without you?"

Taken aback, Nandini frowned. "What? What do you mean by that?"

"Please, Nandini. I don't want to argue. Let me handle this on my own," Navya said curtly.

Frustration flickered in Nandini's eyes. "Navya, I'm not here to fight. I'm trying to talk—to be the way we used to be. But you've changed. You're so consumed by your insecurities and negativity that you don't see how you're hurting this family—our family. And you're hurting me, too. I won't tolerate this anymore. If you keep speaking to me this way, be prepared to get the same in return," she said firmly before walking away to join the others in the garden.

The group was engrossed in a lively game of Antakshari. With no vacant seats, Nandini stood behind Manik. He immediately rose to offer her his seat, but she playfully pushed him back down by his shoulders, perching herself on the armrest beside him.

"There she is! Manik, now that Nandini is here, you have to sing!" Raj announced.

"It's not my turn," Manik protested, trying to dodge the request, but the group was relentless.

"Come on, Manik, sing," Nandini urged softly from behind him.

And that was all the encouragement he needed.

He turned to her, smiling, as she handed him a guitar. Taking it from her, he closed his eyes and strummed the familiar chords.

"At least ask Nandini what she wants to hear," Nyonika suggested.

"I already know, Mom," he replied confidently, tuning the guitar.

Looking into Nandini's eyes, which gleamed with anticipation, he began:

Dekhoon main tujhe yaa
Dekhoon kudarat ke nazaare
Mushqilon mein hai ye dil mera

He had often caught her humming this tune—it had become her recent favorite. A delighted smile spread across her face as Manik continued. He stood, humming, twirling her around effortlessly.

Swaying gently, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, lightly brushing her earrings as he sang:

Ye teri chaand baaliyan
Hain honthon pe ye gaaliyan

The rest of the group joined in, clapping and singing along.

Sochne ka mauka na diya haaye
Main toh tere peechhe ho liya

"Woohoo! That was amazing!" Alya cheered.

"Damn! We should have recorded it!" Cabir groaned.

"No worries, you can do it next time. That was brilliant, Manik!" Ishita praised.

"Thanks, Mom," Manik responded with a proud smile, while Nandini remained comfortably nestled in his arms.

Just then, Navya approached with a tray of refreshments. "Snacks, everyone!" she announced, setting the drinks down.

The day was filled with laughter, love, and togetherness. But was it merely the calm before the storm?