An Arranged Journey To Forever

110

The moment Manik heard that familiar voice say "Hello," a smile spread across his face—one that had been missing since the last time he had spoken to her.

"Nandini, where the hell was your phone?" Manik asked, frustration lacing his voice. He had been trying to reach her since last night, but every call had gone unanswered.

"Manik, do not shout, okay? It's the middle of the night in India," Nandini replied in a hushed tone. "And it's not even my fault! Your daughter refused to let me take your call."

"What? She's still angry?" Manik asked, settling into his chair, glancing quickly at his watch.

"Obviously! And she will only forgive you when you come here now," Nandini said, gently stroking Amayra's head as the little girl snuggled against her in deep sleep.

"I'm trying, trust me," Manik sighed. He was doing everything he could to wrap up work quickly, but the weight of his responsibilities made it nearly impossible. He missed them—missed his wife, missed his daughter—missed being home. It had been a month since Nandini and Amayra had left for Abhimanyu's wedding in India. Manik had missed the engagement due to work and had planned to join them before the wedding, but once again, obligations held him back.

"I know you're trying," Nandini said softly, her voice filled with understanding. "But listen, if you don't make it to the wedding, I swear I won't help you with Amayra anymore."

Manik chuckled. "Yeah, whatever. I don't even need your help. The moment she sees me, she'll come running straight into my arms."

"Let's see, Mr. Malhotra," Nandini teased, yawning mid-sentence. It made Manik realize just how late it was for her.

"Go to sleep. I love you," Manik murmured, pressing a soft kiss against his phone as if she could feel it across the distance.

"That kiss better have been for Amayra," Nandini teased, placing a gentle kiss on their daughter's forehead.

"It was for you," Manik admitted, his voice turning serious. He knew Nandini thought Amayra was his whole world. And she wasn't wrong. But what she didn't fully grasp was that his world only made sense with her in it too.

Nandini was speechless for a moment before softly whispering, "Bye," and ending the call.

Manik sighed, feeling lighter than before. No response to his calls had been driving his mind into dark places, but now, after hearing her voice, he finally felt at ease.

"The deal is on, Mr. Malhotra." With a satisfied nod, Manik ended the business call.

"Manik, you need to take interviews for a few candidates," Nia, his assistant, informed him as she entered his office.

"For what?" Manik asked, rubbing his temples. He couldn't recall scheduling interviews.

"For the management department. We need interns, remember?" she reminded him.

"Oh, right. Okay, send them in," Manik said, gulping down a glass of water.

After finishing the interviews, Manik called it a day and returned home—to the empty walls and suffocating silence. Changing into his casuals, he sat in his study, going through some files. But his mind refused to focus. He needed to talk to Amayra. He needed to hear Nandini's voice again.

"Is Amayra up?" he texted.

Nandini replied almost instantly. "No. Why aren't you sleeping?"

"I don't feel sleepy anymore. I just want to see my girls now."

"Then come," she texted back.

"I will. Or maybe I'll surprise you today itself. Or maybe tomorrow."

"Are you coming?" Nandini asked, excitement creeping into her tone.

"See for yourself," Manik replied, avoiding a direct answer.

"Fine. Bye," Nandini replied, irritated. Even after almost a decade together, Manik still knew exactly how to get on her nerves while making her feel like the luckiest woman alive.

Manik chuckled, tossing his phone aside. But as soon as he hit the bed, the emptiness engulfed him again. He couldn't do this anymore. He needed them. He needed to be home.

The moment his feet touched Indian soil, Manik felt a rush of emotions surge through him. It had been five years since he last came here, back when Amayra was born. The moment he realized he couldn't spend another night away from them, he had called Nia, arranged his private jet, and flown out without telling anyone.

Now, standing in front of the Murthy residence, he took a deep breath and stepped inside. The house was buzzing with wedding preparations, decorations hanging from every corner. It took him back to his own wedding with Nandini—one of the happiest days of his life.

"Dad!" A voice rang out from the top of the stairs.

Manik turned, his heart nearly bursting at the sight of his little girl running down at full speed. His instincts kicked in immediately.

"Amayra, slow down!" he called, rushing forward just in time to catch her as she slipped on the last step.

"I missed you so much, Dad!" Amayra squealed, clinging to him tightly.

"I missed you more, princess," Manik murmured, burying his face in her soft hair, breathing her in.

"You grew a beard, Dad!" Amayra giggled, running her tiny fingers over his stubble.

"Just didn't shave," he replied, smiling.

"Manik, what a pleasant surprise!" Ishita exclaimed, pulling him into a warm hug while he still held Amayra protectively.

"How are you? And why are you so late?" she asked, guiding him to the couch as a servant brought refreshments.

"Sorry, Ma. I tried to come sooner," Manik said sincerely, his gaze never leaving his daughter, who still clung to him as if afraid he'd disappear again.

"Dad, come meet my friends!" Amayra tugged at his hand eagerly.

"I will, sweetheart, but first, I need to see your mom, okay?" Manik said.

Amayra nodded quickly. "Mom's in Mama's room!"

Manik gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before dashing up the stairs. He couldn't wait another second. He needed to see her. He needed to hold her.

And as he stood outside the door, his heart pounded in anticipation. He longed to see his Nandini. His home.