An Arranged Journey To Forever

119

Nandini and Manik stepped into Amayra's room, finding her engrossed in her iPad.

"Amayra, didn't I tell you not to use your iPad for more than an hour? Put it aside," Nandini said, startling Amayra. She quickly set it down and sat up on the bed.

"Hi, baby," Manik greeted, sitting beside her and lifting her onto his lap. Amayra beamed, flashing her toothy grin.

"What were you doing?" Manik asked.

"I was talking to Jessica, Dad. She told me that schools are reopening in a week," Amayra replied as Manik nodded, glancing at Nandini, who was busy tidying up Amayra's room.

"Nandini, do it later. Come here," Manik urged, gesturing for her to join them. But Nandini, being her meticulous self, refused to leave the task unfinished. Amayra sighed and exchanged a knowing glance with her father before jumping off the bed, grabbing Nandini's hand, and tugging her towards them.

"Both of you, sit here," Amayra commanded, making Nandini sit down and signaling Manik to do the same. The couple, puzzled but amused, complied. Amayra retrieved her iPad and clicked a picture of them, her face lighting up mischievously.

"Stop being so boring, Mom and Dad! Give me a good picture," she insisted, looking at them sternly.

The two chuckled before exchanging a glance and posing for the camera. Amayra's delighted smile confirmed that the picture had turned out just right.

Nandini pulled Amayra close while Manik took the iPad and captured a selfie of the three of them. A perfect picture.

"Wow, Dad! This one is beautiful. We three are just perfect!" Amayra exclaimed, admiring the photo before kissing both of them.

Manik turned to Nandini, who blinked at him before looking at Amayra.

"We're four, Princess," he corrected gently.

Amayra furrowed her brows in confusion. "Are you finally agreeing to get me a pet?" she asked, excitement creeping into her voice.

"I'm all in for that! Convince your dad," Nandini giggled, throwing Manik a teasing glance. For reasons unknown, he had always been wary of dogs—or as he put it, simply disliked them.

"We are not having this discussion again," Manik declared with a sheepish smile. "I've already said no to getting a dog, and as a member of the family, my decision should count."

"Alright, Dad. Then tell me—how are we four?" Amayra questioned innocently, lying back on the bed.

"You're going to have a little sibling soon, love," Nandini revealed with a warm smile.

Amayra sat up, processing the news. After a brief moment, her face lit up with sheer joy, much to the relief of her parents. They had been nervous about how she would react.

"Wow! Just like Jessica's little brother? When will he come, Mom?" she asked, her excitement evident.

"It will take some time, baby," Manik explained, pulling her into a gentle embrace. His strong arms completely enveloped her small frame.

"How long, Dad? Why can't he come tomorrow?" she pouted, peeking up at him.

"That's not how it works, sweetheart. It takes months. That's how you came to us too," Nandini explained patiently.

"Whoa! Why did I take so long? And why don't I remember any of it?" Amayra wondered aloud, making both of them burst into laughter.

"Forget that! Just tell us—are you happy?" Manik asked.

"Yes, Dad! I am very, very, very, very happy!" Amayra declared, stretching her arms as wide as possible to show just how happy she was. Manik ruffled her hair while Nandini hugged her from the side.

"We love you," they said in unison, as Manik pulled his two girls into a warm embrace.

The next morning, they arrived in Udaipur. Nandini had shared the news of her pregnancy with the families, and they couldn't have been happier. She was showered with love and care, and though she had felt cherished during her first pregnancy in London—with Manik going above and beyond to be by her side—this time, being surrounded by family made her feel special in a different way. As both a daughter and a daughter-in-law, she was deeply valued, and nothing could make her happier.

"Nandini, you and Amayra go to the room and rest. Don't start unpacking right away. I'll help you later. I just need to check if Dad needs assistance with the arrangements," Manik said, handing her the room keys he had collected from the reception.

Nandini nodded and headed towards their room with Amayra.

"Mom, when will we see Mami?" Amayra asked as Nandini gently oiled her hair.

"Are you excited to see her, baby?" Nandini asked with a smile.

"Yes! And also Naira Masi, Yug, and Vihaan. When will they come?" Amayra asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

Though Amayra had spent little time with Naira, Kartik, or the Murthy family, the love and admiration she held for them warmed Nandini's heart. Frequent visits from Nyonika and Raj to London had helped strengthen their bond, but Amayra's excitement to meet Yug and Vihaan—whom she had only seen over video calls—was truly endearing.

"They'll be here soon, baby. You should sleep now. When you wake up, they'll be here," Nandini assured her, tying Amayra's hair into a neat ponytail before tucking her into bed.

"You should rest too, Mom. The baby needs to rest, right?" Amayra said innocently.

Nandini chuckled at her daughter's sweetness. She kissed her forehead, gently patted her head, and lay down beside her, feeling nothing but gratitude for the beautiful family she had been blessed with.