A Part, Yet Apart

Chapter 4- Set the Stage

Nandini's POV:

There's definitely a huge responsibility on my head right now and I have to fulfill it and reach their expectations. "Would you be able to convince dad?" Neha asked me before I enter her dad's cabin. It was the same office room when I first came here to meet him. Neha and Karthik were so sweet that in spite of their families disapproval, they still had me on board. I didn't knew why they were so keen on having me. But for me, it's a huge favor. "I'll try my best" I said and entered in. I saw two men sitting there already. One of them is Neha's father and I have never seen the other person.

"Oh Ms. Nandini Reddy, please come in and have a seat" Neha's father offered a seat. I started to sweat in the temperatures below 20 too. "Good evening sir" I formally wished him. "He is our wedding planner and event organization head" he said showing me the other person. I completely understood that it is more like a face off now. Whoever proves to be the best will get this event now. "Hi, I'm Kailash. I've never heard or seen any project of yours earlier. May I know if you have any?" he asked but I had no answer. I don't have anything to show from past 2 years. "Sir, both bride and groom, even his family wants a wedding ceremony which will be attended by only near and dear friends and family. The guest list should not be too long" I said.

"Yeah, Chowdary saab told me that you were talking about destination wedding" Kailash spoke. "Destination weddings will be attended only by few of the dear guests. Also this is in trend now" I stated. "Kids these days thinks that even wedding is a trend. If you get the event, you will plan a cocktail party, Bachelorette, Sangeet, Haldi and Wedding reception. Everything looks so artificial. And I promised Chowdary saab an authentic telugu wedding" Kailash spoke. "Sir I'm a Telugu girl too. Even I know about traditional Telugu wedding. In fact you should not have promised one to sir. Because traditional Telugu weddings would last for 5 days and do you think all your guests would stay for 5 days?" I asked Kailash. ''So do you think you can go ahead with 5 days traditional wedding?'' he asked with a stern voice. ''If all your guests could attend 5 days like olden days, then I'm ready for this'' I cleared the air to both of them. 

''If she could alone pull off this with full customs, then I'm out'' Mr. Kailash said. I don't know if I could do this but there is no other way. Chowdary uncle looked confused. ''My parents got married the same way, I'm 59 now. They have been married for nearly 60 years now. So, will you recreate the same after 60 years now?'' he asked me. ''Life is not all about recreation sir, bride and groom were not supposed to meet or see each other until they are married in those days but this is changed now. I may not be able to meet all but I'm sure I would try to recreate most of them'' I said confidently. I've heard about 5 days weddings from some elderly women. My grand parents died before I was born so I didn't learn anything from them. My parents had a love marriage and I guess they too don't know anything about it then. Chowdary uncle had just smiled at me and shook hands with me. 

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After Few Days:

''Manik, I love you so much. Please listen to me once''

 I could feel the tears in my eyes and I woke up with mixed feelings. I didn't knew why I got this strange dream. I have never dreamt about him since a year or more. I thought I have completely forgot him but this dream!! I don't know why but something is not going to be right. ''How did you sleep till this hour Nandini, this place has kept me awake last night'' Navya said. I looked at my phone and it is still 6 o clock. ''I think I dozed off after 3 am and these weird dreams I tell you!'' I was about to say to Navya about my dream but I didn't want her to worry about me now. ''But this place is spectacular and look at there, how lovely it is!'' Navya said opening the curtains to have a view. It is indeed beautiful like a canvas of a painter.