TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP

Chapter-18: Journey to Jaipur

As the day of the trip drew closer, Nandini and Navya's excitement reached new heights. They spent hours discussing what to pack, and what activities they wanted to do, and eagerly counting down the days until their adventure with FAB 5.

Nandini and Navya decided to go shopping together to pick out some cute outfits for the trip.

They wandered through the aisles of their favorite stores, trying on different clothes and accessories, giggling like schoolgirls as they modeled their finds for each other.

"Ooh, this dress is perfect for the bonfire night!" Navya exclaimed, twirling around in a flowy sundress.

Nandini nodded enthusiastically, holding up a pair of sunglasses. "And these will go perfectly with it! We're going to look amazing!"

Their shopping spree was a success, and they returned home with bags filled with stylish outfits and accessories for the trip.

Excitement bubbled within them as they started packing their suitcases, carefully selecting each item with care and anticipation.

However, as they packed, Vishakha's curiosity about Manik only seemed to grow. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Nandini's relationship with him than she was letting on.

"Who is this Manik?" Vishakha asked casually as she passed by Nandini's room, her tone deceptively light.

Nandini paused mid-fold, her heart racing at her mother's question. "Oh, he's just an old friend from school, Mumma. I've known him for years."

Vishakha arched an eyebrow, her suspicions piqued. "Just a friend, huh? You seem to talk about him a lot lately and Navya said you guys have been best friends for years too."

Nandini's mind raced for an excuse to deflect her mother's curiosity. "Well, we've been catching up recently when we met at the reunion, that's all. Nothing out of the ordinary."

But Vishakha wasn't easily convinced. She could sense the evasiveness in Nandini's tone and resolved to get to the bottom of this mystery.

"Are you sure there's nothing you're not telling me, Nandini?" Vishakha pressed, her gaze piercing.

Nandini forced a smile, trying to hide her growing discomfort. "There is nothing like that Mumma. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to finish packing."

With a final glance at her daughter, Vishakha retreated from Nandini's room, her mind whirling with suspicions and unanswered questions.

As Nandini watched her mother leave, a sense of unease settled over her. She knew that she couldn't keep dodging her mother's questions forever, but for now, the fear of revealing the truth kept her trapped in a web of lies and secrecy.

As the day of the trip approached, FAB 5 was buzzing with excitement. It had been a long time since they had gone on a trip like this together, and the prospect of spending a weekend away from the city filled them with anticipation.

Cabir was busy organizing the itinerary, while Mukti and Alya eagerly shared ideas for fun activities they could do together.

Dhruv, chimed in with his trademark optimism, looking forward to reconnecting with his friends and making new memories.

But it was Manik who seemed to be the most ecstatic of them all. His heart soared with happiness at the thought of spending more time with Nandini, knowing that this trip would provide them with the perfect opportunity to deepen their bond.

As he packed his belongings for the trip, a smile tugged at the corners of Manik's lips, his thoughts filled with visions of laughter, adventure, and stolen moments with Nandini.