Chapter 22- Sunny Side-Up

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Mukti walked down the aisle while Abhimanyu kept staring at her. His face held a lot of emotions while Mukti looked no less than an angel in her powder pink lehenga. Her eyes were filled with love for Abhimanyu. The way they held each other when she reached him was a sight to watch. He held her hand and put a ring on her finger. Abhimanyu then extended his hand so that Mukti can put the ring on his finger. Aryaman and Manik were standing beside Mukti. Flower petals were showered on the newly engaged couple and the people stood there cheered for the love birds. Two families then hugged each other as a symbol of their new union. Two cultures, two families and two hearts are going to be joined forever with their wedding.

After the ring ceremony, Navya and Nandini became busy with payments. ''Aryaman, everyone is waiting for payment, could you please come over'' Nandini called him and he said he will meet her in five. Later, Manik came there for Nandini. ''So yeah, we can close all transactions'' he said. ''But maine Aryaman ko call kiya?'' she asked innocently. ''Yeah and he sent me. Anyway I'm paying for today'' Manik said arrogantly. Nandini ignored him and showed the bills to Manik so that there is no discrepancy from her side. ''Thank you'' Manik mouthed which Nandini never expected. ''No need to thank me, that was my responsibility to handle all these'' she said still not believing her ears. ''Not for this. Mukti ke liye, usse baat karne ke liye. It was because of you, she could muster up her courage to speak against her mother in law'' Manik said.

''Against her mother in law! Why would she do that?'' Nandini was shocked. ''I asked her to convince Abhimanyu's mom and not oppose her'' Nandini cleared. ''Abhimanyu's mom is not easy to please, and her expectations! No daughter in law would meet them. Mukti will do anything of her choice, kisi majboori mein meri behen kuch nahi karne wali hai'' Manik cleared to Nandini. ''But is this the day to do all these? She isn't even her bahu completely. What would she think of Mukti. My advise was to decline her request politely but not like going and throwing it on her face'' Nandini looked upset. ''Pehle tumne hi Mukti se kaha ki, you be yourself and now you are talking about pleasing her saas! What's wrong with you?'' Manik held his head. ''Tum kabhi nahi samjhoge, please move aside'' Nandini looked for Mukti after what Manik told her.

Nandini could sense the high tension in the air while Mukti was having her time giving poses to photographer. Most of the guests were either in dining area or the bar section. There were barely any guests in the hall. Abhimanyu was nowhere to be seen and Nandini asked Mukti about Abhimanyu. ''Wo apni mom ko convince kar raha hoga dinner karne ke liye'' Mukti said. ''Then you should also be doing the same'' Nandini said to Mukti. ''Even I'm telling her the same but she isn't listening to me'' Nyonika said in a low voice who came near them. ''Mom, I didn't do something which is wrong. If I go now, she will take a lecture on how brides should behave'' Mukti said. ''But Mukti ek relationship ke shuruat tum aise kaise karogi?'' Nyonika looked worried for Mukti. ''Ok fine, tum dono bhi mere saath aao, you can see for yourself that how she will treat her new DIL'' Mukti said sarcastically as she walked to meet Abhimanyu's mom.

''Yeh ladki bhi na, please come over Nandini. Aaj already bahut tamasha ho hi gaya hai room mein'' frown lines on her face were evident that she was quite unhappy with whatever had happened. ''I should have listened to what Navya said! What was the need to motivate Mukti. What if someone gets to know that Mukti did all that because I asked her to do so!'' Nandini's chain of thoughts were broken by Abhinav. ''Nandini, I think I'm done with the photos. I'll send you the raw images by tomorrow'' he said. ''Thanks Abhinav. We will discuss on the payment tomorrow. See you in the office'' Nandini said. Mukti knocked on the door and Abhimanyu opened it. ''Beta, kya hum andar aa sakte hai?'' Nyonika asked and Abhimanyu looked at Mukti, Nyonika and Nandini. ''Mukti aur aap aa sakte hai aunty, Nandini will you please wait outside'' he asked. Nandini felt something is wrong. ''Kyu! She is the wedding planner you've hired for us'' Mukti got defensive but Abhimanyu held her hand. ''Please come inside, we'll talk'' Abhimanyu blinked at Nandini and took them in.

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