TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP

Chapter-57: When Paths Collide

Nandini descended the stairs, her heart fluttering with excitement. As she reached the living room, she found everyone already gathered there-Navya, Bela, Mahir, and Vishakha-waiting for her. The anticipation in the air was palpable.

Seeing them all together, Nandini couldn't contain her joy. "I can't believe we're finally doing this!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. "Manik is going to be so surprised. He had no idea that we were coming, and Mumma said yes! He's going to be so happy!"

Navya, who had been standing beside her, grinned mischievously. "Oh, I can't wait to see his face! He's going to lose it when he sees you." She teased, nudging Nandini playfully. "And you-just look at you, all giddy and blushing. Who knew our calm and composed Nandini could be so smitten?"

Nandini laughed, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink. "Stop it, Navya! You're embarrassing me."

But Navya wasn't done. "Oh, come on, Nandini! You're like a lovestruck teenager. It's adorable!"

Bela smiled at their banter, her eyes twinkling with affection as she watched Nandini. "You're glowing, Nandini. It's good to see you so happy."

Vishakha, standing quietly nearby, observed her daughter with a tender expression, though the worry in her heart hadn't entirely subsided. She couldn't shake the sense of unease, but she tried to push it aside for Nandini's sake. She offered a small smile, trying to focus on the happiness of the moment.

"Let's go," Vishakha said, gently urging everyone toward the door. "We don't want to keep Manik waiting, do we?"

With that, they all made their way to the car, the atmosphere buzzing with anticipation. The drive to Paradise Point was filled with Nandini's excited chatter about how Manik would react, with Navya interjecting teasing comments every now and then.

As they approached Paradise Point, Nandini's excitement grew, but so did her nerves. She couldn't help the butterflies in her stomach as they finally reached their destination. The place held so many memories for her and Manik, and today, it would become the backdrop to yet another significant moment in their lives.

When they arrived, everyone climbed out of the car, and Nandini felt a surge of emotion wash over her. She glanced at her mother, who gave her an encouraging nod, though there was a hint of something unreadable in Vishakha's eyes. Nandini took a deep breath, steadying herself as they made their way to the entrance.

As they stepped inside, Nandini's heart pounded in her chest. The living room was just as she remembered, but there was something different today-a tension in the air that she couldn't quite place. She saw FAB 5, Abhimanyu, and Manik's parents sitting on the sofa, but there were also two other people, their backs turned to the group.

Before Nandini could register who they might be, Mukti and Alya noticed her and Navya, their faces lighting up with excitement.

"Nandini! Navya!" Mukti exclaimed, jumping up from the sofa and rushing over to them. Alya followed closely behind, her smile wide and warm.

The girls embraced in a flurry of excitement, their joy palpable. "We've missed you both so much!" Alya said, squeezing Nandini tightly.

As they pulled away from the hug, Mukti's eyes sparkled with mischief. "What a surprise! We didn't know you were coming."

Nandini laughed, though her eyes were already searching for Manik. "It was a last-minute decision... Where's Manik?"

As if on cue, Manik's head snapped up, his gaze locking onto Nandini's. For a moment, he was rooted to the ground, utterly stunned. It was as if time had stopped, and all he could see was her-standing there, smiling at him, like a vision he'd longed for during all those painful days apart.