MANAN :GIVING LIFE A SECOND CHANCE

Chapter-25

The air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers, and the soft melodies of a traditional South Indian nadaswaram filled the space, creating an atmosphere of celebration. Manik and Nandini stood near the entrance, dressed in traditional South Indian attire. Manik looked regal in a crisp white veshti and a matching silk shirt, while Nandini's sari—a deep shade of maroon with intricate gold zari work—flowed elegantly as she moved. Her braid was adorned with jasmine flowers, and her bangles jingled softly as she adjusted the pleats of her sari.

Beside them, little Mahir, in a tiny sherwani, fidgeted with the hem of his outfit. He looked up at his parents, a mix of excitement and curiosity in his eyes as guests began to arrive.

"Well, so much for a simple celebration, manik."

"It happened in the last moment."

"How?"

"Well, Aryaman happened to tell in the office, and a lot more wanted to attend."

"Nice that people wanted to be a part of this."

Manik smiled, "I did not plan on doing this big."

Nandini gave him a side-eye. But guests started arriving.

"Welcome, welcome!" Manik greeted, his voice warm and inviting as the first of their guests approached.

A group of employees smiled at them, their eyes immediately darting around, searching. "Where's the little princess? We've been so eager to meet her!" One of the older women exclaimed, her voice full of affection.

Nandini, with a glowing smile, gestured inside. "She's resting inside. We'll introduce her to everyone soon."

As more guests arrived, Manik and Nandini were kept busy with greetings and pleasantries. The atmosphere was lively, with people chatting, laughing, and admiring the beautiful decorations that Nandini's friends Naira and Naina had helped put together early in the morning. The two of them had been a whirlwind of energy, making sure every detail was perfect, from the floral arrangements to the rangoli at the entrance.

Cabir arrived, striding in with his usual playful energy and a wide grin on his face. He carried a large gift box wrapped in vibrant paper. "Where's my princess?" he called out as he walked up to Manik.

"Inside," Manik replied, shaking Cabir's hand with a laugh.

Harshad, following close behind Cabir, rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

"Look at the uncle coming very late," Manik added, meeting Harshad.

"I was held up; my girlfriend was sick."

"If she keeps on drinking that much, then she will remain sick." Added cabir.

Before Harshad could comment, Manik led them inside.

Meanwhile, Aryaman arrived with his parents. His mother, Swati, was dressed in an elegant sari, but her expression was carefully neutral as she took in the sight of the South Indian-themed ceremony. The coconut leaves, the traditional lamps, and the flower garlands adorning the space were a far cry from the North Indian customs she was accustomed to.

Aryaman's father, on the other hand, smiled warmly as he approached Manik. "This is beautifully done," he complimented, patting Manik on the back. "Nandini's touch, I presume?"

"Entirely," Manik agreed.

Swati's eyes lingered on the decorations, her lips pursed ever so slightly, but she said nothing. Instead, she followed her husband inside, her gaze sweeping over the crowd.

As the time for the ceremony approached, the guests gathered in the living room, where a beautifully decorated cradle awaited the baby. Manik and Nandini walked up to it, Nandini holding the baby girl swaddled in a delicate cloth, her tiny face peeking out with curiosity at the world around her.

The priest began chanting mantras, the rhythmic sounds filling the room with a sense of sacredness. Nandini bent beside the crib, her heart swelling with emotion. She looked at Manik, who stood beside her, his eyes reflecting the same depth of feeling.

Later, Nandini and Manik, along with the baby, were made to sit; a plate full of rice was placed in front of them where they would write the name of the baby. Mahir is sitting in Manik's lap.

"Please proceed to whisper the name in her ears."

Manik signaled to Nandini to continue.

With a gentle smile, Nandini whispered the name "Mayra" in the baby's ear, as per tradition.

The guests leaned in closer, straining to catch the name.

"Mayra," Nandini repeated, this time louder, her voice filled with love. "After her father, Manik, and her brother, Mahir."

A soft murmur of approval rippled through the crowd, followed by smiles and nods of agreement. Mahir beamed with pride at being part of his sister's name.

"Mayra," Manik repeated, his voice tender as he looked at the tiny face nestled in Nandini's arms. "Our little princess."

Swati, standing slightly apart from the others, watched the scene unfold, her expression inscrutable. But as Nandini and Manik shared a look of pure joy, even she couldn't deny the warmth that filled the room.

As the guests came forward to bless Mayra and present their gifts, Cabir leaned in, grinning mischievously at Manik. "Mayra, huh? Perfect name. Now, wait till she's old enough to give you all sorts of trouble."

Manik laughed, looking down at his daughter, who stared up at him with wide, trusting eyes. "Trouble or not, I'll protect her, always."

Nandini smiled as she looked at Manik, Mahir, and Mayra. She would do anything to keep them happy and safe. 

***

The same night, Manik leaned against the railing, looking out over the estate, lost in thought. Aryaman's voice broke the silence.

"Manik," Aryaman began, "why let the media know about Nandini and Mayra? Won't the Singhanias start stirring up trouble if they catch wind of this?"

Manik sighed, he knew Aryaman's concerns weren't baseless. 

"I know what you're thinking, Aryaman. I wanted the world to know about Nandini and Mayra, not just about Mahir. Those three are my world, and nobody dares to harm them, not just Singhania's but."

"But what."

"Your mother too."

Aryaman stood there in silence. 

"I don't want her to cause any trouble to Nandini. I can't think of anything else."

"how do you plan on doing that?

"I have a plan."

Unknown to them Nandini stood there and heard their conversation. 

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So here is the next chapter, things will get complicated from here on.

happy reading