TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP

Chapter-85: Engagement

The big day had finally arrived, the day Manik and Nandini would officially get engaged. The hotel hall was buzzing with excitement, draped in lights and flowers, the air filled with the sweet fragrance of roses and the cheerful chatter of guests.

Everyone was bustling around, making sure every detail was perfect. Cabir and Mukti were double-checking the decorations, Abhimanyu was coordinating with the staff, and Alya and Dhruv were finalizing the playlist.

In her hotel room, Nandini was already dressed and ready, looking like a vision. Her saree was a beautiful shade of red and gold, with intricate embroidery that shimmered under the lights. Her hair was done up in soft curls, with small, delicate flowers woven into her locks, and a gentle touch of makeup accentuated her natural beauty. Soha and Navya stood beside her, eyes wide with admiration.

"Nandini, you're absolutely stunning!" Navya gasped, grinning as she took in her friend's beauty.

Soha nudged Nandini, winking. "Just wait till Manik sees you. He's going to be speechless."

Nandini blushed, adjusting her necklace. "Oh, stop it, you two! You're making me even more nervous than I already am."

Navya rolled her eyes playfully. "Nervous? Please. You're going to be the most beautiful woman in that hall."

Meanwhile, in another room, Manik was busy getting ready himself, looking sharp and confident in a deep blue sherwani with gold accents. Cabir and Dhruv were by his side, grinning as they watched him adjust his collar for what seemed like the hundredth time.

"You look great, bro," Dhruv laughed, clapping him on the back. "But chill out! It's just Nandini, you know, the same girl you've been pining over."

Cabir smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, it's not like she's some movie star or anything... just the love of your life."

Manik gave them both a flat look, though his nerves were visible. "Okay, okay, I get it. I just want everything to be... perfect. You know?"

Abhimanyu chuckled. "Perfect? Manik, you're talking about Nandini. She's not here for a perfect party; she's here for you. Trust me, she'll love it, just the way it is."

Finally, with a deep breath, Manik was ready, and his friends led him down the corridor, making sure he didn't make any last-minute detours to check on the decorations or call Nandini to ease his nerves.

In the hall, the music shifted to a softer tune as Manik made his way to the stage. The crowd cheered softly, and he took his position, waiting with an air of quiet excitement. He scanned the room, his gaze catching on Raj and Neyonika, who smiled back at him warmly.

Raj couldn't resist teasing his son as he came closer. "Look at you, so eager and impatient. You're acting like this is a race!"

Neyonika laughed, touching Manik's shoulder. "Just wait a little longer, Manik. She'll be here soon. You can't rush her grand entrance."

Manik rubbed the back of his neck, grinning sheepishly. "It's not like that... I just... want to see her, that's all."

The lights dimmed, and the music softened further. A quiet hush fell over the hall as an announcement echoed through the room: "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the soon-to-be fiancée, Nandini Murthy."

As he looked toward the entrance, everything around him faded away. There, Nandini appeared, radiant and graceful, escorted by Navya, Soha, Bela, and Vishakha. Her saree shimmered under the lights, and the warmth of her smile reached him even from across the room. His breath caught, and for a moment, it felt as though his heart had stopped entirely.

Cabir, noticing the look of awe on Manik's face, nudged him with a smirk. "Snap out of it, loverboy. She's not going anywhere."

But Manik didn't hear him. His gaze was fixed on Nandini as she approached, her eyes meeting his with a shy yet excited smile. She came to stand beside him, and at that moment, everything felt complete.

"You look... absolutely stunning," he whispered, unable to keep the admiration out of his voice.

Nandini looked down, her cheeks tinged with a light blush. "Thank you, Manik... you don't look so bad yourself."

The crowd watched with smiles as the two stood side by side, their love visible to everyone around them. The officiant handed them their rings, signaling the next step in their journey. With a soft smile, Manik took the ring from the velvet box and gently took Nandini's hand.

"Are you ready for this?" he whispered, his gaze locked with hers.

Nandini smiled, squeezing his hand. "More than ever."

He slipped the ring onto her finger, and applause filled the hall. Then, it was her turn. She took the ring, her hands trembling slightly as she placed it on his finger. The entire room cheered, and in that moment, it felt like nothing else existed for them but each other.

After the ceremony, everyone gathered around, congratulating the couple and sharing hugs, laughs, and blessings. Manik and Nandini barely left each other's side, each taking a moment now and then to steal glances, as if reassuring themselves this was real.

Later, after a few rounds of greetings, Manik pulled Nandini to a quieter corner, away from the bustle.

"Can you believe this is actually happening?" he murmured, his eyes soft with amazement. "You and me... finally here."

Nandini smiled, her fingers tracing his. "It feels like a dream... a wonderful dream. I never thought... I mean, I hoped, but seeing it come true feels so... new."

Manik chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "New, huh? Well, I guess we'll have to get used to it."

They stood there for a moment, each lost in the other's gaze, until Nandini spoke softly, her voice filled with wonder. "Manik, do you ever... think about the future? About... what's next for us?"

Manik's lips curled into a small smile. "I think about it all the time. You and me, building something together, creating a life that's ours. And no matter what, I'll be right here. Beside you."

Nandini's eyes shimmered with emotion as she leaned into his touch, savoring the warmth of his promise. "I love that idea... us, together, no matter what comes."

They shared a gentle smile before Cabir's voice broke the moment, calling them back to the main hall. "Hey, lovebirds! Don't forget there's an entire party happening out here!"

Manik rolled his eyes, chuckling. "Guess we should get back before Cabir starts a search party for us."

As they rejoined their friends and family, the evening continued with dancing, laughter, and the warmth of celebration. Every person there could feel the love between Manik and Nandini, a love that was strong, genuine, and filled with promises yet to be fulfilled.

By the end of the night, as they shared a final glance and a soft smile across the room, they both knew this was only the beginning of their journey together.
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Hope u all like the chapter.....

Few words for Manik....

Few words for Nandini....

I'm not getting any response so I have decided to end this story here only, after this chapter I'm going to update only one more chapter and an epilogue.....

Thank u 🙂🙂

Love,
Kiara ❤️❤️