TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP

Chapter-86: Happily Ever After

The wedding day dawned bright and filled with excitement. Manik and Nandini, after all the waiting and longing, were finally ready for the moment they had dreamed of. As the preparations wrapped up, laughter and cheer filled every corner of the venue. Friends and family hustled and bustled to make everything perfect, and the energy was simply electric.

Manik was dressed in a classic ivory sherwani with delicate gold embroidery, every detail accentuating his handsome, dignified look. He adjusted his sehra one last time in front of the mirror, barely able to contain his excitement. Dhruv and Abhimanyu stood beside him, grinning from ear to ear, while Cabir teased relentlessly.

“Nervous, jiju?” Cabir quipped, smirking as he nudged Manik. “This is it. No going back now!”

Manik chuckled, rolling his eyes. “As if I’d ever want to go back. I’ve been waiting forever for this day.”

Dhruv joined in with a grin. “Well, if you’re too eager, let’s get going! You don’t want to be late to your own wedding.”

The barat set out with lively dhol beats and cheerful shouts, making its way to the venue. As they arrived, the beautiful entrance was decorated with flowers and twinkling lights, and the joyous energy was palpable. Vishakha stood at the entrance, ready to welcome Manik formally.

With a playful glint in her eyes, she greeted him, “Well, well, the great Manik Malhotra finally at our doorsteps. You’re very lucky, you know that?”

Manik flashed a confident smile. “Trust me, I know it.”

As she performed the welcoming rituals, Soha and Navya teased him, placing a garland of marigolds around his neck. “You’d better behave,” Navya teased, her eyes dancing with mischief, “or you’ll have to answer to all of us!”

Manik laughed. “I think I’m outnumbered here!”

Finally, he made his way to the stage, where he waited with anticipation. The crowd settled down, and all eyes turned toward the entrance as Vishakha, Cabir, Soha, and Navya headed to Nandini’s room to escort the bride.

In Nandini’s room, everything was calm yet filled with a quiet anticipation. Dressed in a stunning red lehenga with intricate golden embroidery, Nandini looked breathtakingly beautiful. Her jewelry sparkled as the lights caught her every movement, and the delicate ornaments in her hair only added to her radiant appearance. She was a vision of grace and elegance, her eyes shining with both excitement and emotion.

Cabir’s eyes softened as he took in his sister, his voice catching in his throat. “You look… just perfect, Nandini.”

Vishakha, unable to hide her emotions, stepped forward, her hand touching Nandini’s cheek. “My little girl… you’re all grown up.”

Nandini’s eyes moistened at their words, but she quickly composed herself. “Please, no more tears,” she pleaded, laughing through her own misty eyes. “You’re going to make me cry too!”

Just then, Bela and Mahir entered, both of them equally emotional. Bela took Nandini’s hands in her own, her voice choked with emotion. “You have no idea how happy I am for you, Princess. This day… it’s everything we hoped for you.”

Mahir gave her a tight hug. “You’ll always be our princess, remember that.”

With warm smiles and light laughter, they began escorting her down the aisle. Manik, waiting at the stage, turned as she entered, and his breath caught at the sight. Their gazes met across the room, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people there. Manik descended from the stage, meeting her halfway, and extended his hand to help her up. She placed her hand in his, and as she ascended the steps, they both felt a rush of overwhelming emotions.