A Part, Yet Apart

Chapter 125- The Second First Wedding

Nandini's POV: 

I stood in what used to be my parents' backyard, now mine alone, and the memories come rushing back like a tide I can't hold back. Manik held my hand bringing me back to reality. "Are you really sure?" he asked me. "For the first time ever, I'm so sure, so clear about you, our marriage and the life with you" I said. He let out a smile, a genuinely surprising smile. "Humare beech aur bhi bahut saare fights honge, arguments honge but that's not an end. Which couple doesn't fight?" I asked him. Years ago, this exact space held my first wedding to Manik. The memory is so vivid I can almost see the ghosts when this place is again being decorated for our wedding again. Amma looked best in a gorgeous silk saree, Nanna has stringed fairy lights between all the trees in the garden. "This feels so nostalgic" Manik said, his eyes were shining. 

Amma and Nanna had been so happy that day. So relieved that I'd found someone who loved me, after the broken engagement that had nearly broken them. Little did they know that I'm going to find the love of my life. "Not just our marriage, tomorrow is your birthday too" Manik said making it sound extra special. "Isn't this the same day, Daksh proposed me and you've misunderstood everything. Nanna got heart attack on this very same day" I clearly remember everything happened that day. "Lets erase all those bad memories and recreate our wedding memories. Again!" Manik said. "I hope so!" I said as Manik hugged me. "Ahem! Bride and groom shouldn't see each other before wedding, have you forgot the rule Manik?" Aryaman asked. "I'm the one who makes rules here" Manik said. 

"Aise kaise hoga?" Mukti asked. "Nandini is already my wife, ye shaadi tho ek ceremony hai. Marriage is for hearts, humara connection heart to heart hai" Manik said. Maa intervened between Manik, Mukti and Aryaman. "There's no need of anyone between Manik-Nandini" maa said. "What's in your hand maa?" I asked seeing her carry a large pot. "This is your wedding gift, a sapling which you both are going to plant today" she said. "Manik, Nandini chalo plant this one today" she said, "Right here, where your parents stood when they watched you get married. It'll be your wedding tree. You'll plant it together and every year on your anniversary, we all will come back here and watch it grow. And someday, when you have kids, we'll tell them this tree has roots in two places, in the memory of your parents who gave you life, and in the love you both have rebuilt after nearly losing everything" I didn't expect these words from maa. "This isn't just your maternal home Nandini, this would be the dream home for both you and Manik. This will always be your safe place" maa promised something unbelievable.

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The backyard has been transformed into something sacred. Not with extravagance, but with intention. Fairy lights were string between the mango trees like my Nanna used to. Marigold garlands hang from every branch, their orange and yellow petals glowing in the evening light like captured sunset. The mandap stands in the exact spot where my parents built the first one, simple and unadorned, draped in white and red silk that catches the breeze. I've wanted it this way. Wanted to honor the memory of my parents by recreating the wedding they had gifted her, but better, because this time, it comes with truth, with choice, with a love that has survived being tested by fire. I stood at the entrance to the backyard, waiting, and I can feel the ghosts of that first wedding day hovering just out of sight. I can see Nanna in my mind's eye, adjusting the lights one final time. I can see Amma fussing over the flower arrangements, insisting everything be perfect for her daughter. I can see Manik as he was nervous and doubtful. He was wrong then. But he's right now.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to dear Nandini, happy birthday to you" everyone sang in unison. "Mere bina kabhi Nandini ki birthday hui kya?" Navya's words were such a relief to me. "Happy birthday Nandini" Navya hugged me. "Why are you so late?" I asked her. "Wife duties" she murmured nudging Cabir. "Ohho don't blame me for being late, you were late" Cabir blamed Navya. We've planted the saplings maa has gifted us. Soon Navya and Nyonika maa entered my room to get me ready. They moved around me with purpose, laying out jewelry, discussing the order of rituals, their voices a low hum of tradition and anticipation. I can't believe this is happening finally. My hair still damp from the ceremonial wash, trying to feel like a bride instead of a woman preparing for her second wedding to the same man after nearly destroying everything. "Nandini beta," Nyonika maa said, her voice careful, "I've brought something special for you." She unzipped a large garment bag with a flourish, revealing a breathtaking golden kanchi pattu saree, so heavy with embroidery it looks like liquid sunlight captured in silk. "I've got it custom made for you, as per your and Manik's kundli. This has gold woven into threads which will bind you and Manik forever. I wanted you to wear it today".