Đọc truyện An Arranged Journey To Forever

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Part 22

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The Engagement Day

It was a private affair, and the media had been strictly kept out. While everyone was busy with their preparations, Nandini was enjoying a relaxing spa session with Navya. Manik, on the other hand, was in his room, buried in work, trying to finish up a presentation before the engagement.

What no one knew was that Manik had an urgent business trip to Vegas right after the engagement. He had to leave immediately, and he was determined to keep it a secret from Nandini. Why? Because he knew that if she found out, she'd be upset, and it would ruin the mood of the whole engagement. He couldn't bear for her to feel gloomy on such an important day.

As Nandini and Navya wrapped up their spa session, Manik called her.

"Done with your refreshing spa?" Manik's voice came through the phone.

Nandini chuckled softly, "Yup, almost home now."

"I'm going to get ready, then. Bye, I love you."

"I love you too," she replied, smiling at the sound of his voice.

The call ended, and Nandini felt a warm feeling in her chest. Navya looked at her with a grin. "Excited?" she asked teasingly.

Nandini laughed, "Yes, but a little nervous too."

Meanwhile, Manik had Cabir with him, helping him with the final touches of his outfit.

Nandini decided on a red velvet saree for the engagement—elegant yet not too heavy, just like Manik had asked her to keep it comfortable. After all, it was a private ceremony, with only close family and friends attending.

Both families finished getting ready and headed out to the U Tropicana Beach Resort, where the engagement ceremony was taking place. The decision to hold the event away from home had been made for privacy, as both families didn't want the chaos of a big public event. They hadn't yet decided whether the wedding would be a destination affair or a traditional ceremony.

On the way, Nandini couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing. Naira and Kartik had planned to attend but were delayed due to flight issues. Nandini's spirits lifted a little when Naira assured her she would catch the next flight.

When they arrived at the resort, the families gathered together. Manik and Nandini exchanged a glance, both of them looking absolutely stunning as a couple.

As the elders took care of the arrangements, the younger ones gathered around, gossiping and discussing potential performances for the evening. Manik, however, had other plans. He signaled to Nandini, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Nandini, come with me. I need to discuss something regarding the interiors," he said, pulling her towards the lawn.

Nandini hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should leave the group. But Manik, understanding her thoughts, whispered, "Come on, don't worry about them. I promise we'll be quick."

Cabir, ever the playful one, added, "You two could just go without an excuse. You are fiancés now, after all."

Manik shot him a look, "Shut up, Cabir."

With a chuckle, he took Nandini's hand, leading her to the secluded garden.

As soon as they were out of sight, Manik pulled her closer, pinning her gently against the wall. Nandini's breath hitched as she felt the warmth of his body close to hers. His hands were on her waist, and hers were on his chest, her heart racing.

"You look so beautiful in sarees, you know that?" Manik whispered, his voice low and filled with admiration.

Nandini couldn't help but smile, "Thank youuuu."

He grinned at how cute she looked when she spoke.

"Don't you think you should praise me a little?" Manik teased, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Nandini raised an eyebrow. "I'm pretty sure you know you look good," she said, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm.

Manik chuckled, "I do know, of course."

Both of them burst into laughter, enjoying the moment together.

Before they could say anything more, they heard Nyonika's voice call out from behind them. "Guys, if you're done, come sit! The guests are starting to arrive."

"Coming, Mom," Nandini said with a smile, turning to leave.

But as she started to walk away, Manik grabbed her wrist gently.

Nandini turned back to face him, her eyebrows furrowed. "Hmm?"

Manik's expression turned serious, "I need to tell you something after the engagement. Come to the garden during dinner time."

Nandini smiled at him, her heart skipping a beat. "Okay," she whispered.

They walked back inside to join the others, hand in hand. Manik introduced Nandini to a few of his close friends, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment.

Bua Dadi called out, "Nyonika, start the ceremony. Everyone is waiting."

Nyonika nodded. "Yes, come Nandini, Manik."

Hand in hand, the couple walked up to the stage, their hearts in sync. As they settled into their seats, Manik's eyes scanned Nandini's face, and then he noticed something.

"Did you come with just one earring on? New trend?" Manik teased, a playful smirk on his lips.

"What?" Nandini gasped, her hand immediately going to her ear. One earring was missing, and she looked panicked.

"Manik, those earrings were precious!" she said, her voice tinged with worry.

Manik couldn't help but laugh at her expression, finding it endearing. "I'm not laughing!" he replied quickly, trying to stifle his amusement.

"Manik, stop laughing!" Nandini said, clearly frustrated now.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the missing earring, holding it up triumphantly. "You dropped it in the garden. Thank me now."

Nandini sighed with relief but couldn't resist playfully hitting him on the shoulder. "You were teasing me, weren't you?" she scolded, still irritated.

"Okay, okay, I'll stop," Manik said, laughing. "Want me to put it on for you?"

"Yeah, and make sure you tie it properly, or it'll fall off again," she said, still rolling her eyes at him.

Manik grinned. "What would you do without me, huh?"

"Put the earring on, Manikkk!" she demanded, shaking her head.

"Fine, fine," he said, and with a smile, he gently placed the earring back in her ear, making sure it was secure.

The guests couldn't help but 'aww' at the sweet exchange between the couple. Some were even a bit jealous, secretly wishing they had the kind of relationship Manik and Nandini shared.

Nyonika called out, "Ishita, please remove the evil eye from Nandini. She's looking so beautiful today. In fact, let's do it for both of them. They look so sweet together."

"I know, right? We'll remove the evil eye for both of them," Ishita agreed, smiling as she walked toward them with a protective gesture.

Manik and Nandini exchanged rings, sliding them onto each other's fingers. The moment felt magical, and Nandini's hand sparkled with the rare diamond on her finger.

Manik's eyes were filled with love as he gazed at her hand, but he held back from kissing her fingers, knowing that public displays of affection weren't their style.

As he looked at her, his heart swelled with affection. Nandini, sensing his gaze, side-hugged him, and he reciprocated, his arms wrapping around her tightly.

The entire room erupted in applause, congratulating the couple. Everyone danced, and the highlight of the evening was the sweet couple dance shared by Manik and Nandini. It was a moment of pure joy, and the love between them was palpable.

It was a day to remember—a day when they took a step closer to their forever.

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