"Nandini uth jaa,meri maa."A loud bang on the door broke Nandini's sleep.

She mumbled a few incoherent words and stumbled back to sleep.This was the hangover speaking.All thanks to their late night conversations and the 'beverages' they had.But there were a series of continuous loud bangs jerking her awake. "Kon hai yaar?Shanti se sone bhi nahi dete log."She walked towards the door rubbing her eyes.

"Maharani sahiba if you've forgotten aapki shaadi hone jaa rahi hai."Her entire girl gang entered completely dressed in shades of green.The theme for the said ceremony.Every colour green.

"Yaha humari neende udi hai and look at her sleeping so peacefully."Alya complained walking inside closing the door behind her.

Nandini ignored all their protests and sat on the bed looking at them with sleepy eyes. "Ho gaya tumlogo ka?Now tell me itni subah kyu uthaya mujhe?"

"Itni subah?Madam jaaag jao.Subah ke 10 baje hai.Abhi Mehndi hai thode samay mein."Navya shrieked and Nandini silenced her with a pillow.

"Abhi mehndi hai?"She asked and they all nodded. "See you could have just told me yesterday par nahi.Faltu ke surprises dene hai."She mocked and they shook their heads.

"Manik akela accha nahi dikhega na Nandini?"Mukti smiled sarcastically seeing her not moving.

"Jaa rahi hoon baba.By the way you girls look fucking pretty.Ladko ke hosh uddne wale hai."Nandini teased and they blushed rolling their eyes.

"Unke hosh jab udenge tab dekha jayega but Ms.Bride to be get your ass in the shower quickly."Alya pushed her and she went in.

By the time she came out they had removed her outfit and all the needed stuff.Nandini came out after good 30 minutes wrapped in a bathrobe. "Mujhe uthaya kyu nahi?"She questioned with a huff.It wasn't nice when people shouted after every 5 minutes to hurry when she was trying to take a relaxing shower.

"Really now?Your mom had come lekin aap toh ghode bech ke so rahe the so she went back.Lekin abhi bhi aap breakfast table pe aaye nahi toh we came to call you."Navya said and Nandini bit her tongue.

"Ha toh ho jaata hai kabhi kabhi."Nandini shrugged not meeting their eyes. "Breakfast se yaada aaya mujhe bhukh lagi hai yaar."She changed the topic pouting,rubbing her tummy.

"Breakfast aa raha hai tu baith yaha."Alya pulled her towards the dressing table and made her sit on the chair.

"Joker mat banana mujhe."Nandini smirked and Alya smacked her head.

"Thodi derr muh band rakh apna.Alya work your magic."Mukti scolded and Nandini nodded like an obedient kid.

"Manik kaha hai?"She questioned turning the volume of the music player down.

"Woh apne room mein hai getting ready.Unlike you he was up early.Just so you know he is excited to get married ha."Navya teased making Nandini blush.

The knock on the door halted their teasings.Mukti quickly opened the door and came in with Nandini's mom and her breakfast. "Kitni derr Nandu."Her mother scolded and she pouted making a puppy dog face. "Yeh le khaa."She handed her the plate and she started eating with a wide smile on her face.

"Mom you look soo beautiful."Nandini blew her a kiss admiring her making her giggle.

"Thankyou."She smiled. "Make it fast babies sab wait kar rahe hai...actually Manik is waiting for her."Nalini smirked making the girls giggle.Nandini elbowed Alya who was the closest shutting her up instantly. "Jaldi aana."She reminded them for the last time before leaving.

"Suna na jaldi karna Manik is waiting for his bride."Navya nudged her giving a teasing smile.

———————————————
The mehndi was held outdoors in the back garden.Though the outfits were green the entire decorations were very quirky and fun.Photobooths,daaru di gaddi just the usual.It just set the mood and the music playing made the entire atmosphere lively.

"Yaar yeh ladkiya kaha reh gayi?"Dhruv questioned looking at the entrance time and again.

"They'll be down in a bit."Manik replied looking at his phone.

"Nandini ka message tha kya?"Cabir quickly asked not wanting to leave a chance to tease his best friend.

"What nonsense?I haven't spoken to her subah se."Manik glared at him thrusting the phone in his pyjama pocket. "Woh mom had gone to check on them.....now that she's back they'll come down."

"Wahi mein sochu...itna patience aaya kaha se."Rehaan teased and Manik smiled looking at him.

"Stop teasing him everytime."Myra smacked him on his arm.

"Thanks bhabhi."Manik hugged her and she laughed nodding.

They talked for a few more minutes and then Dhruv saw Alya and he sucked in a huge breath alerting Manik. "Holy shit."He muttered making Cabir and Abhimanyu laugh but then they all stopped looking at their respective partners.

"All the best boys."Manik patted their shoulders laughing at their reaction.

"Manik all the best to you brother."Vihaan smirked and Manik gave him a 'what do you mean' look. "Waha dekh."

Manik looked at the direction in which he pointed and Manik forgot to breath.His eyes raked over her taking in her beauty. "Sweet mother of god."

Manik could hear the boys snigger but before they started teasing he walked towards his fiancée in daze.Nandini was speaking to Neyonika animatedly about something hence she didn't really notice Manik. "Sorry to interrupt mom but can I take Nandini with me for a bit?"

"She's all yours Manik but I'm afraid you can't right now.Kaafi time ho chuka hai and everyone is waiting."Neyonika replied smiling sadly at him.

"Mom two minutes please.I promise."He pleaded while Nandini looked at him like he was an alien.

"Two minutes."Neyonika agreed and Manik nodded pulling Nandini along with him inside.

"Where are you taking me?"Nandini questioned him.

"I can't with you looking like this."He stopped and pulled her behind a nearby door. "You just..did you look at yourself?Do you have any idea how beautiful you look?"Manik asked cupping her cheeks.

Blood rushed to her cheek and she blinked her eyes. "Uhh."She started but then stopped.She cleared her throat and looked at him. "You look soo handsome Manik."She smiled.

"I had to look nice.I had to match up to your level na but I think I still haven't done a good job."Manik pouted and Nandini giggled.

"I swear to god you look amazing."Nandini commented and swiftly buzzed his cheek.

"That's a relief."Manik placed his hand on his heart making Nandini laugh.

"You have no idea how gorgeous you are Manik.I wish you could see it from my eyes."Nandini confessed softly.She kissed him on his lips right after.

"Nandini Manik,please continue later there are people waiting for you guys."They heard Cabir shout for them.

Nandini broke the kiss looking in his eyes. "I love you."

"Love you too."He kissed her forehead with all the love and they walked out.

"Jesus what were you doing?Why did I even ask that."He slapped his forehead and walked out with Manik following him with a smile and Nandini with a sheepish smile.
———————————————-
"Glad you decided to join us."Kiara said in a very squeaky voice making Manik roll his eyes.

"Cut them some slack look at how Nandini is looking I am surprised Manik came."Vihaan teased giving a hi-five to Cabir.

"If you guys are done can we start?"Ragini asked glaring at Vihaan who immediately stopped and they all nodded.

Nandini was made to sit on the swing and then Neyonika did the necessary rituals. "Manik chal baith yaha.Help her find a design."Neyonika ordered and Manik nodded.

Nandini just smiled looking at Manik.He sat besides her with the designs in his hand. "Which one do you want?"He asked flipping through the pages and momentarily looking at her.

"You choose."Nandini shrugged and he narrowed his eyes at her. "What?"

"What do you mean by 'you choose' Chalo help me."He ordered and she nodded making a bad face.

After the design was finalised the lady started her work. "Manik jara yaha aana toh."Raj called him and he nodded.

"I'll be back in a while but if you need anything mujhe bulana ya tell someone."He instructed her and she nodded.

"Kitna pyaara lag raha hai mera bacha."Nalini kissed her forehead making her smile.

"Dad kaha hai?Subah se dekha nahi hai meine unhe."Nandini asked straining her neck looking for her dearest dad.

"He is here only attending guests."Nalini said and Nandini pouted. "He'll come to see you don't worry."Her mom patted her head and she nodded.

After some time Nalini left leaving Nandini alone.There was no one to entertain Nandini.All the other girls were a little far getting their mehndi done and Manik was still not back.She looked around herself to find someone she could talk to but there was no one. "Hi."She heard Manik whisper in her ear and she turned swiftly which resulted in her pecking his cheek. "Woah there kiss karna tha toh bol deti."Manik teased moving closer to her and she glared at him.

"Kuch bhi mat bolo I was just shocked."She stated looking forward again.

"Accha ji?"Manik poked her cheek and she gave him an irritated look. "What happened?"Manik questioned.

"I am soo bored yaar.Nobody is there with me."She pouted.Manik had to do everything to stop himself from kissing her in front of 200 people.

"Mein kaafi nahi hoon?"He pointed towards himself with a pout.

"You came abhi iske pehle toh I was alone na."She said and he chuckled.His girl couldn't stay quiet for two seconds.She constantly needed someone to talk to. "I'll be back."He left without hearing her reply.

Nandini looked at his retreating back with a frown but she shrugged.She looked at her hand with a smile when she heard the sound of the dhols.She looked up but found no one.

Aaja sohniye

She heard Manik's voice singing and she smiled.Her man could do anything for her.

Catwalk wali baby hai teri chaal
Backless suit vich lagdi kamal
Ho kithe chali jaandi ae, aaha
Ho kithe chali jaandi ae, oho

Manik danced while the rest of the boys joined him in doing some weird steps making all the girls laugh.

Tainu puchhna hai ikko hi
Ho dass de kanwari ae
Ya kise de tu naal
Kyun dooron dooron jaani ae, aaha
Jaan kadd jaani ae, oho

Enne vi nakhre tu kar na sohniye
Enne vi nakhre tu kar na sohniye
Dil mera tere layi dhadke

Manik walked towards Nandini and sat besides her teasing her.Nandini glared at him but she had a smile on her face.Manik knew she couldn't do much and he was taking full advantage of teasing her in front of everyone.

Ni aaj phir kithe, aaj phir kithe
Aaj phir kithe chali aen
Morni banke, morni banke
Aaj phir kithe chali aen
Morni banke, morni banke

Manik ran back swiftly and started doing some punjabi steps.Nandini couldn't help but swoon.He sang amazingly but he danced really well as well.Is there anything this guy cannot do?

Sunday ton laike Saturday tak
Sunday ton laike Saturday tak
Karde wait teri khat ke

Ni aaj phir kithe, aaj phir kithe
Aaj phir kithe chali aen
Morni banke, morni banke

Balle balle, balle balle

All the guys pulled the elders to dance and nobody could resist dancing.The entire atmosphere had turned frolic all thanks to Manik. The lady had stopped her work,for Nandini couldn't stop moving.She danced in her place tapping her feet and swaying her body.

Jadon nachdi kudi tu badi hot lagdi, aaha
Uff husna di rani by God lagdi, oho
Jadon nachdi kudi tu badi hot lagdi
Uff husna di rani by God lagdi

Manik sang fanning his hand nudging her telling her how pretty she was and Nandini could only giggle like a schoolgirl.

Jadon kole aake kardi aen smile kudiye
Kise shayar da viral jeha thought lagdi
Lakk nu enna lean kara ke
Tight wali jean chadha ke
Ho gaye ne sab challe

Manik acted like he died looking at her smile and Nandini elbowed him in the stomach making him laugh loudly.The others were too busy dancing to notice it while people who did notice just admired them.

Ni aaj phir kithe, aaj phir kithe
Aaj phir kithe chali aen
Morni banke, morni banke

Nandini stood up making sure her mehndi doesn't get spoilt and walked towards Manik who was busy dancing but Nandini knew he had an eye on her.She knew him way too well for his liking.

Lagda tu vi hat ke sohneya
Dil tu lai gaya kadd ke sohneya
Aayi tere layi saj-dhaj ke

Nandini sang catching Manik off guard.She swayed her hips to the song and the rest of the girls joined her.She walked towards him and pushed him.She tried to walk past him but Manik caught her.

Ni aaj phir kithe, aaj phir kithe
Aaj phir kithe chali aen
Morni banke, morni banke

Teri ore main chali aan
Morni banke, morni banke

Balle balle, balle balle

Main aivein chali aan
Morni banke ha ha ha

They all danced together on the last part.They ended up hooting and screaming as the song ended.

Everyone got back to their places but since the dance floor was open a few people danced. "Manik chalo even you have to get something done."Neyonika pulled him and made him sit besides Nandini.

"Kyu par."He whined and Neyonika glared at him. "Accha thik hai."He pouted and forwarded his left hand.

"What will you like to get?"The lady asked him.

"Koi choti design bana do please."He said and she nodded. "What aise kise dekh rahi ho?"He asked shaking Nandini and she looked at him.

"Who is Niru talking to?"She asked.

"Where?"Manik asked running his eyes over the crowd. "I can't find him."He stated squinting his eyes.

"Are there near that alcohol truck."Nandini said specifically and Manik made an 'oh' face.

"Woh she is Shanaya Kiara bhabhi ki behen hai."He stated and she nodded but her eyes were still on her brother. "Kyu kya hua?"He questioned.

"Kuch nahi nothing."She shrugged looking at him.

"Oh James Bond ki maa let your brother be.Let him enjoy a little and if he wants to date her or something let him she is a nice girl.Ofcourse I'll make sure that they don't end up hurting each other par har wakt don't stand with a gun on his head."He said.

"Mein koi james bond ki maa nahi ban rahi I was just asking."She shrugged averting her gaze.

"Yeah sure."Manik teased and she pursed her lips.

"You're soo mean."Nandini angrily pouted and he laughed.

"Sir you're done."The lady said and Manik nodded.

"Mein toh chala."Manik got up and Nandini looked at him in shock.

"Manik wait na for me."She said showing her puppy dog face.

"Kyu mein toh mean hoon na."He said biting his smile back and walked off.

"Bhagwaan kaisa monster hai."She muttered complaining twisting her lips.

————————————————
Manik came after 15 minutes.He had washed his hands clean and he had a plate in his hands.

Nandini saw him coming and turned her face to the other side.She was angry or well atleast she tried to be angry.Her mehndi was done a while back but she was sitting so she wouldn't mess it up.She was one clumsy soul.

"Accha chalo gussa rehne do have lunch."Manik said sitting besides her.

"Nahi I am gussa."She stated turning sideways.There wasn't much she could do.Her hands and legs were filled with henna.

"Accha phir yeh khana kon khayega?Mein itne pyaar se laya tha."He pouted clicking his tongue in sadness looking at the plate filled with food.

Listening to food Nandini closed her eyes.After breakfast she had nothing and it was already close to 3.She looked from the corner of her eyes and licked her lips looking at all the yummy yummy things.

"Mein jau phir?"Manik asked innocently and he got up when he didn't get an answer from Nandini.

"No na feed me no.I am very hungry."Nandini said.Manik stopped in his tracks and smiled.

He sat back besides her and forwarded a morsel of roti and butter chicken. "Kitne drame karti ho na tum?"He nudged her nose with his forefinger and she smiled.

"Ha toh tum aise behave karte ho toh mein kya karu."She shrugged making him laugh. "Tum bhi khao na."She urged him and he nodded.

They had their lunch with their regular banter.Talks here and there but fights like usual. "Abhi bhi jhagda?"Abhimanyu shook his head slapping Manik's head.

"Are yaar meri kya galti?"Manik glared at him and then looked at Nandini who was laughing her ass off looking at Manik. "Bohot hasi aa rahi hai na?"Manik asked wiggling his fingers and Nandini shook her head.

"Manik no.Please na."She pleaded and Manik laughed.All the rest of the them just stood there watching them fight,trying to stifle their laughter. "Manik mehnat waste ho jayegi.Pleaseee."She cutely pouted and Manik shook his head.

"Kya chal raha hai?"Rajan asked crossing his heads and Manik and Nandini immediately straightened themselves.

"K-kuch nahi dad."Nandini stuttered shaking her head in a no.That was it for everyone,they bursted into fits of laughter while Nandini and Manik rolled their eyes but there were big smiles on their faces.

———————————————-
It was 4 in the evening Manik and Nandini were both in their respective rooms.Nandini was resting as she couldn't do much with mehndi on her hands though it had dried a little it still restricted her movements and as for Manik he wanted to go to meet his fiancée......like always.

Nandini had her eyes closed and was listening to some soothing songs which Navya had played on Nandini's insistence.Her smile soon turned into a shriek as someone kissed her. "What the hell?"She glared at Manik who had a boyish smile on his face.He clearly couldn't go without seeing her."You scared me."Nandini said.

"I missed you."He whispered and Nandini's heart melted just like ice.

She smiled,a slow smile which turned into a full blown grin. "Come here."Nandini opened her arms for him and he sat on the bed hugging her tightly making sure not to spoil her mehndi.

"I am sorry that I'm being really clingy but I cannot stay away from you.Not anymore."He said burying his face in her neck.

"You don't have to be sorry and also I'm not complaining."She gave him a smile putting him at ease.

"How do you feel Nandini?"He asked once they had broken the hug.She looked at him but he was looking at the wall in front of him.

"Matlab?"She asked and he looked at her.

"Matlab how do you feel about the wedding.Tell me na.I want to know."He looked at her with a smile.Before lovers they were best friends. From fighting about lame things to sharing deep conversations.They knew they could share things with each other without fearing about anything.

"I am happy,I am nervous,I am excited,I am scared but also a little sad.Matlab I am marrying the love of my life toh I gotta be happy but baaki sab wedding jitters hai.But I am looking forward to spending my life with you Manik.I have been wanting this.I am enjoying this a lot.I am having fun.I am happy that I have you by my side.Bass."Manik grinned listening to her and she mirrored his expressions.

"I am feeling everything but with happiness I am also scared you know.I have your responsibility Nandini.Dad,mom,you...for that matter even Niru you guys will have some expectations from me.I neither want to disappoint you nor anyone else."He spoke all his heart out while Nandini heard him patiently.

"I can understand Manik cause I am going through the same thing.Even mom,dad daadu,bhai bhabhi you will have certain expectations from me.Mujhe baaki kuch nahi pata but one thing I know is that we'll get through this together.Aur ekhad mistake ho bhi gayi Manik toh that is not going to make me love you any less.Galtiyan sabse hoti hai na.We haven't done this before toh we are bound to be afraid but we'll be okay."Nandini said and kissed his cheek.

"Hmm."Manik hummed and pulled her on him. "You know I love you right?"He asked tucking her loose strands behind her ear.

"Yes."Nandini bobbed her head and he laughed.

"You're such a baby."He smiled.

"Jo bhi hai abhi jhelna pade."A knock on the door interrupted Nandini.

"Yaar why is everyone behind us."Manik palmed his face as Nandini got up to open the door. "Ae mat jao,mat jao jo bhi hoga apne aap chala jayega."Manik pulled Nandini and she fell on his.

For some absurd reason Nandini started laughing and whacked him. "Kuch bhi mat bolo."She giggled and got up.

"Jaldi kholo we know you two are together."Vihaan shouted.

"Yeh Cabir kam tha jo yeh bhi chalti train mein chad gaye."Manik muttered complaining to god. "Are aao aao aapka hi intezar tha."Manik faked the most fake smile on seeing the entire clan at the door.

"Pata hai you are very happy to see us but thoda control karo."Cabir shot back making Manik roll his eyes.

"Itna sajj dhaj ke kaha jaa rahe ho?"Nandini questioned looking at them all dressed up.

"Get your ass in your room.You need to get ready."Kiara ordered giving Nandini her answer.

"Abhi kya hai?"Manik asked curiously.

"Engagement."They all screamed loudly.

———————————————-
"Kya pataka lag rahi hai yaar Nandu?"Myra commented eating pomegranate which Neyonika left for her and Nandini's sister whistled agreeing with her.

"Manik ke hosh udane wale hai..literally."Mukti teased and Nandini giggled.

"Uske hosh already udd chuke hai."Nandini winked making the girls hoot.

"Also look at her mehndi."Kiara pointed out and their eyes caught sight of her henna filled hands.The mehndi had turned the darkest shade of red and Nandini just turned more red hearing her.

"Woh toh hona hi tha bhabhi."Mukti stated it and Kiara nodded giving her a hi-five while the rest giggled.

"Accha tu rukk yaha uncle is going to come to get you we'll leave."Arohi kissed her head and left along with others.

Nandini looked at herself and she couldn't believe the person she saw in the mirror.She never was self conscious.She was comfortable in her own skin.She had accepted her flaws.She found herself pretty but today she looked beautiful and there was a very different kind of glow on her face.There was makeup but she knew she just looked a good kind of different.It is true when they say 'The glow is different when you're truly happy.'

"Nandu."There was a knock on the door and then her dad walked in.He stopped in his tracks looking at his daughter.Nandini stood and walked towards her father with a smile.She bent down to take his blessings but he stopped her and hugged her. "Humesha khush rehna. Bacche you look soo beautiful.You have grown soo fast Nandini.You were soo small when I held you the first time and look at you getting married today all set to start a family of your own.I am gonna miss you so so so much."He wiped his tears and Nandini sniffed. "Abhi ke liye there is someone who is eagerly waiting for you."Rajan smiled wiping his tears and Nandini looked down smiling. "Chale?"He forwarded his hands and they together walked out.

The Engagement was held indoors.The wide space in the living room was completely transformed.There was a stage set up and it was beautifully decorated.Nandini was shocked first because it looked really beautiful and secondly because she didn't notice all this in the morning.Was I sleepwalking or was I soo busy to notice?

The irony was that everyone could see Nandini but the people on the stage couldn't see her.Manik was desperately waiting to catch a glimpse of her as all his friends had warned him that she looked heavenly 'subah ka teaser tha abhi trailer hai' were their exact words.

Manik's eyes fell on Nandini and he was glad his friends warned him but she had surpassed everything.First of all she was in a goddamn saree which Manik least expected.She had her hair tied up and a gajra was wound around it.Manik hated when she tied her hair up but today she just looked wow.We'll just leave it at that.

Nandini could feel all eyes on her but she didn't really have the courage to look up or face anyone.Anyone or specifically  Manik.Rajan sensed her nervousness and he passed her a soft smile.

Manik walked down the two steps and forwarded his hands.Rajan placed Nandini's hands in his.Giving a kiss on her forehead he walked to the side.Nandini looked at Manik and she was glad she didn't look at him while walking.She would have tripped and fallen face flat giving the guests a good show.He looked handsome and could give all the models a run for their money.

"Manik uthane padega tujhe?"Rehaan called him out when he saw no movement from Manik or Nandini.They were just stuck to their places.

"Uhh hmm ha."Manik stuttered and gulped visibly.

They both walked to the stage and sat.Both their mothers walked to them. "Dono bhi hohot pyaare lag rahe ho."Nalini kissed both their foreheads making them smile widely.

"Woh toh dono ke reactions dekhke hi pata chal gaya.Kyu?"Neyonika teased.She was loud enough for the people on the stage to hear making them laugh loudly.

"Momm."Manik and Nandini both whined together making her laugh more.

"Accha chalo."Neyonika dismissed the teasing changing the topic.She and Nalini did the initial rituals and then moved behind.

Mukti and Navya came with the rings and stood besides Manik and Nandini respectively.

Manik took the ring and made Nandini wear it on her right hand ring finger and kissed her knuckles.Nandini smiled at him and made him wear his ring.Manik hugged Nandini as everyone hooted and rose petals were showered on them.

After the ceremony, the blessings were taken and the teasings were done they both were made to sit on the seat.

"Nandini."

"Manik."

Both started at the same time and then smiled looking at each other. "You look soo handsome Manik.Like literally breathtaking."

"I was going to say the same Nandini.The moment my eyes fell on you the world stopped for me.As cliche as it sounds it is true.I remember you had dressed up exactly like this on our traditional day in college.You had managed to take my breath away that time as well but I was stupid enough to not recognise it then but today its just different."He said holding both her hands in his.

"I think this is what happens when you are truly happy Manik."Nandini stated and Manik couldn't agree more.

Everyone just watched them from afar with smiles while the photographer captured their moments.

"Yaar they are adorable and everything but mujhe diabetes ho jayegi."Cabir commented.

"Way to ruin the moment Cabir."Abhimanyu shook his head while the rest laughed.

They were a bunch of weird people but they balanced each other out.I think thats how friends are,right?
———————————————-
First of all the wedding updates are going to be a little long and I know its not going to be a problem.We are all greedy for updates.

Secondly they are going to be cliche and cringee so bear with me on that.

Let me know how you find it.

Also can we take a moment to address how difficult it is to find outfits for a wedding😭I literally searched through Pinterest like it was my own wedding😂

Thankyou soo much for 50k.I knew it was going to happen but when it did I was just speechless and soo happy❤️😘Hugs to every single one of you😘

Stay home,stay safe and stay healthy.

Love,
Your Writer.