An Arranged Journey To Forever

Part 6

But suddenly, out of nowhere, Manik asked, his voice filled with uncertainty, "Nandini, are we still 'friends'?"

Nandini's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected that question, and for a moment, she was speechless.

"Of course, we're friends," she answered, her voice soft and hesitant.

Manik's gaze never left her. "Are you sure it's just 'friends'?" he asked teasingly, his eyes searching hers. "The way you were so tense, everything you said... is that how friends act?"

Nandini, feeling the weight of his words, replied defensively, "What do you mean? I'm just treating you like I always have. Now sleep, Manik."

Manik leaned in a little, his tone playful. "But... but what if I'm not sure?"

Nandini, growing more flustered, snapped, "Just sleep, Manik!"

Manik smirked but decided to drop the subject, though a thousand thoughts raced through his mind. He closed his eyes, his body finally giving in to the exhaustion, but the question lingered in the air, unanswered.

The next morning, Nandini woke up early, the soft sunlight filtering through the windows. She freshened up quickly and went for a walk around the hospital. When she returned to her cabin, she saw Ajay waiting for her.

"Good morning, Ajay. How are you?" Nandini greeted him with a smile.

"I'm fine, how are you, miss?" Ajay asked, his tone casual but warm.

"I'm better than yesterday," Nandini replied, her mind still preoccupied with the events of the night before.

"That's good. And how's the guy for whom you lost your senses?" Ajay asked with a teasing smile.

"Manik," Nandini replied, her lips curving into a small smile despite herself, "He's fine. He'll be discharged today."

"Okay, cool. Are you staying in the hospital today, or should I cancel all your appointments?" Ajay asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'll stay back," Nandini replied, though her thoughts were still on Manik.

"Alright, see you later," Ajay said as he turned to leave.

Nandini nodded and went into her cabin, where she found Manik coming out of the washroom, looking much better than the previous day.

"Good morning," he greeted her, his smile genuine.

"Morning, morning," Nandini replied, her voice still tinged with concern as she took in his appearance. "How are you?"

"Much better," Manik replied, his voice filled with relief.

Just then, Radhika woke up too and came into the room, her face lighting up when she saw them.

"Good morning, masi. Uncle," she greeted them cheerfully.

"Good morning, baby," Nandini said, picking her up and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

As Nandini helped Radhika freshen up and gave Manik his medicines, the rest of the family arrived with breakfast. Nandini's mother, Nyonika, and Ishita joined them, and the conversation turned to the upcoming flight to Dehradun.

"I'll join you all at the airport," Nandini said, glancing at Ishita. "I can't miss any appointments today."

"Okay, beta," Ishita replied.

They all headed to the airport, and when they arrived, the chaos of the media quickly engulfed them. They were surrounded by flashes from cameras, reporters shouting names, and the buzz of excited chatter. Manik, who had been standing with Cabir, saw Nandini and froze. Even amidst the chaos, she stood out, looking effortlessly beautiful in her airport look.

"Media is calling for Nandini," one of the reporters shouted.

Manik's eyes immediately found Nandini, and despite the noise and the crowds, he was mesmerized by her presence.

As the reporters asked her to pose, Nandini, uncomfortable with the attention, started to feel trapped. Manik, sensing her discomfort, moved forward and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. The moment their eyes met, there was a quiet understanding between them.

Cabir quickly stepped in, distracting the media while Manik guided Nandini toward the jet.

"Thank you, Manik," Nandini said quietly once they were inside.

"For what?" Manik asked, his voice soft.

"For helping me," Nandini replied, her gaze meeting his.

"I helped myself," Manik said with a playful smile.

They shared an intense moment, their eyes locked once more, before Cabir joined them, breaking the tension.

Later, as the family settled into the jet, Raman suddenly began coughing uncontrollably, causing everyone to panic. Nandini, Naira, and Ishita immediately rushed to him, their faces filled with worry. Manik watched Nandini's distressed expression, his own heart racing.

When Raman recovered, he hugged Abhimanyu tightly, whispering through his tears, "I'm sorry, Dad. I was so stupid. I blamed you for something you never did. I treated you horribly, but you always cared for me. I don't deserve you."

Raman, his eyes filled with affection, pulled his son into a tight embrace. "Enough, son. Don't you ever say anything bad about yourself. You're the best. We're okay now, it's all in the past."

The emotional moment brought the family together, but Nandini couldn't help but tease, "Well, now that you two have patched things up, did you forget about us?"

Naira added, "Exactly! Do we even exist?"

They pretended to cry dramatically, and Abhimanyu laughed, pulling both Nandini and Naira into a hug.

"You two exist, of course," Abhimanyu said. "And Nandini, this wouldn't have happened without you. Thank you."

Nandini smiled warmly, her heart swelling with happiness. "Thank you to you, Bhai," she replied, and the girls joined in the hug.

Ishita cleared her throat to gain attention, and everyone invited her into the embrace as well.

The Malhotras, though confused, couldn't help but admire the love and bond within the family.

In the middle of the hug, Nandini noticed Manik looking at her, and she flashed him a small smile. He responded with a smile of his own, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment.

Later, as Ishita explained everything to the Malhotras, the story of the rift between Raman and Abhimanyu was revealed. Years ago, a business dispute between Raman and his mother, Kalyani, had led to a tragic accident that had torn the family apart. It was only thanks to Nandini's quiet strength that the wounds had finally healed.

Nandini, embarrassed by the praise, said, "Mamma, I'm your daughter. Stop it now."

"Let's leave the past behind," Nyonika said with a smile. "All's well that ends well."

And so, they all embarked on a new journey together.

As the jet made its way to Dehradun, the Malhotras were stunned by the sheer beauty of the location. It was everything they had imagined and more. The fresh start was indeed here.