Take a deep breath...
Relax
Just relax Nandini....

Nandini thought to herself taking deep breaths as she calmed herself down. She could hear her heart beats out loud as she looked up at the mirror.

The girl staring back at her was a completely unknown person. Nandini tried to recognise her, as her eyes scanned through her body from head to toe, watching her decked up in a beautiful red lehenga with heavy golden work. Her hair were seen tied up in a amazing bun, adorned with antique jewels.

Nandini looked at the girl in front of her and sighed. There she was staring back, with analysing eyes making nandini realise that how her future was. This unknown person sitting in front of her was her future. If she was unable to recognise her Own self how was she supposed to recognise what awaits her the next day.

Right from the age of 5, she has been facing her life alone. She took her decisions herself, not thinking about anyone else. And now she was entering a Family, a real family.
As much as the idea warmed up her heart, she could feel her hands shivering at the thought of how many things could go wrong from her on. Being a member of the family, she would have to consider their needs and expectations from her. Being a daughter in law, she would have to follow some unsaid rules. Being a wife, she would have to keep her husbands opinions in mind. There was a lot to consider and still, nothing at all.

The door of the room opened as she turned around to see Nyonika entering the room with Mrs. K.

Nyonika: Its time!
Nyonika said smiling at her while Nandini fisted her hands together to hide her shivering self.

She managed to pass a small smile to her and got up.

Nyonika: Nervous?

Nandini looked up at her surprised but still replied truthfully with a soft nod.

Nyonika: Don't worry.... Its very common! And believe me, U will be all fine.
Nyonika said caressing her face and planting a soft kiss on her head.

Nandini smiled at her when her eyes shifted to Mrs. K who just stood there with a blank face, not giving anything off.

Nandini: U r not gonna say anything?
Nandini asked expectantly raising an eyebrow. A surprised look came onto Mrs. K's face but she recovered soon.

Mrs. K: Umn... U look Good!

Nandini suppressed an eye roll at her words but didn't say anything. Nyonika waited for Mrs. K to say something but then cleared her throat in the awkward silence.

Nyonika: Ohk ohk... Lets go! Otherwise ur groom will come running over here in his impatience.

Nandini chuckled at her words and got up as Nyonika pulled up her vial bring it down to cover almost half her face, making only her lips and chin visible.

Nyonika: Lets make the guests a little more desperate for a proper glance at this Beautiful bride. Don't let anyone pull this up until its time for him to fill ur hairline.

Nandini smiled broadly nodding at her as they turned towards the door. Mrs. K was about to open up the door, when Nandini suddenly stopped and called out, "Mrs. Kapoor!"

Mrs. K: Hmn...

Nandini: If I ask for a small favour, would u be willing to do it for me?

Mrs. K's eyes broadened at her words as nandini slowly lifted her vial off her eyes and looked straight at her. Mrs. K kept on looking at her for what seemed like forever before giving a small reluctant nod.

Nandini: For the next one hour, Is it possible for me to have the woman who gave birth to me back?

A gasp escaped both Nyonika and Mrs. Kapoor mouth while Nandini continued.

Nandini: The mother who cared for me more than her own self, the one who couldn't see a spec of tear in my eyes, the one whom I Used to Love. The one who accompanied my daddy to my room every night, just so that the two of u could make sure I was comfortable and plant sweet kisses on my head. And the one who was in my room Last night. Just for an hour?

Mrs. K turned her face to the other side as soon as Nandini stopped speaking, making Nandini stare at her back. Both Nandini and Nyonika waited for her reply for a few moments before Nandini sighed. Nyonika wrapped her arms around Nandini trying to support her, while Nandini spoke up,

Nandini: Its Ohk! U don't have to. Mama Ji was always willing to give me off on my wedding.

Mrs. K: I'll do it!
Mrs. K spoke up suddenly as she turned around towards Nandini to see a smile forming on her face. Nandini saw her remove her delicate Mangalsutra, obviously her symbol of marrying Mr. Kapoor, as she kept it in her purse. She walked closer to Nandini holding her from the other side while Nyonika stood at one.

Mrs. K: Lets go.... He must be waiting for u!

Nandini smiled broadly with a nod, her happiness crossing all boundaries as Mrs. K adjusted her vail again and they moved out of the room.

The wedding ceremony was taking place in an hotel and the moment Nandini stepped out of the room, all the staff members and guests around froze at their places smiling at her. She met Rishab, Abhi, Cabir and Dhruv near the venue at they waited for her patiently.

Abhi whistled at her making her chuckle under the vail,
Abhi bent lower to peek under the vail only to be smacked by Nyonika as she shook her head in a No.

Abhi: Ohk so one last chance..... Are u really sure about this? I mean I m still ready to run away with u! Just imagine how amazing it would be... Just u and me, in a far off country, so romantic...

Cabir: Yeah and then Manik coming there, to murder u in the middle of the night. Ohh I forgot.... Mukti would do that before him.

Dhruv: Come on guys... Give her a break!
Dhruv said stopping their banter as Rishab moved in front of her.

Rishab: Ready?
He whispered softly making Nandini take a deep breath as she nodded.

The four of them realised it was time to move as they held a red-white floral sheet with its ends dangling with blinking lights over her head, symbolizing a protective shield that brothers hold on their beloved sister.

Nyonika and Mrs. K stayed by her sides holding her shoulders. They started moving when, Cabir who was standing in the front with Rishab saw nandini fiddling her fingers together in the front as he held her hands stopping her.

Nandini squeezed his hands in return making her leave the sheet as he pulled her in a hug.

Nandini: Plz Don't let me fail today...
She whispered into his chest, making sure only he heard her as Cabir broke the hug, squeezing her shoulders in support and held the sheet again.

They entered the hall as Silence spread around them. Nandini could see only a very little from under her vail, but her anxiety made her gaze fix at her feet as she focused on her steps, making sure not to fall down.

Her anxiety from earlier returned back as she fiddled with the two rings on her hand.

"What Now?" was the only question on her mind.

She was lead to the mandap and settle at the chair in front of the holy fire. She heard the pandit start with some mantras making her heart beat increase.

Ohk Nandini... Relax! U can do this.... This is Manik, u know him so well! And Mom Dad have also been so supporting towards u always... U can do this!
She thought to herself and took another breath clutching her dress in her hands.

Right then, she saw a hand snake into hers. She immediately knew who it was as he entwined his fingers with her. Nandini saw their entwined hands on her lap as everything else seemed too blur around her. She vaguely remembered Mrs. K doing a few rituals before Aliya tied a knot between them. They moved around the fire, their hands still entwined together in a tight grip, soon after which they sat again when she felt Manik leaving her hand. Reality drew back to her as she got aware of her surroundings again and heard the pandit ask him to fill her hair line.

She felt him pulling up her vail before she finally lifted up her eyes to look at the breathtaking smile that he gave her.

Manik filled up her hair line as Nyonika handed him over the Mangalsutra. He nodded at his mother and bent closer, moving his hands around Nandini's neck. Nandini felt his warm breath near her ear as he whispered,

Manik: A smile more added to that face and as cliche as it sounds but u would literally be the most beautiful bride anyone would have ever seen....

Nandini: I thought cliche wasn't our thing....

Manik: Being here exactly wasn't our thing... I guess we r allowed to break other lines too!

A chuckle escaped Nandini's mouth as he moved back, his face still having a broad amile which was returned by her equally. She heard the priest announce the wedding to be over as the two of them got up from there places.

Manik: Congratulations Mrs. Malhotra!
Manik whispered to her making her raise her eyes in surprise.

Nandini: I like the sound of it...

Manik: So do I!
Manik agreed nodding at her as he wrapped his arms around her hugging her briefly as they heard everyone shout congratulations.

They broke the hug as Nyonika and Harsh were the first ones to hug them.
Harsh: Welcome to the family officially!
Harsh said to her making Nandini smile as Nyonika kissed her forehead.

Taking blessings from Nani Ji they moved towards Mrs. K when Nandini smiled genuinely at her.

Nandini: Thank u!

Mrs. K nodded at her before she moved ahead and hugged her.
"Congratulations Princess....."
She whispered to her and moved back.

Manik who was right next to Nandini, heard her words and smiled at Mrs. K who a grateful nod.

Mr. K: Congratulations!
Mr. K said taking in their attention as he shook hands with Manik formally.

Nandini ignored him and moved on as she saw Rishab by his side... She moved ahead wrapping her arms around her brother as Rishab wished her. And immediately she felt a number of other hands around her as she heard all their friends jump over them.

Manik laughed out loud at this as they moved off them and Mukti shouted,
Mukti: Its celebration time guys... Lets get the champagne...

It was 8 in the evening and the reception party was immediately started after the ceremonies finished as Manik didn't want another separate function. All the guests were there for the wedding as well as for the party that followed. Obviously being the lead singer of such a leading band of India, made a number of stars from the entertainment industry attend the wedding and then the businessmen from across the country.

It won't be wrong to say that the wedding was clearly the talk of the town with all the pictures trending on social media with broad smiles all around. Manan enjoyed the party to their fullest with all the friends and family gathered around.

People greeted the couple, showered them with well wishes and love. Harsh-Nyonika along with Mr- Mrs. K took it upon themselves to look after their friends from the business world while Fab5 were busy with the others.

It was around 1 am in the night when Manan finally got time to sit and relax for a bit as Nyonika forced the servants to serve them food. The two of them had their dinner laughing at the atmosphere around them when Manik sighed,
Manik: Ohh god... Who knew getting married could be so tiring!

Nandini: Yeah... I feel like I have been partying for days! And then this extremely heavy dress...
Nandini said agreeing to him when Manik bent closer.

Manik: Wanna sneak out of here?

Nandini raised her eyebrows shocked by his words and immediately shook her head.
Nandini: Are u crazy? Its our party! They are definitely gonna notice our absence.

Manik: So let them notice na... Who cares!
Manik shrugged as Nandini looked all around her.

Nandini: I don't think its a good idea... What about the media outside?

Manik: Hmn... Yes u r right! But still its ur wish, I mean I did have a surprise planned for u, I guess it would have to wait....

Nandini's eyes broadened at his words as a broad childlike smile came up onto his face.
Nandini: Surprise? Manik... Tell me na!

Manik: Its a surprise Nandini....
Manik said in a duh tone making her pout.

Nandini: Ohk ohk lets go! I want it now...
She said holding his hand as she stood up.

Manik: Woah woah.... So excited!

Nandini ignored his words and looked around before rubbing her hands together,
Nandini: So whats the plan... How are we gonna sneak out?

Manik smirked at her shaking his head,
Manik: Oh no Nandini.... That's not me! We'll do it all freely. After all, I m taking my Wife with me, why should I hide...

Nandini blinked her eyes at him, startled by his endearment clearly not used to it while Manik winked at her,
Manik: Come... Lets go!

He pulled her along as they walked straight towards the exit.
Manik: Guys!

Manik called over to their friends who were sitting together having their own dinner. All of them turned towards him as Nandini saw him motion towards the exit. Cabir shook his head laughing out loud as he fished something from his pocket and threw it towards Manik which he caught easily and Nandini noticed it to be a key.

"Good Bye Love Birds...."
They all shouted taking in the attention of most of the guests present when Mukti continued,

Mukti: Enjoy the night!😉

Manik glared at her, as he clutched Nandini's hand and pulled her out of the hall only give her enough time to glance at his parents who stood smiling at them with a few guests. They ran out of the hall when chuckled,

Nandini: U do realise that I m in heels with this abnormally high heels right!

Manik stopped running at her words and looked at her dress,
Manik: We don't have much time before the paparazzi spots us.

Nandini: U should really have planned ur surprise properly Mr. Malhotra!

Nandini said wrapping her arms on her chest while manik smirked at her. He moved closer towards her, standing right in front of her as he whispered,
Manik: Ready to read some amazing blogs in the newspapers tomorrow?

Nandini: Huh?

Before she could realise what was happening, she was already in his arms, making her move her arms around his neck holding onto him tight.

Manik: No problem in running now I guess... The car is ready for us at the door.
Manik said winking at her as he rushed outside.

Nandini saw the almost sleepy reporters at the reception area, as they flung onto their feet the moment they saw manik, who simply threw a flashing smile before turning towards the exit. The passenger side door of the car was already open as manik made her settle down inside before moving on to the driver's seat. And before she knew the car came alive and they drove off the hotel.

Both of them laughed their guts out at the episode as Nandini held her stomach from all the laughing.

Manik: I didn't realise it would be so much fun!

Nandini: Seriously manik... U r insane...
Nandini said still laughing as they moved onto the roads of Mumbai.

Nandini: What would Mom-Dad be thinking about us disappearing like this?

Manik: Chill... They all knew! Why do u think they didn't stop us? And moreover Mom-Dad are kinda a part of ur surprise...

Nandini: They are?

Manik: Well... They wanted to help!
Manik shrugged as turned up soft music into the car while Nandini rolled down in windows welcoming the cold night wind into the car.

They spent some time in silence until Manik asked,
Manik: Tired?

Nandini: No.. Excited!

Manik smiled broadly at her reply as he slowed down the car before parking at a side. Nandini noticed the surroundings and raised an eyebrow as Manik smiled,
Manik: Some ice cream before we continue?

Nodding enthusiastically Nandini followed him outside the car on the Marine Drive. As he bought two ice creams from the old man standing by the side. The man gave him odd glances looking at their dresses as the two of them took their cones and Manik held Nandini's hand pulling her to the edge as they sat there facing the sea.

Nandini: He is probably thinking of us as some freaks....

Manik: Or maybe he is thinking of You as a runaway bride...
Manik teased her making Nandini smack him. They sat their in silence as Manik saw Nandini take a deep breath with a small smile playing on her face.

Manik: Feeling better?

Nandini: Huh?

Manik: U seemed anxious earlier... So I thought maybe being here could help u!
Manik said unsure of it while Nandini smiled at his words before entwining her fingers with his.

Nandini: Yes... I was anxious earlier! But u did cheer me up long back...

Manik: So ready for ur surprise?

Nandini: Is it here?

Manik: No... Come lets go!

They got back to the car when Manik pulled out a blindfold from the dashboard.

Nandini: Are u serious?

Manik: Come on.. Don't be a spoil sport nandini... Turn around!

Nandini sighed at it and turned around letting him tie the blindfold. Soon he started the car and drove for another 5 minutes before finally reaching his destination. He got down the car, rushing towards Nandini's side as he opened up the door and helped her out.

Nandini: Can I take it off now?

Manik: Nope... Not so soon!
She heard him say before she felt his arms wrap around her as he lifted her up.

Nandini: Manik!!
Nandini shouted in surprise making him chuckle,
Manik: Lets go...

Nandini waited patiently as Manik walked her somewhere, she heard the ping of the elevator making her curiosity increase further but she stayed numb. As they waited in the life, to get them up, she could feel or rather hear Manik's smile as he enjoyed her restlessness...

Nandini: I know u r smiling... Stop smiling and tell me how much time is left!

Manik laughed at her as they reached the floor as Manik walked a bit more before finally making her stand on her feet.

Nandini: Can i now open up?
Nandini asked irritated this time as Manik lifted up her hand and placed something on her palm.

Manik: Yes... Go ahead!

Nandini got rid of the blindfold immediately to find herself standing in a vacant brightly lite corridor. She looked at Manik confused as he shifted his eyes to her hand. Nandini followed his gaze to find a key placed on her palm. She looked closely at the keychain to find "MaNan" scripted on a small piece of wood.

Nandini looked up at Manik again, only to see him move aside as she saw the exactly same inscription on the door behind him.

Manik: Welcome Home!
------------------------------

MaNan finally married.....

How was the part guys?

Do leave ur views in the comment section!

Love,
Navya😘