She loved him with all her heart, for he loved her with all his soul

(_thehijabiwrites)

Falling in love isn't a crime, but its an extraordinary feeling. Some love stories are meant to be broken for it was never meant to be, while some love stories are meant for a forever. And forever love stories happens only when your heart and soul loves one single person. Indeed, love is magical!

Our Nest

Manik's Room

Cabir: Manik, buddy jaldhi kar..!

Cabir and Abhimanyu walked inside Manik's room, only to smile at the sight.

Abhimanyu: Wah! Now you really look like a 'dulha'.

There, Manik stood in front of his mirror, clad in a black Men's suit, his hair jelled perfectly, while his ring finger was shining with his engagement ring which had 'Nandini' engraved on it.

Manik (smirked): I don't really need to look like a groom to get married. Nandu is ready for marrying me even if I'm in a random T-shirt and Joggers.

Cabir and Abhimanyu rolled their eyes.

Cabir: You better get over with your self-obsession.

Manik: And why would I do that?

Abhimanyu: Because unfortunately for you, you've got hot-shot of sons who can even win against you in looks.

Manik glared at Abhimanyu, who just shrugged it off, while Cabir chuckled at it.

Cabir: Point tho hain. Giraffe old ho chuka hai, aur uske calves kaafi young and handsome.

Manik: Whatever! Don't forget they have my genes in them.

Abhimanyu: Don't forget that they have a mother too, who loves them now more than she loved you.

Manik: Chimpanzeeeee! Pitega tu!

Abhimanyu: You think I care? Duh! I have your sons in my team, well except for the younger one though.

Cabir: That makes me wonder why you both are loggerheads!

Abhimanyu (sulked): Math pooch! I can smell this monster's prankster side in him.

He looked at Manik and pointed his forefinger at him.

Abhimanyu: I'm not giving my daughter to your son.

Both Manik and Cabir chuckled.

Manik: How much I love my son for doing this to you, chimpanzee.

Abhimanyu (pissed): Shut up, giraffe!

Cabir: Acha, wait. Let's give him the gift.

Abhimanyu took out a pouch from his pocket and forwarded it to Manik.

Manik: Ye kya hai?

Cabir: That's our gift. Fab5's rule.

Manik smiled hearing him. It was Fab 5's rule to give a special gift on their marriage days. Since Cabir didn't attend Abhimanyu's and Mukti's wedding, Cabir and Navya had gifted them a few days ago.

Manik: This is..beautiful!

He looked at the unique ring in his hand. A ring which he's supposed to gift Nandini tonight. Fab5's wedding gift won't be for the person getting married but for their partner which will be given by their friend.

Manik: Don't tell me you gifted the same to Nandini. I'm wearing one ring already for the rest of my life.

He pointed at his engagement ring.

Abhimanyu: Well, that's a surprise. Just like how Nandu will see this gift only during your wedding night, you'll see her gift tonight.

Manik: This is not fair. I can't wear two rings.

He cribbed like a kid making Cabir and Abhimanyu to scrunch their noses.

Abhimanyu/Cabir: Ew! So kiddish!

And Manik punched in their stomachs. Laughing out, they hugged Manik tight.

Cabir: Stay happy!

Abhimanyu: And this time, you're having your forever.

They broke the hug on hearing someone clearing their throat. They turned around to see Mukti and Navya at the door, smiling at them.

Navya: I thought Fab5's hug is incomplete without us, Mukti.

Mukti: I feel ya, babe!

Manik: Nautankis! Idhar aaja.

They ran towards the boys and hugged them, making it a Fab 5 hug. Since the moment, they had their patch up, they've been having group hugs, as they missed it a lot. Cabir and Navya shared a smile while they were in the group hug, and that made the rest to smile. They're gathering their broken pieces, step by step.

Mukti: Not bad! You look good.

She tried to mess with Manik's hair, when he stepped back and glared at her. Mukti rolled ehr eyes at him.

Mukti: Your son is better, dude.

Abhimanyu (scowled): Of course!

Mukti giggled hearing him.

Navya: Ab chalo.

And Manik was the first one to move, but his sisters pulled him back.

Manik: What now?

Mukti: Nandini se milne keliye, aadha ghanta baaki hain. As per the muhurath. Right now, we're taking you to the garden where the marriage will take place, not to Nandu's room.

Manik sulked hearing her, while paying deaf ears to his pleads, the girls took him along. Abhimanyu and Cabir chuckled before moving out of the room.

Nandini's Room

Karthik: Mamma! Where are you?

The boys got inside the room, once Anjali opened the door for them to make their way inside.

Nandini: How do I look?

She stood up from the chair, which was placed in front of the mirror and walked towards where her sons were standing. The boys looked at her, almost dazed and then looked at each other.

Karthik: No wonder why Dad still acts clingy with you!

Nandini showed her eyes to him, though her cheeks were reddened. Walking closer to her, then bent to stand on their single knee and asked her to forward her hand which she gladly did. One by one, the kissed her right palm making her to smile at them.

Boys: You're beautiful, Mamma!

She bent and kissed their foreheads, and her eyes went teary.

Nandini: I was so upset when my marriage didn't happen 10 years ago, but now, I feel like, it's worth the wait.

They smiled hearing her., while Anjali stood admiring the mother-sons. Wiping her tears away, she moved towards them.

Anjali: Chalo, hogaya apne senti baathein? Ya phir, you want flood in our Nest?

They chuckled hearing her.

Anjali: Hasna math. You guys are being so emotional like your Mamma is going away to some other house.

Manvik (rolled his eyes): That's so not gonna happen ever, DJ. Even your bade Guddu can't make it happen.

Anjali: Hey bhagwan! Phir tumlog apne parents ko honeymoon keliye bhi nahi bhejoge kya?

Nandini: Daadi!

She showed her eyes, being embarrassed, while her sons stared at their mother.

Prathik: Mamma, you wanna go to honeymoon?

She widened her eyes at them.

Karthik: Why didn't you tell us? Its okay, we'll tell Mamus to arrange that for you.

Nandini: Shut up! Kya bol rahe ho? Bache ho tum log. Aur Daadi, aap bhi.

She let out a defeated sigh and her sons chuckled, seeing her pink cheeks.

Manvik: You look cute, when you blush Mamma.

Nandini: I didn't blush okay.

And she rubbed her cheeks.

Anjali: Rehne dhe, nahi hoga tujhse. Wo guddu ka kaam hain.

Nandini palmed her face, while the kids went clueless. A knock at the door disturbed them.

Anjali: Hayee, its time.

Jumping in excitement, she went to open the door only to see Abhimanyu and Cabir at the door.

Anjali: Sorry, apne beewiyan yahan nahi hai. Its been nearly 10 minutes since they've stepped out of this room.

She spoke strictly.

Cabir: Lekin hum tho apni behen keliye aaye hain, Daadi.

Anjali: Phir teek. Mujhe laga hormones ke wajah se yaha hain.

Abhimanyu (grinned): Ji nahi. Wo sab aapke guddu ko aathe hain. Hum sabko pehle hi invitation dethe hain aane se pehle, apne hormones.

And he stepped inside, while Cabir palmed his face in dismay before getting inside.

Anjali: Isko tho iski beewi hi sambhal sakthi.

Cabir: Point h..

He stopped speaking abruptly on seeing his baby sister ready in her white wedding gown, looking like an angel. He saw Abhimanyu too, halted in his tracks and busy admiring their sister.

Abhimanyu: Giraffes aren't meant to be lucky, still apna Giraffe jo hain.

He hugged Nandini and placed a kiss on her forehead, who was giggling hearing him.

Abhimanyu: You look beautiful.

He patted her cheeks, and she bowed to him dramatically.

Nandini: Thank you, Abhi Bhai. And guess what, you look no less than a hot-shot.

Abhimanyu (grinned): Only you accept that fact.

She giggled before turning towards Cabir, who was still admiring her. She walked towards him while holding onto her gown and stood before him.

Nandini: Won't you say anything?

Cabir blinked his tears away, and smiled at her.

Cabir: Should I say something?

Nandini: You should. How do I look, Bhai?

And she twirled in front of him just like how she always does whenever she dresses up. He laughed out before pulling her in his embrace.

Cabir: Just like Bhai's doll. Beautiful and innocent!

He kissed her head, and she hugged him tight.

Nandini: I love you so much, Bhai.

She muttered being in his embrace, and he kissed top of her head again.

Cabir: I know, and just know that Bhai loves you the most. Always!

Nandini: Of course, I know that.

They broke the hug and then turned towards Abhimanyu, who joined the hug making it their own siblings hug.

Abhimanyu: Your Mamma is going to be taken officially, hot-shots.

He winked at the boys, making them to smirk.

Karthik: No matter what, she still loves us the most.

Abhimanyu: Well, let's see that.

Anjali: Ab bas bhi karo, aur niklo. Its time.

Nandini stared at her sons, making them to lead the way, while she held onto both Abhimanyu's and Cabir's arms and walked out with Anjali following them.

On reaching the stairs, Nandini met with Naila and Alishka, who started to gush over at her. Soon, she was walking down the stairs to reach the Garden, where her man was waiting for her.

The Garden

Manik: Why is she taking so much of time?

Mukti and Navya glared at Manik, who looked impatient to have a glance of Nandini.Its been a day since they met as per Anjali's command.

Mukti (teased): Maybe, she's having second thoughts about this marriage?

She raised her eyebrows at Manik, who gave her a bored look.

Manik: I'd thought the same thing when you were getting married, but unfortunately chimpanzee was dumb and was so sure about getting married to you.

Mukti (huffed): Stupid giraffe. My chimpanzee is better.

Navya: Of course, he is the only one who can fight with you. Bechara chimpanzee kab thak tujhe tolerate karega?!

Manik and Navya bumped their fists while laughing making Mukti to smack both their heads. On seeing them, Raj and Nyonika sighed in dismay.

Nyonika: Bacho, stop playing around. Manik, its your marriage. Bachon jaise behave math kar.

Raj: Aur nahi tho kya! Khudke bache hain theenon ke!

The siblings grinned at Raj and Nyonika, who ignored their puppy faces.

Mukti/Navya: Its all because of you!

They pointed at Manik.

Manik: How mean! Don't talk to me.

Mukti: Who's dying to talk to you?! Duh!

Navya: Its okay, Bhai. I'm there to talk to you.

Manik grinned at her, and showed his tongue to Mukti, who glared at her siblings. Soon, the atmosphere became silent. Few guests who were invited stood up from their seats and looked behind and smiled.

Manik raised his head to look at the entrance, only to get his breath hitch in his throat. She looked divine. A fallen Angel on Earth. Only for him!

Manik (smiled): My Nandini!

Nandini raised her head to smile at her man, who looked too handsome to be a father. Their eye-lock was broken when Manik's gaze fell on his sons who were leading the way, with their hands holding onto Nandini's gown to help her walk without tripping on it.

He smiled at them warmly. If not for them, the marriage wouldn't have been like how they dreamt of. Manik and Nandini had preferred a court marriage, because they didn't want their sons to feel awkward, but they paid deaf ears to their parents and asked their Mamus to prepare for a white wedding with few close friends and relatives as their guests.

Cabir: Here, she is.

They stood just below the stage, and Manik gave his hand to Nandini, who held onto it after smiling at her brothers, and at Manik's parents and then at her sons.

Manik (whispered): You're so beautiful!

He whispered to Nandini, the moment she was on the stage standing close to him.

She smiled at him with a blush adorning her cheeks. They smiled at their sons, who walked back to where their family was standing after giving a sweet smile to them.

Priest: Let's begin with the rituals.

Anjali and Adyant walked forward and stood beside Manik.

Priest: Manik Malhotra, do you take Nandini Dhawan to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to honor her all the days of your life?

Manik stared at Nandini with all the love he has for her.

Manik: I do.

Priest: Nandini Dhawan, do you take Manik Malhotra to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and to honor him all the days of your life?

Nandini stared back at him, while smiling, yet he could see trace of tears in her eyes. Tears of joy threatened to come out of those beautiful eyes.

Nandini: I do.

(The wedding vows' credit goes to Google, and it belongs to rightful owners.)

The crowd cheered. Anjali forwarded the Mangalsutra to Manik, who took it and tied around Nandini's neck. He took a pinch of vermilion and filled Nandini's hairline with it. Even though, they went for a white wedding, Nandini wanted to wear his name's nuptial chain and vermilion.

Cabir had tears in his eyes watching his baby sister getting married. His cheeks were hurting due to the big smile on his lips. He held onto Navya as a support, and she tightened her hold on him while wiping her tears. Everyone were crying.

Mukti and Abhimanyu clung onto each other while staring at Manik and Nandini's happy faces. They didn't even want to cry because they believed in smiling and jumping out of happiness.

While for the kids, Alishka and Naila were still hooting. The boys were just staring at their parents.

Karthik: They look..

Manvik: So perfect!

Prathik: And so happy!

They smiled at each other and then at their parents.

Anjali and Adyant were also crying. They are finally getting to see their granddaughter smiling with all her heart. It was no different for Raj and Nyonika either. They were beaming in joy.

Priest: And now, you may kiss the bride.

Manik smirked at Nandini, who nodded at him in negative.

Nandini (whispered): Manik, no. Bache hai yaha.

Manik pulled her closer to him and looked at his friends. They rolled their eyes before palming the kids' eyes, who were still shocked to hear the priest's demand.

Cabir: Chal, jaldhi kar. Mujhe bhook lagi hain.

It didn't take another second for Manik to kiss his Nandini softly.

Manik (whispered): I don't want to be so wild in here. We shall save it for the night.

She blushed hearing him, and joined their foreheads.

Nandini: I love you, Manik.

Manik: I love you, Nandini.

They spoke at the same time, before chuckling at each other.

Adyant: Ahem, ahem. Hogaya kya?

The couple pulled away to see Adyant with his eyes closed, while Anjali was standing with a teasing smirk.

Manik: What? Meri beewi hain.

He held Nandini by her waist and turned to the crowd which made his friends to leave the kids from their hold.

Alishka: I never knew, they can kiss after marriage.

The boys smacked her head before walking towards Nandini and Manik.

Karthik: Mr and Mrs. Malhotra, would you mind to have lunch with us?

Manik and Nandini smiled at them.

Nandini: Why not?!

Manik: With pleasure, younger Malhotras!

They grinned before pulling them along, and soon the couple were engulfed in huge hugs by their friends.

Raj: They're so happy, Ma.

He spoke while taking Anjali in his embrace.

Anjali: I know! So are we!

She wiped her tears while looking at Raj and smiled, making him to kiss her head. Nyonika and Adyant too shared a smile while looking at the duo before joining others for lunch.

Indeed, they all were happy and they belief they had in their destiny got them back to where they used to be. With their family. Together and happy!

To be continued..