Afternoon - Nichayathartham (Engagement)

Manik was sitting in the stage with his friends impatient waiting for his Nandini. After sometime Nandini's cousins brought Nandini down and made her sit beside Manik. He saw her descending from stairs and froze on his spot. He has imagined this moment in his head maybe like hundred of times but the surreal feeling he was feeling when everything was actually happening in real was something he couldn't put in words.

You look breathtaking MY BRIDE, complimented Manik

Nandini smiles, "You are looking no less MY SOON TO BE HUSBAND"

Nandini's engagement look. Properly decked in Kanchipuram gold silk saree with red blouse, complemented by gold temple jewelries and hands filled with mhendi.

Manik's engagement look. Complimenting Nandini's look with a silk off-white mundu with gold lining.

Let's start the ceremony, said Appa

Jaan comes forward and did MANAN's aarti first, followed by Navya, Mukti and Navya. They gifted Nandini basket full of fruits, sweets, sarees and jewelry. Jann hugged Nandini tight, "You are officially my Bhabhi-Maa now"

Amma and Appa came forward and did MANAN's aarti together and gifted Manik tray full of fruits, clothes, gold chain and watches. Manik looked at the tray and raised an eye brows at Appa, "Appa what is all this? I said no expensive gifts and you already gifted ALL OF US way too much"

Appa patted on Manik's cheeks, "Spoiling our son is parents right"

Amma can you please confirm Appa is MY APPA! This whole wedding ceremony he is representing groom's side and in all these he forgot it is also HIS DAUGHTER'S WEDDING, complained Nandini

He is also MY APPA, snapped Manik

But first he is MY APPA Manik! First mine and then yours, declared Nandini

Manik thinks something; smirks and said, "Amma I said I DON'T WANT DOWRY BEFORE BUT NOW I WANT DOWRY"

All the relatives and guest look at Manik shocked. Like who talks about DOWRY in between the ceremony.

Yes, Amma I want DOWRY NOW! And I want APPA in MY DOWRY, said Manik

Amma slapped her forehead, "You two are kids! Yes, Manik you can take your Appa in dowry but in exchange I'll keep my daughter with me. You are asking for my partner so it's only fair if I also ask for your partner. I will need someone who will accompany me. So, you keep your Appa and I will keep my daughter with me"

NOOOOOO, Manik screamed! Hearing his scream all the guests started laughing

Amma held his ears, "Now should we continue your engagement ceremony or you want to negotiate your dowry?"

I want to continue my engagement ceremony but Appa will spend every Sunday with me and that's final, said Manik

Appa nodded his head and they continued the ceremony. One of the Nandini's aunt came forward and tied grains, betel nuts, turmeric, and coconuts in Nandini's saree the pallu. Jaan forwarded the ring to Manik and Rishab forwarded the ring to Nandini. Manik forward his palm asking for Nandini's hand but she kept looking here and there. Manik understood she is just teasing him so he took Nandini wrist and slid the ring in her finger. Looking at his guts the whole crowd started cheering for him.

Manik forward his hand and Nandini slid the ring on his ring finger. Everyone showered flowers on them and Manik just cupped her face and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

Manik's ring

Nandini's ring (I got all the pictures from pinterest and instagram)

Happy engagement fiancee, said Manik

Happy engagement to you as well fiance and soon turning husband in less then 24 hours, said Nandini

Everyone came and blessed the couple and took bunch of pictures. Cabir came to them, "Guys photographer is ready you should take some engagement pictures"

Even you should upload pictures in your social media handal. Manik your marriage news has been the talk of the town since 2 weeks, said Alia

I mean the most eligible bachelor of the business industry; the youngest business tycoon is getting tied down; the media for sure want the bits, said Druv

Don't worry Druv, I am no longer the most eligible bachelor and Cabir is also almost tied down. Looks like the next in line is YOU, said Manik

Druv just looked Alia and blushes, whereas Alia didn't know how to react

Just so you guys know even my sister had 100 of guys waiting in line for you, said Rishab supporting Nandini

Oh yeah Rishbad bhai every time Bhabhi-Maa came to visit me in London all my college guys used to think she is a newbie and started flirting with her. Even I used to get free coffee from the barista whenever she was with me, said Jaan

Manik threw glare at Jaan, "Well I guess I SHOULD UPLOAD PICTURES IN MY SOCIAL MEDIA HANDAL TO LET THE ENTIRE WORLD KNOW THAT NANDINI IS MINE NOW & FOREVER"

Saying that he drag Nandini with her for the photoshoot

Manik slow down, I am in a saree and can't walk that fast

Why did you not tell me that guys used to flirt with you, asked Manik

Manik, stop behaving like a kid. Do not forget how every female business associate tried to flirt with you when I was not around

But I never encourage them

Nor did I

Manik whines, "Why people look at you? You are only mine!"

Yes, I am! Just like how you are mine. Now stop sulking, I want good pictures

Manik posted the picture in his instagram account with a caption, "Through thick and thin, love will win"

Nandini posted the above picture in her instagram account with a beautiful caption, "We decided to get the government involved in this relationship. My heart is full and my hand is heavy"

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In the evening the young clan was resting in the living area. Appa comes ,"Kids you should go to bed early today. You have to be up at 3am tomorrow morning"

What? But the wedding is at 5am? said Cabir

Getting ready will take time Cabir. Rishab come with me we need to check some last minutes preparation

Appa I will also come, said Manik

Manik you need to rest. Tomorrow is your big day and it is going to be a LONG TIRING DAY. Try to go to bed early kids