Chapter 100

                                    

                                          
??: Are you sure you have everything?
Navya asked for the third time, her voice trembling slightly.
Nandini: (forced smile): Yes, Di. Dadda have checked and rechecked. Everything's packed.
Cabir stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Cabir: (sad smile) Remember to call us when you reach, okay?
Nandini nodded, her eyes welling up. She turned to Manik, who stood a little apart, watching her silently.
Nandini: (voice breaking) Dadda, will you miss me? 
Manik: (softly) Of course, I will, my baby. But it's just a few days. You'll have a great time.
He was trying hard not to cry as this will the first time that he is letting Nandini go somewhere without him.
Nandini: (a tear escape down her cheek) I know.
Manik wiped it away gently with his thumb.
Manik: Hey, no tears. You're going to have an amazing adventure. Just think of all the fun you'll have.
Nandini took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
Nandini: It's just... I'll miss all of you.
Everyone: (group hug) We'll miss you too.
As the bus arrived, Nandini's heart raced. It was time. She turned to her family and friends one last time. 
Nandini: I love you all. Take care.
Alia: We love you too, baby.
Everyone pecked her forehead, and lastly, Manik came and hugged her so tight not wanting to let her go. Unwillingly, he broke the hug and with one last kiss on her lips he let her go.
Manik: Take care of yourself, bacha. And don't forget to call me every day.
Nandini: (smile) I won't.
With one final wave, Nandini boarded the bus. As it pulled away, she watched her loved ones until they were out of sight. She settled into her seat, taking a deep breath.
Nandini: (whispering to herself) It's okay. It's just a trip. I'll be back before I know it.
But only if she knew this was the last time she was seeing her family, her love, her whole life. God had completely different plans for this trip. Maybe something so cruel that no one could have ever thought of. The person who is thinking that the wait is just for a week isn't actually for a week. Anyways, we will get to know what destiny has planned for them further in this chapter.
And as the bus sped towards Manali, Nandini felt a mix of excitement and sadness, ready for whatever lay ahead. She settled into her seat, beside Khushi, looking around at her fellow classmates. They were all excited, chatting animatedly about the trip.
Khushi: Is it your first time going to Manali?
Nandini: (nods) Yes, you?
Khushi: (grinning) Yes. (looking out the window) I hear it's beautiful this time of year. We're going to have so much fun!
Nandini smiled, this time genuinely.
Nandini: I think you're right.
As the miles rolled by, the excitement in the bus was contagious. Nandini found herself laughing at Khushi's jokes and stories, her earlier tears forgotten.
When they stopped for a break, Nandini stepped off the bus, stretching her legs. She took out her phone and snapped a picture of the scenery, sending it to her family group chat with a message: