The last day of the trip arrives. Snow blankets the ground as the families load into their respective vehicles for the drive to the airport. The Aggarwals, including Prachi, Namrata, Babita, and Raj, occupy one car, while the Kohlis, including Ranbir, Kartik, Naitik, Naira, and Kairav, are in another. Everyone is in good spirits, laughing and reminiscing about the trip, but two people remain silent: Ranbir and Prachi.

Babita (cheerfully):

"Kya trip tha, hai na? Manali ki yeh snowfall toh yaad rahegi. Prachi, beta, tujhe kaunsa moment sabse zyada pasand aaya(What a trip it was, huh? This snowfall of Manali will be remembered. Prachi, daughter, which moment did you like the most?)" 

Prachi, who is staring out the window, turns slowly. Her eyes are red, but she forces a small smile.

Prachi (softly):

"Sab kuch pasand aaya, Chachi ji. Yeh trip... sabse alag tha(Loved everything, aunty. This trip was different.)"

Namrata (teasing):

"Haan, haan, jiji ke liye sabse special toh woh Ranbir jiju ke saath wale moments the(Yes, yes, the most special moments for sister were those moments with Ranbir brother-in-law.)"

Raj chuckles at Namrata's teasing, while Babita looks back at Prachi curiously.

Raj:

"Vaise, beta, Ranbir kaafi achha ladka lagta hai. Kya decide kiya tumne? Sab toh tum dono ke baare mein pooch rahe the kal raat(Well, daughter, Ranbir seems like a very nice boy. What did you do? Everyone was asking about you two last night.)"

Prachi looks down at her lap, her fingers fidgeting nervously. She doesn't respond, and Babita reaches over to pat her hand.

Babita (gently):

"Beta, jo bhi ho, bas apne dil ki sunna. Aur agar kuch pareshaani hai, toh humein bata sakti ho(Daughter, whatever happens, just listen to your heart. And if there is any problem, you can let us know.)"

Namrata:

"Haan, jiji, tumhare chehre pe likha hai ki tum kuch soch rahi ho. Par ab waqt aa gaya hai ki tum apne liye decision lo(Yes,sister, it is written on your face that you are thinking something. But now the time has come for you to take a decision for yourself.)"

Prachi nods slightly, but the lump in her throat prevents her from saying more. She turns back to the window, blinking away tears as memories of the trip flood her mind: the laughter, the dances, the near-death scare, and... Ranbir. A pang of guilt strikes her as she recalls how much she's been hiding.

Kartik is driving with Naitik in the passenger seat, while Ranbir and Kairav sit in the back with Naira. Unlike the cheerful conversation between the Aggarwals, there's a subdued air in this car as well. Ranbir stares out his window, lost in thought.

Kairav (excitedly):

"Chachu! Aap aur Chachi ne mujhe Manali ki kitni photos bheji! Maza aa gaya(Uncle! You and aunty sent me so many photos of Manali! I had fun!)"

Ranbir forces a smile at his nephew's enthusiasm.

Ranbir:

"Tumhe maza aaya, bas yeh hi zaroori hai(You enjoyed it, that's all that's important.)"

Naira (turning to Ranbir):

"Tum itne chup kyun ho? Tumhare aur Prachi ke beech sab theek hai na? Aaj kal tum dono kuch zyada hi quiet lagte ho(Why are you so quiet? Is everything fine between you and Prachi? These days both of you seem very quiet.)" 

Ranbir shrugs, attempting to mask his feelings.

Ranbir (casually):

"Bas thoda thak gaya hoon, Bhabhi. Itni long trip thi(I'm just a little tired, sister-in-law. It was such a long trip.)"

Kartik (teasing):

"Thak gaye ya kuch aur baat hai, bro? Mujhe lagta hai ki yeh trip ke baad tujhe kuch clarity mili hogi(Are you tired or something, bro? I think you might have got some clarity after this trip.)"

Naitik, who's been silently listening, chimes in.

Naitik:

"Ranbir, beta, clarity toh zaroori hai. Agar Prachi ke liye tumhare dil mein feelings hain, toh usse bata do. Baar-baar aise mauke nahi milte(Ranbir, son, clarity is necessary. If you have feelings for Prachi, then tell her. You don't get such opportunities again and again.)"

Ranbir clenches his fists in frustration, his voice strained.

Ranbir:

"Dad, main sab kuch kar raha hoon jo kar sakta hoon. Lekin har cheez mere haath mein nahi hai(Dad, I am doing everything I can. But everything is not in my hands.)"

Kartik exchanges a concerned glance with Naira. Naira leans back and touches Ranbir's arm gently.

Naira (softly):

"Ranbir, sab theek ho jayega. Tumhe bas trust karna hoga(Ranbir, everything will be fine. You just have to trust.)" 

Ranbir nods but says nothing, his heart heavy with the weight of his unspoken fears. He gazes out at the passing snow-covered trees, each one a reminder of the fleeting moments he shared with Prachi.

Both cars pull up at the departure terminal. As everyone steps out, there's a mix of excitement and melancholy in the air. Luggage is unloaded, and the families gather together in a circle.

Babita:

"Toh, yeh trip bhi khatam ho gaya. Mujhe toh lagta hai ki yeh sabse special vacations mein se ek tha(So, this trip is also over. I think it was one of the most special vacations.)"

Naitik:

"Haan, family ke saath time spend karna hamesha yaadgaar hota hai(Yes, spending time with family is always memorable.)"

Kartik picks up Kairav, who waves at Prachi.

Kairav:

"Chachi, mujhe phir se Manali le jaana, promise(Aunty, take me to Manali again, promise!)"

Prachi kneels down to hug him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Prachi:

"Promise, Kairav. Hum phir kabhi zaroor aayenge(Promise, Kairav. We will definitely come again some other time.)"

Ranbir watches the interaction from a distance, his heart aching. He wants to say something—anything—but the words don't come. Instead, he busies himself with adjusting his bag.

Babita (noticing the tension):

"Prachi, Ranbir... tum dono ke plans kya hain ab(Prachi, Ranbir... what are your plans now?)" 

Raj:

"Haan, shaadi ke baare mein ab toh kuch clarity deni chahiye na(Yes, now some clarity should be given about marriage!)"

The question hangs heavily in the air. Ranbir looks at Prachi, his eyes pleading for some kind of answer, but she avoids his gaze, focusing instead on her handbag.

Prachi (quietly):

"Abhi... abhi kuch decide karna jaldi hoga(Now...it's too early to do something right now.)

Naira (stepping in to diffuse the tension):

"Chalo, abhi ke liye flight board karte hain. Baaki baatein baad mein karenge(Well, let's board the flight for now. Will talk about other things later.)"

The group makes their way through security and onto the plane. Ranbir and Prachi find themselves seated next to each other, but the silence between them is deafening. As the plane takes off, Prachi stares out of the window, her mind swirling with thoughts of Kunal and Ranbir.

Ranbir, sitting beside her, closes his eyes, trying to suppress the growing fear that this trip might have been their last chance to bridge the gap between them.

Ranbir pulls out his phone, sitting next to Prachi as the plane gently hums mid-flight. His eyes sparkle with a mix of nostalgia and melancholy as he opens Instagram, scrolling through the posts he had shared during their unforgettable trip.

Ranbir (teasingly):

"Dekho, tumhare bina main yeh sab Insta pe daal hi nahi pata. Bas tumhare wajah se meri timeline itni interesting lag rahi hai(Look, without you I wouldn't have been able to post all this on Insta. It's only because of you that my timeline seems so interesting.)"

Prachi turns to glance at his phone, pretending indifference but unable to suppress her curiosity. He opens his profile, and she notices a flood of posts from the trip.

First Post: At the Airport

A group selfie taken at the Delhi airport on Day 1, with everyone smiling and excited. The caption reads:

"Adventure begins! Manali with the fam—lekin meri special co-pilot Prachi hai(but my special co-pilot is Prachi.) ❤️ #ManaliDiaries #PranbirAdventures"

Prachi (raising an eyebrow):

"Special co-pilot? Kab decide kiya tumne yeh(Special co-pilot? When did you decide this?)"

Ranbir (smirking):

"Jab tumhare saath flight mein baith kar yeh socha ki kisi aur ke saath life mein fly karna possible hi nahi hai(When sitting in the flight with you, I thought that it is not possible to fly with anyone else in life.)" 

Prachi looks away, hiding the small smile tugging at her lips.

Second Post: Christmas Eve at the Hotel

A candid photo of Prachi decorating the Christmas tree while Ranbir grins in the background, holding mistletoe above her head. The caption reads:

"Christmas vibes with someone who makes it feel magical! 🎄✨ #TisTheSeason #PrachiKeSathSabKhaas"

Prachi:

"Tumhe kabhi serious captions likhne aayenge ya nahi(Will you ever know how to write serious captions or not?)"

Ranbir (mock offended):

"Arey, main toh yeh sab dil se likhta hoon! Aur dekho, kitne comments aaye hain(Hey, I write all this from my heart! And look how many comments have come!)"

He scrolls through the comments:

"Ranbir Bhai, who's the girl? She's so pretty!"

"Aww, are you guys dating? You look perfect together!"

"Ranbir Kohli! Romantic feels aa rahe hain, bro."

Ranbir (pointing to a comment):

"Yeh dekh, duniya bhi keh rahi hai ki hum perfect hain(See, even the world is saying that we are perfect!)"

Prachi (rolling her eyes):

"Duniya ko chod kar tum apne kaam pe focus karo, Mr. Kohli(Leave the world behind and focus on your work, Mr. Kohli.)"

Third Post: Snowball Fight

A boomerang of Prachi throwing a snowball at Ranbir while he dramatically "faints" into the snow. The caption reads:

"Pyaar ki jang ho toh Prachi ki jeet pakki hai(If there is a love war, Prachi's victory is certain!)❄️❤️ #SnowballLove #ManaliMadness"

Prachi laughs despite herself, recalling the fun they had that day.

Prachi:

"Tumhare dramatic antics kisi Oscar se kam nahi hai(Your dramatic antics are no less than an Oscar.)"

Ranbir (grinning):

"Aur tumhare reactions us Oscar ko aur bhi priceless bana dete hain(And your reactions make that Oscar even more priceless!)"

Fourth Post: Dance at the Christmas Party

A slow-motion clip of them dancing during the Christmas Irish music session. The caption reads:

"Heartbeats in sync. Bas baaki sab kuch background music hai(Everything else is just background music.) 🎶❤️ #DanceOfHearts #ManaliKiKahani"

Prachi stares at the clip, momentarily lost in the memory of that evening. Her face softens, but then she shakes her head, trying to focus elsewhere.

Prachi:

"Tumhare captions toh bilkul filmi hain. Matlab pura drama(Your captions are absolutely filmy. Means complete drama.)"

Ranbir (leaning closer):

"Filmi hoon, lekin tumhare liye. Tumhari kahani ke bina toh Kohli ka story incomplete lagta hai(I am filmy, but for you. Without your story, Kohli's story seems incomplete.)"

Final Post: The Jeep Ride to the Kashmiri Festival

A scenic photo of the snowy mountain roads from the jeep, with a small silhouette of Prachi in the frame. The caption reads:

"Destination toh amazing tha, lekin safar usse bhi zyada yaadgaar tha(The destination was amazing, but the journey was even more memorable.) 💕 #JourneyWithHer #ManaliToKashmir"

Prachi (pretending to be annoyed):

"Main silhouette ban gayi tumhare photo mein! Waah, kya honor hai(I have become a silhouette in your photo! Wow, what a honor.)"

Ranbir (seriously):

"Tum silhouette nahi, meri inspiration ho. Bas tumhare saath safar ka har pal yaad rehne laayak lagta hai(You are not a silhouette, you are my inspiration. Every moment of the journey with you seems worth remembering.)"

Ranbir scrolls back to the earliest post and looks at the date.

Ranbir:

"Pata hai, Prachi? Hum ek week ke liye aaye the. Bas ek hafta, lekin aisa lagta hai jaise puri ek zindagi jee li ho(Do you know, Prachi? We came for a week. Just a week, but it feels like you've lived a lifetime.)" 

Prachi nods quietly, her emotions swirling. She remembers every moment Ranbir described: the playful banter at the airport, the Christmas decorations, their close dance, the snowball fights, the Kashmiri festival, and... the kidnapping.

Prachi (softly):

"Yeh hafta sach mein yaadgaar raha. Manali ki ek bhi yaad aisi nahi hai jo boring ho(This week was truly memorable. There is not a single memory of Manali which is boring.)"

Ranbir (grinning):

"Toh ab Manali ka favorite memory kaunsa hai? Waise mujhe pata hai ki mera toh(So now what is Manali's favorite memory? Well I know that mine...)"

He trails off, giving her a pointed look. Prachi blushes and quickly changes the subject.

As they land in Delhi, both Ranbir and Prachi feel a heaviness in their hearts. The trip was not just an adventure; it was a journey of emotions, revelations, and moments that brought them closer. Yet, the looming uncertainty and Prachi's hidden fears threaten to pull them apart.

Ranbir looks at Prachi as they exit the airport. She's surrounded by her family, laughing with Kairav, but he can see the glimmer of sadness in her eyes—the same sadness that mirrors his own.

Ranbir (to himself):

"Kya yeh safar yahin khatam hoga, ya yeh sirf ek naye safar ki shuruaat hai(Will this journey end here, or is this just the beginning of a new journey?)" 

The cars pull up to the grand Kohli mansion, its regal facade glowing under the evening lights. Everyone steps out, tired but filled with memories of the trip. Kairav immediately runs ahead, holding Prachi's hand.

Kartik (stretching):

"Finally ghar wapas aaye! Yeh Manali ka safar toh ek lifetime ke liye yaad rahega(Finally back home! This journey to Manali will be remembered for a lifetime.)" 

Naira (sad):

"Haan, lekin ab ghar ke kaam aur responsibilities shuru ho jaayenge(Yes, but now household chores and responsibilities will start.)"

Inside, the house felt oddly quiet after the lively chaos of the family. The servants had kept everything spotless, awaiting their return.

Kartik was the first to step inside, holding Kairav, who was fast asleep on his shoulder.

Kartik (softly): "Bas ghar aa gaye, champ. Ab tumhare favourite bed pe aaram kar lo(Just arrived home, champ. Now rest on your favorite bed.)" 

Naira, trailing behind, smiled at the familiarity of their home.

Naira: "It feels good to be back, doesn't it? Par trip ki yaadein toh hamesha saath rahengi(It feels good to be back, doesn't it? But the memories of the trip will always remain with us.)"

Ranbir entered next, carrying the smaller bags while Prachi struggled with her dupatta and her heavier suitcase.

Ranbir (teasing): "Kya Prachi, tumse ek suitcase sambhalta nahi! Dedo, main le leta hoon(What Prachi, you can't even handle a suitcase! Give it, I'll take it.)" 

Prachi (frowning playfully): "Tumhe toh bas mauka chahiye mujhe chidhane ka! Dekh lena, agle trip pe tumhari packing main hi karungi(You just need a chance to tease me! See, I will do your packing on your next trip!)"

Everyone chuckled as the family slowly filtered into the living room.

The servants greeted them with warm smiles and began assisting with the bags. The family began to settle into their routines.

Namrata, Babita, and Raj claimed the couches, stretching out and sharing memories from the trip.

Babita: "Pehli baar family trip ka plan itna acha bana! Lekin woh Kashmiri market ka moment yaad hai? Ranbir aur Prachi toh hum sabse alag hi maze kar rahe the(The first time a family trip was planned so well! But remember that moment in Kashmiri market? Ranbir and Prachi were having fun different from everyone else.)"

Everyone laughed knowingly, causing Prachi to blush and glare at Babita.

Prachi: "Chachi! Aap bhi na(Aunt! You also...!)"

Ranbir (with a smirk): "Let her talk, Prachi. Waise bhi sach toh sabko pata hi hai(Let her talk, Prachi. Anyway, everyone knows the truth.)"

The room erupted in laughter, but Prachi, flustered, got up and marched toward the staircase.

Prachi: "Main apne room mein ja rahi hoon. Tum sab yahi karo gossip(I am going to my room. You all gossip here!)"

Ranbir watched her walk away with a small, amused smile before following her upstairs with an excuse.

As Prachi struggled to open her suitcase in her room, Ranbir leaned casually against the doorframe, watching her.

Ranbir (mockingly): "Lagta hai suitcase tumhare insecurities ki tarah band hai—khulta hi nahi(It seems the suitcase is closed like your insecurities—it just won't open!)"

Prachi (glaring): "Tumhare jokes kabhi ache honge? Ya mujhe hamesha tumhare sarcasm ko bardasht karna padega(Are your jokes ever any good? Or will I always have to take a dig at your sarcasm?)" 

He walked in and crouched beside her, gently taking the suitcase from her hands.

Ranbir (grinning): "Dekho, ab tumhari zindagi mein main hoon, toh bardasht toh karna padega(Look, now I am in your life, so you will have to tolerate this.)"

He opened the suitcase effortlessly, making her roll her eyes.

Prachi (murmuring): "Show off."

As she began unpacking, Ranbir sat back on the bed, observing her quietly.

Ranbir (softly): "Waise, yeh trip... tumhare bina itna khaas nahi hota(Well, this trip... would not have been so special without you.)"

Prachi (glancing at him): "Tum kabhi serious bhi hote ho? Ya bas har baat par taunt karte ho (Are you ever serious? Or just taunt on everything?)"

Ranbir (genuinely): "Jab baat tumhari hoti hai, toh main hamesha serious hota hoon(When it comes to you, I am always serious.)"

Her movements faltered for a moment as his words settled in. She smiled shyly but said nothing, focusing on folding her clothes.

Downstairs, Naira and Babita were already in the kitchen, planning dinner.

Babita: "Trip ke baad toh sabka mood acha hai. Chalo, ek grand dinner banate hain(Everyone is in a good mood after the trip. Come on, let's make a grand dinner.)"

Naira: "Sahi kaha, aur yeh humare liye bhi ek opportunity hai apne traditional dishes se sabko khush karne ki(Rightly said, and this is also an opportunity for us to please everyone with our traditional dishes.)"

The sounds of chopping and the aroma of spices soon filled the kitchen.

Kartik walked in, sniffing dramatically.

Kartik: "Naira, tumhaare haath ke khaane ke bina toh trip pe maza hi adhoora tha(Naira, the fun on this trip was incomplete without food from your hands!)"

Naira (smiling): "Aur tumhaare bina kitchen kaafi peaceful tha(And the kitchen was quite peaceful without you!)"

By evening, everyone gathered around the dining table, the smells of home-cooked food filling the air.

Kairav, now wide awake, climbed onto Ranbir's lap, talking non-stop about his favorite moments from the trip.

Kairav: "Chachu, woh snowman kaise bana tha na? Woh sabse cool tha(Uncle, how was that snowman made? That was the coolest!)"

Ranbir (grinning): "Bilkul, lekin us snowman ka naam kya tha? Kya tumhe yaad hai(Sure, but what was that snowman's name? Do you remember?)"

Kairav: "Haan! Snowy Chachu(Yes! Snowy Uncle!)"

Everyone laughed, the room alive with warmth and joy.

Later that night, as the house settled down, Prachi stood by her bedroom window, staring out at the moonlit garden. The trip had been a dream, but something about being back home felt grounding.

Ranbir entered the room, holding two mugs of coffee.

Ranbir: "Tumhare thoughts tumhare chehre pe likhe hain. Kya soch rahi ho(Your thoughts are written on your face. What are you thinking?)"

Prachi (taking a mug): "Bas... yeh ki ghar aana hamesha alag hota hai. Safe lagta hai(It's just... that coming home is always different. Seems safe.)"

He leaned against the window next to her, sipping his coffee.

Ranbir (smiling): "Aur tumhare saath toh ghar aur bhi zyada special lagta hai(And with you the house feels even more special.)"

She looked at him, her expression softening.

Prachi (playfully): "Ab bas karo, zyada cheesy ho raha hai(Stop now, it's getting too cheesy.)

He laughed, and for a while, they stood there, sharing a comfortable silence.

For now, all was well.