The next day went by in a blur of routine activities for Manik and Nandini. Work, practice sessions, and everyday chores filled their time. By evening, the younger clan has gathered at Malhotra Mansion, filling the place with laughter and chatter.

Despite the lively atmosphere, Nandini noticed something off about Cabir. He was unusually distant, barely acknowledging her presence and responding curtly whenever she spoke to him. This was unlike him, and it worried her.

As the evening wore on, with everyone engrossed in their conversations and activities, Nandini saw an opportunity. She noticed Cabir sitting alone on the couch, his expression thoughtful.

Gathering her courage, she approached him and sat down beside him, speaking in a hushed tone to avoid attracting attention.

"Cabir," she began softly, "can I ask you something?"

Cabir looked at her, his face a mix of annoyance and curiosity. "What is it, Nandini?"

Nandini took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. "I've noticed you've been ignoring me and being a bit... rude. Did I do something to upset you?"

Cabir's eyes flashed with frustration. "Do you really need to ask that, Nandini? Do you not consider me your brother?"

Nandini was taken aback. "Of course, I consider you my brother, Cabir. Why would you think otherwise?"

Cabir sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Because you hid things from me. About Manik. I thought he had finally accepted you, that things were getting better. But I learned yesterday that it wasn’t true."

Nandini's heart sank. "What do you mean? What did you learn yesterday?"

Cabir's expression hardened. "Manik told me by mistake. He said he's still struggling to trust, that he's scared of getting hurt again. He said he can't love you or anyone."

Nandini felt a pang of guilt and sadness. "I'm so sorry, Cabir. I didn't mean to hide anything from you. It's just... complicated. But we did talk about it last night, and things are starting to change."

Cabir looked at her skeptically. "What do you mean?"

Nandini took a moment to collect her thoughts before explaining. "Manik and I went to Marine Drive last night. We had a long conversation about everything. He admitted his fears and told me he’s willing to start from scratch, to try and be friends. He even said he wants to be a good father."

Cabir's expression softened slightly. "He said that?"

Nandini nodded. "Yes, he did. It was a difficult conversation, but it felt like a step forward. I know it's not a perfect solution, but it's a start."

Cabir sighed, his anger melting away. "I'm sorry for being harsh, Nandini. I was just worried about you. You’ve been through so much, and I hate seeing you hurt."

Nandini smiled gently. "I understand, Cabir. And I appreciate your concern. But please, trust that I’m trying to make things work. Manik and I are both trying."

Cabir nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "Okay, I’ll trust you. But promise me one thing."

"What is it?" Nandini asked.

"Promise me that if something goes wrong, you’ll tell me. Don’t hide things from me again. I want to help you, Nandini. We're family."

Nandini's eyes welled up with gratitude. "I promise, Cabir. I won’t hide anything from you again."

Cabir smiled and pulled her into a brotherly hug. "Good. Now, let's go join the others before they start wondering where we disappeared to."

Nandini nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. As they rejoined the group, she felt a renewed sense of hope and determination to make things work with Manik, knowing she had the support of her family behind her.

As the days passed, Manik and Nandini noticed a peculiar behavior among their family members. The Malhotra’s, the Murty’s, and the younger clans seemed to be whispering and giggling behind closed doors.

Whenever Manik or Nandini asked what was going on, they received evasive answers and mysterious smiles.

The next few days continued with the same strange behavior from their families, but Manik and Nandini were too preoccupied with their work and upcoming album release to dig deeper.

One night, there was a loud knock on their door. Both woke up groggily, confused about who could be knocking at such a late hour.

"Who could it be at this time?" Nandini mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

"I'll check," Manik said, getting out of bed. He opened the door to find a servant standing there, looking concerned.

"Sir, Ma'am, Dadi is not feeling well. They are calling you downstairs," the servant informed them.

Manik and Nandini exchanged worried glances before rushing out of the room and down the stairs. As they reached the living room, they were met with complete darkness.

"Dad? Mom? Dadi?" Manik called out, his voice echoing in the quiet room.

"Where is everyone?" Nandini whispered, her heart pounding with concern.

Just then, there was a loud sound of party poppers, and the lights flicked on. Everyone—Mukti, Cabir, Dhruv, Alia, Navya, Abhimanyu, Neyonika, Raj, Ishita, Vivek, and Dadi—jumped out from their hiding spots, shouting, "Surprise!"

Manik and Nandini stood frozen, eyes wide with shock. For a moment, they couldn't process what was happening. Then, the reality of the situation dawned on them.

"Happy Anniversary!" everyone cheered in unison, their faces beaming with joy.

Manik and Nandini looked at each other, realizing with a start that they had completely forgotten it was their anniversary. An unknown, shared feeling passed between them—an amalgamation of surprise, gratitude, and a touch of embarrassment.

Raj stepped forward, a broad smile on his face. "Last year, there was no party because Manik was out of the country for a business deal. We decided to make up for it with a grand celebration."

Mukti grinned. "We’ve been planning this for weeks. And tomorrow evening, we’re throwing a grand party. Tonight is just a warm-up!"

Nandini felt tears prickling her eyes as she looked around at her family, who had gone to such lengths to surprise them. "Thank you, everyone. This means so much to us."

Manik nodded. "Yes, thank you all. We appreciate this."

Mukti handed them a large cake, the words "Happy 2nd Anniversary, Manik and Nandini!" written in elegant icing. "Time to cut the cake!" she announced cheerfully.

Manik and Nandini moved to the cake, both feeling a bit awkward. They picked up the knife together, and as they sliced through the cake, the room filled with cheers and applause.

Manik took a piece and held it out to Nandini, who smiled shyly before taking a bite. Then, Nandini took a piece and fed it to Manik.

"Okay, now it's our turn!" Cabir exclaimed, grabbing a piece of cake and shoving it playfully towards Mukti.

Laughter and chaos ensued as everyone started feeding each other cake, smearing frosting, and laughing like children.

The night was filled with joy and celebration. As everyone started to wind down and call it a day, Manik and Nandini found themselves standing a bit apart from the group, watching their family with grateful smiles.

As the night drew to a close and everyone began to disperse, Manik and Nandini headed back to their room. However, as they closed the door behind them, a palpable sense of awkwardness settled over them.

They stood in the middle of the room, avoiding each other’s eyes. The memory of the surprise celebration and the unspoken emotions from earlier hung heavily in the air.

Manik rubbed the back of his neck nervously, glancing at Nandini. He wanted to wish her a happy anniversary properly, but the words seemed stuck in his throat. Finally, gathering his courage, he spoke.

"Um, Nandini..." he began, his voice hesitant and unsure. "Happy anniversary."

Nandini looked up, her cheeks tinged with a shy blush. "Happy anniversary, Manik," she replied softly, her voice reflecting her nervousness.

They both stood there for a moment, unsure of what to say next. The weight of their shared history and the tentative steps toward a better future made the silence feel heavy.

Manik took a deep breath, trying to dispel the awkwardness. "I, uh, hope you enjoyed the surprise."

Nandini nodded, her eyes meeting his briefly before looking away again. "Yes, it was really special. I didn't expect it at all."

Manik said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "They put a lot of effort into it."

"Yeah," Nandini agreed, fidgeting slightly. "It was nice to see everyone so happy."

Another moment of silence passed between them, filled with unspoken thoughts and emotions. Finally, Nandini decided to break the silence, her voice almost a whisper. "I guess we should get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a big day."

Manik nodded. "Yeah, you're right. We should get some rest."

They both moved towards the bed, climbing in and settling under the covers. Despite the physical closeness, there was a sense of distance between them, both of them lost in their thoughts.

As Nandini lay there, she couldn't help but think about how far they had come and how far they still had to go.

Manik, on the other hand, was grappling with his own emotions. He wanted to move forward, to heal and build a better relationship with Nandini, but the scars of the past still weighed heavily on him.

As they lay there in the darkness, each lost in their thoughts, a quiet understanding seemed to settle between them. They might not have all the answers, but they were willing to try.

"Goodnight, Nandini," Manik said softly, his voice filled with a tentative warmth.

"Goodnight, Manik," Nandini replied, her voice equally soft.

With that, they both closed their eyes, hoping that tomorrow would bring new opportunities and a step closer to the future they both desired.

The night passed quietly, filled with dreams of what could be. And as the first light of dawn began to filter through the curtains, Manik and Nandini slept on, united in their shared hope for a better tomorrow.

The next day dawned bright and busy as everyone in the household was caught up in preparations for the grand anniversary party in the evening. The house buzzed with activity; the excitement palpable in the air.

In one part of the house, the girls were gathered in Nandini’s room, treating her to a luxurious home spa. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter as Mukti, Navya, and Alia pampered Nandini, making sure she was relaxed and glowing for the evening.

"Nandini, you're going to look stunning tonight," Alia said with a grin, as she applied a face mask on Nandini.

Navya added, "Manik won’t be able to take his eyes off you."

Nandini blushed at the thought, her cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink. "You guys are too much."

Mukti chimed in, teasingly, "Just wait until he sees you all dolled up. He's going to be speechless!"

Meanwhile, in another part of the house, Manik found himself grounded by his Dadi.

"You are not going anywhere, young man," Dadi said firmly, wagging her finger at him. "We want this party to be perfect, and that means you stay put."

Cabir, tasked with ensuring Manik didn’t escape, took his role seriously, although not without some fun.

"Looks like I’m your babysitter for the day," Cabir teased, clapping Manik on the shoulder. "Let’s just relax and have some fun."

As the day progressed, the girls busied themselves with getting Nandini ready. As they helped her into the ensemble, they couldn’t resist teasing her.

"Imagine Manik's face when he sees you," Mukti said with a mischievous glint in her eye. "He’s going to be smitten."

Nandini laughed, though she couldn’t help but feel a flutter of nervous excitement. "Stop it, you guys are making me nervous."

"That’s the whole point," Navya quipped, helping Nandini with her jewellery. "A little bit of nervousness will make you glow even more."

By evening, Nandini was ready, looking every bit the radiant bride she had been on her wedding day. The girls stepped back to admire their handiwork, their faces glowing with satisfaction.

"You look amazing, Nandini," Alia said softly, giving her a warm hug.

Downstairs, the boys were having their fun with Manik. Dhruv and Cabir kept up a stream of jokes and anecdotes, keeping the mood light and cheerful.

"Just wait till you see Nandini tonight," Dhruv said with a knowing smile. "You’re in for a surprise."

As the time to leave approached, everyone prepared to head to the venue. They all left in different cars to maintain the element of surprise. When Manik finally saw Nandini, his breath caught in his throat.

She was standing at the top of the stairs, looking like a vision. Her beauty was mesmerizing, and for a moment, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her.

Nandini felt his gaze and turned crimson, her heart racing. Manik’s intense stare made her feel both shy and exhilarated.

"You look... stunning," Manik managed to say, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

"Thank you," Nandini replied softly, her blush deepening.

They left together in a car, the anticipation of the evening ahead making the ride feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. When they arrived at the venue, the presence of the media was evident.

Flashbulbs popped as photographers captured their arrival. Manik and Nandini walked in together, posing for pictures and answering a few questions with grace and poise.

"How does it feel to be celebrating your second anniversary?" one reporter asked.

"It feels wonderful," Nandini replied, smiling brightly. "We’re grateful to have such loving family and friends to celebrate with us."

Manik added, "It's a special day, and we’re glad to share it with everyone."

They moved inside, first meeting Nandini’s parents, Ishita and Vivek. "Happy anniversary, my dear," Ishita said, pulling Nandini into a warm embrace. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you, Amma," Nandini replied, her eyes shining with happiness.

Next, they were greeted by Abhimanyu’s parents, Manish and Swarna. "Congratulations, you two," Manish said heartily, shaking both their hands. "Here’s to many more years of happiness."

Swarna hugged Nandini. "You two make a beautiful couple. Enjoy your special night."

As the evening progressed, the grand anniversary party was in full swing. The venue was beautifully decorated, and the air buzzed with lively conversations and laughter. Manik and Nandini moved through the crowd, greeting guests and engaging in small talk.

At one point, Manik’s business partners approached, eager to meet his wife. "Manik, congratulations on your anniversary," one of them said warmly. "We’ve heard a lot about your lovely wife."

Manik smiled, placing a protective hand on Nandini’s back. "Thank you. Let me introduce you to Nandini. Nandini, this is Mr. Sharma, Mr. Mehta, and Mr. Kapoor, some of my key business partners."

Nandini greeted each of them with a polite smile and handshake. "It’s a pleasure to meet you all."

"The pleasure is ours," Mr. Sharma replied.

Eventually, they were ushered to the stage where they sat side by side, receiving a constant stream of well-wishers.

Friends, family, and acquaintances came up to congratulate them, take photos, and present gifts.

As the evening wore on, Nandini’s exhaustion became more apparent. Her smile started to falter, and she looked visibly tired. Manik, ever observant, noticed the weariness etched on her face.

"Are you alright, Nandini?" he asked softly, leaning closer to her.

Nandini forced a smile, not wanting to worry him. "I’m fine, just a bit tired."

Manik frowned, not convinced. "Do you need anything? Some water, maybe?"

She shook her head. "No, I’m okay."

But Manik wasn’t satisfied with her answer. He excused himself and returned about ten minutes later with a waiter carrying a tray. The tray had a glass of juice and some light snacks.

Nandini looked up in surprise. "Manik, you didn’t have to…"

"Yes, I did," he interrupted gently. "You need to take care of yourself and the baby."

The mention of the baby brought a bittersweet feeling to Nandini. She was touched by his gesture but also reminded that his concern was primarily for the baby, not necessarily her. Nonetheless, she appreciated the effort.

"Thank you," she said quietly, accepting the juice and food.

Manik watched as she took a few sips of juice and nibbled on the snacks. "Make sure you finish it all," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Nandini nodded, feeling a mixture of gratitude and melancholy. She finished the juice and ate a bit of the food, feeling slightly revived.

Once she was done, they both resumed their duties, interacting with the guests and smiling for the cameras.

Despite her exhaustion, Nandini felt a small sense of comfort knowing Manik was looking out for her, even if it was mostly for the baby’s sake.

The party was still in full swing, with music, laughter, and the joyous chatter of guests filling the air.

As Manik and Nandini made their way back from greeting guests, they were suddenly intercepted by Alia and Dhruv.

"Manik, Nandini, it's time for a couple's dance!" Alia announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Manik and Nandini exchanged reluctant glances. "Uh, I don’t think…" Manik started, but Alia wouldn’t hear of it.

"No excuses!" Dhruv added with a grin. "Come on, everyone’s waiting."

Despite their initial reluctance, Manik and Nandini found themselves being dragged to the dance floor. The guests gathered around, creating a circle and cheering them on.

The DJ, sensing the moment, switched to a romantic track that seemed perfect for the occasion: "Baatein Kuch Ankahi Si" by . The soft, melodic intro filled the air, and Manik and Nandini faced each other, their hearts pounding with a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

Manik took a deep breath and extended his hand to Nandini. "Shall we?" he asked softly.

Nandini smiled shyly and placed her hand in his. "Yes, let's."

As the music began to play, they moved closer, Manik's hand gently resting on Nandini's waist while she placed her other hand on his shoulder.

They started swaying to the rhythm of the song, their movements hesitant at first but gradually becoming more fluid and synchronized.

Baatein Kuch Ankahi Si
Kuch Ansuni Si Hone Lagi
Kaabu Dil Pe Raha Na
Hasti Humari Khone Lagi

The lyrics of the song seemed to weave a spell around them, creating an intimate bubble amidst the crowd. Manik looked into Nandini's eyes, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of peace and connection.

Woooh Woooh Wooo Wooo Woo Wooh..
Shaayad Yehi Hai Pyaar
Shaayad Yehi Hai Pyaar

Nandini, too, felt the magic of the moment. As she gazed back at Manik, she could see the vulnerability and sincerity in his eyes. It made her heart swell with a mix of emotions—hope, love, and the promise of a better future.

As the song continued, their movements became more natural, more attuned to each other. Manik twirled Nandini gently, and she spun gracefully before coming back into his arms.

The guests watched in awe, their cheers and claps fading into the background as Manik and Nandini lost themselves in the dance.

Keh De Mujhse Dil Mein Kya Hai
Aisa Bhi Kya Guroor
Tujhko Bhi To Ho Raha Hai
Thoda Asar Zaroor
Ho Yeh Khamoshi Jeene Na De
Koi To Baat Ho

Manik tightened his hold on Nandini slightly, pulling her a bit closer. She could feel the warmth of his embrace and the steady beat of his heart.

It was a moment of unspoken understanding and connection, a moment where words were unnecessary.

Woooh Woooh Wooo Wooo Woo Wooh..
Shaayad Yehi Hai Pyaar
Shaayad Yehi Hai Pyaar

The final notes of the song played, and they slowed their movements, coming to a gentle stop. For a moment, they just stood there, looking into each other's eyes, the world around them fading away.

The spell was broken by the sound of applause and cheers from the guests. Manik and Nandini finally broke eye contact, turning to face their audience with shy smiles.

"That was beautiful!" Mukti exclaimed, her eyes shining with happiness.
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Hope you all like the chapter.....

Few words for Manik...

Few words for Nandini...

Few words for Cabir...

How was the celebration???

The day does not end here more to come. Are guys ready???

Suggest me the fantasy you want me to write. I will mention you in that chapter for that particular scene. Like them fighting, Nandini getting high on harmones and all???

Favourite moment???

Do comments and vote...

Thank u 🙂🙂

Love,
Kiara ❤️❤️