On one side, Newly-wedded Cavya r up whole night spending their Suhaagraat (First night)... While on the other side another pair is awake all night, right! Manan!

Oh no! Not for the same reason though. 

Manan; Manik in his room & Nandini in the guest room, both on the bed, but Neend udd gaya hai unke, after what they heard, about their marriage with each other. They r thinking about their meeting till now... Every talk, every move, every smile, every attitude, every nook-jhook. When the sweet, cute, funny memories cross over mind, their lips twist up; but when their fights, bitter words & act flashes, their lips twist down in annoyance.
Out of everything, Marriage is out of the question for both of them, for their own reasons... They r not ready yet!

But, Manik recall his Dad's words- "Nandini's Dad, Surya Murty has saved me without thinking of himself n dead instead of me, and after that also, he donated his heart to me... His daughter's stepmom is not treating her any good... Yeh Dil uss Bacchi ki baap ke taraah usska heefajat(protect) karna chaahata hai(Pointing to his own heart) And maine Surja se wada kiya tha, So u have to do this marriage. And trust me She is best for u."

Manik sighed audibly and got up from the bed with his messy mind, opened his laptop bag where he hid his branded liquor bottle, and served himself a drink.

Even Nandini's mind is not less messy, she got up from the bed and walked to the window to stare at the full moon. She remembered Nyonika's final words that took her speechless-

"Nandini, do u know how ur father died? (I nodded in yes in confusion) He got hit by the car while saving my husband, Raj from the truck. Raj was in coma for a year by now, u might know that? (I nodded slightly knowing the new piece of information) Ur father, Surya Murty, was our employee before n he also saved Raj's life not once but twice (I narrowed my brow in confusion- twice?) yes! His heart is donated to Raj (That was something I don't know. I was numb) And before he died, his last wish was to Take care of u, his princess.. and So, we want u and Manik get married."

A tear escaped from my eyes thinking of my Appa, getting hit by a car while saving someone. I know, he is always generous n helping to others. He's very kind-hearted and ready to help anyone in need even if he's broke.

"I'm so proud of u Appa. My Appa is the best! U r always ready to help others, u r so good person. Then why Ayyiappa has to take u away from me. Why? Ayyiappa Why?  Yah Allaah Kyun?" My voice broke due to the vigorous tears rolling down my eyes. I'd not cried for a long time after Appa's barshi (death anniversary). Even when Salinimaa tortures me, spoke harsh words, I always held back my tears not wanting to fall weak.

"Appa, U donate ur heart to Raj Uncle, I have no idea about it. Maybe becoz I was too much taken aback by the thought of u not being with me anymore, that I skipped everything happened around.
But, Appa... Iss tarah toh, aap Raj uncle ke body main Zinda rahe. jaise aap mere memories me Zinda ho!" I talked to my Appa looking for him in the stars, beside the most shining one. Appa told me that the most shining star is my Ammi, so beside Ammi is my Appa; Always together!

"But Appa... Meri Shaadi??" She questioned in unsure tone while wondering for some miracle answer...

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Soon the morning sun rise, bringing a new day...

Navya is supposed to make her Peheli Raashoi, but before that, she brewed some special coffee espresso from her skilled hand and present everyone.

"Woww... This looks beautiful Navya" Mukti commented on the art.

"Not it tastes so refreshing too" Dhruv added.

"Wah! I'm gonna trouble u for a latte every time I meet u from now on" Alya declared.

"Wah Beta! Wese toh, I prefer tea, but this coffee has changed my opinion." Raj praised.

"I second u Dad" Abhi added.

"Oh! Abb main samjhi, Cabir kesse Tumhari haathon ke itna taarif karte nahi thakta tha!" Nyo exclaimed playfully sipping her coffee.

Nandu is too sitting there, having her coffee n listening to them, smiling happily for Navya but not as carefree as before becoz her mind is stuck with the 'Shaadi with Manik' problem.
Speaking of Manik, he's not downstairs yet. Why? because he's drunk till early morning n still hitting the bed.

Soon, there comes family and friends of Malhotra's for Navya's 'Mooh Dikhai Ki Rasm'. Navya, in beautiful pink saree and wedding chunari on her head, is seated and her veil is lifted for all of family and friends to see. Dadi was the first one to lift the veil n praise "Kinni Soni Kudi laya hai mera Cabir, Hain na?... Najar na lage!" She placed a Kala tika behind her ears and gifted her their pustainee necklace set. The elders of the family then shower their blessings on her and give her gifts, cash, and jewelry.

---------------------

Everyone r busy preparing for the lavish reception party thrown in honor of the newlywed. While Manik is making up his mind to somehow meet Nandini, in spite of his own ego to not initiate it. But since it involves their marriage matter, he hesitantly made up his mind.

While on the other side, Nandini's eyes r searching for a glimpse of Manik all along the day, even without her own knowledge...  She did get to see him in the afternoon but he's called by Mukti n he left after giving her a brief look. Later on, she gave a hand in the decoration n preparation for the extravagant party with scrumptious meals and high-spirited music and now it's evening; time to get ready for the Reception.

Nandu, in the guest room, got dressed in maroon one shoulder-off gown n left her hair open with a little makeup, eyeliner n lipgloss, a pair of long ear-rings n her favorite bracelet.

She came down to the hall where guests have started coming, the party has started, Cavya r standing on the stage where friends n relatives r going to give wishes n gifts. She thought to get near Navya...

"Areeyy Nandini! Tum bahut sundar lag rahi ho" Nyonika caught her in the mid-way.

"Thank u, aunty. U r also looking gorgeous" Nandu replied eyeing her designer saree n expensive jewelry.

"Oh! Main kahan?" Nyo laughed. "Arey han! Jaara Manik ko bula laogi. Woh dikh nahi raha hai, apne room main hoga." She made pleading eyes.

"Main??" Nandu looks astonished. Why me? she thought.

"hain beta. Usse bolna ki jaldi aakar guest receive karle. Many office employees n colleagues r coming, whom I don't know and Raj is not so well to keep standing here. Dhruv sambhal raha hai, but Manik can help too. So, call him." Nyo said n left towards the guests. Nandu stood there in hesitation.

'Main kaisse jaungi! I toh told him not to appear in front of me and now I've to go to him.
But Nandu, see the bright side. U wanna talk to him about this marriage thing. Subha se toh baat nahi ho paayi, abhi karlete hain.' With these thoughts, she slowly started walking upstairs towards Manik's room while fidgeting her dress in her fingers in nervousness.

'Par what will I say? How? Did he know about his parents thinking of our marriage? What does he want?
Wait, I saw him kissing that chipkali... That's maybe his girlfriend, then of course he'll tell NO for this marriage. Right! I'll tell him to deny it. Wasse bhi, main usse kabhi Shaadi nahi karungi, hamare jhagde ke baad toh woh bhi nahi karna chahega!' Now she is in front of Manik's room's door.

"U can do it, Nandu" She murmured before pulling out her hand to knock the door... But before she could knock, the door opens.......

Nandini's breath hitched looking at the literal Greek god standing in front, in black Armani suit, hair gelled up n not to forget the handsome devilish face.

'WOWWW... Hot hai yaar!  Kya lag Raha hai, Mashallah!' A part of her screamed while her eyes r glued on him without a blink. She's statued with her hands up in knocking position.

On the other side, Manik's condition is no less... The figure standing in front of him in western gown showing off her well-curvy white toned body made him forget his breath. He was locking his wristwatch while coming out n stilled looking at her.

'Woww... Hamesa cute n beautiful lagti thi, aaj hot n sexy bhi lag rahi hai yaar!' A part of him shouted as he ran his eyes on her.

After a minute of staring, Nandu's mind yelled 'Shut up Nandu. Yaha usse bulane ayai thi aur bhoot ki tarah usse ghoori jaa rahi ho' She mentally slapped herself before releasing the breath she's holding n pulling her hand down looking anywhere but him.
With her, he also broke his admiring session n cleared his throat while clearing his weird thoughts off his mind looking here n there.

When no one of them talked but stayed standing there, Manik looked at her face raising his one eyebrow as if asking What?

"Woh... Woh... Mai..." She started stammering not knowing what to say but he looked irritated so she coughed before saying clearly "I wanna talk to u"

He signed him to come inside the room n she walked in looking at his big-sized room which looked just like him; Masculine, manly, striking n well-proportioned.

"Shut up" She murmured to shoo away her weird thoughts but Manik heard it.

"Hun?" He looked puzzled at her words. She recognizes his presence n got embarrassed that he heard her.

"Oh Sorry. Tumhe nahi bol rahi thi" She explained while he looked around to see who she was talking to, then. She got more embarrassed.

"Forget it. ...Actually, I wanna talk about Marriage" She got to the point then lowered her voice "Our marriage" She paused n looked at his face to know his reaction but he looked calm n quite wanting her to continue.

"U know?"She frowned seeing him not freaking out with the breaking of such an absurd proposal. He didn't open his mouth just nodded.

"So ur parents told u. Then what did u said? Did u agree?" She asked but before he could say anything she continued "What am I asking? Main bhi kitni paagal hun! (Slapping her own forehead) Tumhari toh girlfriend hai, so u won't agree to it. Hain naa? Accha hai!" She smiled concluding herself leaving him frowning.

"Shut up n listen to me Paagal ladki!" he yelled making her flinch "I don't have any girlfriend and why won't I agree?" He questioned coming close to her while she backed.

"So u agreed for this marriage?" Her eyes widen n he stopped walking any further n looked aside.

"Dad ordered me to marry u & that too- as soon as possible. I've tried putting my point but he didn't listen." He answered.

"Oh! So u mean u can't deny for this marriage. Now what?  Do u want to marry me?" She uttered and he looked back at her.

"Of course I don't wanna marry u. Actually, I don't wanna marry any girl right now. I can't just marry any girl in this situation. I Can't" He declared while trying to somewhat tell about his problem but he knew he won't tell anybody.

"U can't?" Nandini frowned not getting any of his hidden meaning. "Then why don't u directly say a big NO and stick to ur decision?"

"I can't do that also. Dad wanted me to marry u as he's given his words to ur late father n he'll keep his promise to his savior. And arguing with him will do nothing but cause his weak heart condition to worsen n I don't want that.
Moreover, if u r so eager to get away with this marriage then why don't u go n deny for it yourself? I'm sure they'll respect ur decision n we don't have to get knotted in bond." He raised his voice moving deadly close to her as her back hit the cupboard n her front is taken by Manik like if she moves she can't escape his touch.

She's looking into his brown orbs which held demand, frustration, rage, warmth n love, but she couldn't figure out which is for her "It's Appa's last wish" She muttered not breaking the eye contact they have.

"Hun?" He was confused with her answer and also her moist eyes.

"Aunty said it's my father's last wish to see me happy n cheerful like before n get me married to someone who'll take care of me like he does. I can't deny it... My Appa's last wish" Her gaze lowered as her eyelids got heavy n a lone tear escaped her eyes remembering her favorite man's death.

Manik's face softens n he didn't like her tears rolling down. His hands move up cupping her face n moving his thumb he brushed her tears away.

His act caused Nandu to look up at him, at his eyes n they stood there with their unknown feeling budding inside them before Manik started to lean down closer to her n place his rough lips on her forehead.

The contact of his lips on her skin for the first time sent an electric signal down her nerves much to her oblivious knowledge n she closed her eyes liking his way of comforting n assuring her.

A kiss on forehead indicating he respects you to the fullest and cares for you deeply, sign that he wants to guard you and protect you.

He backed looking at her closed eyes. "Let's go down. Everyone must be searching for us" He decided to end this talk n move down to the party.

Hearing his words made Nandini realize Nyo's words n she opened her eyes to find Manik standing a little back giving her space. She weeps her face n eyes drying it "Nyonika Aunty told me to call u to accompany Dhruv in receiving office guests"

He nodded n they both walked down together.

Cabir traced them walking downstairs before parting their ways; Manik towards the entrance n Nandini towards Navya. They behaved almost ignoring each other's presence but their eyes would usually wonder on each other when the other won't be looking.
Cabir has been noticing both Manik n Nandini from the starting day when they propose on the first meet, then they fight, then they ignore, but their eyes betray them n maybe some other organ too...

Cabir has noticed the tension around them on his Wedding day till now n he's sure that something is going on between them. I'll talk to Manik he decided in his mind and get involved in his Reception party's dancing, meetings n greetings.

Here Nyonika caught Manan stealthy glances n moved towards Raj who's sitting around with his colleagues n relatives talking n wishing him good health.

"Chaliye Aap sab khana suru kariye. Hum abhi atte hain" Raj said to others as Nyo approach him n others left.

"Raj, Shayad tumhara Nandini ki Shaadi karwane ka decision thik ho. Aab toh yeh dono almost razi ho gaye hain lagta hai, par kya Nandini ke stepmom manegi? Usse kaisse Razi karwanege?" Nyo asked looking at Manik n Nandini at far corners while Raj too followed his wife's gaze n focused on her words.

"Mere andaza sahi ho toh phir Hum unhe easily samjha denge." Raj spoke with a plan in his mind.

"Par... How?"

"In my style; Raj Malhotra's style"

He smirked n Nyo smiled knowing her husband's mind.

So, Aab toh shayad Manan marriage Pakki! Kya khayal hai?

What do u think about Raj Malhotra's style? Any guess on how will Nandu's stepmom agree?

Any words for Manan? Their messed up mind about their marriage?

Thank u so much for all ur votes n comments... Keep reading n writing.

Stay Home, Stay healthy, Stay safe... & Stay tuned for the next episode...