What you think is your only option may not always be the right one. But sometimes, we only see that in hindsight.

Rudraksh’s POV,

Dinner at Murthy Mansion had always been a mix of forced civility and underlying tension, but tonight, the air felt heavier than usual. Even as Ansh’s cheerful chatter filled the table, my eyes darted toward Nandini.

She had announced her decision to marry Manik Malhotra—a decision so abrupt and out of character that I still couldn’t wrap my head around it. My baby sister didn’t give in easily, let alone on something as important as her future.

As the meal ended and Nandini got up to leave, I exchanged a look with Prisha. Without needing words, we both knew we had to talk to her.

“Wait a second, Nandu,” I called out, stopping her just as she reached the door.

She turned, her face calm but guarded. “What is it, Bhai?”

Prisha joined me, placing a hand gently on Nandini’s arm. “Can we talk? Just for a minute?”

Nandini sighed but nodded. “Fine.”

We moved to the side, away from the dining area, where no one could overhear us. I could feel the weight of the conversation before it even began.

“Nandu,” I started, keeping my voice steady, “why did you change your decision suddenly? What’s really going on?”

Her expression didn’t falter. “I didn’t change my decision, Bhai. It was never mine to make in the first place.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, frowning.

She shrugged, her voice laced with bitterness. “From when have my decisions ever mattered in this house? Dad’s always the one making them. I’m just following his orders, like I always do. So now too, I’m doing the same. And you were the only one who asked me to meet the guy and then decide. So, I’m exactly doing the same. Does that satisfy you?”

Prisha frowned, concern etched across her face. “Nandini, don’t say that. This is your life we’re talking about. You don’t have to do something just because Dad says so.”

“Exactly,” I said, stepping closer to her. “You don’t have to force yourself into this. If you don’t want this marriage, just say the word, and I’ll handle it. I’ll talk to Dad. I’ll make him cancel the whole damn thing.”

Nandini shook her head, her expression softening but remaining resolute. “No, Bhai. Don’t do that.”

I could feel frustration bubbling under my skin. “Why not? You’re clearly not okay with this, Nandu. Why are you doing this to yourself?”

“Because it’s fine,” she said, her voice firm but quiet. “I’m fine, Bhai. I’ve made my peace with it. One day or another, I would’ve had to agree to this marriage. Why not now?”

“Fine?” I repeated, incredulous. “You call this fine? You’re throwing your life away, Nandu. You deserve better than this.”

Prisha stepped in, her voice gentle but firm. “Nandu, listen to your brother. You don’t have to carry this burden alone. We’re here for you. Always.”

But Nandini simply smiled—a small, tired smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I know, Bhabhi. And I appreciate it. But this isn’t something I need help with. I’ve already made up my mind.”

Before either of us could respond, she raised a hand to stop us. “Please, just let it be. And promise me one thing.”

I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at her. “What promise?”

“Promise me you won’t bring this up with Dad,” she said, her voice soft but insistent. “Let it go, Bhai. Please.”

“Nandini—”

“No,” she cut me off, her tone firmer now. “I mean it. Promise me. If you really care about me, you’ll let this go.”

She looked at me with those big, pleading eyes, and I hated how much power she had over me at that moment.

I clenched my fists, my frustration boiling over. “You’re unbelievable, Nandini. Do you think this is what I want for you? To see you forced into something you don’t want?”

“I’m not being forced,” she replied evenly.

“Yes, you are!” I snapped. “And the worst part is, you’re letting it happen. You’re letting him win again, Nandu. And I can’t stand it.”

Her expression faltered for just a second, but she quickly composed herself. “I’m fine, Bhai. Really. I don’t need you to fight this battle for me.”

Anger and helplessness churned inside me. “Fine,” I said coldly. “If that’s how you feel, then don’t talk to me, Nandini. I can’t stand to see you like this. I can’t stand to see you throwing away your happiness just because you’re too damn stubborn to accept help.”

She reached for my arm, her voice softening. “Bhai—”

“No,” I said, pulling away. “I was too young to stop Dad from sending you to New York all those years ago. I didn’t know enough, and I couldn’t protect you then. But now? Now I can. And you’re still shutting me out.”

Prisha tried to calm me down, placing a hand on my arm. “Rudraksh, please—”

“No, Prisha,” I said firmly. “She doesn’t need me, remember? She’s made that very clear.”

I turned and walked away, ignoring Nandini’s calls to stop. My heart felt heavy, but I couldn’t turn back. Not this time.

Rudraksh’s POV ends.

Nandini's POV,

I watched helplessly as Bhai stormed off, his shoulders stiff and his steps resolute. I wanted to call out to him again, to stop him, but the lump in my throat choked my voice. He didn’t even glance back, leaving me standing there like a lost child.

Tears pricked my eyes, and before I could stop myself, they spilled over. My legs gave way, and I sank onto the nearest sofa.

Why does it always have to end like this?

“Shh, Nandu,” Bhabhi’s soothing voice broke through the chaos of my thoughts. She crouched beside me, her arms wrapping around my trembling frame. “It’s okay. Rudraksh is just angry right now. He’ll come around, I promise.”

I shook my head, my voice trembling. “Bhabhi, I didn’t mean to hurt him. It’s just… I don’t want him to get scolded by Dad because of me. He doesn’t deserve that. And this—this marriage—it’s my decision. I don’t want him to fight my battles anymore.”

She cupped my face, forcing me to look at her. “Nandu, Rudraksh loves you. He’s angry because he can’t bear to see you in pain. But he’ll calm down. Let me talk to him, okay?”

I nodded hesitantly, wiping my tears. “Do you think he’ll forgive me?”

“Of course, he will,” she said with a reassuring smile. “He’s your brother. He might be stubborn, but his heart is in the right place. Just give him some time.”

Her words were like a balm to my aching heart, but the heaviness inside me refused to lift. She noticed my hesitation and patted my shoulder. “You’ve been through a lot today, Nandu. Go home, get some rest, and leave Rudraksh to me. I’ll make sure he’s fine by tomorrow.”

I bit my lip, unsure if leaving was the right thing to do, but her unwavering support gave me a sliver of comfort. “Okay, Bhabhi. Thank you.”

She hugged me tightly before letting me go. “And remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re always here for you.”

I nodded, though my heart felt otherwise. I walked out of the Murthy Mansion, my steps heavy and my mind clouded with the events of the day. As I slid into my car and started driving, the silence engulfed me.

The words Bhai had been said replayed in my mind like a haunting melody.

"You don’t need me anymore."

I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles turning white. “I didn’t mean it, Bhai,” I whispered to myself. “I didn’t want to hurt you. But what choice do I have?”

Tears blurred my vision as I drove through the quiet streets of Mumbai. The city lights, usually so comforting, felt like distant stars—there, but out of reach.

“If I don’t agree to this marriage…” I murmured, my voice breaking. I stopped myself mid-sentence, unwilling to let the thought take shape. The threat looming over me was too unbearable to acknowledge.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady myself. “Focus, Nandini,” I said firmly. “You’ve made your decision. Now stick to it.”

But even as I tried to convince myself, my heart ached with the weight of everything I was leaving behind—my freedom, my dreams, and now, my brother’s trust.

“Manik’s family has to agree to my condition,” I muttered, gripping the steering wheel tighter. “They just have to. That’s my only hope.”

The sound of my own voice echoed in the empty car, and for a moment, I felt like I was talking to someone else. “You’ve got this, Nandini,” I said, trying to muster some courage. “You’ve faced worse. You can handle this too.”

But the tears didn’t stop. Memories of Bhai’s hurt expression, the disappointment in his voice, and the coldness of his words replayed over and over in my mind.

“I’m sorry, Bhai,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I didn’t want to hurt you, but I don’t have another option. This marriage… it’s not about me anymore. It’s about keeping everything intact.”

The weight of those words hit me harder than I expected, and I felt a fresh wave of tears spilling over. I pulled the car over to the side of the road, unable to drive any further.

“I hate this,” I sobbed, burying my face in my hands. “I hate how helpless I feel. I hate how I can’t even explain myself to anyone.”

After what felt like an eternity, I forced myself to calm down. Taking deep breaths, I wiped my tears and started the car again.

By the time I reached my apartment, the weight in my chest had lessened, but only slightly. The emptiness of my flat greeted me like an old friend.

Dropping my bag on the sofa, I leaned against the wall, my head resting back as I stared at the ceiling.

“Tomorrow,” I whispered. “Tomorrow will be better.”

But deep down, I wasn’t sure if I believed that anymore.

Nandini's POV ends.

Manik's POV,

I parked my car in the driveway of the Malhotra mansion, the familiar grandeur of my home doing little to ease the nerves in my chest. Taking a deep breath, I glanced at the faint lights of the living room shining through the curtains. I could hear faint laughter and chatter as I walked to the door. My parents and friends were here, as usual, enjoying a calm evening.

The moment I stepped in, all eyes turned toward me. "Manik!" Cabir called out dramatically, his usual grin plastered on his face. “Look who’s finally home! The workaholic CEO!”

“Cabir, stop it,” Alya said with a smile, though her tone carried little reprimand.

I rolled my eyes but smiled faintly, greeting everyone. “Good evening, everyone.”

My dad, sitting on the recliner, raised a hand in acknowledgment. “Manik,” he said warmly. “How was work today?”

“Busy,” I replied briefly, turning to him. “How are you feeling now Dad?”

Dad straightened slightly as if to prove he was doing just fine. “Better,” he said. “The doctor was here this morning. Told me to take it easy for a few more days.”

I nodded, relieved to hear that. “Good. That’s what we want—taking it easy, Dad. Don’t push yourself.”

I glanced around, the casual warmth in the room almost comforting. But my mind was on the conversation I needed to have. “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” I said. “Need to freshen up.”

“Sure, take your time,” Mom said. Her knowing eyes lingered on me for a second, as if she could sense something was on my mind.

In my room, I splashed cold water on my face, letting it run down as I gripped the edges of the sink. “You’ve got this, Manik,” I murmured to my reflection.

It wasn’t like me to overthink things, but tonight felt different. Convincing my parents about Nandini’s condition was crucial, and I wasn’t sure how Dad would react. Taking another deep breath, I dried my face and straightened my shoulders before heading downstairs.

The dining table was a lively scene when I returned. Cabir was in the middle of cracking one of his lame jokes, making Alya and Dhruv laugh, while Mukti rolled her eyes.

“Finally!” Cabir exclaimed, spotting me. “The great CEO graces us with his presence!”

I smacked the back of his head lightly as I sat down. “Shut up, Cabir.”

“Ooh, so much aggression,” Mukti teased, smirking. “What happened? Bad day at work?”

“No, just annoyed by you guys,” I shot back, earning another round of laughter.

Dad joined the conversation, his tone calm as he asked, “How was the office today, Manik? Anything interesting?”

“It was fine,” I said, picking at my food. “Everything’s on track.”

We ate in relative peace after that, with Cabir continuing to joke around and lighten the mood. I let myself relax for a bit, knowing the serious part of the evening was yet to come.

Once dinner was over and everyone was gathered in the living room, I knew it was time. Clearing my throat, I stood up slightly, catching everyone’s attention.

“There’s something I need to discuss,” I started, my voice steady.

Mom’s brow furrowed in concern. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” I assured her, nodding. “It’s nothing bad. It’s about the marriage.”

That got their attention. Dad straightened in his seat, while Mukti and Cabir exchanged glances, clearly intrigued.

“I’ve decided,” I began, meeting their gazes one by one. “I’m ready to marry Nandini.”

A smile of approval crossed my dad’s face, and Mom looked pleased, but I wasn’t finished. “But…” I trailed off, hesitating.

“But what, Manik?” Dad asked, his tone sharp with curiosity.

I exhaled deeply. “Nandini has one condition for the marriage.”

“Condition?” Mom echoed, frowning slightly. “What kind of condition?”

I explained everything—how she wanted to keep the marriage private, away from the media and even the office because she was determined to build her career on her own merits. As I spoke, I watched their reactions closely.

Dad’s face hardened immediately. “That’s ridiculous,” he said firmly. “What’s the point of keeping a marriage secret? Marriage is a union—it’s not something you hide!”

“Dad, listen,” I said, raising a hand to calm him. “It’s not about hiding it. It’s about giving her the space she needs to grow professionally without the baggage of being labeled as someone’s wife. She doesn’t want anyone to think she’s using this marriage to climb the ladder. And I don’t see anything wrong in this.”

“That’s absurd,” Dad retorted. “She’s marrying into our family. She should be proud of that, not hiding it.”

I glanced at Mom, hoping for support. “What do you think, Mom?”

She seemed thoughtful, her eyes narrowing slightly. “It’s unconventional,” she admitted. “But I can see where she’s coming from. It sounds like she’s very focused on her career.”

“Exactly,” I said, relieved. “She’s serious about her work, and I respect that.”

Cabir whistled low. “Wow, Manik. Taking your fiancée’s side already, huh?”

I rolled my eyes. “Not the time, Cabir.”

Mukti joined in. “Honestly, I think it’s admirable. It takes guts to stand up for yourself like that.”

Alya and Dhruv nodded in agreement, while Cabir added, “She’s got fire, I’ll give her that.”

Dad sighed heavily, clearly torn. “I don’t like it,” he said finally. “But if she’s that serious about her career, maybe she’s the right fit for you after all.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. “Thank you, Dad. That means a lot.”

I felt a strange sense of peace as we all retired to our rooms. Nandini’s condition wasn’t ideal, but at least my family had agreed. Now, I just had to hope hers would keep their word.

And maybe, just maybe, this marriage wouldn’t be as complicated as it seemed.

Manik’s POV ends.

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