Manik, Raj, and Neyonika were deep in discussions with Mahir at Sehgal Industries. The meeting room was a blend of sleek modernity and classic touches, with large windows letting in the morning sunlight. The atmosphere was focused, with each of them engaged in the nuances of the collaboration.

Raj leaned forward, studying the documents spread out on the table. "The timelines seem tight, but I believe we can manage if we streamline the supply chain."

Mahir nodded thoughtfully. "We've already initiated preliminary discussions with the logistics team. We're confident that we can meet the deadlines, but it will require close coordination."

Manik, who had been listening intently, added, "We should also consider potential market fluctuations. With the current economic scenario, we need a contingency plan."

Neyonika glanced at her son, a small smile playing on her lips. "Always thinking ahead, aren't you, Manik?"

He smiled back, "It's important to stay prepared, especially with a project of this scale."

Mahir said impressed by his answer. "You're right, Manik. And I'm glad to see you're as sharp as your father."

Manik chuckled, shaking off the lingering thoughts. "Just trying to process all the details. We've got a lot on our plate."

Neyonika, interrupt. "Speaking of which, we should finalize the budget allocations. I suggest we review the financial forecasts before we proceed."

The rest of the meeting continued in a similar vein, with detailed discussions and strategic planning, setting the foundation for what was to come.

Meanwhile, Alya and Mukti were at home, sitting on the plush sofa in the living room, surrounded by sketches, fabric samples, and design inspiration boards. The room had a creative chaos to it, with Mukti sketching furiously while Alya sifted through her phone, looking for fashion trends.

Mukti sighed, putting her pencil down and stretching her arms. "I'm so used to working in a studio. This working from home thing is getting to me."

Alya glanced at her and nodded. "I know what you mean. It's like the energy is different. I miss the hustle and bustle."

Mukti leaned back, tapping her pencil against her chin. "But on the bright side, we're working with Infinite Talents. That's huge, Alya. Can you believe it?"

Alya smiled, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I know! It's like a dream come true. And to think, we're just getting started. This is going to be big for us."

Mukti nodded, then her expression turned teasing. "You're not just excited about the work, are you? You've always admired Bela Sehgal."

Alya blushed slightly, but she didn't deny it. "Okay, maybe a little. She's been my role model for so long. And now, to be able to work under her guidance, it's just surreal."

Mukti smirked. "You'll do great. I'm sure of it."

Alya grinned. "Thanks, Mukti. And you're going to blow them away with your designs. I just know it."

They shared a high-five, the energy in the room lifting as they returned to their respective tasks, the excitement of what lay ahead driving them forward.

Elsewhere, Nandini and Navya were seated at a cozy corner table in a bustling restaurant. The atmosphere was lively, with the clinking of cutlery, the hum of conversation, and the occasional burst of laughter filling the air.

Navya was leaning forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Okay, spill. Who is this mysterious boyfriend of yours?"

Nandini, who had been sipping on her lemonade, nearly choked at the directness of the question. She put down her glass, her cheeks flushing a deep pink. "Navya, you know I can't tell you just yet."

Navya pouted playfully. "Come on, Nandini! You can't drop hints like that and then leave me hanging. It's torture!"

Nandini giggled, shaking her head. "I promise, you'll meet him soon. By the end of this week, I'll introduce you."

Navya's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? That soon? Oh my God, I'm so excited! I can't wait to meet him."

Nandini smiled softly, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I'm nervous, though. I really hope you like him."

Navya waved her hand dismissively. "Please, if he's with you, I'm sure he's great. But he better know how lucky he is to have you."

Nandini felt her blush deepen. "He's... special, Navya. I think you'll see that when you meet him."

Navya studied her friend for a moment, her teasing smile softening into something more affectionate. "Nandini, I've never seen you like this before. He must really mean a lot to you."

Nandini nodded, her heart swelling with emotion. "He does. More than I ever thought possible."

Navya reached across the table, squeezing Nandini's hand. "I'm so happy for you, Nandini. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the bond between them evident in the quiet understanding they shared. Soon, their food arrived, and they continued their conversation, shifting to lighter topics, laughing and enjoying each other's company.

After finishing their meal, they stepped outside into the warm afternoon sun, parting ways with a hug. Nandini headed back to the hospital, her heart lighter than it had been in days, while Navya made her way to her office, her mind buzzing with thoughts of meeting Nandini's mysterious boyfriend.

The atmosphere in the living room was heavy, the air thick with tension as Bela, Mahir, and Vishakha sat together, the evening shadows casting long, somber shapes across the room.

Mahir leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, trying to find the right words to make Vishakha reconsider. Bela, seated beside him, was equally concerned, her fingers gently tapping against her thigh, a sign of her unease.

"Vishakha," Mahir began, his voice gentle but firm, "I understand that you want the best for Nandini. But don't you think it's important to talk to her first? To see if she's ready for something like this?"

Bela nodded in agreement, her voice soft yet persuasive. "She's young, Vishakha. She's just started her career. It's a big decision, and it's only fair that she's given time to think about it."

Vishakha, however, was resolute, her eyes fixed on the coffee table in front of her as she shook her head slightly. "I've thought about this a lot, Bela. Nandini isn't just any young girl. She's a doctor now, and with that comes a lot of responsibility. I just want to see her settled, to know that she has someone to support her."

"But Vishakha," Mahir pressed gently, "What if she isn't ready yet? Marriage is a huge step, and we don't want to rush her into it. It could backfire."

Vishakha sighed deeply, her expression troubled yet determined. "I know you both care for her, and so do I. But I've seen too many girls wait too long, and by the time they're ready, it's too late. I don't want that for Nandini. And besides,"

Vishakha looked at them with a faint trace of sadness in her eyes, "She promised me. She promised that she would marry the boy I choose for her."

Bela exchanged a concerned glance with Mahir, then spoke carefully, "But Vishakha, don't you think it's important to at least ask her if she's interested? We're talking about her future here."

Before Vishakha could respond, the sound of footsteps approaching broke the tension. Nandini and Navya entered the room, their faces bright from the day but quickly clouded with concern as they noticed the serious expressions on their parents' faces.

Nandini's eyes moved from one face to another, sensing the gravity of the situation. "Mumma, Pops, what's going on? You all look so serious."

Vishakha stood up, a gentle but firm resolve in her posture. She walked over to Nandini, her hands reaching up to cup her daughter's face with a tenderness that only a mother could have.

"Nandini," she began softly, "Do you trust your mumma?"

Nandini's heart skipped a beat at the question. The seriousness in her mother's voice sent a chill down her spine. "Of course, Mumma. I always trust you."

Vishakha smiled faintly, her hands still cradling Nandini's face. "Good. Because I have something important to tell you."

Navya, standing beside Nandini, exchanged a quick, worried glance with her sister, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. "Amma, is everything okay?"

Vishakha took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving Nandini's. "A boy's family is coming to see you for marriage, Nandini. They'll be here tomorrow."

The words hung in the air like a heavy weight, pressing down on Nandini's chest. Shock, disbelief, and a deep sense of panic washed over her all at once. Her world seemed to tilt, everything around her fading into the background as her mother's words echoed in her ears.

"Mumma, you're kidding, right?" Nandini's voice trembled, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and confusion.

But Vishakha's expression remained serious, unwavering. "No, Nandini. I'm not kidding. They're coming to see you tomorrow, so you need to take the day off."

Nandini felt her legs go weak, her mind racing to process what was happening. "But Mumma, why? This is too early, I'm not ready for this! I have so much work and so many responsibilities. I can't just..."

Vishakha interrupted her, her voice firm but not unkind. "Nandini, you're a doctor now, a successful one at that. You've accomplished so much, and I'm proud of you. But you're also at an age where it's important to think about your future. This family is good, they're well-respected, and I've known them for a long time. All I'm asking is that you meet them. The decision will be yours, but you need to meet them first."

Nandini shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "But Mumma, this is happening so fast. I'm not ready for something like this. I don't even know if I want to get married right now."

Vishakha's expression softened, but she remained resolute. "I understand that it feels sudden, but life doesn't always give us time to be ready. Sometimes, we have to take chances when they come. And don't forget, you promised me that you would marry the boy I choose for you."

Nandini felt like the walls were closing in on her. The promise she had made to her mother in her younger years now felt like a chain around her neck, tightening with every word her mother spoke.

She tried to speak, to find the words to express her turmoil, but nothing came out. Her throat felt tight, her chest constricted with the weight of her emotions.

"I... I can't..." Nandini's voice cracked, her eyes filling with tears as she turned away from her mother, her feet moving of their own accord as she fled to the safety of her room.

Navya, still processing the shock, felt her heart break for her friend. She looked at her parents, who were equally distressed but knew they couldn't go against Vishakha's wishes. Nandini's pain was palpable, and Navya felt it keenly.

Without a word, she followed Nandini to her room, only to find the door locked. She knocked gently, her voice soft and filled with concern. "Nandini, it's me. Please open the door."

Inside the room, Nandini was sitting on the floor, her back against the door, tears streaming down her face. She could hear Navya's voice, but she couldn't bring herself to respond.

Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions-fear, confusion, sadness, and a deep sense of betrayal. She felt trapped, unable to see a way out of the situation her mother had placed her in.

"Nandini, please," Navya continued, her voice now tinged with worry. "Just let me in. We can talk about this."

But Nandini couldn't. She needed time to process everything, to figure out what she was going to do.

"Navya, please," she finally whispered through the door, her voice barely audible. "I just need to be alone right now. I promise I'll talk to you later."

Navya felt a pang of helplessness but knew better than to push. "Okay, Nandini. I'll be right outside if you need me, okay?"

When there was no response, Navya reluctantly stepped away from the door, her heart heavy with concern for her friend. She returned to the living room, her mind swirling with thoughts and emotions, unable to believe how quickly things had changed.

Bela and Mahir were still sitting, their expressions reflecting the same disbelief and concern that Navya felt. When she returned, they looked at her, silently asking for any sign of hope.

Navya shook her head slowly. "She's locked herself in her room. She just needs some time alone."

Mahir sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "This is all happening so fast. I can't imagine what she's going through." Bela nodded, her face filled with worry.

Navya thinks to herself "She was so happy just this afternoon. And now..."

Vishakha, who had remained standing, her arms crossed, looked troubled but unwavering. "I know this is difficult for her. But she'll understand that I'm doing this for her own good. She'll see it in time."

Navya wanted to argue, to tell Vishakha that she was wrong, that Nandini wasn't ready, but she knew it wouldn't make a difference. Vishakha had made up her mind, and there was no changing it. Instead, she simply sat down, her mind still reeling, her heart aching for her soul sister.

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of the situation pressing down on everyone. The night dragged on, filled with unspoken fears and concerns, as each of them tried to grapple with the reality of what was happening.
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Hope u all like the chapter.....

Few words for Manik....

Few words for Nandini....

Few words for Vishakha....

What will Nandini do???

How will Manik react to this news???

What were your favourite moments???

Guys any suggestions you want to give for upcoming chapters like you want to see something???

Thank u 🙂🙂

Love,
Kiara ❤️❤️