The day before the party, the air in the Murthy household was tense and thick with unspoken words. Nandini was in her room, hunched over her laptop, her fingers tapping away on the keyboard as she focused on her work. Her mind was distracted, filled with thoughts of Manik and the upcoming party. She was so engrossed that she barely registered the soft knock on her door. Without waiting for a response, Vishakha walked in quietly, her expression uncertain and her eyes clouded with worry and determination.

Nandini glanced up briefly, her gaze cold and indifferent, then turned her attention back to the screen, making it clear that she wasn’t interested in any conversation. Vishakha watched her daughter, feeling a pang in her heart at the distant look on Nandini’s face. She hadn’t wanted things to get this strained between them. Gathering her courage, she cleared her throat softly.

“Nandini, can we talk?” Vishakha’s voice was gentle, but there was an underlying urgency that Nandini couldn’t ignore.

Nandini didn’t bother looking up this time. Her voice was clipped, devoid of warmth. “I’m busy, Mumma. I have work to finish.”

Vishakha took a step closer, trying to bridge the emotional distance that had grown between them. “I know you’re upset, but this is important. About the party tomorrow…I need you to keep your distance from Manik.”

At this, Nandini finally looked up, her eyes sharp and filled with defiance. “Who are you to tell me what to do, Mumma? You’ve already made it clear that you don’t trust me to make my own choices.”

Vishakha flinched at the harshness in her tone but pushed on, trying to remain calm. “I’m saying this for your own good, Nandini. Manik is not the right person for you.”

Nandini cut her off, her voice rising with anger. “Then who is the right person for me, Mumma? The guy you’ve picked out of nowhere, someone I don’t even know except for his name? You’ve decided my life without asking me, without considering what I want!”

Vishakha’s eyes welled up, but she tried to stay composed. “I’m just trying to protect you. Manik isn’t—”

“Protect me from what, exactly?” Nandini’s voice cracked, and she stood up, pushing the laptop away. “From my own happiness? From someone who genuinely cares about me? Or are you just trying to protect me from the pain you went through? This isn’t about me, Mumma. It’s about you and your past, and you’re punishing me for it!”

Vishakha stepped closer, her own frustration bubbling to the surface. “You don’t understand, Nandini. You’re too young to see what’s really going on. This isn’t just about you and Manik—it’s about—”

“About what, Mumma?” Nandini shouted, her voice trembling with the weight of her emotions. “About your failed relationship with that man? About the fact that you’ve never trusted anyone since then? You’re so busy trying to protect me from repeating your mistakes that you’re making me question everything. I can’t even recognize you anymore! You’ve always been my strength, my support, and now I feel like I’m fighting against you every single day. Am I even your daughter?”

Vishakha’s patience snapped, her own pain and guilt erupting as she raised her hand, anger clouding her judgment. “Nandini, don’t you dare speak to me like that—”

Just as her hand was about to connect, Bela and Mahir rushed into the room, having heard the shouting from down the hall. They grabbed Vishakha’s arm, stopping her just in time. Nandini flinched, her eyes wide with shock, and took a step back, her breath hitching. For a moment, the room was silent, the tension so thick it felt like it could shatter at any second.

“Princess!” Bela’s voice was firm but gentle as she positioned herself between the two, her gaze darting between them. “Enough. Both of you.”

Vishakha’s hand dropped to her side, and she stared at Nandini, her eyes filling with tears. “Did you hear what she just said, Bela? She asked if she’s even my daughter. How could she think that? I have never, ever made her feel unloved. Everything I’ve done, I’ve done for her!”

Nandini’s anger faded into regret, and she took a shaky breath, her voice breaking. “I’m sorry, Mumma. I didn’t mean it like that. I just… I feel so lost. It feels like I’m losing you, and you’re losing me. In trying to protect me, you’re pushing me away.”

With that, she turned and left the room, her steps slow but purposeful. She knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but with her family, she felt they could face whatever came their way.

Mahir, who had been silent, stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. “Vishakha, Nandini is hurting. She doesn’t need you to tell her what to do—she needs you to be her mother. You two have always been close, and this fighting isn’t helping either of you.”

Bela nodded, placing a comforting hand on Vishakha’s shoulder. “She’s right. Nandini is your daughter, and she loves you more than anything. But right now, she needs your understanding, not your control.”

Vishakha wiped her tears, her voice shaking. “I just want what’s best for her. I don’t want her to go through the same pain I did.”

Vishakha watched Nandini’s retreating figure and sighed deeply, her mind swirling with thoughts. Bela and Mahir exchanged a look, knowing that this was just the beginning of a long journey for both mother and daughter. But they had faith that, together, they would find their way back to each other.

The night was calm, but Soha’s mind was anything but. She tossed and turned in her bed, the weight of everything that had transpired over the past few days pressing heavily on her chest. Frustration, jealousy, and an overwhelming sense of loss swirled within her, and she felt suffocated by it all. Unable to sleep, she finally got up and decided to head to the terrace for some fresh air, hoping it might help clear her mind.

As she stepped out onto the terrace, the cool breeze greeted her, brushing against her skin like a gentle whisper. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steady her racing thoughts. When she opened them, she was surprised to see Manik standing near the railing, his silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight. He was gazing out into the distance, his expression unreadable.

Soha hesitated for a moment, but then she took a deep breath and walked over to him. Manik glanced sideways as he heard her approach, his face softening slightly when he recognized her.

“Soha,” he greeted her, his voice low but polite. “What are you doing up here so late?”

Soha shrugged, leaning against the railing beside him. “I couldn’t sleep,” she said quietly, her eyes fixed on the city lights below. “Too much on my mind.”

Manik nodded, understanding the feeling all too well. They stood in silence for a while, both lost in their own thoughts, before Soha spoke up again, her voice hesitant. “Manik… can I ask you something?”

Manik turned to look at her, nodding slightly. “Sure, go ahead.”

Soha hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “It’s about Nandini… How long have you two been together?”

Manik’s eyes softened at the mention of Nandini, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “We’ve been together for six years,” he said, a hint of pride in his voice. “It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve made it through a lot.”

Soha nodded slowly, processing his words. She felt a pang of envy, a sharp reminder of the bond she could never have with him. “And… her mom,” she continued, her voice faltering slightly. “Why is she against your relationship?”

Manik sighed, running a hand through his hair. “She’s got her reasons. She’s against the idea of love, especially love marriages. She doesn’t think they work out, and she’s worried about Nandini getting hurt.”

Soha watched him, noticing the way his brows furrowed with worry. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her tone neutral. “What about Nandini’s father? Where is he?”

Manik’s expression shifted, and he hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He thought Soha didn’t know that Nandini was her Father’s daughter only, and it was not his place to tell her. He glanced at her, considering his words carefully. “I don’t really know the full story,” he said slowly, his voice guarded. “It’s complicated.”

Soha noticed his reluctance and bit her lip, feeling a flicker of frustration. She had hoped to gain some clarity, but it seemed like Manik was just as much in the dark as she was. Still, she pressed on, her curiosity piqued. “Manik, can I ask you something else?”

Manik nodded, his gaze returning to the skyline. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”

Soha’s voice was softer now, almost uncertain. “If… if Nandini’s mom never approves of your marriage, what would you do?”

Manik’s expression hardened slightly, and he turned to face her fully, his eyes resolute. “I’ll do whatever it takes to change her mind,” he said firmly. “No one is going to separate me from Nandini. If there’s even the slightest chance, I’ll fight for her with everything I’ve got. She’s worth it.”

Soha stared at him, taken aback by the intensity in his voice. She felt her heart sink further, the reality of the situation hitting her like a wave. “But… what if she never approves? What if you have to choose?”

Manik’s brows furrowed, and he shook his head, his voice unwavering. “There’s no ‘what if.’ I’ve made my choice, Soha. It’s Nandini. Always.”

Soha felt her throat tighten, and she forced herself to speak, even though her voice was tinged with bitterness. “You sound so sure. But… do you think Nandini would fight as hard for you? If she really loved you, wouldn’t she have already done something?”

Manik’s expression darkened, and he turned on her sharply, his voice rising. “You don’t know anything about what we’ve been through, Soha. Nandini has fought for us more times than I can count. She’s put up with things no one else would, just to be with me. So don’t stand here and act like you understand when you clearly don’t.”

Soha flinched at the harshness of his tone, but she pressed on, her emotions bubbling over. “I’m just saying, Manik, sometimes love isn’t enough. Sometimes—”

“No, Soha,” Manik cut her off, his voice steely. “Love is enough. And Nandini and I have proven that time and again. You can think what you want, but I know what we have. And I won’t let anyone, stand in the way of that.”

He took a deep breath, trying to rein in his anger. “I know my parents spoke to yours about a possible match, and they didn’t know about Nandini then. I’m sorry for any confusion or hurt that caused you, but this is my life. I respect you, Soha, but don’t push me into saying things I’ll regret. I’ve made my decision.”

Soha stared at him, her eyes wide and stinging with unshed tears. She hadn’t expected him to react so strongly, and now, standing there, she felt foolish and small. She swallowed hard, nodding slightly as she took a step back. “I… I’m sorry, Manik. I didn’t mean to—”

Manik softened just a little, his shoulders relaxing as he sighed. “It’s okay, Soha. I get it. This isn’t easy for anyone. But I need you to understand where I’m coming from.”

Soha nodded again, her voice barely a whisper. “I do. I’m sorry.”

Without another word, she turned and walked away, her steps quick and unsteady. She made her way back to her room, her heart aching and her mind spinning. The weight of everything felt like too much to bear, and as soon as she closed the door behind her, she collapsed onto her bed, burying her face in her hands.

She didn’t want to be the third person, the outsider looking in. But every time she saw Nandini, she couldn’t help but feel the sting of jealousy—of watching someone else get everything she had ever wanted. Nandini had Manik’s love, her mother’s attention, everything that Soha had longed for but never quite attained.

The tears came quickly, hot and fast, and Soha let them fall freely, her sobs muffled against her pillow. She thought of the first time she had met Manik, three years ago at a business party with their fathers. She had been drawn to him instantly, charmed by his confidence and his easy smile. From that moment on, she had admired him from afar, cherishing every small interaction, every fleeting glance. But now, it was clear that she had been chasing a dream—a dream that was never meant to be hers.

Soha cried until her chest ached, her body trembling with the force of her emotions. She felt like everything was slipping away from her grasp—her family, her dreams, the future she had envisioned. And she didn’t know how to stop it. She didn’t know how to make the pain go away.

Eventually, exhaustion took over, and Soha’s sobs quieted. She curled up on her bed, her body heavy with fatigue, and closed her eyes. As she drifted off to sleep, the last thing she thought of was Manik’s determined face, and his unwavering commitment to Nandini. It was a painful reminder of the things she could never have, and it haunted her even in her dreams.

The sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across Nandini’s room. Navya was perched on the edge of Nandini’s bed, flipping through a rack of dresses. She held up a beautiful, sequined gown, eyeing it critically before shaking her head and setting it aside.

“Nandini, you have to look perfect tonight,” Navya said, her voice filled with determination. “How about this one?” She held up a deep blue dress, the fabric flowing elegantly as she displayed it.

But Nandini wasn’t paying attention. She was sitting on the other side of the room, her gaze unfocused as she stared out of the window. Navya frowned, noticing her friend’s distant expression. She set the dress down and walked over to Nandini, waving a hand in front of her face. “Earth to Nandini? Hello?”

Nandini blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. She turned to Navya, her eyes still clouded with worry. “Sorry, what were you saying?”

Navya placed her hands on her hips, giving Nandini a pointed look. “I’ve been talking to myself for the past five minutes, and you didn’t hear a word. What’s going on with you? You’ve been out of it all morning.”

Nandini sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I’m just… I don’t know, Navya. I’ve got this weird feeling about tonight. We’re all going to be under the same roof—Mom, Manik, Mr. Singhania, everyone. And I can’t shake the feeling that something’s going to happen.”

Navya’s brows furrowed in concern as she sat down beside Nandini, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “What do you mean? What kind of feeling?”

Nandini shrugged, her expression pained. “I don’t know how to explain it. It’s just… this heaviness. Like there’s this tension in the air, and I don’t know how it’s going to unfold. I’ve seen the way Mumma and Mr. Singhania have been around each other, and it’s like they’re seconds away from exploding. And then there’s Manik… I don’t know how he’ll handle it if things go south. I don’t want this to turn into a disaster.”

Navya nodded, listening intently. She could see the anxiety etched on Nandini’s face, the worry that had been gnawing at her for days. Navya knew how much Nandini valued peace and how deeply she felt things, especially when it came to her family and Manik. She squeezed Nandini’s shoulder reassuringly.

“Nandini, I get it. This isn’t going to be easy. But you have to remember, you’re not alone in this. Manik’s got your back, and so do I. Whatever happens, we’ll get through it together, okay?”

Nandini gave a small nod, but her eyes still held that distant look. “I know, Navya. It’s just… I can’t help but think about everything that’s led up to this. The misunderstandings, the arguments, the way Mumma’s been acting. She’s so set on protecting me that she’s pushing everyone away, including me. And now Mr. Singhania is back, and it’s like he’s a constant reminder of all the pain she went through. I just… I wish things were different.”

Navya reached out and took Nandini’s hand, squeezing it gently. “Hey, I get it. You’ve been carrying a lot on your shoulders. But listen, you’re stronger than you think. You’ve faced so much already, and you’ve come out on top every time. Tonight is just another hurdle. And as for Amma, she loves you. She’s scared, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t care. Maybe tonight will be the start of something new, a chance for things to finally come to light.”

Nandini let out a slow breath, leaning her head against Navya’s shoulder. “I hope you’re right. I really do. But what if it all goes wrong? What if tonight just makes everything worse?”

Navya wrapped an arm around her, holding her close. “Then we deal with it. One step at a time. We can’t control everything, Nandini. Sometimes, all we can do is be there for each other and hope for the best. But no matter what happens, you have people who love you and believe in you. Manik’s going to be there, I’ll be there, and so will everyone who matters. We’ll get through it, one way or another.”

Nandini lifted her head, her eyes meeting Navya’s. She could see the sincerity in her friend’s gaze, the unwavering support that had been there through thick and thin. A small smile tugged at her lips, and she nodded, feeling a bit of the weight lift off her shoulders. “Thank you, Navya. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Navya smiled back, her eyes sparkling with determination. “You won’t have to find out, because I’m not going anywhere. Now,” she said, clapping her hands together and standing up. “Let’s pick out the perfect outfit for tonight. We’re going to make sure you look amazing, and that everyone knows Nandini Murthy is not to be messed with.”

Nandini laughed softly, feeling a warmth spread through her at Navya’s words. For the first time that morning, she felt a glimmer of hope. She knew the night ahead would be challenging, but with Navya by her side and Manik’s unwavering support, she felt a little more prepared to face whatever came their way.

Navya pulled out a stunning dress, holding it up for Nandini to see. “This,” she declared with a grin. “Bold, beautiful, and impossible to ignore. Just like you.”

Nandini took the dress, running her fingers over the soft fabric. “It’s perfect,” she said, her voice stronger now. “Let’s do this.”

Navya nodded, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “That’s the spirit! Now, let’s get you ready to knock everyone’s socks off. Tonight’s going to be memorable, Nandini, and no matter what happens, you’re going to shine.”

With Navya’s infectious energy filling the room, Nandini felt a renewed sense of determination. She glanced at herself in the mirror, seeing not just the worry, but also the resilience that had carried her through so many challenges. Whatever the night held, she was ready to face it head-on.
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Hope u all like the chapter.....

Few words for Manik....

Few words for Nandini....

What were your favourite moments???

What will happen in party???

Thank u 🙂🙂

Love,
Kiara ❤️❤️