The evening was set in a grand hall, decorated elegantly for the success party, with lights gleaming and soft music playing in the background. Guests were already mingling, glasses clinking with cheers, and the hum of conversation filled the air. Raj and Neyonika entered, their presence commanding attention as they made their way toward Mahir, Bela, and Vishakha, who stood at the center of the room.

"Ah, Raj, Neyonika! Good to see you," Mahir greeted, extending his hand warmly.

"Likewise, Mahir," Raj replied, shaking his hand with a firm grip. "It's been a long journey, but here we are."
Neyonika smiled graciously at Bela and Vishakha, exchanging pleasantries. The tension between Vishakha and Neyonika was palpable, but both women maintained their composure, acknowledging each other with polite nods.

Manik stood off to the side, his eyes scanning the crowd anxiously. He was waiting, searching for one face that hadn't arrived yet. Cabir, noticing Manik's impatience, nudged him playfully.

"Relax, man," Cabir whispered, leaning in close. "I just spoke to Navya, and she said they're on their way. Don't worry."

Manik nodded, but his heart raced with anticipation. His eyes darted back to the entrance every few seconds, hoping to catch a glimpse of Nandini. Mukti and Alya had gathered around Bela and Vishakha, discussing the upcoming fashion show they were organizing.

"Our next show is going to be bigger than ever," Mukti said with enthusiasm. "We've got some incredible designs lined up, and the response has already been overwhelming."

"I've seen the previews," Bela chimed in. "You two have outdone yourselves. It's going to be a huge success."

Vishakha nodded in agreement, though her attention was divided. Her eyes occasionally flickered toward the door, knowing Nandini would be arriving soon. A sense of dread crept up on her, but she took a deep breath, reminding herself of Bela's words earlier in the day.

"Just for today, Vishakha. Let's get through tonight," Bela had advised gently.

Vishakha had reluctantly agreed, though the thought of Manik and Nandini together still caused her heart to twist. She wasn't ready to face the reality of their relationship, but for tonight, she would keep her composure. She had to.

At that moment, the doors swung open, and Navya walked in with Nandini by her side. Nandini looked radiant in a beautiful red gown that flowed elegantly around her, her hair cascading over her shoulders. Her eyes immediately locked with Manik's across the room, and for a moment, everything else faded away. The noise of the crowd, the conversations, the clinking glasses - it all disappeared as they stared at each other with longing eyes.

Manik's breath hitched at the sight of her, and his heart pounded in his chest. She looked stunning, and the soft smile playing on her lips made him feel like the luckiest man in the world. Nandini, on the other hand, felt her nerves settle as soon as she saw him. His presence grounded her, making her feel safe, even in the chaos around them.

Vishakha noticed the way they were looking at each other and clenched her jaw. Her hand involuntarily tightened around her glass, but Bela, sensing her tension, placed a calming hand on her arm.

"Remember, just tonight," Bela whispered.

Vishakha exhaled slowly, then forced a smile as Nandini approached them. She hugged her daughter tightly, kissing her on the forehead. "You look beautiful tonight, Nandini," she said softly, trying to push her emotions aside for the evening.

Nandini smiled, though there was a slight hesitation in her voice. "Thank you, Mumma."

From across the room, Soha watched the exchange with heavy eyes. She stood beside Vikrant, trying to mask her feelings, but Vikrant could see right through her. He watched the way Soha's gaze lingered on Vishakha, longing for the same affection she showed Nandini.

"Dad," Soha said quietly, her voice trembling. "If she can love Nandini like that, why not me? Why did she leave me... her just-born child... all alone?"

Vikrant's heart ached at the sorrow in her words. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "Soha, listen to me," he whispered soothingly. "It's not your fault. Sometimes, people make decisions that hurt those they love. But that doesn't mean you aren't deserving of love, okay? You're my daughter, and I'm always here for you."

Soha leaned into his embrace, tears stinging her eyes. "But why, Dad? Why does it feel like she's given up on me?"

Vikrant didn't have an answer. All he could do was hold her tighter, offering whatever comfort he could.

Meanwhile, the evening's formalities began as Mahir and Raj took to the stage, addressing the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Raj started, his voice filled with pride, "we are here tonight to celebrate the successful completion of a project that has been years in the making. This partnership between Sehgal Industries and Malhotra Enterprises has been one of the most significant ventures of our careers, and we couldn't have done it without the hard work and dedication of so many people."

Mahir stepped forward, continuing, "We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge one person in particular, whose dedication and leadership have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Manik Malhotra, please come up here."

Manik walked to the stage, the applause growing louder as he stood beside his father and Mahir. Nandini watched him with a sense of pride swelling in her chest. She clapped louder than anyone, her eyes shining with admiration.

Mahir continued, "Manik, your vision and hard work have impressed not only us but everyone involved in this project. Tonight, we celebrate this success, and we thank you for your invaluable contribution."

The media started snapping pictures as Manik took the microphone. He cleared his throat, glancing around the room. His eyes lingered on Nandini for a moment before he began speaking.

"What I am today, I owe to my family," Manik said, his voice steady. "Their support has been the foundation of everything I've achieved. And I can't forget my friends-FAB 5, who have always been there for me, understanding my commitments even when we have concerts lined up. You guys are my strength."

He paused, and the room seemed to hold its breath.

"But there's someone else," Manik continued, his voice softening. "Someone who has been my constant source of motivation, the reason I keep pushing myself to be better. My moonshine."

The room fell silent, and Nandini felt tears prick her eyes. She knew who he was talking about. Everyone who mattered knew. But he didn't say her name. He didn't need to.

Vishakha's eyes flickered with understanding, and she tightened her grip on her glass. The tension between her and Manik's relationship with Nandini resurfaced, but for now, she said nothing.

The media, however, was quick to pick up on Manik's words. "Moonshine? Who is this 'moonshine' you're referring to?" one of the reporters called out.

Manik smiled, careful not to disclose too much. "Let's just say, she knows who she is."

The reporters pressed for more details, but Manik handled them with grace, dodging the questions without giving away Nandini's name. Nandini, watching from across the room, wiped a tear from her cheek, smiling through the overwhelming emotions.

As the evening went on, everyone mingled, but Nandini and Manik's quiet connection was unmissable, even in a room full of people. They knew, that despite all the challenges, they had each other, and no matter what obstacles lay ahead, they would face them together.

As the night wore on, the party was in full swing, laughter, and chatter filling the hall. Manik, his heart heavy with unspoken emotions, couldn't resist any longer. Sneaking away from the crowd, he made his way to where Nandini was standing by the edge of the room, her eyes searching for him amidst the sea of people. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to blur around them. Without a word, Manik moved closer, gently taking her hand, and together they slipped away from the crowd, unnoticed by anyone.

Once out of sight, Manik pulled her into a tight embrace. Nandini clung to him as though he was her lifeline, her arms wrapped around his waist, burying her face into his chest. Both of them were trembling, their emotions bubbling over, and they held each other as if trying to pour all their love and fears into that one hug. Tears welled up in Nandini's eyes, and she could feel Manik's uneven breath as he tried to keep his own emotions in check.

"I missed you," Manik whispered, his voice strained, as he gently ran his fingers through her hair, trying to console her and himself.

Nandini's tears finally spilled over. "I missed you too, so much," she murmured into his chest. "I don't know how much longer I can take this, Manik. All this tension with Mumma... It's tearing me apart."

Manik tightened his hold on her, pressing a soft kiss on top of her head. "I know, Nandini. I know. But we'll get through this. We have to. I can't lose you, not now, not ever."

They stayed like that for a few more seconds, wrapped in each other's arms, until a sudden sound from inside the hall made them pull apart. Manik glanced over his shoulder and realized they needed to get back before anyone, especially Vishakha, noticed their absence. He cupped Nandini's face gently, wiping away her tears with his thumb.

"We'll talk more later, okay? I'll find you," he promised softly.

Nandini nodded, reluctantly stepping away from him as they quickly made their way back into the hall. They entered just in time as Manik was intercepted by a group of sponsors.

"Manik! We were just talking about you. How about a performance tonight, eh? You and FAB 5!" one of them exclaimed, clapping Manik on the back.

Manik caught off guard, exchanged a glance with Cabir, who grinned and gave a thumbs-up. There was no getting out of this now. Nandini stood by the side, watching Manik, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the heaviness in her heart. She knew how much he loved performing, but tonight, the emotions were too overwhelming. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change.

Within minutes, the FAB 5 gathered on stage, instruments arranged for an impromptu performance. Manik took his place with the guitar, Cabir behind the drums, Alya on the piano, and Mukti and Dhruv on electric guitars. The crowd cheered, excited to see the famous band perform together live.

Manik strummed the first chord and started singing. The lyrics were powerful, raw with emotion, and as Manik began singing, his voice echoed through the hall, the pain in his heart reflecting in every word:

Saara Jag Ghumeyan Main, Saare Raste Dhundeyan Main
Apne Ghar Ka Pataa, Jaane Kyu Bhuleyaan Main
Kis Mod Se Mud Gaya Main, Auron Se Kyun Jud Main
Apno Se Hi Khataa, Jaane Kyu Kar Gaya Main

Nandini stood by the back, her heart squeezing with every lyric, her eyes locked on Manik as he poured his soul into the song. Each word seemed to strike her deeper than the last, reminding her of everything they had been through, everything that still stood in their way.

Maafi Mil Jaaye Mujhe, Aansu Tham Jaaye Mere
Baat Ye Sunle Who Khuda

Tears welled up in Nandini's eyes, and despite her best efforts to hold them back, they slipped down her cheeks silently. She clutched her hands together, feeling the weight of their journey, of their love, and the uncertainty that lay ahead.

Ke Aajj Koi Dua Karo Mere Layyi
Ke Aajj Koi Dua Karo Mere Layyi
Ke Aajj Koi Dua Karo Koi Dua Karo Koi Dua Karo Mere Layyi
Ke Aajj Koi Dua Karo Mere Layyi

Manik's voice grew more intense as he reached the chorus, the words carrying the weight of his love for her, his determination to hold on, despite everything:

Ke Aajj Koi Dua Karo Mere Layyi
Ke Aajj Iss Raat Ki Koi Subah Karo Koi Subah Karo Mere Layyi

Nandini couldn't take it anymore. The emotions surged up in her like a tidal wave, and before she knew it, she turned and ran. The tears blurred her vision as she pushed through the crowd, her heart aching. She needed to get away, to breathe, to escape the overwhelming pain that had taken hold of her.

Out in the hallway, her heels clicked against the marble floor, her breath coming in sharp gasps. Her mind was spinning, thoughts colliding in her head - about Manik, about Vishakha, about everything that felt like it was spiraling out of control.

Suddenly, she collided with someone. Nandini stumbled back, her breath hitching as she looked up to see Soha, who was just returning from the washroom.

"Sorry," Nandini mumbled hastily, trying to move past her.

But Soha, already frustrated and on edge, grabbed Nandini's arm, stopping her in her tracks. Her voice was sharp, laced with bitterness. "For how many things are you going to say sorry?"

Nandini froze, confused, her tear-streaked face lifting to meet Soha's glare. "What are you talking about?"

Soha's frustration, which had been building up all night, finally boiled over. "First, you took Manik from me! All the people I care about, you just... took them away from me. Manik's parents want him to marry me, but then you came into the picture, out of nowhere! And then..." her voice trembled as her anger turned into pain, "you took my mom too."

Nandini stared at her, utterly shocked. "Manik's parents... what?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "And your mom? What are you talking about?"

Soha's eyes were filled with a deep hurt as she spat out, "Why does she love you but not me? Why did she leave me, her just-born baby, all alone? You took everything from me, Nandini!"

Nandini stood there, numb, her mind trying to piece together what Soha was saying. "You're... Mumma's daughter?" she managed to choke out, her heart pounding in her chest.

Soha's eyes blazed with anger. "Yes. She is my mother, but she left me, abandoned me, while she raised you. Why? What did I ever do wrong?"

Nandini stumbled backward, shaking her head in disbelief. This couldn't be true. Vishakha had never mentioned Soha being her daughter. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion, and before she knew it, she was running again, this time toward the staircase that led back to the hall. She needed to find Manik, to talk to him, to make sense of everything that was happening.

But just as she reached the top of the stairs, she stopped in her tracks. She saw Vishakha and Bela, their voices raised in an argument.

"You need to tell Nandini the truth about why Vikrant left you," Bela was saying, her tone urgent.

Vishakha's face was pale, her eyes flashing with anger and fear. "If I tell her that, I'll have to tell her that she's not my daughter!" she snapped, her voice harsh.

Bela's face softened with concern. "Vish, this isn't something you can keep hidden forever."

"Not here," Vishakha hissed, cutting her off. "We'll talk about this at home. Not here."

With that, both women turned and walked away, their conversation ending, but the words hung in the air like a bomb that had just exploded in Nandini's mind.

Nandini's legs gave out beneath her, and she collapsed onto the cold marble floor, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps. The world spun around her as her mind tried to process what she had just heard.

Not Vishakha's daughter. Not her mother.

Her vision blurred with tears, and she could hear her own voice, barely a whisper, repeating the words over and over. "No... no... no..."

Her mind was in chaos, her heart pounding in her chest, and panic seized her. She felt like she couldn't breathe, like the walls were closing in on her. Two devastating shocks in one night. Soha was Vishakha's daughter. And she... she wasn't.

Who was she, then? Who were her real parents?

Nandini's hands shook as she tried to steady herself, but the panic was rising fast. Her chest tightened painfully, and all she could think of was Manik. She needed him. She needed to see him, to hear his voice, to feel his arms around her.

But she was too numb to move. Too broken to even stand up.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Hope u all like the chapter.....

Few words for Manik....

Few words for Nandini....

Nandini gets to know the reality???

What were your favourite moments???

What will happen now???

Thank u 🙂🙂

Love,
Kiara ❤️❤️