The golden morning light spilled into Manik and Nandini’s bedroom, filtering through the curtains and casting a warm glow over the newlyweds, who lay wrapped in each other’s arms. Manik stirred awake, a lazy smile tugging at his lips as he looked at Nandini, peacefully asleep beside him. He gently brushed a strand of hair off her face, marveling at how lucky he was to have her as his wife.

She stirred, her eyes slowly fluttering open. “Good morning,” she murmured, smiling sleepily as she wrapped her arms around him.

“Good morning, Mrs. Malhotra,” he whispered, pressing a soft kiss on her forehead. “Still feels unreal to say that.”

She chuckled, her face lighting up. “I know. It feels like a dream.”

Their morning was filled with laughter and gentle teasing as they playfully argued over whose turn it was to make breakfast. Eventually, they both ended up in the kitchen, Nandini stirring a pot while Manik insisted on feeding her small bites of fruit in between. She laughed as he fed her, brushing his hand away whenever he tried to steal a kiss.

Just as they were settling into their breakfast, Cabir and Navya entered, bickering about what to cook for everyone. Navya stopped short, catching sight of Manik and Nandini sharing a cozy breakfast together, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

“Oh wow, lovebirds already up and at it, huh?” she teased, causing Nandini to blush while Manik rolled his eyes with a playful smirk.

Cabir, picking up on Navya's tone, jumped right in. “Come on, Navya, we need to give them some space. They’re probably still in the honeymoon phase.” He gave Manik a wink, which earned him a playful punch on the shoulder.

Manik grinned, not missing a beat. “You’re one to talk, Cabir. What about you and Navya? The sparks there are bright enough to light up this whole house.”

Navya’s eyes widened as Cabir looked at her, momentarily speechless. She quickly cleared her throat, brushing off the comment. “What? We’re just friends! Right, Cabir?”

Cabir hesitated, the teasing grin fading as he looked at her. “Yeah, of course,” he said, but his tone held an uncertainty that even he couldn’t ignore.

The morning passed in a playful rhythm, with Manik sneaking moments to tease Nandini, and Cabir and Navya tiptoeing around the growing tension between them. By afternoon, the entire gang—Mukti, Dhruv, Alya, Abhimanyu, Soha, and even the parents—arrived for a family lunch.

During the meal, Cabir and Manik began their usual banter, with Cabir dropping exaggerated hints about how “married life must be treating Manik like a king.”

Nandini, laughing along, gave Cabir a challenging look. “Don’t think you’re off the hook. You and Navya make quite the pair, too.”

Cabir grinned but faltered when Navya glanced at him, her cheeks pink. The room filled with laughter as everyone took turns teasing them, but later, when they found themselves alone in the garden, Cabir grew quiet.

He looked over at Navya, gathering the courage he needed. “Navya... can I tell you something?”

She looked at him, her curiosity evident. “Of course, Cabir.”

He took a breath, his hand rubbing the back of his neck nervously. “I don’t think we’re... just friends anymore. I mean, I... I think I’ve liked you for a long time. I just didn’t realize it.”

Navya's eyes softened, and a small smile tugged at her lips. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear you say that.”

Cabir’s face broke into a wide grin. “Then, does that mean…?”

She nodded, laughing softly as she reached for his hand. “Yes, it means I like you too.”

They shared a quiet moment, looking out at the setting sun. From the window, Nandini caught sight of them holding hands and smiled, nudging Manik. “Looks like they’ve finally sorted things out.”

Manik smiled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “Good. It’s about time Cabir found his happiness too.”

As evening fell, the group gathered around a bonfire in the backyard, laughing and reminiscing about their journey together. Manik pulled Nandini close, his voice soft and playful. “So, Mrs. Malhotra, are you ready for a lifetime of me driving you crazy?”

She laughed, leaning her head on his shoulder. “As long as you’re by my side, Mr. Malhotra, I think I’ll survive.”

The night ended in laughter, love, and promises. Manik and Nandini’s new life was just beginning, filled with friends, family, and a love strong enough to withstand anything life could throw at them.

And as they sat together, watching the flames dance under the starlit sky, they knew that whatever came next, they would face it together.

Hope u all like the chapter.....

Few words for Manik....

Few words for Nandini....

Thank u 🙂🙂

Love,
Kiara ❤️❤️