Nia, Nandini, and Abhimanyu were enjoying their time together when Nandini's phone buzzed with a message.

"Where are you guys?" Manik's text flashed on the screen.

"Food court," Nandini replied quickly, barely looking away from her friends.

Within minutes, she spotted Manik entering the area. His sleeves were folded, his blazer hung casually over his arm, and his sharp gaze scanned the crowd. He looked effortlessly handsome. As if sensing her eyes on him, Manik turned, locking eyes with her. A small but unmistakable flicker of happiness crossed his face. Nandini stood up as he approached, and without hesitation, he pulled her into a light, familiar embrace.

"I missed you around me," he murmured, his eyes soft yet intent.

Nandini raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "No, you didn't."

"What? Of course, I did! Unlike you, who didn't even bother to send a single message." Manik feigned offense as they walked toward Abhimanyu and Nia.

"Oh really? Prove it. Say it to the world," Nandini teased, a playful challenge in her voice.

Manik suddenly halted mid-step, leaning in dangerously close. The warmth of his breath ghosted against her ear as he whispered, "I missed you."

A shiver ran down her spine. Caught off guard, she quickly glanced around, wary of their surroundings.

"Prove it by saying it out loud, Mr. Malhotra," she said, folding her arms, daring him.

Manik didn't even blink. "I just did—I admitted it to my world," he said, his voice low and unwavering, his gaze holding hers captive.

And just like that, she was speechless again. Manik Malhotra always knew how to turn words into something that left her defenseless.

"Guys, we're in public! And Manik, man, at least greet me first!" Abhimanyu interrupted, shaking his head with an amused smirk.

Manik grinned and pulled him into a firm, brotherly hug. "Good to see you, Abhi. And you too, Nia."

Nia returned the greeting with a polite smile. "So, you already knew about me?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Your sister isn't exactly great at keeping secrets. At least, not from me," Manik replied, smirking.

As Abhimanyu officially introduced Nia to Manik, the two engaged in light conversation. Meanwhile, Nandini quietly placed an order for a coffee. She knew Manik too well—he needed his evening caffeine fix, especially after coming straight from the office.

"Software development has so much scope. All the best," Manik told Nia as she explained her work.

"How long have you two been married?" Nia asked suddenly, her curiosity evident.

"About six months," Manik answered without hesitation.

Nandini turned to him, surprised. "You remember?"

Manik scoffed. "Of course, I do."

"And how long were you in a relationship before marriage?" Nia continued.

"We had an arranged marriage," Nandini clarified.

Nia's eyes widened in shock. "Are you serious? No way!"

"Yes, believe it or not, we are one of those rare arranged couples," Nandini said, smiling.

"Well, you two seem like you've been together for at least a decade," Abhimanyu chimed in with a chuckle.

At that moment, Nandini's phone rang, and she excused herself, leaving the others at the table.

"I still can't believe you guys have been together for just a few months," Nia remarked.

Manik simply nodded. "Yes."

A waiter arrived, setting down a steaming cup of coffee.

"Who ordered this?" Nia asked.

"Nandini did," Manik answered, taking the cup.

Nia was visibly surprised. "You two are literally couple goals," she whispered to Abhimanyu, who only smiled knowingly.

Nandini soon returned, and after some more chatter, Abhimanyu and Nia got up to leave.

"Okay, guys, we're heading out. Manik, come over sometime," Abhimanyu said, patting his shoulder.

"I will," Manik assured him.

Nia hugged Nandini. "It was lovely meeting you. Can't wait for you to officially be part of the family."

"That will take some time," Abhimanyu muttered, earning a soft laugh from Nia.

As he hugged Nandini, he whispered, "If Navya causes trouble again, call me, okay?"

Nandini hesitated before giving a small nod.

After Abhimanyu and Nia left, Manik and Nandini did some shopping before heading home.

Back at the Malhotra residence, emotions were unraveling.

"Nyonika, stop blaming yourself for everything," Raj said, his voice laced with frustration.

"No, Raj, I have done nothing but make mistakes all my life! If we had never decided to adopt Cabir, none of this would have happened! He wouldn't have lived with us, Navya would never have entered this house, and everything would have remained perfect! I had a happy family, Raj, and now it's barely even a family anymore. We are all scattered. I am happy that Manik is establishing himself, but knowing he is doing it under these circumstances—it breaks me," Nyonika cried, her sobs shaking her body.

Raj exhaled heavily. "Adopting Cabir was just as much my decision as it was yours, Nyonika. And it was not a mistake. Cabir has always respected us. His only mistake was falling in love. Choosing Navya as his wife may have been an error, but adopting him was not."

Nyonika shook her head, her anguish deepening. "But Raj, adopting him was never necessary. If we hadn't, the property wouldn't have been dragged into this mess. None of this would be happening."

Raj knew this wasn't her heart speaking—it was her pain. She was overwhelmed, interlinking every regret, but in reality, she was only lamenting Navya's involvement in their lives. He wanted to comfort her, but he also knew now was not the time to reason with her.

Unbeknownst to them, Cabir stood near the half-open door, hearing every word. Each syllable was a dagger to his heart. He felt sick, ashamed. He wasn't angry at Nyonika—because she was right. If only he hadn't been a part of this house, things would have been perfect. His love, his existence—everything had shattered the family he once considered his own.

Guilt and self-loathing consumed him as he turned away, walking straight to his room.

"Navya, we are leaving this house," he announced abruptly, his voice hollow.

Navya, who had been casually braiding Radhika's hair, froze.

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, shifting everything in an instant.