Done with the wedding, it was now time for the Vidaai. Naira met everyone and was a crying mess. Nandini tried to comfort her, but all Naira did was hug her tightly and cry. Naira was crying uncontrollably, and Nandini silently wiped her own tears. Abhimanyu came over and took Naira in his arms, knowing how difficult it was for Nandini too. Ishita was with Raman, and every guest could not hold back their tears seeing the family in pain.

After Naira left, Nandini rushed upstairs to the terrace. Abhimanyu was on his way up when he noticed Manik already following Nandini. He smiled, seeing Manik's concern, and decided to spend some time with his parents.

Manik reached the terrace and saw Nandini standing by the railing, gazing at the stars. He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.

"Feeling sad?" he asked softly.

"No," Nandini replied, her voice quiet.

"Hmm... Emotional?" Manik asked again.

"Yeah, I'm not sad. I know she'll be happy, I just... I will miss her," Nandini admitted as she turned to face him, hugging him tightly.

Manik pulled her closer, holding her tightly, and occasionally kissed the top of her head.

"They will be here at our wedding... soon," he said, trying to comfort her.

"Yeah," she mumbled in response, resting her head on his chest.

After a while, Manik looked down to find Nandini peacefully asleep in his arms. Her head rested against his chest, and he gently lifted her, carrying her to the bed on the terrace. He watched her sleep for a while before closing his eyes himself.

The next morning, Nandini woke up first. She smiled at the sight of Manik, who looked adorable while sleeping. She kissed him on the cheek, waking him up. He smiled brightly and kissed her forehead.

"I love you," Nandini whispered.

"I love you too," Manik replied with a smile.

They both got up and freshened up, preparing to leave for Mumbai.

At the breakfast table, Raman said, "Raj, let's stay in Mumbai today. Then, Ishita and I will visit Bangalore to help you with the shifting. We'll select a mansion today."

"Done," Raj replied.

Ishita and Nyonika were talking, excited to be living in the same city soon. Manik and Nandini were happy too. They packed and got ready to leave for Mumbai.

On the way to Mumbai, they arrived at the Dehradun airport, where they used the private area to get to their flight. After a short while, they landed in Mumbai. The paparazzi were waiting again, but they just waved and walked by.

Once at Murthy Mansion, everyone retired to their rooms. Raman, Ishita, Nyonika, and Raj went to search for a mansion. Nandini and Manik were in Nandini's room.

"So, we'll make it public after our engagement?" Manik asked.

"That works for me," Nandini replied with a smile.

Manik continued, "I'll stay here for now since we need to focus on the renovation project. Mom and Dad will be here within a week, so why delay it further? You needed the work done quickly, right?"

"Yeah, but it's okay, you guys can take your time," Nandini replied.

Manik smiled sheepishly. "Just because you know me now?"

"No, I trust you now," Nandini said, looking at him fondly.

Manik chuckled. "Okay, but we'll be professionals at work, right?"

"Of course," Nandini nodded. "Until we announce it publicly."

Manik smiled and then asked, "Want to eat something?"

"Yeah, let's cook," Nandini suggested.

"You know how to cook?" Manik asked, grinning.

"No, but you can teach me," he said with a playful wink.

Nandini smiled, shaking her head, and they went down to the kitchen.

"Pasta?" she asked.

"That's my favorite," Manik replied enthusiastically.

As Nandini started cooking, Manik helped with the utensils and preparations. They had fun talking, cooking, and teasing each other.

Once the pasta was ready, Nandini served it at the table, and they sat down to eat.

"Yum, this is delicious. You need to cook this for me at least three times a week," Manik said, enjoying every bite.

"Done," Nandini replied, laughing.

Manik took another bite and smiled. "This is so tasty. You cook so well."

Nandini smiled back, but then an idea struck her. She playfully wiped some sauce on her fingers and smeared it on Manik's face.

She ran off quickly, laughing.

"What the hell, NANDINI!" Manik shouted, chasing after her.

And just like that, the two of them became a playful version of Tom and Jerry, running around, giggling, and splashing water at each other.

"Enough, enough! I'm sorry! Stop, stop!" Nandini laughed, trying to catch her breath.

Manik caught her by the wrist. "Smart, huh?"

Before she could say anything, Manik scooped her up in his arms, and in the next moment, they both ended up in the pool, splashing water all around.

"Enough, Nandini! You'll catch a cold!" Manik warned.

"Nah, I have a strong immune system. I'm a doctor, remember?" Nandini replied with a teasing grin.

"Of course, strong immunity," Manik said sarcastically.

Nandini rolled her eyes, and Manik couldn't help but laugh.

"What the hell, you actually rolled your eyes at me, MURTHY?" he said, pretending to be shocked.

Nandini smirked, "I do, and I will continue to do so."

Manik smiled, "Only you can get away with that... daring girl."

Nandini flipped her hair dramatically and went inside to change.

"Dramatic too... WAIT!" Manik called after her.

After changing, Abhimanyu, Navya, and Cabir joined them, and they all had tea together.

Abhimanyu said, "Nandu, we need to work on Project 5 tomorrow."

"I remember, Bhai. I'll be there after the renovation meeting. You should come too," Nandini replied.

"I'll be there," Abhimanyu assured her.

They were chatting when Navya made an announcement.

"Hey, Nandini, we're thinking of having you join the Tennessee branch of your hospital. We're planning to move there sometime soon," Navya said.

"Okay, I'll let them know. Just take the keys to the Tennessee house with you," Nandini replied calmly.

Navya smiled. "You've already done so much for me, but it's okay, I'll manage."

Nandini shook her head. "We're not discussing this topic again."

Navya was about to follow her when Manik stopped her.

"I'll talk to her," he said.

Manik went to Nandini, who was cleaning the mess in the kitchen.

"Nandini," he called her softly.

"Hmm?" she responded, not looking up.

"Why are you stopping Navya from following her dreams? She wants to be independent and make her daughter proud. Why are you holding her back?" Manik asked.

Nandini turned around, looking at him in confusion.

"What do you mean, Manik? I'm not stopping her," she replied.

"But you are, Nandini. She wants to do something for herself, just like you did. Don't you trust her?" Manik gently pushed.

Nandini sighed, realizing her mistake. "It's not that, Manik. I just don't want her to struggle in Tennessee with Radhika."

"You know Navya will never let Radhika struggle, right? And do you really not trust her capabilities?" Manik asked, his voice soft but firm.

Nandini stayed silent for a moment, then said, "It's not that I don't trust her. I just want to make sure she doesn't face difficulties."

"And she wants to face those challenges herself, Nandini. You did the same thing. You built your career from scratch without anyone's help, and now you're proud of it. Let's let Navya do the same. If she falls, we'll be there for her. Please, for me."

Nandini took a deep breath and finally nodded. "Okay, fine. But she has to promise to come to us whenever she needs help."

"Done. You're the best," Manik said, smiling.

They walked out together, and as they did, Navya hugged Nandini tightly.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she exclaimed.

Nandini smiled and hugged her back. "Shh, just don't hesitate to ask for help, okay?"

Navya nodded with a grin. "Okay!"