Ishita and Nyonika were deep in conversation when Ishita suggested, "Let's call the pandit today."

Nyonika eagerly agreed, "Yes, absolutely. Once we get the wedding dates, we can arrange for the roka and engagement for the kids."

"Perfect, I'll call him right away," Ishita responded.

Everyone gathered in the hall with Panditji, who was busy examining the kundlis. The room was filled with anticipation as the pandit carefully examined the charts.

Panditji looked up with a smile, "These two are destined to be together. The compatibility in their kundlis is flawless. There's no need for a specific date — as soon as you unite them, it will be an auspicious day."

Cabir chuckled, "So, Panditji, did you come here just to tell us that? We already figured it out. They're obviously made for each other."

Everyone laughed, while Nandini and Manik blushed, their hearts swelling with unspoken emotions. They both knew they were meant to be, and they were ready for the next step together.

Panditji continued, "The roka can be held in seven days, and the engagement in ten. As for the wedding, we have a perfect muhurat in six months. While a date four months away would be fine, any delay will bring some complications."

Nyonika raised an eyebrow, "Is six months too long?"

Panditji smiled, "Yes, it's a little late, but this is the kind of day that is fated. Even if challenges arise, they'll overcome them. This is the same time when Shiv and Parvati were united. It's the most auspicious moment."

Ishita nodded, "If the muhurat is so perfect, a little delay doesn't matter. Let's go ahead with the roka and engagement and make it official."

Manik and Nandini were content with the dates. It didn't matter to them if it was a little further away — what mattered was that they would be together, and that was all they needed to be happy.

Evening:

Everyone sat in the garden, sipping tea. The elders were preparing to leave for Bangalore quietly, making sure not to let their plans leak to the media, at least not until Manik and Nandini had officially announced their relationship.

The group said their goodbyes, and the elders flew to Bangalore, with plans to return in a few days.

In the hall, the younger group was in full swing, chatting about everything under the sun. Cabir and Radhika were playfully teasing each other, while Navya was getting ready for her move to Tennessee after Manik and Nandini's roka and engagement.

The conversation was lighthearted when suddenly, Cabir's phone rang.

"Hello?" Cabir answered, excusing himself from the group.

Manik, noticing the situation, smiled at Nandini before following Cabir.

"Hello?" Cabir said again.

"Bhai!" Mukti's voice came through, a little frantic.

"Where are you guys? Manik's phone is switched off, and you haven't been picking up any of our calls. What's going on?"

Aliya joined in, "Seriously, it's been almost three weeks! Where's Manik? He isn't even replying to my texts!"

"Calm down, let him speak," Dhruv interjected.

Cabir sighed, "Guys, we're in Dehradun for a family wedding. Now, we're in Mumbai."

Mukti's voice raised in confusion, "A family wedding we don't know about? Where's Manik? Put him on speaker."

"Hey, guys," Manik's voice finally broke through.

Aliya's voice was sharp, "Manik, where are you? What's going on with you?"

Manik sighed, "I haven't been using my phone much, Aliya. I've been quite busy."

"Busy? You haven't even answered us!" Dhruv said, his frustration clear.

"Guys, relax," Manik tried to calm them down. "We have a lot to explain."

Aliya didn't hold back, "Well, I've been selected for the fashion gala event in seven days, and you guys better be here before that!"

"Congratulations, Aliya," Manik said, "But listen, I don't think I'll make it for that. We need to talk to you all."

Cabir added, "Yeah, guys, Bhai's getting married!"

The line went silent before a chorus of shocked voices rang out, "WHAT?!"

Mukti's voice was incredulous, "Are you joking? This is not funny, okay?"

Aliya, too, was in disbelief, "Yeah, how could Manik get married without telling us?"

Manik groaned, "I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you all."

Mukti's voice was sharp now, "Forgot us? Why can't you come back to Bangalore? Manik, come back."

Cabir stepped in, "Guys, we're actually shifting to Mumbai permanently. The Murthys live here, after all."

Aliya was clearly confused, "How does that concern the Murthys? We know they are based in Mumbai."

Cabir continued, "The Murthys and we are family friends. Actually, we're more than that. We were here for their younger daughter's wedding. Now, Bhai's marriage is fixed with their elder daughter, Nandini Murthy. Since she's based here, with her profession and family, we've decided to settle here in Mumbai."

Mukti paused, processing the information, before responding, "Whoa. Okay, I would've been upset, but... if it's Nandini Murthy, I'm beyond happy. She's my role model. I want to be a doctor, and she's someone I look up to. Not just as a doctor, but as a businesswoman and charity founder. I'm so happy. Congratulations, Manik!"

Manik smiled, "Thanks, Mukti. I'm glad you're happy. Dhruv?"

Dhruv chuckled, "I'm good, Manik. If you're happy, that's all that matters. Just let us meet her soon."

"Of course," Manik said with a grin. "My parents are in Bangalore, but they'll be back in three days. Let's all meet together."

Mukti laughed, "Okay, cool. I can't wait to meet her!"

Cabir turned to Aliya, "What about you, Aliya? You happy?"

Mukti teased, "Why wouldn't she be? She's a Nandini fan too, so of course, she's happy!"

Aliya gave a small nod, "Yeah... congratulations. I have work to do, though."

Mukti smiled, "Alright, come soon! We need to go shopping. Bye, Cabir, Manik. See you!"

Manik and Cabir exchanged their farewells and ended the call.

Manik looked at Cabir, "I don't think Aliya's all that happy."

Cabir shrugged, "Maybe. After all, she liked you, Bhai. It's not that easy."

Manik nodded, "Yeah... but I need to tell Nandini about this before she finds out from someone else."

Cabir raised an eyebrow, "You should, Bhai. Let's go."

They walked back to the hall, where Cabir announced, "It was our friends, Fab 3. They're coming to Mumbai."

Everyone nodded, still processing the news.

Manik looked around, "Where's Nandini?"

Navya replied, "She's in the kitchen."

Manik smiled and walked toward the kitchen.

He saw Nandini cooking noodles, and without saying a word, he hopped onto the kitchen counter, drawing her attention.

Nandini smiled when she saw him, "Done?"

Manik grinned, "What?"

Nandini raised an eyebrow, "Call?"

Manik nodded, "Oh yes, it was Fab 3, our friends."

Nandini chuckled, "The Fab 5, you mean?"

"Yeah... umm, Nandini, I need to tell you something."

"Say it, then."

Manik gently held her hands, "Aliya Saxena, she's part of Fab 5. She proposed to me four months ago, but I turned her down because I didn't feel the same. We stayed friends, but today, when I mentioned my engagement to them, she seemed offended. I don't know if she'll cause trouble, but she admires your profession, and Mukti loves you. Dhruv is happy, but Aliya... I'm not sure. Just trust me and be cautious. She might act rudely, but I know you."

Nandini softly touched his cheek, "Shh... calm down. I'll handle it, okay? Don't worry."

Manik smiled, feeling a weight lift off his chest. He hugged her tightly, "You're the best. I love you."

Nandini chuckled, "I love you too. Now, can I cook?"

"Yeah," Manik replied with a grin. "I'll help."

Nandini raised an eyebrow, "Help? Okay..." she chuckled, amused.

Together, they cooked noodles and shared a cozy dinner in the hall. Later, they all sat down for a movie night, laughing and chatting. None of them realized when they drifted off to sleep, lost in the comfort of each other's presence.