The day after the roka passed quickly. The dresses and all the arrangements had been taken care of, and everything was falling into place. Today, Nandini and Manik were supposed to go ring shopping. Nandini had already gotten ready, but something was off about her. Since the day they'd announced their engagement, she had been distant. Manik hadn't seen her much, and whenever anyone called her, she either didn't pick up or quickly ended the conversation, saying she was busy.

Nandini was sitting at the dining table with Abhimanyu when Manik entered the house. After greeting everyone, he and Nandini left for their trip to the jewelry store.

Nandini sat in the passenger seat, the silence between them thick and heavy. Manik, sensing her unease, coughed a few times, trying to get her attention.

He coughed louder, and Nandini turned toward him with a raised brow.

Nandini: "Pani? Need water?"

Manik shook his head, still coughing a little. "Na na, I'm fine."

Nandini glanced at him curiously. "Kuch kehna hai?"

Manik turned his head to look at her, his gaze intense. "Hmm... but you need to tell me, what's bothering you, Nandini?"

Nandini looked away, looking out of the window, her fingers playing with the hem of her dress. "What's bothering me? I'm fine," she replied, her voice quieter than usual.

Manik, unconvinced, pressed, "Nandini, please try again. You're not good at lying, especially not to me."

"Nandini..." he repeated softly.

She sighed and turned to face him, her eyes clouded with uncertainty. "Manik, when we announced our engagement, various articles came up. You know how I don't usually get affected by them, but there was one article that caught my attention..."

Manik raised an eyebrow. "What article?"

Nandini: "It was an interview of yours, from four months ago. You said you weren't ready for marriage so soon... and then, I started wondering. Are you sure about us? About this whole thing?"

Manik's eyes narrowed, as he processed her words. "Space? You were giving me space?" He looked at her, disbelief in his voice.

Nandini, flustered, turned to look out of the window again. "I was just giving you time, Manik. That's all."

Manik slowed the car down and parked in a quiet, secluded area. He turned to face her, taking her hands in his gently.

"You know you can tell me anything, right?" he asked, his voice soft yet firm.

Nandini exhaled slowly. "I'm sorry. It just... I thought maybe I was rushing you. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Manik shook his head, his expression serious now. "Nandini, I don't want space. I don't need space. All I want is you. Just us. Do you understand?"

The sincerity in his voice left Nandini taken aback. Her eyes softened, and she quickly threw herself into his arms. Manik wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her tightly and kissing her forehead.

"I'm sorry, Manik. I shouldn't have doubted you," Nandini whispered into his chest.

Manik smiled gently, his chin resting on the top of her head. "Four months ago, I didn't meet you, did I? That was my bad luck."

She chuckled softly.

"I love you," Manik said quietly, his voice full of warmth.

Nandini pulled away slightly to look at him, a playful glint in her eyes. "I love you more."

Manik grinned, his hands resting on her waist. "No, I love you more."

"Whatever..." Nandini teased with a wink. "Let's go, huh?"

Manik laughed and started the car again. "Hmm hmmm."

They soon arrived at Renaissance Diamonds, a luxurious jewelry store where Manik had personal ties. They were escorted to a private room where they could select the rings without disturbance. As they walked in, they noticed another couple, Mr. and Mrs. Verma, who were also there to look at jewelry. The Verma family wasn't as famous as the Murthys or Malhotras, but they were friends with the owner of the store, which is why they were in the same section.

Manik greeted the owner, who was warm and congratulatory.

"Congratulations, Manik, Ms. Murthy," the owner said, shaking their hands.

Nandini smiled at him. "Thank you."

They sat down together, ready to begin their ring selection. But, despite being shown several beautiful rings, neither Manik nor Nandini seemed interested in any of them.

Manik spoke up. "We'd like something simple but still attractive. These rings... they're too delicate. We need something we can wear every day."

Nandini nodded in agreement. "Yes, exactly. We need something that's strong enough for daily wear."

The manager smiled and nodded. "In that case, we have a special pair of rings, one of a kind. There's no other pair like it in the world. If you want something unique, this is the best option."

As soon as the manager showed them the rings, both Manik and Nandini were immediately drawn to them.

Nandini's eyes lit up. "I love these. Manik, done!"

Manik smiled and side-hugged her. "Okay, done then."

The staff, as well as Mrs. Verma, who had been watching them from the corner of the room, smiled at the couple. Manik placed an order for the rings, paying for them, but Nandini wasn't having any of it.

Manik turned to the staff. "Please pack these rings for us. The payment is on me."

Nandini immediately objected. "Why on earth would that happen?"

Manik raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Nandini crossed her arms with a slight smile. "You pay for mine, and I'll pay for yours. Deal?"

Manik chuckled, shaking his head. "Fine. Okay, deal."

They were about to leave the private section when Mr. and Mrs. Verma approached them.

Mrs. Verma, a cheerful woman, smiled at Nandini. "You guys are so sweet together. I'm Mrs. Verma, from Verma Industries."

Nandini smiled politely. "Hello, thank you."

Mrs. Verma then turned to Manik. "We'd love to work with the Murthys and Malhotras sometime. It would be an honor."

Nandini, who was engaging in the conversation, continued talking to Mrs. Verma, but Manik was less interested. He wasn't the type to mingle easily with strangers.

Mr. Verma turned to Manik. "Mr. Malhotra, ours is a small business, but we would love to collaborate with you someday."

Manik didn't smile, his expression neutral. "If it's meant to be, it will happen, Mr. Verma. Nandini, let's go."

Manik held out his hand to Nandini, who took it, nodding at the Vermas. "Nice meeting you," she said.

Mrs. Verma surprised Nandini by pulling her into a hug. Nandini was taken aback, but she returned the hug out of politeness. As she tried to pull away, she noticed Manik's grip on her hand had tightened, and she didn't want to make a scene. After the hug, they quickly left the store.

As they stepped out, the media quickly surrounded them, cameras flashing. Despite their exhaustion, they posed for the paparazzi, smiling through the ordeal.

On the drive home, Manik seemed lost in thought. Nandini noticed he was distracted and placed her hand gently on his, which was gripping the steering wheel tightly.

Nandini: "Aapko kya hua?"

Manik hesitated, then sighed. "I don't know. I just... Nandini, don't talk to strangers like that. It's not safe. We don't even know those Saxena—sorry, Vermas. I just didn't get a good feeling about them."

Nandini understood his concern now. She squeezed his hand, trying to reassure him. "Manik, she was just warm. How could I ignore that? It's okay."

But Manik was still uneasy. "No, it's not just about warmth. I don't know... Promise me, you'll be careful?"

Nandini nodded, her expression softening. "I promise, I'll be careful, okay? Calm down. Be happy."

Manik finally seemed to relax a little. He nodded, and Nandini leaned her head on his shoulder as he drove.

Nandini: "I love you."

Manik smiled, glancing down at her. He kissed her forehead gently, his eyes still focused on the road.

"I love you too," he whispered.

They soon arrived home, and the Malhotras were delighted with the rings. They were unique and beautiful—just like the couple.

Later that night, Manik and Nandini talked on the phone, and everything seemed to be going smoothly. Aliya was doing okay, still adjusting to the changes, but happy for Manik as a friend. It wasn't easy for her, but she was trying to accept it all.

And so, their journey continued—full of love, laughter, and new beginnings.