Navya had arrived and, at first, was a bit worried due to Cabir's words. But after seeing everything unfold, she was relieved and eventually got on board with the plan. In the kitchen, Nyonika and Nandini were talking. Nyonika was amazed by Nandini's cooking skills.

"How did you manage to learn so much, Nandu? You do so much and still manage to cook?" Nyonika asked, genuinely curious.

Nandini smiled softly. "I enjoy cooking, so I learned. I even used to cook sometimes in the office cafeteria," she replied.

"Wow, there's so much I need to learn about you. Well, I think we're done here, let's go upstairs. They should be arriving soon," Nyonika said, getting up to leave.

Nandini nodded and was about to head upstairs when Manik suddenly blocked her path in the corridor.

"Hey," Manik said, trying to get her attention.

Nandini simply nodded, not looking up.

"What's going on, Nandini?" Manik asked, concerned.

"Nothing. What's going to happen?" Nandini replied, her voice carrying a hint of frustration.

"Are you worried about me being close to Soha again?" Manik asked, trying to understand her feelings. "Look, I promise—"

"No, Manik, I trust you," Nandini interrupted, shaking her head. "It's just that... why can't things be simple for once? Why can't we have a normal wedding without all these complications? Everything today—it just doesn't feel safe. Why are we inviting all this trouble?"

Manik, understanding her worry, gently took her hand in his. "I understand, Nandini, but nothing in life is simple. You know that. We have to fight for what we want. We can't just sit back and accept everything they tell us. Do you want me to just marry Soha and end it all?"

"Of course not, Manik," Nandini replied quickly. "I know we have to do this, but I just need some time to process it all."

Manik smiled softly. "You've got all the time you need. Come here," he said, pulling her into a hug and resting his chin on her head. "You can't let yourself be weak, Nandini. I'm with you."

Nandini leaned into him, whispering, "I love you."

Manik kissed her head gently. "I love you too. Now, go upstairs and relax. I'm not even looking at Soha."

Nandini chuckled, feeling a little better, and left to go upstairs. Meanwhile, Manik went to his room. A few minutes later, he came down to find Cabir, Raj, and Nyonika already gathered at the dining table. Everything was ready; they were just waiting for the Vermas to arrive.

Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang.

"They've arrived," Cabir said, looking over at Raj. "Kaka, open the gate."

Kaka opened the door, and as soon as he did, Prashant Verma rushed forward, pulling him into a tight hug.

"Hello, Mr. Malhotra! How are you?" Prashant said enthusiastically.

"Ah, Namaskar, sir, the big boss is inside," Kaka replied, clearly a little flustered by the unexpected hug.

Prashant pulled back from the hug, his face turning slightly red with embarrassment. Everyone in the room tried not to burst into laughter.

Ignoring the awkward moment with Kaka, Prashant entered, followed by his wife and daughter. Mrs. Verma embraced Nyonika warmly, and they shared pleasantries. But then Nyonika's gaze shifted to the girl she assumed was Soha.

The girl was wearing a short, thigh-length red dress that was revealing. While Nyonika would never stop Nandini from wearing whatever she liked, this situation felt a bit awkward. The vibe Soha gave off was not one of a respectful, civilized person, and Nyonika couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Nyonika pulled Manik aside quietly. "Listen, I trust you, but I don't trust this girl. I can tell she's trying to get close to you. If you do anything that hurts Nandini, I won't let you get away with it. Understand?"

Manik sighed, looking at her seriously. "Mom, what do you mean? Do you really think I would give her any attention? I love Nandini. Don't worry, let's just go back."

When they returned to the hall, Soha immediately hugged Nyonika. "Hello, Sasu Mom," she said sweetly.

"Sasu Mom? Beta, let's see if the relationship even happens first," Nyonika replied with a smile.

Soha came out of the hug, grinning. "Oh, it will. Which guy would refuse me? Tell me, you must know."

Nyonika, speaking in a low voice, muttered, "Our son would never say yes. We won't let that happen."

Cabir overheard this and chuckled softly. Soha, however, was unfazed and greeted Manik. "Hello, Manik," she said, leaning in for a hug, but Manik stepped back and looked away, his face cold.

"Hey!" he said, trying to distance himself.

To defuse the tension, Cabir quickly stepped in. "Why don't you all come inside?" he suggested, guiding them away.

Prashant, in his usual overly sweet manner, said, "Our daughter won't give you any reason to complain, Mr. Malhotra. She'll turn your home into paradise."

Nyonika whispered to Cabir, "Paradise, huh? They'll all be sitting in hell soon enough."

Cabir smiled, shaking his head. "Calm down, Mom. Don't get too upset."

Raj, unable to keep quiet, added, "We can't say much. Manik didn't even get a chance to think things through."

Prashant, not understanding the situation, said, "What will you think about, son-in-law? The relationship was broken off, right? Look, Soha will make sure you're happy. She won't let you feel any lack. She'll take care of your needs, give your house a future, and what more could you want?"

Manik's temper was rising with every word. He could feel his patience running thin as Prashant made more and more presumptuous claims about Manik's future with Soha. He knew if he stayed in this room for one more second, he would lose his composure.

Quickly, Manik messaged Nandini: "Come near the corridor washroom."

"Now? Everyone will be there," she replied.

"No one will be there, Nandini. Please come, I can't handle this anymore."

"Okay, I'm coming."

Manik, trying to stay calm, stood up. "Excuse me, I'm going to the washroom for a minute."

Nyonika, sensing the reason, nodded. "Go ahead, beta."

Prashant gestured to Soha, who smiled and said, "Let me accompany you, Manik. I can guide you, and we'll get to know each other better."

Manik, his patience running out, responded coldly, "No, thank you. This is my house. I don't need guidance." He gave Soha a fake smile before walking away.

Soha, feeling humiliated, stood there, watching him leave. She couldn't understand why Manik wasn't even looking at her. She believed she had the looks that boys would die for, and yet, this guy seemed completely uninterested. If only she knew that Manik had already given his heart to someone else—someone who truly mattered to him.