Prashant asked, "Alright, alright. Should I give you the address?"

Raj responded, "Yes, you'll have to. After all, we haven't come yet, have we?"

Prashant replied, "It's Max Colony. The bungalow may not be as big as yours, but it's comfortable. Once the alliance is confirmed, we can make our bungalow just like yours, right?"

Raj ignored the bungalow part, cut the phone, and replied curtly, "Max Colony. We'll come, okay?"

In the Malhotra house, everyone was relaxed, since nothing about the so-called preparations was real, and there were no actual rituals to worry about. The elders were casually chatting while Abhimanyu and Cabir played with Radhika. Meanwhile, Radhika and Navya were about to leave for Tennessee soon.

Manik and Nandini were on the terrace, sitting across from each other on the sofas, with a bunch of snacks in between them. It felt more like two best friends hanging out than a couple.

Nandini asked, "Manik, what about Mukti, Alya, and Dhruv? Are they not here in Bombay?"

Manik shrugged while munching on some chips. "Not yet, Nandini. They're still in Bangalore. It will take some time for them to settle here, but they'll come."

Nandini smiled, "Excited?"

Manik raised an eyebrow, still holding chips in his mouth. "Excited for what?"

Nandini playfully rolled her eyes, "Are you serious? Your Roka is today! You're not even excited?"

Manik looked at her with an incredulous expression, "You're kidding, right?"

"Yes, I'm serious!" she laughed.

Manik sighed dramatically, "Before getting excited over such a Roka, I'd rather die!"

"Stop with the nonsense, Manikkk!" Nandini scolded, rolling her eyes.

Manik quickly apologized, "Umm, sorry."

"Talking about dying like that is not something I like," Nandini said, her tone softening.

Manik nodded in acknowledgment. "Point noted. Now, smile."

Nandini gave him a playful look and smiled.

Manik placed his fingers on either side of her lips, stretching them into a smile. "There, that's better."

Nandini couldn't help but smile, amused by his antics. "Okay, now, can I eat these chips without you rushing me?"

Manik, not missing a beat, started eating as quickly as he could.

"Manik, slow down," Nandini said, laughing.

Manik didn't listen, finishing them in record time. "Okay, now, where were we?"

"Roka? Excitement?" Nandini teased.

Manik grinned, "I've already told Mom about it, and it won't even be a lie. I really do have work at the office for your restaurant's interiors. I need to make them perfect."

Nandini smiled fondly. "Aww, good. Well, it should be great work, Mr. Malhotra."

"Definitely," Manik responded with a smirk.

Nandini chuckled. "Okay, I'll go downstairs and help Navya with her packing."

Manik nodded. "Sure."

Nandini got up and started to walk towards the stairs. But before she could go, Manik shouted, his voice loud, "Nandiniii, send some chips up here!"

Nandini rolled her eyes, shaking her head in disbelief. She shouted back, matching his tone, "I'm not deaf! FINE!"

She muttered to herself, "Kid!"

Nandini went down to the kitchen first to prepare coffee for everyone. She asked the helper to take chips and coffee up to Manik and served them in trays. She then entered the living room.

Nyonika smiled at her. "Thank you, beta, we needed this."

Nandini smiled and handed it to everyone. She gave Radhika her chocolate shake.

"Thank you, Masii!" Radhika grinned.

Nandini smiled and kissed her on the cheek.

Raj noticed her and said, "Nandu, come sit with us. Have some too."

Nandini shook her head. "Papa, you guys enjoy it. I'll help Navya upstairs. We'll have it there."

Ishita added, "If you need any help, let us know. And tell Navya I've prepared pickles and other stuff. She should take some too."

"Okay," Nandini replied.

She took two cups of coffee and went upstairs to find Navya sitting on her bed, looking lost in thought with some clothes in her hand.

Nandini said softly, "Hey."

Navya startled but smiled, though her smile seemed a bit forced, which Nandini immediately noticed.

Without saying anything, Nandini handed her one cup and gestured for her to sit up.

The two of them sat in silence for a moment, sipping their coffee.

Nandini broke the silence, "Come on, out with it."

Navya hesitated for a second before responding, "Hmm?"

Nandini raised an eyebrow, "I know you better than you know yourself, Navya. So stop hiding it. What happened?"

Navya sighed and faced Nandini, "Nandini, please don't think I'm complaining. It's just that, until now, Radhika has always had everything she needed. You've been there for her. We've both tried, but... a mother is still a mother, right? You've taken that place for her. When she stayed with you, she never thought about these things. But now, you're getting married, and I'm happy for you. But she won't be able to get that attention from you anymore. And I don't want her to be neglected. She'll be wondering about her father. I don't want Harshad's shadow to fall on her life, so I've decided... I'm going to get married."

Nandini hugged her immediately. "I'm so happy for you, Navya," she said, holding her close. "I understand. Radhika is growing up, and she will start to wonder about her father. But one thing I want to tell you..."

Navya pulled away slightly, smiling at her. "What?"

Nandini smiled warmly. "You've been so strong for Radhika, but remember, you also deserve a partner. If Harshad is out of your life, you need to move on too. Find someone who will be there for you. Radhika will eventually have a father figure, and I'll always be there for both of you. This marriage doesn't change anything for me."

Navya smiled and nodded, feeling comforted by her words.

Nandini added, "Do think about it. But for now, focus on your packing. Do you need help?"

Navya shook her head. "No, I'm almost done."

Nandini grinned. "Cool. I'll pack Radhika's things then."

"Thank you," Navya said, grateful.

Nandini laughed, "Shut up."

Navya chuckled, nodding in agreement.

As Nandini left the room, she noticed Radhika playing with Manik and Cabir.

She couldn't help but feel a warmth in her heart when she saw Radhika with Manik. From the start, she liked the bond they shared. She had also considered the thought of them being a great team, but she let it go for the moment.