Manik had already freshened up and was descending down the stairs when he saw everyone gathered in the hall. Nandini was still in the kitchen.

Manik walked over and joined his family.

Nyonika looked up and asked, "Ishita, where is Nandini?"

Ishita replied, "She's still in the kitchen, finishing up some last-minute dinner preparations. I'll go help her."

Navya, who was standing nearby, chimed in, "Aunty, you sit, I'll go help."

Ishita nodded, and Navya went to the kitchen to assist Nandini with the preparations. They finished up quickly and Nandini came out to inform everyone that dinner was ready.

Nyonika clapped her hands. "Alright, let me serve the food. Bhai-saab, Ishita, kids, please go to the table."

Everyone made their way to the dining table, but Manik remained standing. He glanced around and saw four empty chairs: one for Nyonika, one next to Cabir, and two at the other end. It wasn't hard to guess where Manik would sit, was it?

Cabir smirked, noticing Manik's hesitation. "Ha, I see what you're doing. Sitting over there on purpose, huh?"

Manik shot him a glare. "Shut up."

Nandini, Navya, and Nyonika entered the room together.

Navya was about to sit beside Manik when Cabir called out to her.

"Why do you have to be a third wheel here? Come sit here!" Cabir teased.

Navya raised an eyebrow, clearly understanding the playful situation. "Oh, what do we know? Maybe you should have told us where to sit."

Trying to avoid any more teasing, Nandini quickly sat beside Manik.

Dinner began, and the atmosphere was light with playful chatter. Manik turned to Cabir.

"By the way, you said you had something to tell me?" Manik asked, his curiosity piqued.

Cabir casually replied, "Yes, but not right now."

With that, he went back to eating.

Nandini, intrigued, leaned over and whispered to Manik. "What do you think he has to tell you?"

Manik shrugged. "How would I know? You're asking me like I'm a mind reader."

Nandini teased him softly, "You could at least tell me normally, Mr. Akdu."

Manik grinned, "You're Ms. Akduain then."

Nandini laughed quietly, shaking her head. "That's not even a word, Manik."

Manik smirked, "It is. You just didn't study enough. Duffer."

Nandini rolled her eyes. "Shut up and eat your food with your mouth closed."

Manik shot back, "You probably can eat with your mouth closed. We, on the other hand, have this special talent."

Nandini simply said, "Okay, enough. Shhh."

Manik smirked and whispered, "Fine, Shhh."

The two continued eating, exchanging smiles and playful glances.

Soon, everyone was done with dinner and they moved to the indoor garden to wait for Cabir to start the much-anticipated conversation.

Cabir stood in front of everyone, theatrically preparing to speak. "Alright, everyone, sit tight because I have some very good news. Brace yourselves, especially you, oldies, don't slip and fall."

Raj laughed. "Hey, oldies? Who are you calling old?"

Cabir responded with a smirk, "I'm talking about you, Dad."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Manik rolled his eyes. "Enough with the drama, just get to the point."

Cabir grinned. "Alright, the news is... we don't have to act anymore. The video is ready."

Everyone went silent, looking at Cabir with wide eyes.

Manik raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you're talking about the video? The one with the Vermas?"

Cabir nodded. "Yeah, that's the one."

Manik suddenly grabbed Cabir in a tight hug. "Finally, man! I was getting so tired of all this pretending. I mean, even the thought of marrying Soha was draining me."

Raj laughed. "This is the first time you've done something good, Cabir."

Raman joined in. "Yeah, actually, very good, Cabir."

Cabir smiled, a little proud. "Thanks, Uncle."

Nyonika, though still curious, asked, "But when did you make this video?"

Cabir answered, "Well, when we were at the doors, Prashant Uncle and Auntie went upstairs, and I used the washroom excuse. That's when I made the video."

Ishita, smiling at the cleverness, said, "Very good, beta. Now show the video."

Cabir played the video, showing how Kinjal and Prashant had been caught in the act of trying to pressure Nandini for the sake of their connection to the Malhotras. The video showed Kinjal reluctantly agreeing to give a set of jewelry in exchange for cooperation.

Cabir paused the video.

Nandini and Manik weren't as interested in the video and instead were lost in their own little world, stealing glances at each other. The whole family was around, but they still weren't used to showing affection in front of everyone.

Raj, sensing the need for a shift, spoke up. "Alright, good job, Cabir. Tomorrow we'll decide what to do."

Everyone agreed, and the group began to disperse, heading to their respective rooms. The only ones left were Nyonika and Nandini.

Nyonika turned to Nandini with a playful smile. "Nandini, please take Manik's milk to his room, dear."

She did it on purpose, knowing that after everything, her children needed some time alone.

Nandini smiled and nodded. "Good night, Mamma."

"Good night, beta," Nyonika responded warmly.

Nandini went to the kitchen, prepared the milk, and made her way upstairs to Manik's room. She knocked on the door, and when she heard him say, "Come in," she stepped inside to find him on the phone.

Manik flashed her a quick smile and showed her two fingers, signaling he'd be done in two minutes. Nandini nodded, waiting patiently.

While Manik was still on the phone, Nandini started tidying up his room. Clothes were scattered all over the study table, blankets were crumpled in a corner, and the closet was wide open. She began fixing the bed when suddenly, Manik wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"Hey," he whispered.

Nandini smiled and looked up at him. "Hey."

Manik gently pulled away and said, "You don't need to do all this, Nandini."

She smiled sweetly. "Well, I want to."

Manik raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? And why is that?"

Nandini looked at him fondly. "Because I love you, and I like doing these little things for you."

Manik's heart melted as he smiled, kissing her forehead. "You're amazing."

Nandini nodded toward the milk. "Manik, the milk is there. Drink it, and I'll be done with this in a minute."

Manik nodded and drank his milk, watching her as she continued with the chores.

He stood up and walked over to her. "Let me help you."

Nandini shook her head. "It's okay, Manik. I've got it."

Manik smirked. "You know, I'm a pretty hygienic person. So, I can help, you know."

Nandini raised an eyebrow at him. "Yeah, yeah. It's just today, I know."

Manik smiled sheepishly. "Okay, fine, but I'm serious. You don't need to do all this, Nandini. Let's go sit and talk."

Nandini smiled, seeing his concern. "I'll be there in a minute, I promise."

Manik sighed dramatically. "Okay, Baba, but hurry up."

He walked out to the balcony, waiting for Nandini to join him, leaving Nandini smiling as she finished tidying the room.