It's all about just Manik and Nandini in today's update and cause we are back to track, just happiness ahead, HAPPY READING!

Manik was sitting on the sofa in the balcony, wrapped in a cozy blanket, gazing at the starry sky above. The cool breeze of the evening gently caressed his face as he waited for Nandini. He had been feeling lighter after everything that had happened today, and the night was the perfect time to reflect. As Nandini finally joined him, he patted the spot next to him, silently inviting her to sit.

"Come here," he said softly, his voice carrying a warmth that seemed to melt the cold air around them.

Nandini smiled and joined him, pulling the blanket around them both. The warmth of the blanket felt like a safe cocoon, one where the outside world didn't matter. As she settled in, she looked up at the sky, her thoughts drifting with the stars.

"It's getting so cold these days, isn't it?" she remarked, her voice soft as she hugged the blanket tighter around her. "Winters are already here."

Manik looked at her, noticing the way she shivered slightly in the cool night air. "I know, right?" he responded, concern lacing his words. "The chill in the air is a little harsh... You feeling cold?" His gaze lingered on her, checking if she was okay. "Want me to grab another blanket for you?"

She shook her head softly, her eyes meeting his. "No, you stay here with me. I'll be fine."

Manik's eyes softened at her response. Her words made him feel a warmth that not even the cold could touch. He smiled, feeling more at peace than he had all evening.

"You know," Manik began, breaking the comfortable silence, "I'm feeling kind of relieved today. Not that I wasn't supporting your plan, but I won't lie, I was scared. I mean, if the wedding had actually happened, what would have happened to us, Nandini?" He stared at the stars, his thoughts reflecting in his eyes.

Nandini watched him for a moment, her heart swelling at his vulnerability. "I can understand, Manik," she said gently, turning towards him. "But nothing happened. Don't overthink it. And even if it did, do you really think I would leave you for her happily ever after?"

Manik let out a soft laugh. "Happily ever after with her? LOL," he teased, nudging her playfully.

Nandini laughed too, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know what?"

Manik raised an eyebrow, looking at her curiously. "What?"

Nandini smirked, leaning in slightly. "I think I'm rubbing off on you."

Manik smiled, his heart swelling with affection for her. "I'm glad if that's happening," he said, a teasing glint in his eyes.

She looked at him, her smile never fading. "That was cute, but really," she continued, leaning back into the blankets. "Let that overthinking job be on me. It suits me."

Manik's expression softened as he looked at her, his heart full. He reached out to touch her hand, squeezing it gently. "We'll share everything, Nandini. After marriage, there's nothing we won't share, even our thoughts."

Her smile grew, a small but knowing curve of her lips. She was already falling for him in ways she didn't think were possible.

"Accha, Manik," she said, her voice quieter now, "may I ask you something?"

Manik grinned, his eyes sparkling with affection. "You don't need to ask me, Nandini. You have every right to ask whatever you want from me."

She looked at him with a teasing glint in her eyes. "Ahem, and why is that so?"

Manik laughed softly. "Because you're officially and unofficially mine now."

Nandini chuckled, shaking her head. "Okay, then," she said, her tone turning serious. "You love stars, right? Why?"

Manik's gaze softened as he turned to face her fully, his attention fully on her now. "How do you know I love them?"

Nandini grinned. "Manik, whenever you're looking at the stars, the shine on your face never goes unnoticed."

He smiled, his eyes reflecting the stars above. "Is it?"

Nandini nodded enthusiastically. "Isn't it fantastic how these stars shine for the world when there's darkness all around? They teach me how to be selfless. In fact, you asked me earlier what led me to do what I do for others? These stars. I wanted to do something for people too. I can't literally shine for them, so I decided to do all that I can to see that smile on their faces."

Nandini listened to him with such intensity, her heart swelling with admiration for the man in front of her. "You're so different from what some people think you are, Manik."

He looked at her, surprised. "And what do those people think of me?"

Nandini smiled, her fingers gently brushing his. "People only see your business side, your sharp demeanor, and don't know the heart behind it. You're so much more than they realize."

He held her hand tighter, pulling her closer. "You're the only one who sees the real me, Nandini."

Moved by his words, Nandini closed the distance between them and hugged him sideways, her head resting on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her protectively, his heart racing at the closeness. "I'm lucky to have you, Manik."

Manik's heart skipped a beat. He pulled her closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'm the lucky one, Nandini. And don't think you're the only one who's been amazing in all this. You've been my strength too, and I'm so proud of you."

They shared a moment of silence, their hearts communicating without words. Then, without warning, Nandini leaned in and kissed him, her lips soft and tender against his. Manik froze for a split second, taken aback by her sudden boldness, but quickly melted into her touch, kissing her back with all the love he had for her. Nandini, not missing a beat, took the lead, her lips moving with a playful but passionate urgency. She bit his lower lip lightly, and he responded instantly, their kiss deepening with every passing second. It was a kiss full of love, full of longing, full of everything they had ever wanted.

When they finally parted, both were breathless, their hearts beating wildly. A shared smile bloomed on their faces, their eyes glowing with love.

Nandini hugged him again, her voice soft. "I love you."

Manik kissed her forehead, his voice sincere. "And I love you the most, Nandini."

Nandini smiled, her heart swelling with happiness. "Let's sleep now, Manik. We need to wake up early tomorrow."

Manik frowned playfully. "Soon? Why?"

Nandini chuckled. "You've forgotten already? We need to decide what to do next."

Manik sighed dramatically. "Oh, right. How could I forget? But listen to me carefully, Nandini."

She looked at him, puzzled. "What happened?"

Manik's expression turned serious. "The Sharmas and Soha will definitely try to harm you once they find out about the plan. You're not going anywhere alone for a while, okay?"

Nandini shook her head, unconvinced. "Manik, they can't harm me."

Manik held her gaze firmly. "I know they can't. Not while I'm here. But let's stay cautious. Take someone with you, or better yet, I'll be with you."

Nandini tried to protest, but he cut her off. "No arguments, Nandini. I can work from home, and if I need to go to the office, we'll go together. You're coming with me to choose designs, so there's no way around it."

She sighed in defeat. "Okay, fine. No arguments."

Manik smiled triumphantly. "Good."

Nandini smirked. "Now, let's go. We have a puja tomorrow too, Manik."

Manik raised an eyebrow. "Mamma seems to think these rituals will help avoid obstacles."

Nandini nodded, her tone serious. "Because they do, Manik. Rituals help us seek blessings and clear the path."

Manik shrugged. "I get it, Nandini. But obstacles are part of life. It's not that I don't believe in God, but everything that happens is also part of His plan. We fight through obstacles, and we come out stronger."

Nandini, though still a little skeptical, nodded. "I guess positivity does come from facing those challenges."

Manik leaned back, a playful grin spreading across his face. "We're never going to stop debating on this topic, so let's drop it."

Nandini playfully raised an eyebrow. "Dropped it, I'm going. So, no working late tonight, Manik," she teased, her eyes twinkling.

Manik, feigning defeat, responded with a grin, "As you say, good night."

She leaned in and kissed his cheek, making him smile again, his heart fluttering at the simple, sweet gesture. "Good night," she whispered.

Just as she reached the door, Manik called out, his voice tinged with a hint of mischief. "Wake me up in the morning, please."

Nandini glanced over her shoulder, a smirk forming on her lips. "Don't you have an alarm or something?"

Manik hesitated, clearly caught. "Well, I do, I mean, it's there, but... um... it's broken," he stammered, his attempt at sounding casual not fooling her one bit.

"Aha," she replied, her smirk widening. "You think I don't understand what you're trying to do, Malhotra?"

Manik, momentarily speechless, quickly recovered, his lips curling into a playful grin. "Arey, just wake me up, no drama now."

Nandini shook her head with a smile. "Fine, bye!" she said, blowing him a kiss as she walked out.

Manik chuckled to himself as he watched her leave. He sank into the bed, his body finally relaxing for the first time in a while. It was the first night in ages that he wasn't working late into the night, and as he closed his eyes, he realized how much he looked forward to the days when Nandini was right by his side.