It was 7 a.m. when Nandini woke up, got ready, and made her way downstairs. She found Nyonika and Ishita already up.

"Good morning, Mom. Good morning, Ma," Nandini greeted with a bright smile.

"Good morning, dear," Nyonika responded warmly.

"Morning, Nandu! You're up already? We were about to wake everyone. It's almost time for the puja," Ishita remarked as she looked over at her.

"Yeah, Ma, I had a bit of a headache this morning. I woke up early and couldn't fall back asleep, so I thought I'd get ready. I can help you both out," Nandini replied.

Nyonika immediately showed concern. "Headache? What happened? Did you take any medicine?"

"Nahi li hogi," Ishita commented, noticing Nandini's usual reluctance. "She thinks a headache is just part of life. Come on, Nandu, drink your kaadha first. After that, you can do everything else."

"I'm really fine, Mom. Just a tiny bit of pain. It'll pass soon," Nandini assured them, trying to calm their worries.

Nyonika wasn't convinced. "No, beta, this is important. Never neglect your health. The rest can wait. Go and take your medicine now."

"Mom, you worry too much," Nandini said, rolling her eyes affectionately.

But Ishita, ignoring her protests, gently led Nandini to the kitchen. "Stop being stubborn. You're always taking care of everyone else but never yourself. Go wake up Manik now."

"Fine, Ma. I was just about to," Nandini sighed.

"Go, and hurry up. Don't let the kaadha sit there and get cold," Ishita called after her.

Nandini walked up to Manik's room. She opened the door to find her handsome, loving fiancé wrapped up in blankets, still fast asleep.

Smiling at the sight, Nandini walked over to the bed, switched off the A.C., and sat beside him. She gently ruffled his hair, knowing it was the only way to wake him without disturbing him too much.

"Manik, wake up. Morning," she whispered softly, her voice tender and warm.

Feeling her presence, Manik instinctively pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist in his sleep.

Nandini smiled, but she knew they couldn't afford to waste any more time. "Come on, Manik, get up. I still need to get ready. Dad's calling us downstairs for the puja. Please."

"Mmmm," Manik mumbled in response, barely opening his eyes.

"'Mmmm'?" Nandini nudged him playfully. "GET UP, MANIK. I need to go downstairs, or Ma will start yelling. We need to drink the kaadha!"

Manik groaned, still reluctant to leave the warmth of the bed. But eventually, he sat up, stretching and rubbing his eyes.

"Kaadha kisne peena hai?" he asked sleepily, confused.

"Mujhe," Nandini replied with a soft laugh, but the concern in her voice became evident when Manik's eyes widened at her response.

"What's wrong with you? Are you okay?" Manik asked, immediately checking her forehead for fever with his palm.

"Manik, really? Ahem, it's just a small headache. Nothing serious," Nandini reassured him, giving him a smile.

"A little headache? Are you sure?" Manik asked, not convinced.

"Yes, yes. Just get up now, okay? We don't have time," Nandini urged, standing up from the bed.

Manik, still half asleep, grabbed her wrist and pulled her back toward him. She landed softly against his chest, looking up at him with raised eyebrows.

"I loved today's morning though. Why can't this happen every day?" Manik murmured, his tone softer, his eyes full of affection.

Nandini smiled at him, her heart swelling with warmth. "Because, Mr. Malhotra, we need to go back to Murthy's as well."

Manik's expression softened as realization hit him. "Oh, I totally forgot about that. But no worries, we'll still meet often. And after the wedding, we'll be together most of the time, right?"

"Is that so? You want to go wherever I go after we're married?" Nandini teased, straightening herself up.

Manik, now fully awake, looked at her with a serious expression. "When did I say that? Of course not. Marriage doesn't mean you lose your independence or space. But I won't let you stay away from me for too long without a good reason. I want you to be the same Nandini, with no changes because you're the Nandini I love, and I want to love you for the rest of my life. And anyway, you're getting a good husband who respects your privacy. I don't expect anything more from you because you're already the best of the best."

Nandini was taken aback by his words. "How is it even possible to not love you?"

Manik's lips curled into a smile. "I don't want anyone else to love me now."

Nandini laughed and kissed his cheek, making him smile even more. "Okay, no more cuteness. Go have a bath, Manik."

"Okay, Ms. Bossy. You get ready too because after the puja, we need to leave for the office. Then, I want to take you to the orphanage, if you're okay with that. The kids will love you."

"Of course, Manik. Now go, I'll pick out your clothes for you," Nandini replied.

Manik kissed her forehead before getting up and heading to the washroom. Nandini went downstairs to the kitchen.

Ishita handed Nandini the kaadha. "Here, finish this. I'll go check if Nyonika needs help. We need to leave for Murthy Mansion tomorrow."

"Okay, Ma," Nandini replied, taking the cup.

Ishita left the kitchen, leaving Nandini alone. Nandini picked up the kaadha and took a sniff of it.

"Eww, what on earth is this even?" Nandini thought to herself. "There's no way I'm drinking this. But Ma... I'll keep it in the fridge for now. No harm in that, right?"

Suddenly, she heard a voice.

"NO WAY YOU'RE DOING THAT!"

Nandini turned around to see Manik standing in the doorway, his gaze fixed on the cup in her hand.

"What? I'm just drinking the kaadha," Nandini replied, trying to hide her reluctance.

"Aha, don't try to be oversmart. And don't even think about lying to me," Manik said, walking over and snatching the glass from her hand. "Drink it."

"Manik, listen, my stomach's going to revolt. You want that?" Nandini said, pleading.

"Don't play games with me, Nandini. Hold your nose and drink it. It's for your own good. No more arguing. Come on," he said, bringing the glass close to her lips.

"Manik, I love you. Please," Nandini said, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

"I love you too. Please, just drink it," Manik replied with equal affection.

Nandini realized there was no point in protesting further, so she took the glass and slowly started drinking it. As she did, she made the most ridiculous faces, trying to mask the bitterness.

Manik watched her, adoring every second of it. When she finished the glass, she placed it on the counter and looked at him.

"What?" she asked, noticing he was staring at her with an amused smile.

"You're such a kid. Who made you a doctor? You don't even care about your own health, how do you take care of others?" Manik teased her.

"I get the job done, Manik. And I'll take care of you too," Nandini responded with a wink.

"Was that a warning?" he asked, half-laughing.

"Maybe," Nandini replied before leaving, leaving Manik smiling behind her.

"I love the child in you," Manik murmured as he followed her into the hall.