Nandini woke up early, feeling excited about spending the day with Abhimanyu. She quietly prepared a cappuccino, just like old times, and walked into his room to find him already up, getting ready.

Abhimanyu noticed her and smiled. "What a pleasant surprise, Nandu. You're up so early?"

Nandini gave him a playful smile in return. "Bhai, seriously, you need to get some manners. A simple 'good morning' is all it takes, just so you know."

Abhimanyu chuckled. "I know, I know. I've been saying that to you for years now."

He approached her, slipped his watch on, and casually wrapped his arms around her neck.

"Whoa, careful! Coffee's in my hands!" Nandini warned him, shifting her cup slightly.

Abhimanyu looked at the coffee and then back at Nandini, his eyes twinkling with appreciation. "Hmm, nice, nice. I'm impressed," he said as he plopped onto the bed, holding the coffee cup in one hand.

"But Nandu, don't do this too often. You're spoiling me," he added with a playful grin.

Nandini raised an eyebrow, curious. "Why? What's wrong?"

Abhimanyu paused for a moment, his expression turning more serious as he looked at her. He hesitated before continuing. "I've gotten so used to it, Nandu. And now, when you're going away in a few days... I don't know what I'll do without these little things."

Nandini softened, placing the coffee on the table before sitting down beside him and pulling him into a sideways hug. "Bhai, it's just for a little while. I'm not going anywhere far. I'm right here, okay?"

Abhimanyu sighed in relief and kissed her forehead, his usual smile returning. "Thank God for that."

"Now, have your coffee. It's getting cold," Nandini teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Abhimanyu smiled gratefully. "Oh yes, thanks a lot, Nandu."

"No need for thanks, Bhai," she replied, getting up. "I'm heading down now. Come downstairs when you're ready. I've planned everything for today: breakfast at Mom's kitchen, then shopping, lunch, a movie, and then a walk at Marine Drive. All set?"

Abhimanyu's eyes lit up. "Sounds perfect! But what about ice cream? Can we do that too?"

Nandini chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Of course, Bhai. How could I forget?"

"Perfect. You go on, I'll join you in a minute," Abhimanyu said, his tone light as he watched her head for the door.

After their light-hearted exchange, Nandini made her way downstairs.

"Good morning, Mamma, Papa," she greeted as she walked into the living room.

Raman looked up from his newspaper and smiled. "You're up early, princess. Good morning," he said, pulling her into a warm side hug.

Ishita, who was making tea in the kitchen, glanced over. "Of course she's up early—siblings' day today, right?"

Nandini nodded enthusiastically. "Yep, it's our day!"

Ishita smiled. "Breakfast, then?"

Abhimanyu entered the room just then. "Bahar hi, Mamma. Good morning," he said, flashing his usual mischievous grin.

Raman, pretending to be sad, sighed dramatically. "So, I won't get to spend time with my princess even on Sunday?"

Nandini immediately felt a twinge of guilt but Abhimanyu was quick to jump in, trying to lighten the mood. "Aye Aye Nandu, no need to listen to him! He's just emotionally blackmailing you. Dare you change the plans, I'll have to deal with you myself."

Raman feigned offense, "That's really mean of you, Mr. Murthy, but I have no intentions of being a hurdle here. Go, enjoy yourselves. I was just kidding."

Nandini smiled at her father's playful tone, grateful for their understanding.

"We'll be back later, Papa!" Nandini waved as she and Abhimanyu left for their day out.

Scene: Malhotra Mansion

Meanwhile, Manik woke up and, as usual, reached for his phone to text Nandini. But as he remembered that she was out with Abhimanyu, he decided not to disturb them.

"Let's start the day without hearing your voice, Miss Murthy," Manik muttered to himself as he ruffled his hair.

Though he did feel that the morning was incomplete without talking to her, he understood that Nandini needed her time with her brother.

Getting ready, he joined his family at the breakfast table.

"Good morning, Manik," Nyonika greeted him, smiling warmly.

"Morning, Mom. Morning, everyone!" Manik replied, settling into his seat.

Dhruv, ever cheerful, added, "Good morning, buddy."

Cabir, grinning, teased, "Good morning? Have you looked at his face, Dhruv? Doesn't look like a 'good' morning to me."

Everyone burst into laughter, with Manik rolling his eyes. "Chup kar," he muttered, slapping Cabir on the back of his head.

Mukti couldn't resist either. "He's right though, look at his face. Manik, you're as grumpy as ever!"

Cabir mockingly imitated Manik's deep voice, "Morning, Mom, morning, everyone."

Manik, trying to hide his embarrassment, couldn't help but laugh at his friends' antics.

Alya, noticing the mood change, suggested, "How about a FAB 5 day out today? We haven't hung out together in ages!"

Cabir immediately agreed. "I'm in."

Mukti nodded, "Me too."

Even Dhruv chimed in, saying, "I'm up for it."

Manik smiled, realizing that this would be a good distraction for him. "Alright, I'm in too."

The day flew by with Nandini enjoying her time with Abhimanyu and Manik hanging out with FAB 5. The time apart helped both of them appreciate the moments they spent with their loved ones, making their bond even stronger.

As the night came to an end, both groups headed home. It was past midnight when Nandini and Abhimanyu returned to the Murthy Mansion, while Manik and the rest of FAB 5 reached Malhotra Mansion.

Manik, though busy with his friends, couldn't stop thinking about Nandini. After helping the girls to their rooms, he finally made his way to bed.

Staring at his phone, he debated whether or not to call her. "Would she be up yet? What if she's sleeping and gets disturbed?" he thought.

Nandini, on the other hand, was thinking the same thing. Battling with her own thoughts, she finally decided to text him.

"You up?"

Just as Manik saw her message, he called her immediately. Nandini, who had just noticed his message, laughed when her phone rang.

Shaking her head in disbelief, she picked up. "Hey," they both greeted at the same time, breaking into laughter.

After composing themselves, Manik asked, "How was your day? Enjoyed?"

Nandini's smile was evident in her voice. "I did. It felt so good being with Bhai after such a long time."

Manik's heart warmed at her words. "I know. You both really needed that."

"What did you do today?" Nandini asked, curious.

"Missed you," Manik replied without hesitation.

Nandini smiled softly. "I know that. I missed you too. Anything else?"

Manik chuckled. "Apart from that, I realized that I've gotten so used to you now. It feels strange without you around."

Nandini felt a flutter in her chest. "Okay, I like you saying all these cute things, but seriously, Manik, stop trying to be so sweet, it's making me melt."

Manik laughed, clearly enjoying the moment. "Okay, okay, truth be told, we went out as FAB 5 and then ended up at the club."

"Clubbing? You're talking to me being drunk?" Nandini asked, her tone a little teasing.

"Ha? Do I seem drunk?" Manik asked, slightly confused.

"No, that's why I'm asking," Nandini replied.

"I drink rarely, Nandini. Very rarely," Manik reassured her.

"I'm glad to hear that," Nandini said, her voice softening.

"And why's that?" Manik asked playfully.

"Because I'm a doctor, and I know it's not good for anyone's health," she replied seriously.

Manik chuckled again. "Yeah, yeah, the same doctor who thinks a 'severe headache' is no big deal, right?"

"Stop taunting me about that," Nandini retorted.

Manik laughed wholeheartedly. "Why are you chuckling so much today?"

"Because your questions and your words are making me smile. It's all too cute," Manik said, his voice full of affection.

Nandini smiled, her heart full. "Okay, okay. Go to sleep now. Good night, Manik."

"Good night, Nandini. I love you," Manik whispered, his voice full of warmth.

Nandini smiled, her heart racing. "I love you too."

With their conversation coming to a peaceful end, they both fell asleep, their hearts content and full of love.

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