The flight had been long, but the moment they landed in Greece, the excitement in the air was palpable. Both the Murthys and the Malhotras were well-known in the international business world, and of course, The Fab5 were celebrities in their own right. As they stepped out into the busy airport, there were whispers among the crowd as people recognized them. But the focus of everyone's attention was still the same—Manik and Nandini.

They exited the private section and were waiting for their cars to arrive. The anticipation of the surprise venue made everyone eager, but for Nandini, it was torture not knowing where they were headed. She stood next to Manik, her excitement bubbling under the surface. She leaned towards him, her voice soft but persistent.

"Nandini," Manik said, hearing her tone, he looked down at her, bending a little so he could catch her words.

"Hmm?"

Nandini said, "Now that we're here, you can tell me where the venue is, can't you?"

Manik chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He continued scrolling through his phone, ignoring her.

Nandini, slightly exasperated, continued to watch him intently, waiting for him to break. Seeing that he wasn't paying attention, she nudged him gently with her elbow and snatched the phone from his hands.

"Manik!" she whined dramatically.

Manik said, "Nandini!" He groaned, amused but stubborn.

Nandini said, "Come on, tell me! Please!"

Manik said, "Nandini, just a little more. You'll love it, I promise."

Nandini's patience was thinning. "Of course I'll love it, but tell me now! Anyway, I'll know in a little while, so why wait?"

Manik grinned, knowing he had her cornered. "Exactly, so just wait!"

Nandini sighed in mock defeat and muttered a "Fine" before turning to join Naira, Aliya, and Mukti. The girls had been bonding more over the past few days, and Nandini was happy to see them all getting along.

Manik watched her walk away with a smile, but his thoughts were still on the surprise he had planned for her. He turned to Aliya, who had been watching them with a knowing look.

Aliya said, "Nandini when we reach the venue today, will you teach me how to make that chocolate shake? I loved it when I had it last time."

Nandini smiled brightly, glad to talk about something she loved. "Of course! I'll show you how to make it."

Soon, the cars arrived, and everyone piled in. As they drove towards the venue, Nandini stayed engrossed in conversation with Naira, her excitement growing with each passing minute. Manik, however, kept stealing glances at her, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Manik signaled to Naira to grab Nandini's attention, and she did so effortlessly.

Nandini glanced at him and said, "Stop it, Manik. What's going on?"

Manik said, "Are you angry?"

Nandini quickly replied, "NO."

Manik said, "Sure? Even if you are, please don't be. I want you to enjoy the surprise I have for you, and if you stay off like this, I won't be happy."

Nandini smiled, her heart warming at his words. "I'm not angry, Manik."

Manik said, "Yeah, but you don't look happy either."

Nandini moved closer to him and hugged him sideways, resting her head on his shoulder. "I am, and I love you."

Manik said, "Better!"

He kissed the top of her head, his heart full. It was moments like this that reminded him how lucky he was to have her by his side.

Naira, who had been watching the sweet exchange, teased, "Thank God it's just me and Kartik in this car, right?"

Nandini playfully snapped, "SHUT UP."

The car ride was filled with laughter and joy, and as they neared their destination, the driver informed them they had arrived. Everyone got out of their respective cars, and Nandini couldn't help but be mesmerized by the venue. The stunning views, the lush greenery, and the picturesque surroundings left everyone in awe.

The women, especially, were enchanted by the venue. Swarna, however, couldn't resist making a comment.

Swarna said, "Why so much expense? This could have been done at home, but what can you expect from today's generation?"

Before she could continue, Raman and Abhimanyu shot her a glare. Manik, too, gave her a pointed look, silently asking her not to continue. He didn't want any negativity to ruin the moment. The way Nandini was soaking in the beauty of the place, the joy on her face—it was enough for him. He would do anything to make sure she stayed happy.

Swarna stayed quiet, sensing the tension in the air. Nandini, lost in the magic of the moment, didn't even notice the exchange. She was too busy taking in the beauty of Greece and thinking about the surprise Manik had for her.

Manik stood beside her, watching her smile, and for a brief moment, the world felt perfect. Nothing mattered more than seeing her this happy. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "You look beautiful, you know that?"

Nandini turned to him, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you," she whispered back, her heart fluttering.

As they walked towards the venue, hand in hand, the rest of the group followed. But for Manik and Nandini, the world had slowed down, and all that mattered was the quiet happiness they shared in that moment.