Nandini and Naira returned, both feeling exhausted. They saw Ishita, Raman, Raj, and Nyonika sitting in the garden. Naira went and sat between Raman and Ishita, while Nandini, lost in her thoughts about Naira, realized how much she would miss her. Naira had always been the most pampered child, and her absence would definitely be felt. Nyonika noticed Nandini's inner turmoil and understood her unspoken emotions.

Nyonika: "Nandini, dear, come here. Are you feeling unwell?"

Nandini: "No, aunty, just a slight headache."

Nyonika: "Come, let me give you a nice massage. I do it for Manik and Cabir, and it really helps."

Nandini sat with her head resting on Nyonika's lap. Nyonika had always wished for a daughter, but after Manik, she faced complications and they never planned for another child. Manik was aware of this. Nyonika had always shown love to Mukti and Alya, but she never felt that deep, motherly connection with them. However, with Nandini, it was different—she felt an instant bond, a protective love for her, and Nandini appreciated her company. After giving her a massage, Nyonika noticed Nandini had fallen asleep. Naira had already gone to her room, and Abhimanyu took Nandini upstairs. Everyone called it a night and went to bed. Nyonika shared her feelings with Ishita, and Ishita reassured her that Nandini was their daughter too, deserving of a mother's love.

Three hours later, at 3:00 a.m., Nandini woke up feeling hungry as she had missed dinner. She went downstairs to get some fried rice and went to the terrace, where she found Manik sitting with a cup of coffee, lost in his thoughts. Nandini joined him, but Manik didn't notice her at first.

Nandini: "Why didn't you tell me?"

Manik: "What?"

Nandini: "That you're Manik Malhotra? Why didn't you tell me you're Raj uncle's son?"

Manik: "Was it necessary? I thought it wasn't important, and I wanted to surprise you. Are you surprised?"

Nandini: "I am... for sure. So, what are you thinking?"

Manik: "I was thinking about you. Abhimanyu's comment earlier seemed to affect you."

Nandini: "I was, but we sorted it out."

Manik: "Good to hear!"

Nandini: "Thank you. By the way, how's the 'Live to Love' project going? How are the old age homes and orphanages doing?"

Manik: "They're doing well. I'm focusing more on them, actually. I was thinking about that just now. Wait, WHAT? How do you know I work with them?"

Nandini: "You underestimated me, Mr. Malhotra. I'm involved in these works too, so I have an idea about it."

Manik: "What all do you do? First restaurants, then hospitals, and now this. How do you manage?"

Nandini: "When you believe in yourself and give your all to your work, God helps you too. You do the same with your interior business, and even with everything else, you still manage to do it."

Manik: "Hmm."

Nandini: "So...?"

Manik: "So, what were you thinking when I came here?"

Nandini: "Manik... (after a pause) I don't know what I feel for you. But there's always been this connection. Maybe I like you. It's not love yet, but I'm definitely impressed. Don't expect an answer from me, just finish your fried rice."

Nandini: "Oh, I completely forgot about this, but Manik, the feeling is mutual. You're a good person. I don't know what to say." (She starts eating)

Manik chuckles.

Manik: "Such a kid!"

Nandini smiles and gets up to leave.

Nandini: "Manik, go to sleep. We need to go shopping tomorrow."

Manik: "Yup, good night!"

As Nandini turns to leave, Manik holds her wrist.

Nandini: "What?"

Manik: "So... what are we now?"

Nandini: "What are we?"

Manik: "Just business partners?"

Nandini smiles: "Good night, friend!"

And leaves.

Manik grins, ruffling his hair: "Friend?" and heads to his room.

**Next Morning:**

Nandini woke up early as usual, along with Ishita. They exchanged greetings, and Ishita, along with the butlers, started preparing breakfast. Ishita couldn't help but notice how happy Nandini seemed.

Nandini went upstairs to make her bed, and while everyone else—Nyonika, Raj, Manik, Cabir, Raman, Naira, and Abhimanyu—came down, Nyonika went to help Ishita, and Raj and Raman settled down to talk. Manik, Cabir, and Abhimanyu were chatting, while Naira was in the mandir preparing for the puja. That's when they heard the doorbell. The butlers opened the door to welcome Navya and her little daughter, Radhika.

Navya: "Nanduuu! Where are you?"

Nandini rushed down the stairs, looking stunning in a classy dress. She made Manik's jaw drop once again.

She ran down and hugged Navya tightly while Navya embraced her back.

Radhika: "Masi, I'm here too! Did you forget about me?"

Nandini: "Of course not, baby. How could I ever forget you?"

Manik couldn't help but admire his new friend, and Nandini was aware of his gaze but avoided it, as she knew she would start smiling if she looked at him.

Ishita: "Oh, you've forgotten all of us!"

Radhika: "Nani, no no no! I love you too!" and she hugged him. Radhika gestured for Naira to join them, and she did.

Radhika next hugged Abhimanyu and Raman, and Abhimanyu didn't protest, which made everyone happy, especially Nandini!

It was a joyful day indeed. Navya met everyone and was introduced to the Malhotras. Radhika was comfortable with Manik now, and they played games together, while Manik heard Nyonika asking about Radhika's father.

Nandini: "Aunty, Navya is a single mother. She was hurt by her boyfriend, but let's not talk about that. We don't need a father for Radhika. Navya and we are enough."

Navya: "Yes, Radhika doesn't even ask about Harshad anymore. Anyway, let's not dwell on that. There's more to talk about."

Radhika suddenly remembered something.

Radhika: "Masi, you forgot the promise?"

Nandini: "What promise, baby?"

Radhika: "You promised me a new room, remember?"

Nandini: "Oh yes, I did forget a little. Let's go show you your new room, and then we can get ready for shopping too, right, Mama?"

Ishita: "Yes, beta, okay."

Radhika: "No, you all have to come with me to see the room!"

How could anyone deny such a sweet child? Radhika held both Nandini and Manik's hands and started climbing the stairs. She almost tripped, but Manik and Nandini caught her together. Navya, who was a little anxious, relaxed once she saw them holding Radhika. They shared a brief eye lock.

Nandini: "Careful."

Manik: "Be careful, na."

An eye lock followed.

Radhika: "Wow! Same words!"

Nandini: "Alright, let's go!"

Radhika: "Yes, let's go!"

They reached a door with a ribbon across it.

Nandini: "You can cut the ribbon, Radhika."

Radhika: "Manik uncle, come here!"

They cut it together.

Radhika was overjoyed, running around the room, looking at the pictures of herself with each family member.

Manik was touched by the love Nandini had for Radhika. Radhika was mesmerized.

Nandini: "Do you not like it, Radhika?"

Radhika hugged her and screamed, "Masi, wow! Look at this room! Manik uncle, Mamma, Nanu, look! Wow, princess room!"

Nandini: "Yes, it's for our princess."

Radhika was ecstatic, running around the room in excitement.

Navya was moved to tears. She walked up to Nandini and said, "Nandu, how do I even thank you? You've given Radhika so much love, more than we could ever give her. You've done so much for us. Thank you for giving Radhika a family. Thank you."

Nandini hugged her: "Stop it, idiot. Radhika deserves everything."

Ishita: "Now you should thank us too."

Naira: "Or else, Radhika is pampered more than I am! And I'm not jealous—she's that special. Thank you, Nandini Di, for everything."

Nyonika and Raj both watched with pride as they saw how much Nandini was loved by everyone, especially Manik, who was proud of his new friend. Cabir, on the other hand, felt something different—he started developing feelings for Radhika in just these few hours, and for Navya too, but he tried to push these feelings aside for the time being.

Radhika was still playing when everyone went to get ready. Nandini said she would help Radhika get ready. She was helping her put on a dress when Manik entered, looking dashing as always. Nandini momentarily lost focus.

Manik: "Ahem, ahem... done checking out your friend?"

Nandini: "Whatever."

Manik: "I'm so proud of you. You love Radhika so much, and it just makes me like you even more."

Nandini: "Hmm, come on, I didn't do that much."

Manik: "You're never going to accept credit, are you? Forget it. I'll help Radhika get ready, you go get ready."

Nandini: "Okay."

Manik helped Radhika with her dress while Nandini went to change. They were planning to shop for Maura's dress, and everything else was almost done.

They all left for the shopping mall, protected by bodyguards to avoid media attention. They entered a private section of the mall, where they began shopping. After buying outfits for everyone, only Nandini's wedding lehenga was left.

While Nandini was deciding between two lehengas, she noticed Manik staring at her with a grumpy expression. He gestured her to try the red one instead of the black one. Nandini, amused by his childish behavior, chose the red one and immediately liked it.

Manik was waiting for Nandini to show him the lehenga, but when she came out, she was wearing it with her casual dress. He approached her.

Manik: "What?"

Nandini: "What?"

Manik: "Why didn't you try it on for me?"

Nandini: "I did, and I loved it."

Manik: "Then why didn't you show me?"

Nandini: "You'll have to wait, Mr. Malhotra!"

And she left with a smirk.

They paid for the outfits. Manik secretly insisted on paying for Nandini's lehenga, but she refused. Eventually, they compromised and paid half and half.

Nandini: "Do you pay for everyone's clothes?"

Manik: "I do it for my 'friends'."

He left, leaving Nandini blushing behind. They were both falling for each other.

They gathered for dinner outside as it was already late. While they were eating, Manik started feeling restless. Nandini noticed and was immediately by his side. Manik fainted, and Nyonika was in tears. Nandini quickly checked his pulse and saw that his heartbeat was slow.

Nandini: "We need to take him to the hospital, fast."

Abhimanyu helped carry him to the car while Manik was still unconscious. An hour later, Manik started regaining consciousness, seeing Nyonika and Raj holding his hands.

Nyonika: "How are you feeling, Manik?"

Manik: "I'm fine, mom."

Nyonika: "Don't talk back! You worried everyone!"

Raj: "Calm down, Nyonika. Manik, rest."

Ishita: "Yes, get well soon, Manik, so we can move on with everything."

Manik: "Don't worry, Aunty, I'm fine."

Cabir cracked a few jokes to lighten the mood.

They all left as it was already night. Nandini stayed with Manik to take care of him, and Radhika insisted on staying too, so Nandini allowed her. Manik had to stay under observation for the night.