Day 2

The day was free for everyone, and as evening descended over Greece, the youngsters decided to take a walk through its enchanting streets. It was October—the beginning of winter in India—but Greece was already wrapped in shivery, chilled winds.

As they made their way down the stairs, Manik suddenly stopped.

Cabir turned around, puzzled. "Bhai?"

Manik nodded but said, "You guys go ahead. I'll be there in a minute."

The group agreed and continued walking, but Nandini lingered, her eyes questioning him.

"Nandini, go with them," Manik reassured her with a soft smile. "I'll be right there. Just a minute."

Before she could respond, he turned and ran back up the stairs to her room, leaving her confused. Still, she followed the others. As soon as they stepped outside the resort, the icy wind hit her, making her realize how underdressed she was for the weather. Though she wore full sleeves, the thin cotton did nothing to shield her from the cold. Inside the resort, the temperature was comfortable, so she hadn't felt the need for extra layers—but outside was a different story.

Alya noticed her shivering and immediately spoke up. "Nandini, go back and grab something warm. You'll fall sick, and tomorrow is your haldi."

Kartik chuckled. "Yeah, imagine the bride sitting there with haldi on her face and a bright red nose."

Nandini shot him a glare, unimpressed, and turned to go back inside when they spotted Manik approaching, a cardigan in his hands.

Mukti smirked. "Aww, Manik, that's so sweet."

Navya sighed dramatically. "Seriously, Manik, sometimes you put even Shah Rukh Khan to shame."

Manik said nothing, only offering a small, sheepish smile as he turned to Nandini. She was already looking at him, love radiating from her eyes, and yet, she knew she would always love him more with every passing day. This man—her Manik—would never cease to amaze her.

The others moved ahead, leaving them behind.

Manik unfolded the cardigan and shook his head. "This is all I found in your bag. Really, Nandini? You barely packed any warm clothes."

The way he scolded her wasn't scolding at all. Instead, there was nothing but warmth and care in his voice as he gently helped her put on the cardigan.

Still smiling, Nandini defended herself. "There are some in Mamma's bag."

Manik made an exaggerated "oh" face. "Never mind. Ma must be busy with work. This cardigan won't be enough, though. My jacket will work better."

Nandini crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "Oh really? And what, you think you're some superhero? Cold won't even dare to touch the great Manik Malhotra? I feel fine, and you need that jacket more than me. Come on, let's go back inside."

Manik was ready to argue, but before he could, she started walking away. Without thinking, he reached for her wrist, stopping her. "Follow you?" he teased. "I will—but only if you wear this." He draped his jacket over her shoulders before she could protest. "I'm wearing plenty of layers. Be a good girl."

As they walked ahead together, he adjusted the jacket around her, and it was impossible not to notice how adorable she looked, drowning in its oversized warmth. His jacket, on his tiny fiancée—it was a sight that made his heart swell.

Soon, they caught up with the others.

Greece was breathtaking. The narrow, winding streets, the sharp turns, the steep paths, and the spectacular views of the water—it was the kind of beauty that could steal one's breath away.

As they walked, Navya turned to Nandini, excitement in her voice. "Did you know Greece is known for its love stories?"

Nandini's curiosity piqued. "Really? What kind of love stories?"

Naira grinned. "The kind that aren't always perfect, but they are unforgettable."

Mukti nodded. "Most of them are tragic, though."

Nandini's interest deepened. "That's fascinating. I want to hear more."

Alya stretched her arms. "Before that, let's find a place to sit. I'm exhausted."

Navya agreed. "Yeah, let's sit down and talk."

Mukti pulled out her phone. "I'll drop a message to the boys and tell them where we are."

They settled into a cozy café nearby, and as the warm air wrapped around them, Mukti leaned forward, ready to tell the story.

"Centuries ago, there was a priestess named Hero. She served Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and was forbidden from being with any man. She lived in a tower on the Greek side of the narrow Hellespont Strait. On the other side, a young man named Leander lived in Abydos.

When he saw Hero for the first time, he fell madly in love with her. He courted her with soft-spoken words and endless devotion until she, too, gave in to love. Every night, Hero would light a lamp to guide Leander as he swam across the Hellespont to be with her. But one fateful night, a strong wind blew out the lamp, and Leander lost his way. The waves swallowed him whole, and he drowned.

Heartbroken, Hero couldn't bear to live without him. In her grief, she threw herself into the raging sea and met the same fate. When their bodies washed ashore, they were found locked in an embrace—and that is how they were buried."