Nandini stood in her room, slipping into a stunning yellow Rajasthani poshak, its intricate embroidery reflecting her deep admiration for the regal heritage of Rajasthan. The land had always fascinated her—the elegance woven into its culture, the royalty embedded in its traditions, and the warmth exuded by its people. Though her wedding couldn't take place in this enchanting state, she had already promised herself that their first anniversary would be celebrated here—just her, Manik, and the grandeur of the western sands.

Meanwhile, Manik was in his own room, freshening up for the most significant moment of his life. When the time arrived, both of them took their places at the mandap, surrounded by close family and a handful of others who were essential for the rituals. Raj, ever the considerate host, had asked the rest of the guests to retire to their rooms, knowing how exhausting a grand winter wedding could be.

The lady priest recited the sacred mantras, her voice echoing through the open-air mandap. As the couple followed her instructions, Nandini subtly motioned to her cousin, Naira, and whispered, "Can you get me a shawl?"

Manik, noticing her shiver, leaned in and murmured, "Are you cold?"

"What do you think? You're sitting all cozy and covered while I'm here, practically freezing," she muttered, pouting slightly.

A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest. Smirking, he intertwined his fingers with hers, rubbing them gently to warm her up. The small gesture sent a shiver—not of cold but of something far more intimate—down her spine. Naira soon returned with the shawl, and Nandini wrapped it around herself, flashing Manik a grateful smile.

The moment arrived—the sacred pheras. Hand in hand, they walked around the holy fire, vowing to stand beside each other for eternity. As the seventh and final round was completed, Manik pulled Nandini into a warm embrace, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of her head.

"Welcome to my life, Mrs. Malhotra," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Nandini gazed up at him, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Thank you," she whispered. "I love you."

The vermillion ceremony followed, a moment so profound that it stole the breath from her lungs. As Manik filled her hairline with sindoor, a tear slipped down her cheek, yet she was smiling—radiantly, blissfully. Their eyes met, and Manik mouthed, "I love you," making her heart swell with overwhelming love.

By the time the ceremonies concluded, it was well past midnight. Exhausted yet elated, the newlyweds, along with their closest family members, gathered at the dining table, ravenous after the long night of festivities.

As laughter and chatter filled the air, Cabir suddenly stood up, clearing his throat dramatically. "Okay, attention, everyone! Navya and I have something to share."

Navya, seated beside him, gave him a reassuring nod, urging him to continue.

Cabir took a deep breath before blurting out, "Navya and I are dating and planning to marry soon!"

A stunned silence fell over the room. The news took a moment to sink in before Alya broke the quiet with an enthusiastic, "Oh my God, congratulations!" Others quickly followed suit, voices overlapping in excitement and surprise.

But amidst the joyful commotion, three people remained unusually silent—Nyonika, Raj, and Bua Dadi. While the elders exchanged uncertain glances, Bua Dadi simply rose from her chair and left without a word. Only Nyonika and Raj noticed, sharing a knowing sigh.

Meanwhile, Nyonika gestured for Cabir to follow her to the poolside. He complied, giving Navya an assuring squeeze of the hand before leaving.

Once alone, Nyonika turned to him, her expression soft but serious. "Are you absolutely sure about this, beta?"

Cabir nodded instantly. "Mom, I love Navya. There's no doubt about it."

She sighed, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Love isn't the only thing, Cabir. Marriage is a lifetime commitment. It requires patience, adjustments, sacrifices. And Navya... she comes with Radhika. Loving her means loving and accepting her daughter too. Are you ready for that responsibility? Raising a child isn't easy. Right now, you barely take care of yourself."

"Mom," he said earnestly, "I know it won't be easy, but Radhika is a wonderful child, and I am sure we will make it work. We'll figure things out together."

She studied his face, searching for any hesitation, but found none. A slow, resigned smile tugged at her lips. "I won't lie, beta. This is sudden, and I have my concerns. But if you're truly happy, then I'll support you. Just promise me you'll think everything through."

Cabir exhaled in relief and hugged her. "Thank you, Mom. Trust me, Navya is the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Nyonika simply nodded, leading him back to the family, where Navya anxiously awaited him. As their eyes met, Cabir gave her a reassuring blink, making her smile in return.

Meanwhile, little Radhika sat curled up in Naira's lap, blissfully unaware of the emotional whirlwind surrounding her. One day, she would understand the depth of what was unfolding tonight—a story of love, acceptance, and family.

As for Bua Dadi, her silence lingered like an impending storm, unnoticed by most, but not by the ones who knew her best.