Manik had just returned home after dropping Supriya at the airport, as she was heading back to her home. The house felt quieter now, but not for long.

"We haven't even had a proper honeymoon!" Nandini suddenly burst out, frustration evident in her voice. They were curled up on the couch, watching a romantic movie that reminded her of the honeymoon they never had.

Manik, startled by her sudden outburst, nearly dropped his popcorn. He turned to her with a slightly amused yet confused expression.

"Nandini, come on. Do we really need a honeymoon?" he asked nonchalantly, tossing a piece of popcorn into his mouth.

Nandini's eyes widened in disbelief. "What do you mean by that?! How can you be so indifferent about our honeymoon, Manik?" she asked, her voice laced with disappointment.

Manik let out a sigh, realizing he had triggered something serious. He turned to her, placing a gentle hand on hers. "That's not what I meant, love. What I'm trying to say is, we can go on an exciting vacation—just the two of us—but why do we need to call it a 'honeymoon'?"

Nandini crossed her arms, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Manik, a honeymoon is supposed to happen. It's tradition. It's how things are done," she insisted, her mood visibly dampened.

Manik sensed her disappointment and knew he needed to express his thoughts more clearly. Without another word, he picked up the remote, exited Netflix, and opened a video on YouTube titled: 'WHY DO WE NEED A HONEYMOON?'

Nandini raised an eyebrow at him, clearly baffled by his actions. "What are you doing?" she asked.

"Patience, my lady," Manik said with a smirk, pulling her closer and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Nandini sighed and leaned into him, watching the screen.

As the video concluded, Manik turned to her. "So? Did you get the point?"

Nandini blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "No," she admitted absentmindedly.

Manik chuckled softly before cupping her face. "A honeymoon is about understanding each other better, about creating moments we'll cherish forever. It's about spending quality time together, making memories that last a lifetime. But tell me, Nandini—why do we need a specific place or a fancy trip to do that? You and I, together, are perfect anywhere and everywhere. We can create memories right here, like now, watching movies, laughing, and just being us."

Nandini gazed at him, her earlier frustration melting away. What he said made sense—profound, rational sense. She smiled softly, resting her forehead against his chest. "You're right, Manik. We don't necessarily need a honeymoon."

Manik grinned, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "But," he added playfully, "we should definitely go somewhere. We won't call it a honeymoon, but it will still be just as special. Cool?"

"Super cool," Nandini replied with a chuckle. "Now, can you please put the movie back on? You logged out at the most thrilling part!"

Manik laughed, restarting the film. As the scene unfolded, they watched the male lead trying to win back his love.

"Do you think she'll forgive him?" Nandini mused.

Manik scoffed, shaking his head. "Not with that half-hearted effort. If it were me, I'd give him some serious tips on how to win a woman over."

Nandini giggled, snuggling closer to him. Another night passed—just the two of them, lost in their world.

The next morning, as the sun cast golden rays into the dining room, Nandini entered with a bright smile. "Good morning, everyone!" she greeted warmly.

"Good morning, dear," Raj replied with a smile, while Nyonika nodded in acknowledgment as Manik and Nandini took their seats.

"Tomorrow is Lohri," Nyonika announced firmly. "I don't care what your schedules are—you all need to be home. No excuses."

"Mom, taking a full day off isn't possible," Manik reasoned, only to wince as Nyonika approached and gave his ear a sharp twist.

"What did you just say?" she scolded. "Impossible? I don't believe in that word. Things were different before, but this is Nandini's first Lohri. If you're not there, it won't be complete for her."

Manik glanced at Nandini. The way her eyes sparkled with silent hope told him everything he needed to know. He sighed, smiling slightly. "Fine, I'll be there."

"Perfect. We're going shopping this evening," Nyonika declared, and Nandini immediately perked up.

"Shopping? How will she walk, Mom?" Manik asked, concerned about Nandini's injured foot.

"Manik, I'm much better now. I can walk a little," Nandini reassured him.

"Exactly," Nyonika agreed. "And don't worry—she won't have to walk much."

Manik studied Nandini for a moment before nodding. "If you're sure, then go ahead. Just don't push yourself too much."

As breakfast continued, Cabir cleared his throat. "Mom, Dad, Manik, Nandini—I need to talk to you all."

"Go ahead," Raj said.

"I want you all to hear Navya out," Cabir said.

Nyonika stiffened. "Cabir, I don't want to discuss this right now. Tomorrow is Lohri, and we want to celebrate in peace."

"Mamma, please, just listen," Nandini interjected gently, placing a hand on Nyonika's.

Nyonika sighed but remained seated. "Fine."

Cabir took a deep breath. "Mom, she had her reasons. It was an impulsive decision, but in the end, it was for the best. There are no secrets between us now. I love her, Mom."

Raj, adjusting his coat, simply said, "Call her tomorrow."

Cabir's face lit up. "Thanks, Dad!" He quickly hugged him, while Nyonika shot her husband a glare.

Raj, avoiding conflict, turned to Manik. "We have a meeting. Be in the office by noon." With that, he left.

Manik placed a quick kiss on Nandini's forehead. "Take care. I'll see you later," he murmured before heading out with Cabir.

Left alone at the table, Nyonika seemed lost in thought. Nandini reached for her hand. "Mom, I know you're unsure about Navya."

Nyonika sighed. "I was unsure before. Now, I'm certain—I can't accept her. Impulsiveness like hers leads to trouble. I've seen enough of this world to know what works and what doesn't. Even if their marriage survives, I don't think she's right for this family."

Nandini hugged her gently. "Let's just take things as they come, Mamma."

Nyonika sighed but nodded. "Fine. Now, shall we get started on the Lohri preparations?"

Excitedly, they dove into decorating, bonding over shared preferences for simple yet elegant decor.

Later that evening, while shopping, Nandini found herself stuck between two outfits. She didn't want to disturb Nyonika, who was in another store, so she made a quick decision.

Turning to the sales assistant, she requested, "Could you display both of these?"

The assistant obliged, and Nandini quickly snapped pictures of the outfits, sending them to Manik with a message: "Help me choose?"