"Nandini, wake up, please," Manik pleaded for what felt like the thousandth time, yet his beloved wife showed no inclination to move. Considering the beautiful night they had shared, he hadn't expected her to wake up early. But she had to.

"Nandini, I said get up! We need to check out."

At the mention of checking out, Nandini's brows furrowed as she sat up abruptly.

"Check out? Why?" she questioned, confused. As far as she knew, they were staying for a few more days.

"That's a surprise. For now, just get up and get ready," Manik instructed, pulling her up from the bed and making her stand. He was already dressed, sporting a crisp white shirt with neatly folded sleeves, paired with a soft baby pink coat.

"How did you even know that I always dreamed of staying in a floating house, Manik?" Nandini gasped as he gently removed her blindfold.

"Abhimanyu told me. He called this morning, and the moment I heard about it, I thought—why not make it happen?" Manik replied, watching her with a fond smile as she stood mesmerized by the breathtaking paradise before her. A floating house in a place as exquisite as Bali was truly a dream come true. Unlike a regular house, this marvel had no floors, only water beneath. Moving from one place to another—be it the bed or the dining area—meant either swimming or using a small boat.

"Thank you so much!" Nandini whispered, wrapping her arms around him. Manik held her close, pressing a soft kiss on her hair.

"Well, this is all yours until evening. Do whatever you wish until then because I have more plans later," Manik announced, leading her along a wooden bridge that connected the house. It felt like a secluded retreat in nature but with all the luxuries they could wish for.

"No, this isn't just mine—it's ours," Nandini corrected, entwining her fingers with his.

Tired from their travels, they lay side by side on the plush bed, which was surrounded by water on three sides, with only a wooden pathway leading to it. Nandini closed her eyes, a peaceful smile adorning her face, while Manik, as always, remained captivated by her presence. A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes, and before she could react, he swiftly caged her beneath him, his hands firmly planted on either side.

Nandini's eyes shot open in surprise. The smirk on his lips told her he was up to something. He leaned closer, making her breath hitch, her heartbeat slowing in anticipation. No matter how many times they shared such moments, it always felt like the first. Manik gently turned her, pressing soft kisses along her bare back, making her clutch the sheets tightly. His lips trailed up to her nape before finally capturing hers, creating yet another beautiful memory between them.

Hours passed, wrapped in warmth and love. They had now spent nearly two days in this paradise. Manik slowly opened his eyes to find Nandini sleeping soundly, her arms wrapped around him. A wave of contentment filled him, but they weren't in Bali just to sleep.

A devilish grin crossed his face as he swiftly picked her up and, before she could even comprehend, plunged her straight into the water.

"What the hell, Manik Malhotra!" Nandini shrieked, utterly unprepared for the sudden splash. Meanwhile, Manik sat on the bed, his legs dangling in the water, laughing heartily at her state.

"At least enjoy the full experience of a floating house!" he teased, still chuckling.

With a mischievous smirk, Nandini folded her arms, before marching toward him and yanking him into the water.

"Oh, you're going to regret that!" Manik declared, swiftly pulling her against him before splashing water all over her. Nandini retaliated, their playful water fight turning into a moment of unfiltered joy.

Seizing an opportunity, Manik scooped her up by the waist, twirling her effortlessly.

"Manik, stop! I swear I'll faint!" Nandini exclaimed, feeling dizzy from all the spinning.

"Oh no, you wanted to have fun, right?" Manik teased, spinning her one last time before gently setting her down. As soon as he let go, she stumbled slightly, but before she could fall, he caught her again, chuckling.

"What are you laughing at? Look at yourself, Manik!" Nandini huffed, splashing water at him once more.

"All thanks to you!" he said, throwing his hands up in surrender.

"Alright, I'm starving now," Nandini pouted, looking expectantly at him.

Manik mimicked her expression mockingly, earning a playful slap on his shoulder.

"Should we change first?" he asked, unsure about sitting for a meal in drenched clothes.

"No, it'll be more fun this way!" Nandini insisted, trying to drag him toward the floating dining area.

"Hmm, and then when you catch a cold, your mother will have me for dinner instead," Manik retorted, stopping in his tracks.

"Manik, I'll handle her! Now come on!" Nandini pleaded, and he could no longer refuse.

Dripping wet, they climbed up the wooden stairs and settled around the table, where an exquisite spread of fresh fruits, seafood, and light snacks awaited them. Between their playful banter and undeniable chemistry, they devoured the meal, savoring every bite as much as each other's company.

"This was amazing, Manik! I had the best time! Thank you," Nandini murmured, pressing a tender kiss to his cheek. Manik smiled, turning off the heater that had been keeping them warm. They had already changed into fresh clothes, and now, it was time to bid farewell to this enchanting retreat—one that had gifted them yet another set of unforgettable memories.