Manik and Nandini strolled through the bustling streets, their hands brushing occasionally as they walked. The city was alive with energy, the streets lined with colorful stores and vibrant billboards flashing advertisements.

"Manik, I told you—we are going shopping first. We need to buy gifts for the family," Nandini reminded him, her voice carrying a tone of finality.

Manik groaned, rubbing his stomach dramatically. "Nandini, I also told you—I am STARVING. And if you don't want me to be very angry, we go left, eat first, then turn right and shop."

Nandini sighed, exasperated. "No, Manik. Shopping first."

"Yes, Nandini. Food first."

"Fine! You go and eat, I will go shop." With that, she turned on her heel and strode towards the shopping mall without sparing him another glance.

Manik's frustration bubbled up. He quickly marched up to her, blocking her path with a stern stance. However, if he was the spark, Nandini was the fire. She squared her shoulders, crossing her arms defiantly, her stance even firmer than his.

"Do you know what you are?" Manik asked, narrowing his eyes.

Nandini blinked at him, tilting her head. "Nandini?" she replied with mock innocence. "That is my name, isn't it?"

"No," Manik snapped. "You are Venus."

"Venus?" Nandini repeated, confused.

"Yes! All other planets follow a straight path, but you? You always have to go in the opposite direction!" Manik huffed, arms flailing as he tried to explain his baseless theory. Nandini stared at him in astonishment. Just how foolish could one person be?

"Venus, huh? Do you even know what you are?" she countered, a smirk curling her lips. "You're not even a planet anymore."

Manik smirked, feigning flattery as he ran a hand through his hair. "I know, I know. I must be the Sun."

Nandini shook her head slowly, her smirk widening. "No. You used to be a planet, but not anymore. You are Pluto—far apart and irrelevant. Bye." She pushed past him, walking away with satisfaction.

It took Manik a few moments to process what had just happened. Did she just call him Pluto to his face?

Shaking his head, he sighed. However, the undeniable truth remained—he could never stay away from her. With a few quick strides, he caught up to her, matching her pace. Nandini didn't even glance at him, but he knew she had expected this. And she knew he knew she had expected this.

After a successful shopping spree, they finally sat down at a cozy restaurant. Manik, still in high spirits, ordered confidently, "A coffee for me, please."

"No," Nandini interjected before the waiter could even nod. Manik turned to her, baffled.

"What?"

"You are NOT having coffee," Nandini declared, her voice firm and resolute.

Manik gave the waiter a pointed look, silently signaling him to leave. Their arguments—whether playful or serious—were always meant to be private.

"Why not, Mrs. Malhotra?" he asked, folding his arms on the table.

"Why yes, Mr. Malhotra?" she shot back, mirroring his stance.

"Because I want it, Nandini," Manik said simply, as if that settled everything.

"And because I said no, Manik. You know I never stop you from having coffee, but this will be your sixth since morning, and it isn't even noon yet. So, no more caffeine for the day." Her voice held the authority of a doctor, and Manik knew he had lost this battle.

He groaned. "I hate you."

Nandini leaned forward, placing a quick peck on his cheek. "I hate you too."

Manik's mood instantly lifted. She really did know how to handle him.

"Fine, then what am I supposed to have?" he grumbled.

"Try a juice." She took a sip of her fruit lemonade and slid the glass towards him.

Manik hesitated. He was not one for fruit juices—his choices were either coffee or something stronger. But under her expectant gaze, he reluctantly took a sip. It wasn't too bad.

Their lunch soon arrived—roasted delicacies that left them both satisfied. Just as they were finishing up, Manik's phone buzzed. Seeing the caller ID, he immediately picked up. "It's Kiara, give me a minute."

Nandini nodded, watching him step away. She knew Kiara wouldn't call unless it was urgent.

A couple of minutes later, he returned to the table, his expression serious.

"The lower basement at the office caught fire," he informed her, noticing the immediate concern in her eyes.

"What? Is everyone okay?" she asked quickly.

Manik nodded with a reassuring smile. "Yes, everyone's safe."

Nandini exhaled in relief. "Thank God."

"Yeah, but I'll have to personally handle this when we return. This is the second time in a month." The last time had been during Cabir's wedding when Manik was away.

"Do you want to eat anything else, or shall we leave?" he asked.

"I'm full," Nandini said. Manik went to settle the bill but returned with a chocolate shake in hand. He knew she would ask for something sweet soon, and rather than waiting for her to realize it, he had already made the decision for her.

"Here, have this," he said, handing her the shake.

Nandini looked up at him, momentarily confused. She had been so preoccupied with the office incident that she had forgotten about her usual craving.

"Why are you looking at me like that? I got it for free," Manik teased, a playful smirk on his lips.

Nandini gave him a 'duh' look but accepted the shake with a smile. As they walked back to the hotel, chatting lightly, she suddenly stopped.

Her body went rigid, her face drained of all expression. She stood frozen, staring at something ahead.

Manik immediately noticed. His smile vanished as concern took over. He stepped in front of her, gripping her shoulders gently. "Nandini? What's wrong? Are you okay?"

She remained unresponsive, her eyes locked on something—or someone—in the distance.

Manik felt his stomach tighten. What had suddenly changed? Just moments ago, she had been perfectly fine. Now, she looked as though she had seen a ghost.

"Nandini? Talk to me," he urged, his grip firm yet reassuring.

But she didn't say a word. She just stood there, completely frozen in place.