The grand dining table at the Malhotra Mansion was alive with conversation and the clinking of cutlery as the family gathered for breakfast. The rich aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air, adding warmth to the familial setting.

"I missed this taste, Nandini," Raj said appreciatively, taking another bite of his meal. His eyes reflected genuine admiration for her culinary skills.

Nandini smiled warmly. "Thank you, Dad," she responded, acknowledging his compliment with a slight nod.

"I agree!" Cabir chimed in, before shifting the conversation. "So, how was the trip, guys?"

Manik, who was seated across the table, shot him a sharp look. He knew exactly what Cabir was fishing for, but he wasn't about to indulge him so easily. "It was very good," he replied succinctly, making it clear that no further details would be shared.

Nandini glanced around the room, suddenly noticing an absence. "Where is Radhika?" she asked, her brows furrowing in concern.

Nyonika, who had been quietly sipping her tea, answered, "She has gone on a school trip with her friends."

Manik and Nandini exchanged stunned glances.

"School trip?" Nandini repeated, her voice laced with disbelief. "Mamma, she's only four years old! How will she manage on her own?"

At her words, Navya accidentally dropped her spoon onto her plate, creating an awkward silence. The others sighed, bracing themselves for what was about to unfold.

Navya's expression hardened. "What's the problem, Nandini?" she demanded, her tone rising. "There are teachers with her, and she's not alone. Her friends are there too. Why does everyone in this house have an issue with Radhika enjoying herself?"

"Navya, that's not what she meant," Manik interjected, defending Nandini. "And please, lower your voice."

Navya let out a humorless chuckle. "Oh, I know exactly what she meant, Manik. Ever since Radhika mentioned this trip, everyone—Mom, Dad, Cabir—has been questioning it. Why can't my daughter have fun? Just because she isn't a Malhotra by blood?" Her voice cracked slightly as she voiced her resentment, leaving the room in stunned silence.

Cabir was the first to react. "Navya, just shut up!" he snapped, his patience wearing thin.

Navya's nostrils flared, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Of course! Now that Nandini is back, no one cares about what I have to say, right?" With that, she abruptly pushed her chair back and stormed upstairs, leaving her meal unfinished.

Raj, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "Cabir, we've never interfered in family matters before, but there are times when issues need to be addressed before they escalate. Navya's behavior has been unacceptable lately, and you need to make her understand that."

Cabir exhaled deeply, nodding. "I know, Dad. I'll talk to her." He cast an apologetic glance at Nandini, who acknowledged it with a small nod.

Hoping to shift the tense atmosphere, Nandini turned to Manik. "Manik, can you drop me at the hospital?"

Manik checked his watch. "Nandini, I have a meeting in Bandra. Take my car—the driver will drop you off. I'll go with Dad."

Nandini nodded, understanding. With breakfast concluded, everyone dispersed to tend to their respective responsibilities.

Upstairs, in Cabir and Navya's room, tension still lingered.

"Did we not discuss this before, Navya?" Cabir asked, frustration evident in his voice.

"We did!" Navya shot back. "And I stayed quiet, didn't I? Did I say anything? But if I'm not interfering in Nandini's matters, why is she interfering in mine and Radhika's?"

Cabir sighed. "Navya, Nandini has been taking care of Radhika since she was born. She loves her deeply, and we all can see that. Even you know it. She wasn't wrong in being concerned. None of us are happy with this decision of yours. Radhika is just four years old!"

"So what, Cabir?" Navya countered angrily. "It's not like I forced her to go! She wanted to! And you need to stop interfering—I know what's best for my daughter!"

Cabir's heart clenched at her words. "Your daughter? Not mine?" he murmured, his voice breaking slightly. Without waiting for a response, he wiped his eyes discreetly and left the room, leaving Navya alone with her thoughts.

Later that day, Manik was in his office when his phone rang. He answered, "Hey, Mukti. What's up?"

"All of us are on call, Manik," Alya's voice came through.

"Oh, hi, everyone!" Manik greeted.

"Let's skip the pleasantries. I have somewhere to be," Cabir said impatiently.

"Why are you in such a hurry? And why do you sound so down?" Alya asked, concern in her voice.

Manik knew the reason but chose not to elaborate.

"Where's Dhruv?" he asked instead, changing the subject.

"He's not picking up, but I already told him what's happening," Mukti said. "And I'm telling you all now—Fab5 is partying tonight."

"What? Out of nowhere?" Manik asked, surprised.

"Manik, it's been ages since we all hung out. Just come, yaar," Mukti pleaded.

"Yeah, it has been a long time," Alya agreed. "I'm in."

Manik considered it for a moment. "Alright, I'm in."

"Fine. Me too," Cabir said, seeing no way out.

"Great! I'll send you all the details. See you tonight!" Mukti said excitedly before hanging up.

Manik leaned back in his chair, feeling a rare sense of anticipation. Life had changed—marriage, responsibilities, careers—but some bonds remained unbreakable.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Nandini had just finished two back-to-back surgeries and was in her cabin, reviewing a case file. Before heading for another round of checkups, she decided to call Manik.

"Hi, Manik," she greeted.

"Hey! What's up?" he asked, closing his laptop.

"Nothing much. I have another surgery in twenty minutes, so I thought I'd call before your meeting."

"Good timing. I was just about to tell you—Fab5 is partying tonight, so I'll be heading there straight from work. Unfortunately, that means you won't see me until morning," Manik informed her in one breath.

"That's great! But why do you sound so sad about it?" she teased.

"Are you serious? I won't be there to hug you tonight, and that doesn't sadden you?" he complained.

Nandini laughed. "Not at all! You know, if I go to a party in the future, I wouldn't expect you to be sad either."

"Nice try, but you don't have friends, Ms. Nandini. Stop fooling around."

"Excuse me? I do have friends—Ajay, Rohan, and my best friend, Abhay."

Manik growled playfully. "Whatever. Just go to your Abhay.'"

"That's the plan. Also, I have my car now, so call your driver back."

"Fine. Take care and all the best for your surgery. You'll do great, I know."

"Thank you, Manik." With a smile, Nandini ended the call and headed for her next surgery, feeling lighter.