Cabir's voice echoed through the room, filled with frustration and disbelief.

"Navya, are you even listening to yourself? What nonsense are you talking?" His tone was sharp, his eyes burning with a mix of anger and concern.

"I am doing this for us, Cabir," Navya replied, her voice trembling but firm.

Manik's gaze flickered toward Nandini, who subtly gestured to him. He understood instantly—he had to keep Navya distracted. His voice softened, attempting to bring her back from the edge.

"Navya, we will figure this out together. Please, just put the knife down."

Nyonika, standing beside him, chimed in, her voice layered with both authority and pleading. "We promise, nothing wrong will happen. Just listen to us once."

At that moment, as Navya hesitated, Nandini seized the opportunity. In a swift movement, she reached out from behind, snatching the knife and tossing it aside. The metallic clang echoed in the silence.

Before Navya could react, Nandini stepped forward and slapped her hard across the face. The impact was sharp, leaving Navya holding her cheek, tears streaming down her face like an unstoppable flood.

"Have you lost your mind, Navya?" Nandini's voice was filled with disbelief and anger.

Cabir stepped closer, his fury barely contained. "Navya, what the hell were you thinking? What if something had happened?" His voice was laced with frustration and fear.

He took a deep breath, steadying himself before making his decision. "Enough. Nothing is going to change in this house. No one is leaving. Do you hear me?" His words were final, leaving no room for argument.

Navya, however, was not ready to back down. She wiped her tears, her eyes holding a resolve that refused to waver. "Cabir, I'm doing this for you. Please, try to understand."

Cabir shook his head, his voice breaking. "No, Navya. I don't want this. I never did. Please, just go to your room."

Navya took a step back, her face hardening with determination. "Fine. But my decision remains the same. Either this family divides, or they leave. I refuse to live with them under the same roof. Today, the differences are between you and Manik. Tomorrow, it will be between our children. I will not let that happen. If my demand isn't met, then my children will never step foot in this house. I have nothing more to say."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving a suffocating silence behind her.

Cabir stood motionless, his breath shaky, his heart heavy. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Manik placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder before pulling him into a hug. "I understand, Cabir. It's okay."

Cabir didn't respond. Later that night, he retreated to the terrace, seeking solitude. No one followed him. They knew he needed time. Deep down, everyone had expected him to take a stand today—for his family, for himself. But he hadn't. He couldn't. Something inside him held him back. He couldn't be harsh to Navya, not in this state. It went against everything he believed in. Yet, he couldn't bear the pain she was inflicting upon his family.

Regret clawed at him—regret of marrying Navya, regret of having a child with her.

Back in the house, the atmosphere was heavy. Raj had disappeared into his room without a word. Nyonika sat on the couch, breaking down completely. Manik and Nandini exchanged helpless glances before sitting beside her, wrapping their arms around her in comfort.

"I'm sorry, Manik... Nandini... I'm so sorry. I messed up everything," Nyonika sobbed. "Everyone warned me, but I was blinded. I just wanted Cabir to be with me, and I made choices that hurt this family."

Nandini gently rubbed her back, while Manik handed her a glass of water. "Mamma, this isn't your fault," Nandini said softly. "I, too, kept saying that Navya would never do something like this. If anything, the fault is mine as well."

"No, Nandini. You only supported me. But I cannot let this happen. How could that girl ask you two to leave? This is your home! This family belongs to all of us. You have taken care of everything here—without you, I don't even know where things are in my own kitchen anymore." Her voice cracked as she pulled Nandini into a hug. "I can't lose you. I finally have a daughter after so many years. I won't let you go."

Tears welled up in Nandini's eyes as she hugged Nyonika tighter.

Manik, in an attempt to lighten the mood, wiped Nandini's tears and smirked. "Great. Now you both start crying, and then I will have to join too after realizing that my own mother doesn't care if I stay or not."

Nyonika shot him a teary glare. "Shut up. None of you are leaving. If anyone has to leave, it won't be you."

Late that night, Manik and Nandini drove along the quiet, wind-swept Marine Drive. The day's events had drained them. They both needed an escape. Manik knew this—knew that Nandini, more than anyone, needed air, needed a break from the suffocating weight of everything that had happened.

He glanced at her as she leaned against the open window, letting the cool breeze wash over her, lost in thought.

"Nandini," he said softly, breaking the silence. "I was thinking about something."

She turned to him, her eyes questioning yet calm, waiting for him to continue.

And in that moment, under the quiet city lights, he knew—whatever they had to face, they would do it together.