As the door swung open and revealed Manik and Nandini, the group inside the jam room fell into an expectant silence. Manik's friends were taken aback, their eyes darting between him and Nandini. It was clear that this wasn't just any ordinary gathering.

"Okay, so what's going on?" Mukti asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and concern. "We weren't expecting to see Nandini here."

Manik cleared his throat, clearly more nervous than usual. "Yeah, about that... I've got something to share. Nandini and I have been spending time together and—well—she's been a good friend."

The group blinked, processing the revelation. Dhruv squinted, trying to make sense of it. "Wait, so you and Nandini are friends? Like, friends-friends? I thought she was pretty private."

Nandini, who had been standing slightly behind Manik, took a small step forward, her expression resolute. "I know this is unexpected. I'm usually not the social type, but Manik and I have developed a friendship. I just wanted to make sure you all know."

Cabir, always quick with a quip, leaned back with an exaggerated sigh. "Well, I didn't think we'd be getting a new member of the 'Manik Malhotra Fan Club' today. Nandini, welcome! We usually have snacks at our meetings, but it looks like you're getting the full initiation."

Nandini raised an eyebrow but couldn't suppress a small smirk. "Thanks. I hope my initiation doesn't involve any secret handshakes or embarrassing rituals."

Navya, sensing the seriousness beneath the humor, stepped in with a warm smile. "We're really glad to meet you, Nandini. Manik talks a lot about how much he values his friends, so it's nice to see why."

Mukti nodded in agreement, though her eyes still held a hint of wariness. "I think it's great that Manik has someone he can talk to outside of our usual circle. It's clear he values your friendship a lot."

Nandini, although guarded, appreciated the support. "I'm not great with groups or socializing, but Manik has been understanding. I'm just here to be honest with you all."

Dhruv looked between Nandini and Manik, his curiosity piqued. "So, does this mean we'll be seeing more of you, Nandini?"

Nandini gave a small, almost imperceptible shrug. "I suppose that depends on how much chaos I can handle and how often Manik drags me into his antics."

Manik chuckled, his usual confidence returning. "Don't worry, Dhruv. Nandini's got her own way of dealing with things. But I'm sure we can manage to keep her entertained without too much trouble."

Cabir grinned, rubbing his hands together. "Well, if you're ready for a taste of our weekly chaos and endless food debates, you're in for a ride."

Nandini couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. "I think I'm prepared. I've had my fair share of chaos already."

Alia, ever the peacemaker, offered Nandini a reassuring smile. "It's nice to finally meet you. Manik's been pretty secretive about his 'friend'—but now that you're here, it's clear why he values you so much."

The group's acceptance was palpable, and even though Nandini was reserved, she could sense that the atmosphere had shifted from tense to welcoming.

"Alright then," Manik said, breaking the ice. "Enough of the serious talk. How about we celebrate this new friendship with some pizza? It's the best way to welcome anyone into the fold."

Nandini raised an eyebrow at Manik's enthusiasm but found herself smiling. "Pizza sounds good. Lead the way."

As they walked out together, the group chatted animatedly about their favorite pizza toppings and life's absurdities. Manik and Nandini walked side by side, the tension easing between them. Nandini, despite her usual guardedness, felt a small but significant shift within herself—maybe, just maybe, she could let a little more of this new friendship in.

As they headed towards the pizza place, Manik gave Nandini a reassuring glance. "Thanks for doing this. I know it's not easy for you."

Nandini nodded, her expression softening. "I'm glad I did. It's not every day you meet people who are this... understanding."

With that, they joined their friends, ready to embrace the new dynamics of their group, one pizza slice at a time.

---

The pizza place was a lively hub of activity, buzzing with the aroma of fresh pies and the murmur of conversations. Manik led his friends to a large table at the back, ensuring they had plenty of room for their lively gathering.

As they settled in, Alia, the fashionista with a keen eye for health trends, scrutinized the menu with a critical gaze. "I hope there are some options that won't completely derail my health goals. I mean, a girl's got to maintain some balance."

Cabir, who was already eyeing the menu with barely contained excitement, grinned. "Alia, you're allowed to indulge every now and then. Besides, I've heard this place makes the best pizza in town. You might want to make an exception just this once."

Alia raised an eyebrow, though she couldn't hide a small smile. "Alright, alright. I'll have a slice. But just one, and only if it has something remotely healthy."

Navya teased, nudging Cabir. "You know Cabir will make sure we end up with a mountain of pizza. Good luck sticking to just one slice."

Cabir leaned back with a dramatic sigh. "I'm hurt, Navya. I'm just ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy the pizza they like. I'd never hog it all. Well, maybe just a little."

As Manik finalized the order, he glanced over at Nandini, who was quietly observing from her seat. "Nandini, is there anything specific you'd like on the pizza? I want to make sure we get something you'll enjoy."

Nandini looked up briefly, her gaze meeting Manik's with a mix of appreciation and hesitation. "I'm okay with whatever. You decide."

Manik smiled, nodding. "Alright. We'll make sure there's something for everyone."

The pizzas began to arrive, and the table erupted in excited chatter. The sight of golden crusts and bubbling cheese had everyone's attention, and Alia's cautious approach quickly gave way to a more relaxed attitude as she picked out a slice of veggie pizza.

Cabir immediately grabbed a slice of pepperoni, his eyes lighting up with delight. "This is amazing! You guys have to try this. It's worth every calorie."

Dhruv, grabbing a slice of his own, smirked. "Just don't go overboard, Cabir. We don't want you to collapse from a pizza overdose."

Cabir winked. "I promise I'll pace myself. But don't hold me accountable if I end up eating more than my share."

As everyone dug in, Manik occasionally glanced at Nandini, making sure she was comfortable. He noticed her quietly sampling the pizza, her usual reserve giving way to small, contented smiles.

At one point, Manik leaned closer to her, his voice soft so only she could hear. "How's everything? Are you finding something you like?"

Nandini looked at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's good. I'm enjoying it."

Manik's eyes brightened with relief. "That's great to hear. If you need anything else or want to try a different topping, just let me know."

Alia, who had been observing the interaction, gave Manik an approving nod. "You're really good at this whole 'making people feel welcome' thing, Manik."

Manik chuckled, shrugging modestly. "I just try to make sure everyone's having a good time."

As the evening continued, Cabir, who had clearly made it his mission to sample every pizza on the table, was in full swing. He reached for a slice of BBQ chicken and took a big bite, looking around with a satisfied grin. "This one's a winner too. Honestly, you can't go wrong with pizza."

Alia sighed, though her smile was warm. "You and your pizza obsession. I swear, if anyone could eat an entire pizzeria's worth of pizza, it would be you."

Nandini, though still reserved, found herself smiling at the playful banter. She glanced at Manik, who was once again making sure she was okay.

Manik caught her eye and gave a reassuring nod. "You seem more relaxed tonight. That's a win in my book."

Nandini shrugged slightly, a genuine smile touching her lips. "Yeah, it's been good. Thanks for making this easier."

Cabir, never one to miss a chance for some light-hearted teasing, chimed in. "So, Nandini, have you decided what your favorite pizza is yet, or are you still in the tasting phase?"

Nandini chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I'm still figuring it out. Everything's been really good so far."

Manik grinned, looking at the group with a sense of accomplishment. "See? Even the most reserved people can enjoy a pizza night."

As the last few slices were being devoured and the laughter continued, Manik made sure to stay close to Nandini, engaging her in light conversation and keeping the mood upbeat.

When the evening finally wound down and the pizzas were nothing but empty boxes and satisfied smiles, Manik looked at Nandini with a warm, appreciative smile. "So, did you enjoy yourself?"

Nandini met his gaze, her eyes reflecting genuine gratitude. "I did. Thanks for including me and for making sure I was comfortable."

Manik nodded, his smile widening. "Anytime. That's what friends are for."

As they left the pizza place together, the group chatted and laughed, with Nandini walking beside Manik, feeling a bit more at ease and included in his world. The night had been a small but significant step towards deeper connections, and for Nandini, it was a step worth taking.