(There is hustle and bustle around the Malhotra Mansion as it is finally the engagement ceremony of Man-ya. A lady, who is in her mid-fifties, is roaming around the house and is checking all the arrangements.)

Lady- Cabir jaldi karo beta. Hum late ho jayenge. Aur Manik ready hua yaa nahi?

[Lady- Cabir, hurry up, son. We'll be late. And is Manik ​​ready or not?]

(Cabir comes there running and takes a deep breath.)

Cabir- Bro is ready, and everything else is done too. All the preparations and the gifts are done too.

(Their bua (aunt)- Shalini Malhotra, smiles, looks at Cabir and then checks the gifts placed on the table.)

Shalini- Bohot ache. Sab dubara check kar lo. Hum nikalte hai phir.

[Shalini- Very good. Recheck everything. We will leave then.]

Cabir- I will do that.

(Shalini leaves from there, and Cabir smiles, thinking about something. Mukti comes to him and shakes him a little.)

Mukti- What's wrong with you? Why are you smiling like this?

Cabir- I can't tell you how happy I am, Mukti. Finally, like finally, everything is falling into the right place. And Shalini Bua is here, too, to help us with the marriage arrangements. Everything will be handled well, but I am the happiest for our love birds. They are getting married.

Mukti- Exactly, Cabir. I just can't wait for the wedding day.

Cabir- But now, let's leave, or we will get late for this function only.

Mukti (chuckling)- Of course. Let me call bro, and then we will leave.

AFTER SOME TIME

AT THE HOTEL

(The Malhotras enter the hall and are amazed at how beautifully the hall has been decorated. Manik looks around and smiles too.)

Relative 01- This is so beautiful. The décor is so lovely.

(THE HALL [CREDITS- OWNER])

Cabir- Everything is going to be this beautiful in this marriage, Aunty. And our bride and groom are also the most beautiful in the world.

(They all chuckle at Cabir's remarks, and the Mehras come and greet them. The guests arrive, and Manik is near the stage area with Veer and Mukti. Manik repeatedly checks the time on his watch and then looks towards the entrance, waiting for Riya to come.)

(THE STAGE AREA [CREDITS- OWNER])

Veer- Itna impatient hai tu meri behen ko dekhne ke liye Manik? Tum log kon sa abhi mile ho. Kab se to jaante ho ek dusre ko.

[Veer- Are you so impatient to see my sister, Manik? You guys have not just met? You have known each other for so long now.]

Manik- Shut up, Veer. And I wasn't waiting for your sister. I was just looking around.

Mukti- Oh, come on, Bro. We can see it on your face. You can't hide it.

Manik- Seriously? Just drop this topic right here, and where is Cabir? Call him. I want to talk to him.

(Mukti chuckles at Manik's reaction and leaves from there.)

Veer- By the way, on a sombre note, I am very happy for you guys. After facing all those problems, you guys still stand with each other like a rock.

Manik- Of course. Those problems and those people just made our bond stronger. Be it anyone of them. They unintentionally made us come close to each other.

Veer- At least they did something good.

(Manik and Veer laugh a little at it, and Veer then smiles, looking at the entrance.)

Veer- Finally. Your wait is over, Manik.

(Manik, too, looks at the main entrance and smiles brightly as Riya enters the hall with Jahnvi, Shekhar and Ridhaan by her side. Veer pats Manik's shoulder and goes to Riya while Cabir and Mukti join Manik.)

Manik (murmurs)- Gorgeous.

(MAN-YA'S OUTFITS)
(CREDITS-OWNER)

(As she reaches the stage, Manik extends his hand to her and helps her with the gown. There's big applause as Man-ya stand together on the stage, their hands interlocked and the smiles not leaving their faces.)

Manik (slowly, to Riya)- You have left me speechless today. You look beautiful as ever.

Riya (chuckles)- Thank you, Manik. But I should be saying this today. You look so hot, Mr Malhotra. Like very hot.

Manik- Now it's not in my hands, actually. What can I do?

Riya- Hahaha. Very funny.

(They look at each other and laugh a little, and he then pulls her closer to himself by putting his arm around her waist, and they then pose for the photographs.)

Manik- No problem. Let's fight after our marriage.

Riya- Of course. What will people think about us.

Manik- Exactly.

(After some time, everyone assembles near the stage area as Manik and Riya come forward to exchange rings. Both the families take the rings from the boxes and hand them to the bride and the groom. Manik gently holds Riya's hand, slides the ring on her finger, and everyone claps. He then kisses her hand gently, and Man-ya chuckle as some people whistle at Manik's this gesture. Riya then holds up Manik's hand and slides the ring on his ring finger, and gives a long kiss on his hand. The confetti pops up around them, and people shower rose petals on them as they hug each other. As they pose for photos later, they both think about each other and smile, looking at each other.)

AFTER SOME TIME

(Ridhaan and Veer come to the hall's centre and start speaking on the mic.)

Ridhaan- Guys, this is not done. They are engaged and still haven't danced to a romantic song.

Veer- Not fair, Manik and Riya. It's not done.

(Veer goes to the stage and brings Man-ya to the hall's centre.)

Veer- Now the dance floor is all yours, mam and sir.

Ridhaan- Come on, guys.

(Man-ya look at each other with smiling faces. The lights go dim, and Manik extends his hand to her. She keeps her hand in his, and they start swinging with the slow music.)

https://youtu.be/SAcpESN_Fk4

(As they share a romantic dance, Manik pulls her more towards himself and chuckles as she glares at him playfully.)

Riya- We are getting married, Manik. We are engaged. This feels like a dream.

Manik- This is not a dream. It is our reality now. Man-ya are getting married.

(They smile brightly, look at each other, and the engagement ceremony ends happily.)

(The Sangeet and Mehndi ceremonies will be held at Mehra Mansion, and the Malhotras will join them too. Special seating arrangements have been made for the mehndi, and the stage is beautifully decorated too.)

(The guests start coming, and there's some music playing too. Moments later, the Malhotras reach the mansion and Shekhar and Jahnvi greet them.)

Manik (to Jahnvi) Umm Mom... where's Riya?

Shekhar- Riya aa jayegi. Itni bhi jaldi kya hai beta. Koyi baat nahi.

[Shekhar- She will come. What's the rush. Don't worry.]

Manik- There's no rush as such... umm... nothing.

Shekhar- Okay, you guys come inside first.

(After some time, Riya is getting ready in her room and is lost in deep thought. She picks up her phone and tries calling someone, but the person declines her call again.)

Riya- Why are you so stubborn? I should talk to Manik about this. Only he can help me with this matter now.

(She then takes a deep breath and smiles, looking at herself in the mirror.)

(Jahnvi enters the room as Riya checks out her dress in the mirror. She smiles, looks at Riya and takes her in a hug.)

Jahnvi- Jaldi chaliye neeche ma'am. Aap ke husband se wait nahi ho raha hai. He can't live a moment without his lifeline.

[Jahnvi- Let's go downstairs, ma'am. Your husband can't wait now. He can't live a moment without his lifeline.]

Riya (blushing)- Mom, stop it, please.

Jahnvi- It's the truth. His first question was, " Mom, where's Riya?".

(They both chuckle as Jahnvi says this.)

Jahnvi- But seriously, everyone is waiting for you. So are you ready?

Riya- Yes, Mom. I am ready.

Jahnvi- Let's go then.

(Jahnvi takes Riya down, and everyone looks at her as she reaches the hall. She looks around for Manik, and as she finds him looking at her, they smile at each other, and she stares at him for some moments, to which he chuckles, looking at her. She shakes her head in disbelief and sits on the couch where the henna artist is seated. The artists start applying mehndi on her palms, and Manik keeps standing in front of her, smiling widely, and she keeps looking away from him. As Jahnvi leaves from there, he sits on the couch next to her and whispers something slowly, only for her to hear.)

Manik- Tum ne bataya nahi kaisa lag raha hoon main.

[Manik- You didn't tell me how I am looking.]

Riya- Tum intentionally dubara puch rahe ho naa? Because you saw me looking at you.

[Riya- You are asking again intentionally, aren't you? Because you saw me looking at you.]

Manik- Not at all. I know you were just staring at me. Because I am looking handsome today.

Riya- Okay, okay, Mr Malhotra. I agree. You look very handsome and very dashing. Happy?

Manik- Well, thank you for the compliments. It means so much to me.

Riya- Now, will you tell me how I look? I got ready for my mehndi too.

Manik- You? You are looking okay.

Riya- Just okay, Manik?

Manik- Yes. You look okay. What should I say now? I can't lie now, right?

Riya- Just let it be. Huh.

(She turns her face to the other side after saying this, and he tries to control his laughter.)

Manik (in her ear)- Pissed off. Are you?

Riya- Manik, I am not talking to you. Just go from here.

Manik- Okay. I am leaving. Don't miss me.

Riya- I won't. You can leave.

(He smiles, looks at her, and then starts leaving when Riya remembers something and calls out his name.)

Riya- Manik, listen.

(He chuckles, looks at her, and sits back on the couch.)

Manik- What happened, Riya? You started missing me so soon?

Riya- Not that, Manik. It's serious.

Manik- What is serious? Your anger?

Riya- No, Manik. It's about Aryaman. And this is actually serious.

Manik (confused)- What about him?

Riya (taking a deep breath)- I called him to invite him to our marriage. But he said he doesn't want to come because he won't be able to face me and everyone here. Everything kept happening before him, and he couldn't do anything to stop it. So he said he won't come. And now, he is not answering his phone. I don't know what to do, Manik.

Manik- Listen, don't worry. I will talk to him and hear him out once. May be he isn't able to tell you everything because he feels guilty. I will talk to him.

Riya- Things went wrong with him too, didn't it, Manik? And I agree he never stopped them, and he had hurt me with his words too, but if they were played with my emotions, then they did with his too. And when everyone is moving on, then he deserves a better life by moving on too.

(Manik nods and then cups her face.)

Manik- I promise I will talk to him and make him understand. He will definitely attend our wedding. But for now, stop stressing so much and enjoy our special day. It's our Sangeet today.

(She smiles a little, looks at him, and nods her head.)

Manik- Good. Now get done with your mehndi, and I will be around you. Call me if you need something, hmm.

Riya- Okay.

(He kisses her forehead and leaves from there, and Riya sighs in relief. After some time, Ridhaan, Veer and Cabir go on to the stage and take the mics.)

Ridhaan- Yaar ye sangeet lag bhi raha hai kisi angle se. Itni shanti hai yahan pe. Aur mujhe ye to pata tha ki Riya bohot boring hai par yahan to Manik bhi vaisa hi nikla yaar.

[Ridhaan- Is it even looking like a Sangeet from any angle? It's so quiet here. And I did know that Riya is boring, but now Manik is the same too.]

Riya- Aren't you speaking too much, Ridhaan? Let me get free from the mehendi, and then I will tell you. And I know you are not good at dancing.

Veer- He is saying the truth, Riya. It's not looking like a Sangeet. No one is dancing or singing.

Cabir- They won't understand like this. We need to start it now.

Manik- Of course. If you are talking so much, then do it.

Veer- Be ready, Manik. You won't be spared.

(Ridhaan, Cabir and Veer dance to various Bollywood songs, and people cheer for them. Where later Shekhar and Jahnvi dance on a 90's retro song, Mukti too shows her moves on a classy Bollywood number.)

Veer- Now, it's time to watch them dance for whom we have gathered here.

Ridhaan- Come on, Riya Manik. Come on the stage.

Riya- I dance better than you, by the way.

Cabir- No problem. Everything will be decided. Come on the dance floor guys.

(Man-ya look at each other with a smile and go on the stage. The lights dim, and Manik holds her hand lightly, not to spoil her mehndi. Man-ya dance on a romantic number and share their sweet moments while dancing.)

https://youtu.be/CvraLPbh6M0

(The Malhotra Mansion is decorated with flowers and has the hustle and bustle. In the hall, the married ladies are applying haldi to Manik inside the villa, and he is trying his best to run away from there.)

Manik (to some lady)- Stop, stop. You have applied enough.

Mukti- It's just haldi, Bro. And it's your marriage. This will make your skin glow on the big day.

Manik- A little haldi is enough for that, okay.

Lady 01- Manik, just sit back quietly and let us do what we are doing. We have to send this haldi to the Mehras too.

Manik (sighing)- Of course.

(Some ladies chuckle at his reaction and continue with the ceremony. After some time, when the Haldi reaches Mehra Mansion, the scene there is entirely different. Everyone is assembled in the lawn and is applying haldi to Riya. After some moments, the Haldi sent by the groom's side is mixed in the bowl and applied to Riya. After the Haldi ceremony, Man-ya get fresh and call each other.)

Riya- So Mr Malhotra. Are you excited?

Manik- Excited? I am so scared. Who will come to save me from you after marriage?

Riya- Seriously Manik? It's such a bad joke.

Manik (chuckling)- Okay, I won't tease you more. And it's our special day. We are getting married.

Riya- It sounds so good, right, Manik? We are getting married.

Manik- It sounds fantastic. We are getting married.

Riya- Umm Manik... did you talk to Aryaman? He will come to the marriage, right?

Manik- I haven't talked to him. I called him, but he said he was busy with work, so he would call later. But don't worry, I will call him again if he doesn't.

Riya- Okay. But I just hope that he agrees to come.

Manik- Don't worry about that. I will talk to him.

Riya- Hmm. Okay.

Manik- Okay, now don't worry about all this and rest. Hmm?

Riya- Okay. Bye, Manik.

Manik- Bye.

The décor of the wedding venue-

(CREDITS- OWNER)

(The atmosphere is filled with joy and bliss. The Mehras have reached the wedding venue, except for Jahnvi, who is helping Riya prepare for her big day. Shekhar, Veer and Ridhaan are checking the arrangements and stuff at the venue. The guests come after some time, and Jahnvi reaches the venue with Riya, and the latter is upstairs.)

Veer (to Shekhar and Jahnvi)- Mom-Dad, Cabir se baat huyi thi. Baraat nikal chuki hai.

[Veer (to Shekhar and Jahnvi)- Mom-Dad, I talked to Cabir. They have left.]

Shekhar- Maine to kabhi socha bhi nahi tha ki ye din dekhne milega mujhe. Agar uss aadmi ne humari beti ko hum se naa cheena hota to hum sab ki life kitni alag hoti. Aur usse itna sab sehna bhi nahi padta.

[Shekhar- I never thought I would see this day. If that man had not snatched our daughter from us, our lives would have been different. And she didn't have to bear so much too.]

Jahnvi- Shekhar ab jo ho chuka hai usse badal to nahi sakte naa. Khushi ki baat ye hai ki ab vo humare saath hai. Aur khush hai. Aur in fact Manik bhi uske saath hai. Dono ek dusre se itna pyaar karte hai. Dono ek hone jaa rahe hai aaj. Isse acha aur kya ho sakta hai.

[Jahnvi- Shekhar, we can't change what has happened now, can we? The only thing that matters is that she is with us now. And happy too. And in fact, Manik is with her too. They love each other so much and are going to become one today. What can be better than this?]

Veer- Exactly, Dad. Don't think about all this now, and enjoy your daughter's marriage. Your princess is getting married today. Go upstairs and meet her first.

Shekhar- You are right, actually, Veer. I will be back soon.

(Shekhar goes from there to meet Riya, and Jahnvi attends to the guests with Veer.)

IN THE ROOM

(Shekhar reaches the room and admires his daughter as she stands in front of the mirror, checking herself out and sighs. Riya turns around and looks at him with a smile.)

Riya- Dad. Aap vahan kyu khade ho? Andar aao naa.

[Riya- Dad. Why are you standing there? Please come inside.]

(Shekhar goes in and smiles, looking at her. He then cups her face and kisses her forehead deeply.)

Shekhar (with teary eyes)- Kitni pyaari lag rahi hai tu. Mujhe samajh hi nahi aa raha hai ki main kya bolu.

[Shekhar (with teary eyes)- You are looking so pretty. I don't know what to say.]

(He then hugs her, and she hugs him back tightly, teary eyed. He then breaks the hug, makes her sit on the bed, and settles beside her.)

Shekhar- Now listen to me very carefully, okay? Mujhe pata hai hum logon utna time saath mein spend nahi kar paye jitna normal father daughter karte hain. But phir bhi, kabhi bhi ye nahi sochna hai ki humara rishta weak hai yaa phir humara pyaar utna strong nahi hai. You are my princess. Aur chahe kuch bhi ho jaye, chahe koyi kuch bhi kar le ya keh le, humesha yaad rakhna ki your Dad will always be with you. No matter what. Okay? Vaise to mujhe pata hai Manik bohot samajhdaar hai aur vo sab sahi kar lega, but phir bhi, kabhi bhi kuch bhi ho, mujh se share karna. Aur main khud handle kar lunga sab. Hmm?

[Shekhar- Now listen to me very carefully, okay? I know we could not spend as much time together as a normal father and daughter do. But still, never think that our relationship is weak or that our love is not strong enough. You are my princess. And no matter what happens, no matter what anyone does or says, always remember that your dad will always be with you. No matter what. Okay? By the way, I know Manik is very intelligent, and he will do everything right, but still, whatever happens, share it with me. And I will handle it all. Hmm?]

(Riya nods, teary-eyed and holds his hands.)

Riya- Aur aap bhi yaad rakhna ye baat. Agar humne kam time spend kiya hai yaa kuch bhi hai, iska ye matlab nahi hai ki main aap se kam pyaar karti hoon. You are my hero Dad. No matter what. And aap ki jagha koyi bhi nahi le sakta hai.

[Riya- And you also remember this thing. If we have spent less time, it doesn't mean I love you less. You are my hero, Dad. No matter what. And no one can take your place.]

(Shekhar gently kisses her hands and then wipes the tears from his eyes.)

Shekhar- Hey, we don't have to cry. All your make-up will be spoiled. Then it will again take you hours to get ready. Poor Manik will have to keep waiting, then.

Riya (chuckling)- Nothing like this will happen, Dad. And I am not crying.

(She cleans her eyes carefully, and they both stand up.)

Shekhar- I am going down now and will send someone here.

Riya- Okay.

(Shekhar leaves, and Riya sighs in relief. She then checks her phone and looks on a little worried.)

Riya- I hope Manik has talked to Aryaman. Everything should be perfect now. No more issues and problems.

(The baraat reaches the venue and all the rituals and ceremonies, Manik and his family enter the hall and walk to the stage.)

(The priest starts performing the rituals with Manik, and after everything gets done, it's finally time for the bride to make the entry. On the other side, as Ridhaan and Veer go to Riya's room, they see someone unexpected with her.)

Veer (confused)- Aryaman?

(Aryaman looks at Veer with a small smile, and Riya smiles brightly. Veer, Ridhaan and Aryaman share a brotherly hug, and Ridhaan speaks up.)

Ridhaan- Aryaman, where were you? Why didn't you attend the functions?

Aryaman- I got really busy with work, actually. I have to do everything alone now, but everything is fine. And Riya forced me to attend the wedding, so in the end, I gave in.

(Ridhaan and Veer look at each other confused.)

Aryaman- What happened, guys? If you don't want me here, then I can leave...

Veer (chuckling)- Oh, no, no. There's no problem, Aryaman. We were just kidding. Don't worry.

Aryaman- Okay...

Ridhaan- Well, Riya. Should we go downstairs now? Everyone is asking for the bride.

(After a few moments, Riya enters the hall with Aryaman, Veer, and Ridhaan, and all the eyes are on her. Manik stands up from his seat as he sees her coming, the smile not leaving his face as he keeps looking at her, mesmerized by her.)

(She then looks up at stares at Manik with a bright smile, to which he smiles more at her, and his eyes turn glossy. As she reaches the steps near the stairs, he goes down to her and helps her come up, to which the people at the wedding cheer loudly. Once they reach the stage, Manik and Riya settle down for the rituals.)

(Everyone rises and comes close to the stage at this moment. As Man-ya hold the var mala in their hands, Veer and Ridhaan lift up Riya in the air, and Cabir and Aryaman do the same with Manik.)

Veer- First try and reach our sister, Mr Manik. Then marry her.

Cabir- So even reaching our brother is not that easy.

(Manik and Riya laugh, looking at their banter, but moments later, he bends his head in front of her, and Riya puts the var mala around his neck.)

Aryaman- Why Manik? What about our hard work?

(As Veer is about to speak up, Riya to does the same thing, and Manik puts the var mala around her neck too.)

Cabir- Did you see, Veer? They are the same.

Manik- Okay, now put me down, at least.

(After the Varmala gets done, Man-ya sit down for the other rituals with the priest. Afterwards, Shekhar is called to perform the kanyadaan, and Manik and Riya then stand up for the pheras.

(As they take pheras around the holy fire, they look into each other's eyes, promising everything that each phera means. They complete the pheras with their hands interlocked, their smiles not leaving their faces.)

(Next, Manik fills her 'maang' with the sindoor, at which she closes her eyes and then looks at him, and he cups her face and kisses her head. He also makes her wear the 'mangal sutra'.)

Manik (slowly)- I love you, Mrs Manik Malhotra.

Riya (slowly)- I love you too, Mr Malhotra.

(The priest finally announces them as husband and wife, and everyone claps. After the ceremonies, Man-ya take blessings from the elders, and Veer goes to the cameraman and instructs him on something.)

Veer (to everyone)- Okay, Malhotra and Mehra family. Let's click a family picture. Come on.

(The Malhotras and Mehras come together as the photographer clicks their family pictures. Riya and Manik look at each other after that, their eyes glossy, smiles brighter than ever, and hearts full of joy, as they have finally crossed all the obstacles and become one.)

(It has been 03 years. 03 years to Man-ya's marriage, 03 years to being together, 03 years of love, trust and care.)

(It was a busy day for Manik at work, and he was exhausted. And to add to that, Riya has not been doing well for the last couple of days. She tried n number of ways to tell him that she was fine, but he won't listen or let her do anything once he reached home. He parks his car outside and enters the mansion to find Riya in the kitchen, stirring something in the pan and humming some tune.)

Manik- I told you not to exert yourself. Why won't you listen to me?

Riya- Because you are being worried for no reason, Manik. I am doing fine, and I feel good now. So please, relax.

(She pours water into the glass and gives it to him, who sits on the chair and drinks it in one go.)

Riya- Itna zyaada kaam tha office mein?

[Riya- Was there too much work in the office?]

Manik- A lot. Two of the meetings got preponed. It was a hectic day.

Riya- So you get fresh, and I will set the dinner. Then we need to talk about something.

Manik- Is the talk very urgent?

Riya- Very, very urgent.

Manik- Okay. I will be back soon.

(Manik gets up and starts going to their room when the doorbell rings, and he looks confused.)

Manik (to Riya)- Was anyone going to come?

Riya- No. You see who it is.

Manik- Hmm.

(Manik opens the door and finds a delivery guy on the door, holding a bag.)

Manik- Yes?

Guy- Sir, it's a package for Mr Manik Malhotra.

Manik- But I haven't ordered anything.

Guy- Maybe someone else must have ordered from your house, sir. Please receive it quickly, I have to go for more deliveries.

(Manik shakes his head in disbelief and receives the order. Locking the main door, he looks confused as he opens the package and finds a packet of baby diapers inside.)

Manik- What the hell is this. Why would we order baby diapers?

Riya- Chill Manik. And if you spoil your mood now, you will not listen to me later.

(He sighs, goes to the kitchen, holds her arm gently, and pulls her towards the hall. As he settles on the couch, she sits beside him, and he speaks up.)

Manik- You just tell it to me right now. What is it?

Riya- Are you sure? Will you listen to me?

Manik- Of course I will. Now tell me. What is it?

Riya- Actually, Manik, we need to shift our room.

Manik (confused)- What? But why? What's wrong with our room?

Riya- There is no problem as such. But I want to convert our room into a nursery. And we need to buy all the stuff for babies too.

Manik- So you have ordered the diapers? But why do you have to make a nursery suddenly?

Riya- Manik! We need to do it. It is important.

Manik- But why? Why do we need to make a nursery at home?

Riya- Manik, we must build a nursery as soon as possible. We have 09 months at max. So we need to decide everything quickly.

Manik- But why? And 09 months...

(He looks at her as he thinks something, all shocked, and she smiles, looking at him.)

Manik (slowly)- We need a nursery in... 09 months... for our... our baby?

(She nods and keeps her hand on her stomach, and he looks shocked.)

Manik (still shocked)- We... We are having a... a baby? Our baby?

Riya (teary-eyed)- Yes. Our baby. I am pregnant, Manik.

Manik (teary-eyed)- Our baby?

(She holds his hand and chuckles in tears as his hands shake slightly. She keeps his hand on her tummy, and he looks up at her.)

Riya- We are having a baby, Manik. We are pregnant.

(He looks at her with slight tears, biting his lower lip to control his emotions.)

Manik- We are pregnant.

Riya (nodding her head in a yes)- We are pregnant.

(And as she says so, he hugs her tightly. She, too, hugs him back tightly as he speaks up.)

Manik (excitedly, in tears)- We are having a baby. Our baby.

Riya (in tears)- Yes. We are having a baby.

(And next, she feels her shoulder getting wet as his tears flow down as he repeats the same line, with excitement in his voice and tears in his eyes.)

Manik- This is the best news I have ever received. Thank you. Thank you so much, Riya. Thanks for giving me the most beautiful gift of my life. I love you so much. I love you.

Riya (chuckling while crying)- I love you too, Manik. I love you the most.

(He breaks the hug and keeps his hand on her stomach.)

Manik (to Riya)- Thank you for this gift Love. I can't tell you how happy I am right now. I... I just...

(He again hugs her tightly, and she hugs him back, rubbing his back.)

Riya- You know there's another surprise for you. And I know you will love it even more.

Manik (breaking the hug)- What another surprise?

Riya- Come.

(She then takes him to the room and shows him the ultrasound report.)

Riya (pointing to the image)- Here's the baby.

(Manik gently traces that part of the image and stares at it momentarily.)

Manik- This is the best moment of my life. And the best gift too.

Riya- For me too. This is the best day of our lives.

(Manik then gives the ultrasound report back to her and looks at her stomach. He then bends down on his knees before her, kisses her stomach, and later caresses it softly.)

Manik- I love you so much, little angel. You are the blessing of our lives. Dadda loves you, baby. (He then looks up at Riya with a smile too) and your Dadda loves your Mumma, too, for coming into my life and filling it with love and bliss.

(He stands up from the floor and cups her face, kissing her cheek and forehead deeply.)

Manik- These 09 months are going to be the best ones.

Riya- Of course. 09 months. I have 09 months to make you do things. Amazing.

Manik (chuckling)- When have I not done anything according to your words, mam?

Riya- I don't remember it now, Manik, but we have a more important task to do right now. How do we tell others about the baby?

Manik (smirking a little)- I have a plan.

Riya- Great.

AFTER TWO DAYS

(Riya wakes up at her usual time in the morning to find the other side of the bed empty. As she is about to call him, the door of their room opens, and Manik comes in with a broad smile.)

Riya- Where did you go so early in the morning?

(He sits before her and tucks her hair behind her ear.)

Manik- I wanted to do something for my wife, and now... My baby too. I made you your favourite breakfast with lots and lots of love.

Riya- Really? You are so sweet, Manik. Thank you.

(Saying this, she hugs him, and he, too, reverts the hug.)

Manik- So go get ready quickly. We have told everyone to come at 10. Cabir and Mukti will be on the call too.

Riya (excitedly)- Okay.

AT 10:00 AM

AT MEHRA MANSION

(Everyone sits in the hall with Mukti and Cabir connected to them through video call.)

Shekhar- Tum log kab tak aise chup chaap khade rehne wale ho?

[Shekhar- How long will you both stand silently like this?]

Aryaman- Aur ye log kab se ek dusre ko dekh kar smile kar rahe hai. Hua kya hai?

[Aryaman- And they have been smiling, looking at each other for so long. What has happened?]

Cabir- You guys are not fooling us, right?

Jahnvi- They will speak when you all will let them speak. So keep quiet for a moment now.

Riya- Exactly. It is about all three of us, so let us also say something now.

Mukti- Of course, it's about you three...but... one minute. Three?

Manik- She is right, Mukti. It's about the three of us, so let us talk.

Shekhar- Who are these three people now, Manik? What are you saying?

Riya- Relax, Dad. The third person knows what we are talking about.

Jahnvi- So call them here. You both are just confusing us. We will ask them ourselves.

Riya- We can't call them here right now, Mom. He or she will come after 09 months.

Jahnvi- He or she... (thinking something) Oh my God.

(Riya nods to Jahnvi, and she hugs Man-ya.)

Veer- Mother, tell us too. What is going on here?

Jahnvi- You all are so dumb. It's a he or she after 09 months. The baby. Riya is pregnant.

Everyone else- What!

Manik (hugging Riya from the side)- Yes. We are having a baby.

Aryaman- Oh my God. This is such fantastic news.

Veer- This is such a piece of good news. Congrats guys.

(Aryaman and Veer hug Riya and Manik. Shekhar then comes to them and takes Man-ya into a hug too. As they share a group hug, Mukti and Cabir look at them through the screen with sad faces.)

Mukti- This is not done, guys. We wanted to be there too.

Manik- Of course. Just quit your university and come here.

Cabir- Come on, Bro. And we will be there when the baby comes, okay? At least for 2 months.

Riya- Of course, guys. Don't listen to him. You can come whenever you want.

(The day ends well for all of them as the families spend time together.)

(It is 03:30 AM, and Riya wakes up feeling hungry. She sits on the bed carefully and caresses her baby bump softly with a smile.)

Riya- I know you are hungry, baby. But we can't even order anything at this time. What do I do?

(She then looks at Manik, who is in a deep sleep, as he is tired of the office work.)

Riya (sighing)- I have to make something myself.

(She then goes to the kitchen and searches the food items to find something good to eat.)

Riya- Found it.

(On the other side, Manik wakes up and looks around for her as he finds the other side of the bed empty.)

Manik- Not again.

(He gets down from the bed and goes to the hall. And what he sees makes him shocked.)

Manik- What the hell is this combination?

(Riya stops eating and looks at him, confused, as he sits beside her and takes the plate from her.)

Riya- Give me the plate, Manik. And if you are hungry, then make something yourself.

Manik- Thank you so much. But I don't want to have a peanut butter sandwich with pickles in it.

Riya- You just let it be, okay. And this really tastes good. It's fantastic.

Manik (murmurs)- Of course. I know kya kya amazing lag raha hai tumhe aaj kal. Koyi regular dish bachi hi kahan hai menu mein.

[Manik (murmurs)- Of course. I know what you are finding amazing these days. There's no regular dish left on the menu.]

Riya- Kuch kaha tum ne?

[Riya- Did you say something?]

Manik- No. Not at all. What would I say? You enjoy your... special sandwich.

Riya- Of course. I definitely will.

(He sighs, sits back on the couch, and continues eating.)

Manik- Vaise mujhe kyu nahi uthaya tum ne?

[Manik- By the way, why didn't you wake me up?]

Riya- I thought you were tired from work. So I decided to make something myself.

Manik- Wow. And...

Riya- Oh my God.

(She keeps her hand on the baby bump and looks on, shocked at him.)

Manik- Riya what's wrong? Should we go to the doctor? I told you to be careful with your diet. Come, let's go. I...

(He stands beside her to support her while getting up, and she holds his hand to stop him.)

Riya- Manik, the baby kicked.

Manik- What?

Riya- Yes. The baby kicked. See.

(She then keeps his hand on the baby bump, and moments later, they look surprised at each other as the baby kicks again.)

Manik- Oh my God. This feeling is so out of the world.

Riya (in tears)- I know.

(Saying this, she cries more, and he hugs her.)

Manik (rubbing her back)- Hey, you should be happy, baba. Our baby kicked.

Riya- I am happy, Manik. But I feel like crying too. I don't know.

Manik- It's fine. It's okay.

(He kisses her head and caresses her hair and back until she calms down. He then takes her to the room, and they sleep.)

(Manik rushes inside the hospital like a mad man and reaches the OT, where he meets the Mehras and Mukti.)

Manik- Where is she?

Mukti- They have taken her inside. It's time for the delivery.

(The nurse comes out hurriedly and approaches Manik.)

Nurse- Are you coming inside, Mr Malhotra?

Manik (teary-eyed)- Yes... yes. I am.

Nurse- Please get changed quickly. She is asking for you inside.

Manik- Yes.

(The nurse returns to the OT, and Manik sighs deeply. Jahnvi comes to him and rubs his arm.)

Jahnvi- Everything will be fine, okay. You both can do this. Just don't let her give up, okay. You can do this.

(Shekhar, too, comes to Manik and pats his back.)

Shekhar- You both are our strong kids. You can handle anything. Everything will be fine.

Manik (nodding his head in a yes)- Thanks, Mom-Dad.

Shekhar- All the best. And don't worry.

(Manik then goes inside the OT, and the others wait outside. And finally, the wait ends for them as Manik comes out of the OT after the delivery with an extensive and bright smile on his face.)

Shekhar- What happened? Is everything okay?

Manik (teary eyed)- It's a girl.

Jahnvi- Oh my God. Congratulations.

(The family shares a group, and they all have happy tears. The doctors shift Riya into the standard room, and everyone goes inside to meet her.)

INSIDE THE ROOM

(The family enters the room quietly as they find Riya sleeping, tired. They then look at the baby girl, who lies beside her in the cradle, wrapped up in a blanket.)

Mukti- Oh my God. She is so cute. And her eyes are so pretty. She has light brown eyes, just like her Mom.

Veer- And look at her nose. It's like Manik's. And she is so tiny. Oh God!

(Manik, too, enters the room and smiles, looking at his baby. Others get a little away from there as Manik carefully picks her up in his arms, and she smiles, looking at him.)

Jahnvi- Awww. She knows you are her father, Manik.

Shekhar- Tum pehle mujhe godi uthane do usse. Usse pehle Nanu ke paas jaana hai.

[Shekhar- First, let me hold the baby. She wants to go to her Grandpa.]

(Shekhar then takes the baby from Manik, carefully swings her in his arms, and she smiles at him too.)

Shekhar- See. She is smiling, looking at me. She loves me the most.

Riya- Of course, Dad. She loves everyone.

(They turn around to find Riya awake, and Manik sits beside her and kisses her forehead.)

Manik- You okay?

Riya- I am better, Manik. Don't worry.

Shekhar- Let us now introduce our doll to her Mumma.

(Shekhar hands the baby to Riya, and she holds her carefully to herself and smiles, looking at Manik, who is already looking at her with a broad smile.)

Mukti- By the way, Have you guys thought of a name for the baby? Have you planned anything?

Riya- Of course. We had already finalized the name.

Veer- Then tell us too. What name have you guys thought of?

(Manik and Riya smile, looking at each other, and Manik then gently kisses the baby's head and speaks up.)

Manik- She is Avya. Avya Manik Malhotra.

Jahnvi- Aww. It's such a pretty name. Avya Manik Malhotra.

Mukti- Okay, okay. It's my turn to hold Avya now.

(Mukti takes Avya from Riya, and the family gets busy with her. Manik and Riya look at each other with broad smiles.)

Riya- I love you Manik.

Manik- I love you too Riya.

(They then hug each other tightly and sigh in relief together, after which he breaks the hug and sits beside her, where she keeps her head on his chest, and he kisses her head. They both look at their baby and smile in contentment, finally finding all the love and bliss their FRAGILE HEARTS needed and deserved.)

And they didn't have a happily ever after. There were problems, issues, hectic situations and times when they had different opinions, but the thing that kept them going was their love and trust in each other. They didn't let anything come between their love for each other. They created their own story and had an ending of their own kind❤️.