I was in the recording studio recording a new song while all the rest were at home except for Cabir and Dhruv who had their recordings today.

"Manik you are going a little too high,thoda control kar."I nodded and did a couple of takes after which I was done.

I fell on the couch kicking Cabir on his arm in the process. "Oww."He pushed my legs away and I glared at him.

I had my eyes closed my head on my arms facing down when I was very violently shaken. "Kya hai yaar?"I groaned and he threw my phone towards me which hit me on my head.

"Saale."I was about to kick him but he dodged and chuckled at my expression.

"Hello."I pressed the phone to my ear listening to what Nandini had to say.

"Kaha ho?"She asked.

"Recording studio."I said again closing my eyes.

"Why you tired?"She questioned.

"I was doing a movie marathon yesterday kyuki I had nothing to do today lekin urgently call aaya."I explained in short and she hummed.

"Accha tum rest karo phir.Bye."She said.

"Why did you call lekin?"I asked.

"Aise hi.Don't worry."Se said and I hummed hanging up.I put my phone on silent and again went back to sleep.I was really sleepy.I just wanted to go home and sleep not wanting to get out of that bed.I was that tired.All thanks to Cabir I had to come today.

I was almost on the verge of sleeping when Dhruv barged in. "Tera phone kaha hai?Manik aunty ne call kiya hai."I took the phone from his hand and answered.

"Gadhe kaha hai tu.Kitne calls kiye tujhe?"She shouted into my ear waking me up a little.

"Ha woh phone silent pe tha."I said and got up.Aaj toh neend nahi milne wali.

"Accha ghar jaldi aaja."She ordered.

"Mom mujhe aur ek kaam hai.Jaldi nahi aa paung.Wait a minute."I pulled the phone away looking at Dhruv who was trying to tell me something. "Kya hua?"

"You can go home.Akshit had to meet Abhi toh woh nikal gaya."He informed and I nodded.

"Ha mom I'll come in a little while."I said and she hummed hanging up.

I rubbed my hands on my face pushing my hair away from my forehead.I sighed and got up to freshen up a bit.I splashed water on my face and dabbed my face with a towel.I took a look at myself in the mirror.My eyes were swollen and my hair represented a birds nest.

I came out of the washroom and walked out.Dhruv and Cabir were waiting for me at the lounge. "Wow!You look like a mess."Cabir stated.

"Thanks Cabir.Thats exactly what I wanted to hear."I frowned when I heard him chuckle.

"Drive kar paega na Manik?"Dhruv asked and I nodded.

"Chalo bye."We all sat in our respective cars and drove towards our houses.I blasted the music on full volume cause I needed to stay awake.

After driving for about 20 minutes I reached.Our security guard opened the gates for me and I drove inside. "Yeh kiski car hai?"I asked as I left the car in driveway.

I entered inside and caught bhabhi's attention. 'Kaun hai?'I mouthed and she shrugged.

"Hey."I greeted everyone and got settled beside mom.

"Meet her she is Rita a friend of mine.She has found a nice prospect for you."I looked at mom with confusion.What is going on?Mom blinked her eyes and I nodded.I trust her.

I smiled politely at Mom's friend when mom continued. "Her name is Nandini.She is her sister's daughter."My eyes twinkled hearing her name.I looked at mom asking whether she was lying but she shook her head in a no.Wow!

"Her dad is a doctor.Rajan Murthy.Her mom is a lawyer but I think she has left her practice.Bhai hai jo medical ki padhai kar raha hai and Nandini is starting her own fashion house."Mom filled me in with all the information I already knew.

"So tu milega usse?"Dad asked and I nodded.

"But lets meet her with the family directly."Bhabhi said and dad nodded.Bhabhi winked at me and I mouthed a 'thankyou' and she nodded.

"Okay then.Jaisa aap log bole."Dad agreed.I was soo close to doing bhangra but I controlled myself.

Mom,dad and daadu spoke to Rita aunty while I zoned out.My sleep had gone for a toss now.I couldn't sit still,I wanted to go and call her and tell her the news.

"I'll give you her number why don't you talk to them directly.Don't worry I've already spoken to her about this.She might be expecting the call."Rita aunty said and mom nodded.

After the numbers were exchanged Rita aunty left and mom quickly called Nandini's mom fixing a meeting tomorrow.Finally some hope.

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Writers POV
It was a usual Sunday morning.Maybe not so usual for the Malhotras and the Murthys.

Manik was up early as per his routine for a jog.As much as he loved sleep and food he knew the importance of healthy and made sure that he exercised regularly.

"Waah Manik aaj jaldi uth gaya tu?"Neyonika teased him as he got down the stairs.

He rolled his eyes earning a glare from his mother. "Manik Malhotra you don't roll your eyes at your mother."She shouted and daadu laughed.

Manik pouted sticking his lower lip out looking super cute. "Accha okay jaldi kyu utha lekin?"She said not able to resist his face.

"I am going for a jog.Yeh body maitain karni hai na."He winked making her laugh.

"Tu nahi sudhrega."She shook her head at his nautanki.

"Chalo bye."He said and ran out of the house with his headphones on and a beanie on his head to help him disguise himself.His bodyguard followed him and ran behind him maintaining a good amount of distance.

It was 7 in the morning.The sun was out but it was mild and a little bit of coolness.Perfect for a jog.Manik jogged for a couple of kms and again ran back home.

It was 9 when he got back home panting.He entered inside wiping the sweat of his face with the back of his hand.He pulled his beanie out freeing his now damp hair .He ruffled them a bit making them stick a bit to his forehead. "Good morning."He wished.

"Good morning."He heard a chorus of wishes making him chuckle.

"Aaja baith."Daadu said patting the seat next to him.

"Aap khao.I'll shower and come.I am stinking."He scrunched his nose and pulled his tshirt back and forth for air.He turned on his heel and climbed the stairs.

"Glad you realised."Myra shouted and he glared at her to which she chuckled.

Manik entered the shower and connected his phone to the inbuilt speaker.After about an hour he came out fresh and changed into his clothes.He messaged Nandini a good morning and went down.

By the time he came down everyone was done with their breakfast.He moved towards the dining area and dished himself paratha and orange juice.He gorged on it and joined others in the living room.

The rest of the day passed in a jiffy and it was soon evening.Manik was ready in his black button down shirt and blue denims.He knew Nandini loved when he dressed up in blacks or whites.He wore his Rolex watch gifted by Nandini,sprayed his perfume and gelled his hair to perfection.He wore his Jordans and he was ready to go.

"Manik ho gaya tera?"Neyonika shouted from the living room and Manik shook his head at her. 'Inka gala pakka jane wala hai ek din' He thought.

He quickly went down before she could shout again. "Man."She was about to shout when she saw him.

"Aa gaya mein."He said and stood in front of her. "Chillao mat aap gala kharab ho jayega aapka."He said.

"Koi sunta hi nahi hai meri baat."She pouted and they all gave her a look.They all knew it was lies. "Accha chalo derr ho rahi hai."She ignored all of us and moved ahead.

They laughed at her and followed her behind.Neyonika,Raj and daadu went in one car while Manik,Rehaan and Myra went in the other.

"So Manik shaadi ke liye ready?"Myra questioned looking behind as she was sitting in the passenger seat.

"Ofcourse."He grinned looking at her and she chuckled at his excitement.

The rest of the ride was silent and they reached Nandini's house in no time and parked their cars.The other car with the bodyguards waited outside while they entered.

The lift stopped on the 22nd floor and the Malhotra's got out.Neyonika rung the bell and Nalini opened the door.

"Namaste."Neyonika folded her hands greeting Nalini.

"Namaste.Andar aayiye na."Nalini welcomed them inside.

All of them sat in the living room.Rajan,Nalini's husband was talking to Manik while the rest were busy talking amongst themselves or listening to the conversation unfold between Manik and Rajan.

"How are you?"Rajan questioned giving him a warm smile trying to make him comfortable.

"Absolutely fine uncle."Manik answered politely.He had already met him and they had clicked instantly.

"Very well.Aap karte kya ho?"Rajan questioned.He obviously knew what Manik did and had obviously heard about him from the media and Nandini but the spark one could see when one spoke about something they loved doing couldn't be missed.

"I am a singer.I am a part of a band Fab5."He spoke about music first owing to the fact that it was his passion. "And I am also a COO of Malhotra Industries but it is mostly managed by my dad and bhai."He smiled.

They continued talking for a little while more with the rest giving in their inputs when necessary and also asking questions when needed.

"Nalini ji Nandini kahi dikhai nahi de rahi hai."Neyonika asked clearly indicating that it was time for Nandini to come down.She had met her only once but the politeness the girl had made Neyonika fall in love with her.Too bad she couldn't meet her after that.

"Ji mein use abhi bula ke layi."Nalini smiled her way and left to get her beloved daughter.

She entered her daughters room to see her dressed in a traditional attire,the one she selected for her.It was a pretty pastel pink colour churidaar.It was simple yet elegant.She had left her hair in their natural curls and had a watch on her wrist.Earrings,a small bindi and she was done.No amount of makeup could compare the natural glow she had on her face.

"Nandini."She called her out to get her attention. "Chalo beta."She said. "I know you are nervous but don't be.Everything will be fine."She caressed her hair and quickly pecked her forehead.Nandini nodded with a smile and they both made their way outside.

Nandini's room was in the corner so no one could see her walking out.Actually no one could see from the living room as the living room was towards the corner.

"Namaste Aunty.Namaste Uncle."Nandini touched their feet as soon as she entered the living room and stood near the sofa where her mother sat not knowing what to do with herself.

"Yaha aao beta."Neyonika called her and shifted to the left making space for her between her and Manik.

Nandini sat besides her not sparing a look towards Manik and answered to all her questions politely.Though they had met before they didn't really get to talk that much so Neyonika used the opportunity to get to know her a little bit more.

Neyonika was sure that she would fit in the Malhotra family.She had the grace,the poise,the confidence.She was also welcoming.When Manik told her about Nandini she was scared not because she didn't trust his choice but because when you are in love you don't really see what is right and wrong but after she met her,her doubts had vanished in thin air.She knew then,Nandini was the perfect choice for Manik.

After the question and answer round was done it was time for the future bride and groom to meet.Yes...I mean it would be nice to finally ask for their opinions.

"Naliniji mujhe aur Raj ko toh Nandini pasand hai. Ab ek baar bacche baat kar sakte hai?"Neyonika asked to which Nalini and Rajan nodded.

"Nandini beta take him to the garden downstairs."Rajan said and Nandini nodded.

"Ji chaliye."Nandini got up and made way for Manik.

"After you."Manik said to which she nodded and he followed her.

After they left,everyone got themselves busy talking about various things.The men obviously couldn't think of anything other than business and the society while the ladies kept gushing about the latest fashion trends to their NGO work.

"I just hope bacche ek dusre ko pasand karle."Nalini voiced out her worry for she had really liked Manik for her daughter and to say that her daughter was in love with Manik would be an understatement.But is was a no brainer.Yeh rishta pakka tha even before the bride and groom had met.

"Don't worry.Sab kuch thik hoga."Neyonika said assuring her and then winking at the end making her chuckle. 'Kitni acting karni padd rahi hai Manik teri wajah se.'Neyonika shook her head at her son's thinking.

In the garden,
Manik and Nandini walked together at a comfortable distance towards the end of the garden.

"So?"Manik asked looking around.The garden was beautiful filled with flowers and  it looked more pretty as the flowers practically glistened due to the sun shining and the water droplets that the gardener had watered.

"So?"Nandini questioned back looking at him.

And suddenly out of nowhere they both started laughing.Manik pulled her to a corner where no one could see them.He literally gawked at her. "You look gorgeous."He caressed the back of her hand with his thumb sending 3 through her body.

"I know."Nandini flipped her hair making him grin. "You don't look bad yourself."She said and he laughed,a deep laugh.

"Why,thankyou."He pulled her hand towards his lips and kissed the back of it looking in her eyes.

"Come here."He said and she hugged him tightly taking in his warmth.His body heat was radiating through his shirt and she just wanted to stay like that.

His phone rang bringing them out of their little bubble. "Ha bhai."He said. "Okay we are coming."He said and hung up.

"Chalo,they are calling us."He kissed her forehead and they both went up holding hands.

As soon as they reached Nandini pulled her hand out of his hold instantly missing his warmth and she frowned.

"Yeh lo aa gaye."Rehaan saw them come in.Nandini quickly smiled wiping the frown of her face.

Manik went and sat besides his mom while Nandini stood behind her mom who was sitting on the couch. "So?"Neyonika looked towards her son smirking.She didn't even have to ask she already knew the answer.

"Hamari taraf se ha hai."Raj said while Rajan looked towards his daughter who smiled.

"Hamari taraf se bhi ha hai."He announced.Manik winked towards Nandini who glared at him.

The boat had finally sailed.

After dinner was done and a after a few general conversations they decided to leave.

"Bue Nandini."Neyonika hugged her patting her head earning a wide smile from Nandini.

The rest of the family moved ahead while Manik stayed behind. "I know this is where I ask your number but I know your number by heart and I love you."He kissed her on her cheek catching her by surprise and he moved ahead.

Nandini stood there trying to decipher what happened when Manik looked at her and winked before he disappeared as the doors of the elevator shut.

The Malhotra Clan got back home after dinner that night.Extremely happy with how thins have turned out.And the happiest amongst them was Manik for obvious reasons that he couldn't keep his smile of his face.

"Manik is already smitten huh?"Raj teased and Manik smile embarrassed more like blushed a little.

"He is smitten from the past five years."Rehaan revealed unknowingly making everyone except Raj to widen their eyes.

"What?"Raj asked alert now.

"I mean 5 baje se he is smitten.What did you hear 5 saal.Nahi it is since 5."He corrected himself badly and Raj nodded.

"Chalo I'll go.Good night guys."Raj excused himself and left.

As soon as he was out of sight Manik threw a pillow which hit Rehaan in his face. "Idiot kya kar raha hai?"Rehaan glared.

"Can't you keep your mouth shut."Myra yelled on behalf of Manik giving him a death glare.

"Are nikal gaya galti se."He innocently explained and Manik shook his head.

Will the boat sail smoothly though?

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Helllo guyss! Let me know what u think about this one.

Thanks a ton to each and everyone of you for showing soo much love to this book.Seriously I love you guyss❤️❤️

Stay safe,stay healthy and stay home.

Love,
Your Writer.