The storm of the evening had finally calmed. Everyone was sitting together when Mukti exhaled shakily, whispering, “i don't mind. It’s up to you all now. Do what you think is best.” She got up and went upstairs.
Downstairs, Manik Ayesha and Nandini were sitting together and discussing what should be done next.
Manik raked his fingers through his hair. “… toh ab?”
“We call them over,” Ayesha decided firmly. “Rishta walay ghar aayen, Mukti aur ladka baat karein. Agar dono comfortable hain, we move forward. Otherwise, we politely decline.”
Manik’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. Nandini placed a reassuring hand on his. “It’s the right thing, Manik."
Later, in their room, Manik shut the door and leaned against it, staring at Nandini. “You know… ab mujhe samajh aya hai. This is exactly how tumne feel kiya hoga, jab humari shaadi ka faisla tum par thopa gaya.”
Nandini froze, then looked down.
He continued, voice softer. “It was somewhere my fault too. I should have said that Nandini’s opinion matters. Tumhari khushi meri zimmedari hai, and I failed you in that moment.”
Her eyes softened at his honesty. “Manik… it’s okay. I am happy with you.” She paused, fiddling with her dupatta nervously.
Manik tilted his head. “What is it?”
“I… I want to tell you something.” Her voice was barely audible. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she whispered, “I… love you.”
The words hung in the air like a prayer.
Manik froze, then a slow, disbelieving smile spread across his face. “Say it again.”
She looked away, shy. “You heard me.”
“No, Nandini. I want to hear it properly.” His voice was husky, desperate.
Her lips trembled, but she repeated, “I love you, Manik.”
Something in him snapped—this time not in anger, but in raw joy. He crossed the room in two strides, cupped her face, and kissed her deeply.
The kiss started gentle but quickly turned fierce, fueled by months of pent-up longing. His hands slid to her waist, pulling her flush against him.
Nandini gasped, clutching his shirt. “Manik…”
“Hmmm?” he murmured against her lips, trailing kisses along her jaw.
“… we—”
“Shhh,” he whispered, lips brushing her ear. “We’re husband and wife now. No barriers.”
Her breath hitched as he kissed down her neck, leaving a trail of fire. She trembled, torn between shyness and surrender.
“Tum meri ho, Nandini,” he said, voice hoarse, eyes dark with passion. “And I’m never letting you go.”
Her hands finally gave in, clutching his shoulders, her lips parting under his again. The tenderness of his touch mixed with his hunger, each kiss stealing her breath.
He whispered against her skin, “You don’t even know what you do to me.”
“Manik…” she moaned softly, her body betraying her hesitation.
He carried her to the bed, laying her down carefully as if she were porcelain, yet his eyes burned with intensity. Their breaths mingled, their whispers drowned in the rhythm of love and need. That night, they didn’t just confess in words—they sealed it in soul and body.
Nandini woke tangled in his arms, her cheeks heating as flashes of the night returned. She buried her face in his chest, but he chuckled, kissing her hair.
“Good morning, Mrs. Malhotra,” he teased.
She hit him lightly. “Stop it.”
“No way. You told me you love me. Ab main tumhe chain se chhodunga? Forget it.”
Before she could argue, Ayesha’s knock came. “Nandini beta, uth gaye? The rishta family is coming in the evening. I’ve invited Zoya and Asad too. And Faiza and Ibrahim are joining us for dinner.”
“Yes Ammi,” Nandini replied, composing herself. “I’ll come early from work to manage everything.”
By evening, the Khan mansion buzzed with energy. Caterers set trays, Mukti helped arrange flowers half-heartedly, while Nandini supervised every detail.
Faiza and Ibrahim arrived first, hugging Nandini warmly. “Bhai, your wife has settled in perfectly,” Faiza teased Manik, who only smirked proudly.
Then came Asad and Zoya, bringing desserts. Ayesha greeted them with hugs, her joy evident.
Finally, the rishta family arrived. Abhishek walked in with his parents—well-dressed, polite, their warmth filling the room. Ayesha and Zoya exchanged approving glances.
Nandini whispered to Mukti as she stood nervously. “Relax. Just be yourself.”
Manik, ever the possessive brother, made sure to sit close by, glaring subtly whenever Abhishek glanced at Mukti.
But tradition prevailed. Mukti and Abhishek were sent to the garden to talk privately.
Sitting on the swing, Mukti broke the silence. “So… what do you think about all this?”
Abhishek smiled kindly. “I think rishtay shouldn’t be forced. Dono ko choice honi chahiye. So I’ll be honest—I liked what I saw of you at Faiza’s wedding. But the decision should be yours.”
Mukti blinked, surprised by his straightforwardness. For the first time in days, she felt at ease.
When they returned, Ayesha served tea and sweets. The families chatted warmly. Before leaving, Abhishek’s parents expressed, “We really like Mukti. She’s educated, graceful, and fits our family perfectly.”
Manik, ever cautious, nodded politely. “Hum aapko decision batayenge.”
After the guests left, the entire family gathered in the living room—Ayesha, Manik, Nandini, Mukti, Faiza, Ibrahim, Asad, and Zoya.
Faiza spoke first. “Honestly, Abhishek seems like a good match. Respectful, mature, and from a solid family.”
Asad agreed. “Main bhi isi taraf jhukta hoon. Mujhe koi aitraaz nahi.”
Zoya smiled. “Aur sabse bari baat, Mukti seemed comfortable with him.”
All eyes turned to Mukti, who shyly nodded.
Manik exhaled, finally easing. “Theek hai. Then we finalise it.”
Ayesha’s eyes shimmered with tears. “Allah ka shukar… sab kuch smoothly ho raha hai.”
The family embraced one another, relief and joy settling over them.
But in the corner, Nandini caught Manik’s eye. He winked, silently reminding her of her confession the night before. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away—yet her heart felt lighter than ever.
✨️
Mystery
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Meri Jaan
Romance'Why can't you leave me alone' Nandani yelled helplessly. 'Why should I leave you? You are my life, Zindagi ban gayi ho meri' I whispered yelled each word so it stays in her mind forever. She ignored my confession as usual and pushed me away. 'Mer...
