The days in Khan Mansion had fallen into a rhythm. After weeks of chaos, back-to-back festivities, and the heavy emotions of Mukti’s rishta being fixed, life had slowed just enough for everyone to breathe again. But in between the peace, little sparks of excitement were flickering in every corner of the house — Mukti’s upcoming shaadi, Ayesha’s endless lists, and of course, the quiet, unspoken bond growing deeper between Manik and Nandini.
The morning sun streamed lazily through the curtains of Manik and Nandini’s room. Nandini was standing by the dresser, trying to pin her dupatta neatly, while Manik sat on the bed, tying his watch, his eyes shamelessly glued to her reflection in the mirror.
“Kya dekh rahe hain?” she asked softly, catching him in the mirror.
He smirked. “Apni biwi ko. Kya problem hai?”
She turned around, giving him a warning look. “Problem yeh hai ke breakfast ke liye late ho rahe hain aur aap idhar… bas… ghoor rahe hain”
“Tumhe ghoorne ka tax lag gaya hai kya?” He got up and walked towards her, caging her against the dresser.
“Manik…” she warned, her cheeks already heating up.
“Bas ek baat confirm karni thi,” he whispered, leaning close, “kya tum abhi bhi mujhse door bhaagna chahti ho, ya finally maan gayi ho ke you actually love being Mrs. Manik Malhotra?”
Her lips parted, but before she could answer, Mukti’s voice rang from outside. “Di! Bhai! Jaldi neeche aao warna Ammi khud upar aa jaayengi!”
Nandini pushed him away, flustered, and rushed to the door. Manik groaned dramatically. “Meri biwi hamesha rescue mission pe rehti hai.”
That afternoon, the girls had claimed the terrace. Aliya spread out a rug, Mukti brought cushions, and Nandini had carried up a tray of pakoras and chai. The winter sun was warm, and laughter echoed as they finally had some time to themselves.
“Finally no shaadi ka kaam for a few hours!” Aliya sighed, grabbing a pakora.
Mukti, however, looked distracted, staring into her cup. Nandini noticed immediately. “Kya hua, Mukti? You’ve been quiet.”
Mukti gave a small smile. “Di, sach batau… thoda darr lag raha hai. Abhishek achha hai, I know that. But shaadi… it feels so huge. Responsibilities, new family, new life. I don’t know if I can handle it.”
Nandini reached out and squeezed her hand. “Mukti, being scared is natural. I felt the same. Lekin trust me, once you take the first step, everything else falls into place. And tum strong ho… doctor ban ke emergencies handle kar sakti ho, toh apni life bhi sambhal logi.”
Aliya chimed in, “Exactly! And besides, tumhe wahan support system bhi milega.Di ne kaise adjust kiya, you will too.”
Nandini blushed at the compliment, her heart warming. For once, she didn’t hide her feelings. “Main bhi… actually… happy hoon. Manik ke saath. Pehle darr lagta tha, par ab lagta hai… maybe this is what Allah planned for me.”
Mukti and Aliya exchanged teasing smiles, but before they could pull her leg, Faiza — glowing more than usual — cleared her throat. “Since we’re sharing secrets… I have one too.”
All three leaned in instantly.
Faiza took a deep breath and smiled nervously. “I’m pregnant.”
There was a stunned silence for two seconds before the terrace exploded in squeals.
“What?!” Aliya practically screamed.
“Oh my God, Di!” Nandini hugged her tightly.
“Dida, yeh toh amazing news hai!” Mukti said, eyes wide with happiness.
Faiza laughed, wiping her eyes. “I’m scared too, you know. Being a mother is the biggest responsibility of all. But… Ibrahim is so happy, and I know with family’s support, it’ll be okay.”
Nandini hugged her again, this time more firmly. “You’ll be the best mom. And we’ll all be there for you.”
By evening, the whole family was gathered in the living room. Everyone was chatting casually until Faiza cleared her throat again, her cheeks pink.
“Ammi… actually we wanted to share some news.” She looked at Ibrahim for courage, then smiled. “We’re expecting.”
The room went silent for a heartbeat — then erupted in cheers and blessings.
Ayesha’s eyes filled with tears of joy as she hugged her daughter tightly. “Allah tum dono ko hamesha khush rakhe. Mera pehla grandchild!”
Asad and Zoya beamed, giving their duas, while Aliya danced around chanting, “I’m going to be a khalaaa!”
Manik, however, stood frozen for a second. Then he broke into the widest grin, walked straight to Faiza, and hugged her so tightly she squealed. “I’m gonna be a mamu! Samajhti ho tum? Mamu!”
Everyone laughed at his boyish excitement.
“I swear,” Manik continued dramatically, “I’m going to spoil this baby so much. Chocolates, toys, late-night stories — and Di you can't complain. Mamu ka haq hota hai.”
Faiza rolled her eyes, laughing. “Bhai, you’ll spoil him or her rotten!”
“Exactly!” Manik winked.
Even Ibrahim chuckled. “Bas itna keh raha hoon, Manik, agar baby ne exams ke time tumhare wajah se distractions kiye na…”
Manik smirked, patting his shoulder. “Relax, jiju. Padhai ki zimmedari tumhari, masti ki zimmedari meri.”
The entire living room was echoing with laughter, joy, and blessings. It was one of those rare evenings where the love of family felt almost tangible, like a soft blanket wrapping them all together.
Later that night, when the noise had settled and the house was calm again, Nandini stepped onto the balcony of her room, looking at the stars. Manik followed, slipping his arms around her waist from behind.
“You didn’t say much today,” he murmured.
Nandini smiled, resting against him. “I didn’t need to. Faiza baji’s happiness… it was enough. It felt like… family’s circle just got bigger.”
Manik kissed her hair gently. “And ours too. One day, maybe…”
She blushed furiously, swatting his chest. “Manik!”
He chuckled, tightening his hold. “Fine, fine. Abhi nahi. But pata hai, jab tum blush karti ho na, it makes me want to lock you away so no one else can see you like this.”
“Possessive,” she teased softly.
“Always,” he whispered, pulling her closer.
The night stretched around them — soft, peaceful, full of unspoken promises.
✨️
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...
