The Khan–Malhotra mansion was glowing that evening, every corner lit with fairy lights, laughter, and the scent of roses and incense mingling in the air. It wasn’t just an engagement; it felt like another wedding had descended upon the family. Mukti’s *sagai* with Abhishek had brought both families together, and for once, there was no tension, no hidden tears—only joy.
Nandini stood in the middle of the hall, making sure the trays were properly set. The sparkle of the engagement rings sitting on a velvet cushion caught her eye. Her lips curved into a smile. Everything felt like it had fallen into place—the stormy nights, the tears, the fights—all had led here, to this night of unity.
She adjusted her dupatta nervously when a voice came from behind.
“Stop fussing, Mrs. Malhotra. You’ll wear yourself out.”
She turned, narrowing her eyes at Manik, who stood there in a crisp sherwani, looking annoyingly handsome and smug.
“Someone has to make sure things are perfect,” she whispered back, smoothing a corner of the tray.
He leaned in, his voice dropping low, only for her ears. “You’re perfect. That’s enough.”
Her cheeks flushed pink, and she swatted his arm lightly. “Not here, Manik. Everyone’s around.”
He smirked, clearly enjoying her fluster. “Exactly. I like watching you get all shy when people are around.”
Before she could reply, Ayesha called them. “Nandini beta, come sit near Mukti. She’ll feel better with you around.”
“Yes, Ammi,” Nandini said, quickly walking to sit by her sister-in-law.
Mukti looked radiant but nervous, fidgeting with her bangles. Nandini held her hand softly. “Relax, Mukti. It’s your big night. You’re glowing.”
Mukti smiled faintly. “Only because you’re here. Otherwise, my heart’s racing.”
Aliya leaned in from the other side. “Don’t worry, Di. We’re all here. Abhishek bhai looks more nervous than you.”
The three girls giggled quietly, and Faiza, sitting close by, gave them a knowing look. Her hand rested instinctively on her stomach.
Soon the rituals began. Abhishek and Mukti exchanged rings, the family clapped and cheered, and the sound of dholak filled the hall. Ibrahim and Faiza sat smiling proudly, Aliya clicked endless pictures, and Nandini made sure Mukti was comfortable, her heart swelling with sisterly affection.
When the ceremony ended, everyone sat down for dinner. The men joked loudly at one table while the women fussed over the desserts. Ayesha leaned against Zoya, whispering how her children had made her proud.
And in the middle of it all, Nandini noticed Manik watching her. Not just watching—*studying* her. As if memorizing the way she laughed with Aliya, the way she gently fed Mukti a bite of mithai, the way her dupatta slipped and she fixed it without a thought.
When their eyes met, his gaze softened.
The crowd dispersed late into the night. Mukti retired to her room, exhausted but glowing. Faiza and Ibrahim promised to visit again soon. Ayesha gave her children one last set of instructions before heading to bed herself.
Nandini slipped into her room, unpinning her heavy jewelry, when she felt arms snake around her waist from behind.
“Manik,” she whispered, startled but smiling, “someone will see…”
“They’re all asleep,” he murmured into her hair. “Finally, you’re mine for a few minutes.”
She leaned against him, her heart calm. Unlike the fiery nights of their past, tonight felt different—steady, assured.
“Today was perfect,” she said softly. “Seeing everyone happy… I felt so blessed.”
He turned her around, his thumb brushing her cheek. “And what about me? Did I make you happy today?”
Her lips curved into the shyest smile. “Every day, Manik.”
His chest tightened at her words. For months, he had craved to hear such unguarded affection from her. Now, it felt like a reward for every storm they had weathered.
“I don’t deserve you,” he whispered.
“You do,” she countered gently. “And I… I love you.”
The words hung between them, soft yet heavy with meaning. His eyes widened, then softened into a look that made her throat tighten.
“Say it again,” he begged, his voice breaking.
“I love you, Manik,” she said, tears pooling in her eyes.
He pulled her into his arms, holding her as though she were the very breath in his lungs. No fiery passion, no desperation—just warmth, trust, and a promise of forever.
They sat by the window later, her head resting on his shoulder, his arm wrapped securely around her. The lights from the garden still twinkled faintly outside, and the house was finally quiet.
“This is just the beginning, Nandini,” he murmured. “We’ll fight, we’ll mess up, but I’ll always find my way back to you. Always.”
She smiled against him. “And I’ll be here. Always.”
The next morning, the house buzzed with plans—wedding prep for Mukti, doctor visits for Faiza, meetings and work for the rest. Life was moving, rushing, flowing. But amidst the noise, Nandini and Manik found their own little island of peace.
As she handed him his coffee, their eyes met, and the smallest of smiles passed between them. A silent promise. A forever promise.
And that’s how their story closed—not with fireworks, but with a steady flame. A flame that would burn through every storm, every joy, every tomorrow.
**Because Manik and Nandini weren’t just in love. They had found home—in each other.**
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✨ The End ✨
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...
