Epilogue

"Manik, Where are you?", Nandini asked over the phone kept on speaker as she wore her earrings.

"5 minutes.", Manik replied as he pressed on the accelerator.

"Manik we are going to be late. You still need to change into your outfit. I promised Navya I would be there early. She would be panicking right now. I should have stayed the night with her only",  Nandini said feeling guilty thinking about Navya as she looked over her outfit and brushed her hair behind.

"I am sorry. It was very important. You know I wouldn't have gone if it wasn't. I haven't worked for the past few days or gone to the office.", Manik apologized as he drove inside the driveway and walked inside the house.

"I know. Just come up fast.", Nandini said with a sigh as she hung up and picked up her purse.

Manik rushed inside the room and gasped in surprise as he stopped at a distance from her.

She turned around hearing him, a little nervous at his actions.

"What? Do I not look okay? Is it too much? Mukti said I should try it but I wasn't so sure.", Nandini asked running her hand down her outfit, nervously shifting her weight between her legs. Manik looked down at her properly, His eyes held surprise and awe in them.

"You look gorgeous.", Manik whispered with a nod confirming his words as he walked closer to her and put his hand around her waist.

It was the first time he was seeing her wear an actual saree.  It was a classic real zari embroidered timeless organza saree. She had a sleeveless blouse and jewelry on. Her hair fell straight with natural makeup on her face. She looked so beautiful, he couldn't express it. For a second, he felt like telling her to wear it more often.

For all the previous functions of the wedding, she either wore a lehenga or indo-western outfits. He was glad Mukti made her agree to wear a saree today.

Yes, Wedding.

It's been a year to the day since Manik became the chairman. Cabir proposed to Navya on their 1st anniversary claiming he can't wait anymore to be with her. She actually rejected him twice before finally accepting it. They met each other's parents and planned the whole wedding which was a circus with so many arguments and people getting upset for not having their way. There were times when they didn't talk for a day with Navya feeling like Cabir didn't seem much interested in planning the wedding and was busy with work.

Anyway, after everything they both went through, they are here today. Finally getting married. The last few days were kind of magical for Nandini, seeing all those functions and rituals and learning about them. It was the first time she was seeing so many family members getting together and helping each other out and celebrating. The more she watched them together, the more she missed having one and was determined to have a white Christian wedding with her friends and colleagues together.

"Thanks. Go and get ready now. We don't have time. ", Nandini said kissing his cheeks and pulling herself away from him before he makes them later than they already are.

So many things have changed in both of their lives since the day everything came out and Manik became the chairman. Their relationship had only gotten stronger than before. They still had problems in their way and arguments that lasted more than a day too with Manik busy with the responsibility of a chairman and working on getting back the image and reputation of Malhotra Groups and Nandini expanding her clothing line and doing more and more fashion shows but they managed together, supporting each other in any way they could.

Six months into their relationship, Nandini moved in with Manik. He didn't ask her or made some big gesture. It felt normal to them as it was slow progress. With time Manik kept asking her to bring some of her things over so she wouldn't have to go back and forth when she was staying over. One day he casually asked her if she wants to stop renting her apartment to which she agreed knowing it didn't make sense to pay the rent when she didn't stay there.

It was not easy when she officially moved in with him. They would have arguments about the mess she made around the house or his bad sleeping habits. They would argue over small things like what movie to watch or having healthy food for dinner but that's what made their relationship more exciting.

Manik's condition was also improving a lot after getting closure with Shravan. He still attends therapy and finds it difficult to be in contact with someone for a long period of time but now he can casually hug people. Nandini was jealous at the thought of him giving people hugs but was also happy he will finally be able to know what it felt like.

Manik walked out of the closet brushing his hair back as he sat down on the bed to put on his shoes.

Nandini stared at him hard with her eyes widened before looking away and biting her lips to stop herself.

Manik glanced at her once before shaking his head with a smile. She still behaved as if she was caught staring at someone's else boyfriend.

Manik tied his shoes and walked closer to her.

"Let's go, Darling. Aren't we getting late now?", Manik asked raising an eyebrow teasing her and she pouted in reply.

"I seriously should stop experimenting with my designs on you.", Nandini whispered under her breath as they walked down to his car.

"Why?", Manik asked hiding a smile, already knowing the answer to that as he opened the door for her and she rolled her eyes but still entertained him.

"You make everything look good. I don't even understand why you even agreed with me to wear it. It's pink for one and we are matching too. Didn't you say something like its cliche and cringe?", Nandini pointed out his kurta which was in a light baby pink color to match her saree. He had a white silk bandana above it. His hair was trimmed on the side and styled perfectly with a neat beard that she loved on him. He looked more or less perfect in it.

"I did but then I thought about it again and it's worth it. I love your reactions when you see me in your designed outfits. You can't even look me in the eye and talk without staring for long and being embarrassed about it.", Manik teased her and she blushed a shade of red looking away.

Manik chuckled putting on some music before grabbing her hand as they drove to the wedding venue.

"I will catch up with you later. Cabir is so close to freaking out.", Manik said as they got down from the car and Nandini looked up at him.

"You want me to come with you to check on him.", Nandini asked concerned and he nodded in no kissing her head.

"I will handle him. Go be with Navya. I will send Ishaan over to you too.", Manik said pulling back and she nodded with a smile.

He looked at her once before subtly looking around for all the guests and pecking her lips. She touched her lips with her hand looking around and giving him a soft glare.

"I will go now. I will see you later. Wait for me.", Manik said winking at her and she blushed before walking away waving at him as she found Navya's room and saw her getting ready.

"I am so sorry. Manik was late and there was traffic on the way. Do you need anything?", Nandini asked and Navya nodded no with a sigh as she saw her.

"I am just glad you are here. I am having so many thoughts. I could barely sleep last night. I really love him but I can't help but wonder if it's the right time.", Navya said and Nandini smiled.

"Do you really think there's ever a right time for things? I don't think so, not anymore. I feel like if it feels right then it doesn't matter if the time is right or not. Have faith in yourself, you would make it work.", Nandini said comforting her and Navya relaxed finally.

Nandini left her with her cousins before going around and helping with all the arrangements. Navya's father had let everything go and now treated her like a daughter. She was so happy the day he talked with her. She helped her mom with anything needed and realized a lot of time had passed and it was time for the garland exchange after the groom comes with the Baraat with his side of relatives and the bride's side welcomed them.

She went up to be with Navya who was now ready, dressed in a pastel pink lehenga with her hair in a bun wearing all the different pieces of heavy jewelry. Nandini felt like tearing up as she watched her best friend in the bridal attire. They heard the Dhol and moved closer to the window and watched Mukti and Manik at the front dancing with a few other people with Cabir sitting on his convertible car that was decorated beautifully with flowers.

Nandini's eyes moved to Manik and she blushed watching him laughing and bringing Cabir out to dance with them.

"Knock Knock.", Ishaan said knocking on the half-opened door and the girls turned around.

Some of Navya's cousins giggled watching him and he gave a flirty smile to them before turning to Navya and Nandini.

"Wow. You look beautiful Navya more than what I thought of. I really don't know what to say other than Cabir is in for a surprise.", Ishaan said looking at her and She smiled as he pulled her in a hug and kissed her head lightly before turning to Nandini and raising an eye.

"You are in a saree? Did you check on Manik? Is he still breathing?", Ishaan teased her and she slapped his arm before hugging him and looking at him with an impressed look.

"Well you don't look too bad.", Nandini said seeing him in the cream-colored Indo-western kurta.

"Thank you. Let's go. I came to call you guys.", Ishaan said and they nodded before walking down.

Nandini and Ishaan walked with Navya helping her out with the stairs as she looked around the beautifully decorated open area with Cabir standing at the stage with the Mandap behind him. Everyone was standing around the area waiting for Navya to come.

They moved away when they reached down the stairs and Navya's cousins walked holding a beautifully decorated bridal flower chadar over her.

Ishaan and Nandini walked ahead and found Manik and Mukti at the front and joined them watching Navya and Cabir having their moment.

"Is he going to cry?", Mukti whispered and all of them turned to Cabir who looked close to crying.

"He went from believing he would never get married watching his parents fight growing up to marrying the one for him. I bet he is emotional.", Manik said looking at Cabir with a look of understanding.

"Honestly, I never understood why grooms shed a tear watching the bride for the first time. I mean I understand they get emotional and couldn't believe it's true but I always felt it was unreal. I mean does marriage change anything? You love each other and live together already. What does it change for your relationship? ", Ishaan said with his eyebrows scrunched up saying his thoughts out loud.

Nandini smiled seeing him look genuinely confused.

"Everything but nothing.", Nandini replied to him and he frowned trying to understand her words.

Manik smiled hearing her and wrapped a hand around her waist pulling her closer to him.

"I am confused.", Ishaan said looking at them.

"Me too.", Mukti added making the other two smile.

"Why don't you ask Cabir and Navya only tomorrow when we meet for dinner at our house?", Manik said and they nodded before looking back at the couple who were doing the rituals as instructed all the while stealing glances at each other.

The wedding went smoothly and soon it was time for the Bidaai. Navya was crying as she hugged her family goodbye and Nandini couldn't help but feel her eyes tear up watching her best friend cry. Mukti wrapped her arms around Nandini sniffling.

"I hate Navya for making me emotional.", Mukti whispered and Nandini smiled and nodded as they held each other watching Navya.

Ishaan had a frown and turned to Manik for answers who was confused too.

"I don't know why they are crying. They are going to see her tomorrow and more after they are back from their honeymoon.", Manik replied before Ishaan could ask him anything.

"Marriages are so confusing and emotional. I don't feel like getting married. I will just live in together.", Ishaan said thinking about it and Manik looked at Nandini and smiled slightly.

"I don't think I can do that. I will always want more and more from her.", Manik whispered and Ishaan smiled.

"Would you cry too at your wedding?", Ishaan teased and Manik nodded still looking at Nandini who was now hugging Navya and they were crying together.

"Why?", Ishaan asked curiously and Manik smiled turning to him.

"Because I have been dreaming about that day for a while now and wondering how she would look like and having to see her that day dressed as an angel looking better than what I would have ever dreamt of and realizing it's not a dream anymore and as real as it can be would be so overwhelming.", Manik said with a small smile on his face and Ishaan had a thoughtful look before he nodded understanding what he meant.

"I guess it would be. I can't wait for the day when I would find someone I would dream of marrying.", Ishaan said and Manik smirked wrapping his arm around Ishaan's shoulder and pulling him closer to him.

"You sure you haven't found her yet.", Manik asked making him look at Mukti who looked amazing in the beige georgette sequin saree she wore.

"We aren't even dating Manik. When will you give up?", Ishaan asked him trying not to look at her.

"Well, whose fault is that? It's been a year, you still think you need time. She has been patiently waiting for you.", Manik said and Ishaan looked up at him in surprise before nodding in no.

"We are comfortable being friends and she is not waiting for me.", Ishaan said firmly and Manik chuckled.

"You can't be more wrong than that. For once open your eyes and watch her for real, you will know what she wants. She isn't that hard to read. You just have to see her.", Manik said and Ishaan frowned thinking about it.

They both gave Navya and Cabir a hug as she sat inside the car with Cabir and drove home for more rituals and functions. They were going to have a reception later after coming back from their honeymoon.

It would be a simple dinner tomorrow with the six of them before they leave for their trip.

Manik took Nandini home after they helped with packing things up from the venue and they immediately fell asleep after changing tired from not sleeping properly for days.

The next morning, Nandini was busy preparing for the dinner they will be hosting. They had formed a tradition of having dinner every month at one another house and get-together. Every time Nandini's turn she would start preparing in the morning to make it perfect. Manik was now habituated to it and just listened to her quietly helping her with cooking and anything she said.

As the weather was good and it was the first dinner after Cabir and Navya got married, She was determined to make it special and that's why they would have dinner outside nearby the pool on the lawn.

Manik was busy hanging lights around and arranging the table for the dinner. He set up the plates and glasses along with the flowers.

Oscar played around with Manik making his work difficult.

"Nandini, Can you please take Oscar away and entertain him?", Manik yelled for her from outside and she walked out frowning with an apron around her waist.

"I am making the sauce Manik. You know it's the first time I am trying to make Mexican food also he just wants to play with you not me.", Nandini said frowning.

"I know Darling. I offered to cook but you don't want my help. At least take him inside for a while. I need to see if these lights are working and he is running around the ladder making it difficult.", Manik said pointing at the ladder he had stood up on to arrange the lights.

"Fine. Oscar.", Nandini said trying to get him inside but Oscar ran away making Nandini sigh and chase him.

"Oscar.", Nandini said running behind him and Manik frowned.

"Don't run behind him. He thinks you are playing with him.", Manik said looking at them and sighing trying to finish his work fast knowing it was of no use.

"No. Don't go there.", Manik heard Nandini shout and looked up to see Oscar jumping on the ladder to pull Manik down.

Manik sighed leaving the lights trying to come down when the ladder stumbled again and he lost his balance and fell down on the grass with Oscar hovering over him licking his face happily.

Nandini came by his side concerned.

"Are you okay?", She asked kneeling down beside him.

"I think I broke my back.", Manik said half groaning and half laughing with Oscar still licking him.

"Oscar.", Nandini said a little sternly and he whined snuggling himself closer to Manik.

Manik pet his head comforting him.

"It's fine Nandini. Don't scold him. He just wanted to play with me. Give me a minute. I will be up.", Manik said running his hand on Oscar's fur making Nandini frown.

"Fine. Make me the bad guy here. I am leaving. Stay with him.", Nandini said moving to get up but he held up his other hand pulling her above him grinning at her being surprised.

"Don't be jealous. I love you more.", Manik said smiling at her and she blushed looking away and letting herself take a break and lay down beside him.

"The weather's beautiful today.", Nandini said watching the clear sky and Manik smiled turning to look at her in his arms.

"It reminds me of our second date when we went to play footgolf. Remember?", Manik asked and she nodded smiling wide.

"And then those uncles disturbed us.", Nandini had just completed saying that before the two of them burst out laughing as Oscar hovered over their heads.

He leaned down to lick their faces trying to come above them and Nandini moved away.

"Okay, I am done. Play with him. I will get back to cooking.", Nandini said before getting up and he sighed getting up too and playing catch with him for a while before Oscar found butterflies to distract himself and Manik got back to work.

"Go and get dressed. I will finish the chicken.", Manik said to her and she nodded walking to their room and picking out a dress. It was a lavender wrap dress and she smiled loving it. She quickly put on some make-up and was busy curling her hair when Manik came inside and gave her a smile before walking inside his closet and picking out a plain white round neck t-shirt and denim jeans with ripped around some areas.

He raised an eyebrow at her and she gave a nod approving it and he stood behind her and brushed his hair.

"Can you help with the hair on my back?", Nandini asked him and he nodded and tried to remember what she taught him as he helped her curl her hair and smiled playing with her hair as it bounced perfectly.

"You look amazing.", Manik said leaning down with his hand on her shoulder as he looked at her from the mirror and kissed the top of her head.

"Thank you.", Nandini said smiling wide and he kissed her cheek.

"I will take everything outside. They will be here soon. Come down when you are ready.", Manik said and she nodded.

Manik took everything outside to the table he set up and switched on the lights to check everything. It looked amazing and he was proud to place candles and lamps around the pool area and near the bushes.

Nandini walked outside and smiled looking around.

"What do you think?", Manik asked smiling and she smiled back.

"Good work.", Nandini said taking a step closer to him but stopped hearing Oscar bark and smiled.

"I have a surprise for you too.", Nandini said moving aside and Manik chuckled watching Oscar in a black tshirt with a cap on his head.

"I need a picture. Oscar buddy.", Manik whistled excited and Oscar ran to his side.

Manik looked at Nandini and she walked closer to them too.

He took out his phone and clicked a lot of pictures of them together with the table and lights in the background.

Manik heard the door and they walked inside and welcomed Mukti first who was as excited watching everything arranged so well. Ishaan came next and wouldn't leave Oscar for a second playing with him, seeing him dressed up for the dinner.

"You sure the married couple are not ditching us?", Mukti joked and they laughed when the doorbell rang and they went to open it.

They all walked to the backyard and took a seat at the table. Manik put on light music in the background as they talked about the wedding and toasted the couple and all of their future plans.

"I will be collaborating with another writer this month.", Mukti said discreetly and Manik narrowed his eyes at her as he took a bite of his food.

"You have never done that before. Who is it?", Manik asked her curious.

"Well as you know that I am now a full-time writer and have resigned from my IT job. I thought of exploring other genres too now that I had lots of time in hand. I was waiting for the movie series to be completed on my book and now that it is over. I decided to take the chance. One of the famous writers approached me and asked for a collaboration and I couldn't deny.", Mukti explained and they all looked at her curious.

"Who is it?", Cabir asked getting annoyed at her for keeping them hanging.

"It's Ryder Woods. The famous sci-fi writer. Your favorite.", Mukti said with a teasing glance at Manik who had his mouth wide open.

"You are kidding me? You will be working with him? he is a very private person. I can't believe he approached for a collaboration.", Manik said still amazed and Mukti grinned wide.

"I guess he just loved my work.", Mukti said showing off and Manik rolled his eyes at her.

"Congratulations Mukti. He is just jealous. Please arrange an autograph and meet if possible for Manik.", Nandini teased and he frowned at them but nodded at the thought of an autograph and meeting him.

"What about you?", Navya asked turning to Ishaan who had a big smirk on his face.

"I am invited to give a ted talk so I will most probably will be busy for it for the next few days. They wanted the best businessman of the year to motivate the students and guide them.", Ishaan said teasing Manik who groaned and everyone laughed.

"What is this? Annoy Manik day? The only reason you won the best businessman of the year is that I was busy cleaning up the reputation and Cabir was busy with his wedding.", Manik remarked and Ishaan rolled his eyes.

"We all know they are just excuses. Do you want me to get in detail about the company turnover this year?", Ishaan asked and Manik threw a napkin at him.

"Cut it out. What about you Nandu?", Navya asked her, and Nandini smiled excitedly.

"I am going to Paris for the fashion week in two months.", Nandini said and they all smiled and congratulated her before turning to look at Manik who was smiling softly.

"What about you Manik? How is it going with the business?", Cabir asked him and Manik nodded.

"Better. I guess it was a matter of time. Sure we had some losses but now I think we are at a good state.", Manik said sipping his wine and they were glad.

They finished the dinner talking more before calling a night and leaving after some time.

Manik shut the door and turned to Nandini with mischief in his eyes.

"Fancy a swim?", Manik asked and she looked at the time and back at him.

"At this time? Let's go.", Nandini said making him chuckle before she quickly changed and put on a robe and came down to see him waiting for her with a robe on too.

"On the count of three?", Nandini said and Manik nodded as they removed the robe and looked at each other counting together.

Nandini smiled and tried to push him in mid-count and he pulled her with him making them fall down together creating a loud splash.

She laughed as they came out and hugged him close.

They swam around for a while racing and trying to pull each other down before just floating on the water.

"I was glad to hear everyone today and am happy they are doing well.", Nandini said and Manik nodded.

"Do you know about Shravan? How is he?", Nandini asked and Manik sighed and turned to her.

"Better I guess but still not ready. He called two days back saying he would need some more time to come back to office. ",Manik said and Nandini nodded feeling sad for him.

Manik and Shravan's relationship had improved a lot after all the secrets were out. They weren't close like best friends and were still awkward at times but they talked now and could have fun together once in a while. Three months back Shravan's mother's health declined and he left abroad to take care of her. She passed away a month after and It affected Shravan a lot. You can say they had become close after this incident with Manik understanding what he felt like and being there for him.

The group was also okay with having Shravan over sometimes for dinner. Ishaan was a little uncomfortable at first having him and Sia together, but he was okay with them with time.

Nandini moved closer to Manik and he smiled as he pulled her to him leaning on the sidewall of the pool.

"Do you want to come with me to Paris?", Nandini asked him and Manik thought over it.

"Have I ever missed a single fashion show of yours?", Manik asked pushing her hair behind her ear.

"Never.", Nandini replied smiling and he leaned closer pecking her nose.

"I will be there. I have never been to Paris before. I was thinking maybe we could stay for a week more and properly explore the place too. We haven't went somewhere for a while now, I will arrange my schedule.", Manik said her and she grinned wide and jumped hugging him excited.

"Really? Thank you so much.", Nandini said cupping his face and pulling him in for a sloppy kiss with a wide grin on her face.

"I love you.", Nandini said giggling and Manik chuckled watching her.

"That's not how you kiss Darling.", Manik said before pulling her closer, making her bump with his chest as he cupped her face and kissed her properly.

"I love you too.", Manik whispered and she smiled putting her head on his chest and leaning on him as he kissed her head.