Chapter 78: Manifesting Us

In the living room:

(The room was filled with warmth and joy as Anuradha finished singing the last note of the song.

Her voice, despite the years, seemed very graceful and quite charming. As the song ended, a wave of applause erupted in the living room.

Purab's mother smiled warmly, looking at Anuradha with admiration.)

Purab's mother: Waah Anuradha ji, aapki awaaz toh bahur surili hai!!! Itni sukoon bhari, aur madhur awaaz maine bahut kam suni hai!!!

Bhoomika: (smiling) Haan mummy!!! Aap sahi keh rahe ho!!! Anuradha aunty ki voice is so amazing!!!! Maano jaise, ek dum mann ko sukoon hi mil gaya ho!!!

Vikram: (shocked) mujhe toh pata hi nahi tha, ki Maa gaati bhi hain!!!!

Purab: (grinning) Haan, toh ab pata chal gaya naa??? ab aunty ke liye, ek full concert arrange karna chahiye!!! what say?

Vikram: Haan... Haan, bilkul!!!

(Anuradha shook her head, amused at Purab's and her son's antics.)

Anuradha: (raising an eyebrow) Bas... bas! Itni taareef bhi mat karo, tum dono!!!... maine toh ainvayi sa hi gaya tha.... Chalo.... ab yeh masti bandh karo, aur sab lunch ke liye taiyaar ho jao.

(The laughter gradually settled down as everyone nodded in agreement, stretching and getting up from their seats.

Bhoomika and Naina immediately stood up together, their instincts kicking in.)

Naina: Aunty, kuch madad chahiye ho toh bataiye?

Bhoomika: Haan aunty ji, hum help kar dete hain. Zyada log honge toh jaldi ho jaayega.

(Anuradha waved them off with a small smile.)

Anuradha: Arrey, nahi beta, khaana poora ready hai... bas  garam karke table set karna hai!!!

Naina: Main kar deti hoon, aunty!!!

Anuradha: Kamla aur Sheetal hain abhi.... Woh dono kar lengi. Tum toh abhi bas baitho, aur aaram karo.

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(Kiaan and Kiara, who had been silent observers to everything so far, were growing restless.

They had waited patiently, watching the conversations and laughter unfold, but now, they wanted their time with their mother.

Sharing a quick glance, an unspoken agreement passed between them.

Without wasting another second, they got up and walked towards the living room entrance, where Naina stood with Bhoomika and Anuradha.)

Kiaan: (impatiently) Dadi, lunch kitne time mein ready hoga?

(Anuradha raised an eyebrow at their urgency, hands on her hips.)

Anuradha: (mock suspiciously) kyun? Koi unfinished video game hai kya, jo complete karna hai?

(Kiaan and Kiara exchanged a quick glance before shaking their heads animatedly.)

Kiaan: (grinning) Nahi! Hum mumma ko upar le jaana chahate hain.... We want to show her, our rooms!

Kiara: (nodding eagerly) Haan! Do saal ho gaye... Mumma ne hamaare naye rooms bhi nahi dekhe!

(The elders chuckled at their excitement. Bhoomika smiled fondly as she observed them.)

Bhoomika: (softly) Bacche kitne bhi bade kyun na ho jaayein... parents ke saamne toh they are always small only.

(Purab grinned, shaking his head.)

Purab: Exactly! They are literally reminding me of Prakhar. Har chhoti se chhoti cheez dikhaane ka excitement... koi naya toy ho, ya ek painting jo usne banayi ho!

(Kiaan and Kiara beamed at the comparison, then turned back to their mother, practically bouncing on their feet.)

Kiaan: (pleadingly) Mumma, chalo na! Please?

Kiara: (grinning mischievously) Aur waise bhi... aap mera room pehchaan hi nahi paaoge! I did a major transformation!

(Naina folded her arms, raising an eyebrow at her daughter.)

Naina: (teasingly) Accha? Aisa kya  transformation kiya?

(Before Kiara could answer, Kiaan cut in, laughing.)

Kiaan: (dramatically) Isne Aryan Chachu ke saare posters nikaal diye!!!

(The entire room burst into laughter. Even Anuradha's stern expression softened into amusement.

Kiara groaned, throwing her hands in the air.)

Kiara: (defensive) Arrey jab tak woh, mere liye, sirf ek Bollywood star thay, tab tak theek tha... but now he's my chachu! It felt too weird to have his posters in my room!

(Bhoomika shook her head, laughing.)

Naina: (mock serious) Toh ab kya hai room mein? Posters hata diye toh, walls khaali chhod di?

(Kiara shook her head proudly.)

Kiara: (smirking) Nope! Now I only have motivational quotes wale posters.... Kyunki pata nahi... phir koi aur handsome hero, mumma ka friend nikla toh???

(The entire room erupted in laughter again. Naina gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest.)

Naina: Kiara!

Kiara: (giggling) What? Main toh bas aise hi keh rahi hoon, Mumma!

(Vikram, shaking his head at their antics, crossed his arms.)

Vikram: (smirking) Accha, toh ab chalogi, ya bacchon ki taang kheenchne ka plan hai?

(Naina laughed and turned to the twins.)

Naina: Okay, baba! Chalo, dikhaao mujhe tumhaare naye rooms!

Without wasting a second, Kiaan and Kiara grabbed her hands and practically dragged her towards the staircase.

Kiara: (excitedly) Pehle mera room, phir Kiaan ka!

Kiaan: (grinning) Are! Pehle mera! Mumma will love it more!

Kiara: (mock scolding) Hadd hai! Mumma, pehle mere room mein chalo!!!

(Their playful bickering continued as they led Naina upstairs, their laughter echoing through the house.)

..

..

(The rest of the family watched them go, their smiles warm and full of love.

Anuradha sighed softly, a flicker of emotion passing through her eyes before she turned towards the dining area.

Vikram remained where he was, his eyes still fixed on the staircase, watching Naina disappear with the kids.

There was something different in the air today—something that felt like home, after a long, long time.)

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A while later,

In the corridor:

(After spending time with her kids, Naina was on her way downstairs when she stopped outside Vikram's room.

The door was slightly ajar. She hesitated. Yes, this used to be her room as well.... But now, it felt unfamiliar.

She took a step closer, curious.

She wasn't going to enter—just a quick peek inside.)

..

..

Then,

(Just as she leaned in slightly, a deep voice from behind made her freeze.)

Vikram: Naina, andar jaane ka mann hai, toh seedha chali jaao!!! Chhupke- chhupke kyun dekh rahi ho?

(Startled, she turned around sharply, her eyes wide.

Vikram stood behind her, arms crossed, an amused smirk on his lips.

Before she could respond, he stepped closer, grasped her wrist gently, and pulled her into the room.)

..

..

Inside Vikram's room:

(As she stepped inside, she took a deep breath, letting her gaze wander.

It was... neat. Surprisingly so. The bed was perfectly made, the furniture dust-free, everything in its place. It wasn't cluttered, but something felt missing.

Her eyes traveled to the walls—blank. Not a single photo of them together. Only pictures of their kids. Their wedding photo was also missing.

She frowned slightly and turned to Vikram, who was already watching her.)

Vikram: (sighing, running a hand through his hair) I didn't want any unhappy memories in this room.

(She looked at him, confused.)

Vikram: (quietly, almost as if confessing) Hamaari shaadi ke din... both of us looked so sad. Hamaare chehere se hi dikh raha tha, jaise zabardasti shaadi karwaayi jaa rahi ho!!! It gave me a lot of negative vibes!!!!

(A lump formed in her throat. She didn't know what to say.)

Vikram: (smiling slightly) Toh maine hata diye.

(She nodded, understanding the weight behind his words.)

Vikram: (with a small smile) Aur phir abhi, recently we took a lot of photos together... but Kaise lagaata.... Maa toh room mein aati- jaati rehti thi!!! Toh bas rehne diya.... sirf bacchon ke kuch happy moments waali photos lagaayi hain!!!

(Naina exhaled softly. She understood.)

Vikram: (grinning now, trying to lighten the mood) Lekin, ab tum aane waali ho... toh you decorate the room, however you want to!!! Jo karna hai karo.

(Naina smiled at his attempt to move on from the heaviness of the moment.)

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Then,

(Her eyes fell on the wardrobe. When she turned, she noticed Vikram staring at her.

It was something about the way Vikram was watching her, that made her narrow her eyes.)

Naina: Kya?

(Vikram grins and nods toward the wardrobe)

Vikram: Jaao... apni wardrobe khol lo...

Naina: (suspiciously) Kyun?

Vikram: (teasingly) Trust me!!! Open it!!!!

(Still wary, she reached forward and pulled open the wardrobe doors.

Her breath hitched.

It was full.

Her heavy sarees hung neatly in covers, each carefully placed with precision. A separate bag contained her blouses.

A box held some of her old bangles, and in the locker, she spotted a few pieces of jewelry.

Even some of her expensive footwear was still there. Everything was there... untouched... preserved.)

(She turned to Vikram, eyes wide in disbelief.)

Naina: (softly, in shock) Yeh sab... aapne, ab tak sambhal ke rakha?

(Vikram leaned against the wardrobe, watching her reaction.)

Vikram: (nods, voice deep but gentle) Jab tum chali gayi thi, toh apne saath kuch bhi leke nahi gayi thi...... phir, divorce ke baad socha tha, ek bag mein pack karke tumhe yeh sab waapas de dunga... ya bacchon ke haath, bhijwaa doonga.... par mujhe pata tha tum kabhi nahi leti.

(She looked away. He was right. Her pride wouldn't have let her accept anything from him.)

Vikram: (softly, stepping closer) Tumhaara swabhimaan beech mein aa jaata, hai naa??? Toh maine rakha liya.

(She blinked rapidly, trying to process everything.)

Vikram: (smiling faintly) Aur jis din maine tumhe propose kiya, us din se, I have been manifesting for this day, ki ek din tum waapas aaogi.

(Naina swallowed, her heart thudding.)

Vikram: (chuckling slightly, glancing at the wardrobe) Log kehte hain na, when you manifest for something, you need to feel like it is actually happening currently.... Toh maine tumhaari wardrobe phir se laga di... and I started believing that you were living with me!!!

(Naina bit her lip, overwhelmed with emotions.

He had wanted her to come back. He had believed she would.

She turned back to the wardrobe, running her fingers over the fabric of her sarees.)

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..

Then,

(Suddenly, a mischievous smile appeared on her lips.

She turned toward Vikram, eyes twinkling.)

Naina: (playfully) Jaan... bas ek problem hai.

(Vikram raised an eyebrow.)

Vikram: Kya?

(She crossed her arms.)

Naina: aapko, ek aur wardrobe arrange karna padega... or get it made!!

(Vikram looked utterly confused.)

Naina: (grinning, dramatically) Yeh almsari toh sirf meri sarees se bhari hui hai... mere paas aur bhi bahut saare kapde hain! Woh bhi fit karne padenge naa!!

(For a moment, Vikram just stared at her.

Then, he threw his head back and laughed—a deep, heartfelt laugh that made her heart melt.)

Vikram: (shaking his head, pulling her closer) Tum na... bilkul nahi badal sakti!!!! Emotional moment to kaise funny banaate hain... koi tumse seekhe!!!!

(Before she could say something witty, Vikram cupped her face gently, his eyes locked onto hers.

His thumb traced her cheek softly, his expression shifting from amusement to something deeper, more intense.)

Vikram: (softly) Aur, main chahta bhi nahi, ki tum kabhi badlo, Naina.

(Naina felt her heart race as Vikram cupped her face, his warm hands framed her cheeks with a gentleness that contrasted with the storm of emotions brewing between them.

His touch was feather light, yet it sent a shiver down her spine

It was overwhelming. She had spent so long convincing herself that they were better apart.

But standing here, in their room, with him looking at her like that... she wasn't sure anymore.

And,

Before she could overthink, Vikram leaned in slowly, his forehead resting lightly against hers.

His breath was warm against her lips, teasing, hesitant.

He was holding himself back, waiting—for her.

Naina's fingers curled into his shirt instinctively, pulling him closer, answering his silent question.

She closed her eyes as his lips brushed against hers... and just like that, the years of distance, the pain, the hesitation—all of it faded away.)

(His lips moved against hers with a gentleness that belied the storm raging inside him.

Naina responded, her hands sliding up to his shoulders, then threading into his hair.

She tilted her head slightly, deepening the kiss. A quiet sigh escaped her, melting into him, surrendering to the emotions.

A soft groan rumbled in his chest as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against him.

His hands slid down her back, pressing her closer as if afraid she would disappear again.

The kiss turned desperate, urgent. His lips moved against hers with a hunger that spoke of lost time, of sleepless nights spent missing her, of unspoken words and unfinished conversations.

Naina could feel his heartbeat against her own, wild and erratic, mirroring the chaos in her chest.

Then,

When they finally broke apart, their foreheads remained touching, their breaths still mingling.

Naina's eyes fluttered open, meeting Vikram's intense gaze—soft, yet burning with an emotion that words could never capture.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence between them was no longer heavy with distance or past regrets—it was filled with something new, something unspoken but deeply understood.

Vikram reached for her hand, his fingers threading through hers effortlessly. His grip was firm yet tender, a silent promise in itself.

Naina squeezed his hand back, her eyes shining with something close to happiness—something she had never felt in this house.

Without another word, they turned towards the door, their steps slow, deliberate, as if savoring the moment before stepping back into the world.

As they descended the staircase, the faint sound of laughter and chatter from the dining area grew louder. The warmth of home, of family, of belonging, surrounded them.

Vikram glanced sideways at Naina, his smile widening when he saw the same quiet contentment mirrored on her face.)

(And for the first time in a long time, they both knew—this was where they belonged. Together.)

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✨ Author's Note ✨

Phew! 😮‍💨 What a rollercoaster of emotions, right?

From laughter and family warmth to heart-touching confessions and THAT kiss...🔥

Vikram and Naina's journey is like a slow-burning candle—steady, intense, and impossible to ignore. 💖

There's something so powerful about love that refuses to fade, no matter the years, the distance, or the misunderstandings. 💔➡️❤️

Vikram preserving Naina's things all this time? 🥺

His silent belief that she'd come back?

Uff, the pyaar in this man is next level! 😭

And Naina?

She may tease and joke, but deep down, she feels everything just as much. The way they push and pull, yet always find their way back to each other—it's what makes their story so special. 💞

And let's not forget our little troublemakers, Kiaan and Kiara! 🥰

Their excitement, their innocence, and their unconditional love for their mumma just melts my heart! 🫠

Oh, and Kiara's hilarious poster comment? 🤣 Killed me!

What was your favorite part? The family banter? The emotional wardrobe moment? The KISS? 😏 Tell me, tell me—I'm waiting! ⬇️✨