At night, Naina stood on her balcony, gazing at the moon. Inside, her children were fast asleep. A soft knock came at her door. When she opened it, her adoptive mother stood there, holding a glass of milk, a small surprise for Naina. Her mother came inside. "Drink the milk," she urged. "I know you didn't eat anything at dinner." Naina was indeed surprised, but her mother continued, "Don't be. I know my daughter. Just drink the milk." Naina's mom then settled onto the sofa in the hall, observing Naina lost in thought. "What's wrong?" she asked gently. "Any problem?"
Naina hesitated, then confessed, "I came to your room and overheard your and Manik's mom's conversation." Her mother nodded knowingly. "She came to talk with us about you and Manik. But we didn't say anything without your concern. The decision will always be yours."
"Mom," Naina replied, her voice soft but firm, "I know you and Dad will always be there for me and let me make my own decisions." Her gaze drifted. "Mom, my kids asked where their father is. I couldn't tell them. I know I can give them everything, but they need a father. When Arun and I lost our parents, we needed you both. My kids need a mother and a father."
"Whatever you decide, we will always support you," Naina's mother said, her voice filled with love. "You are our princess." Naina smiled, a fleeting moment of peace. Her mother then left the room. Naina remained, lost in thought about her children.
The next morning, at 10 AM, Naina stood before Manik's door. She sighed, then knocked. In a few moments, Manik opened it. He looked messy and sleepy, wearing only pants, his toned eight-pack abs clearly visible. Naina quickly averted her gaze. "Can we talk?" she asked.
Manik, having worked through the night, had only just fallen asleep, assuming the knock was his elder brother or Kabir calling him for Jaya's Mehndi function. He was stunned to find Naina standing there, radiant in a long, flowing floral one-piece dress and high heels. She looked beautiful, breathtaking. He stared, wondering if he was dreaming. Her voice brought him back to reality. "What?" he mumbled. Naina repeated, "Can we talk?"
"Yes," Manik managed. He invited her into his room. The hall was a slight mess of files and a laptop, confirming Naina's suspicion that he had been working all night. She ignored it. "Please, sit," Manik offered. Naina sat on the sofa.
"I'll go and freshen up," Manik said. "Just give me a few minutes." Naina simply nodded. Fifteen minutes later, Manik reappeared, dressed casually but looking handsome. Naina was engrossed in her mobile, then looked up to find him standing before her.
"Do you want something, like coffee or juice?" Manik asked, ordering for himself.
"Coffee," Naina replied. Manik ordered two coffees via room service.
"Can we talk about our kids?" Naina began. Manik froze, surprised and overjoyed to hear her say "our kids." He knew it meant she acknowledged the three children were his. His eyes welled with emotion. "Why don't you sit?" Naina prompted. Manik quickly took a seat.
Manik remained quiet, then Naina continued, "I know you have questions about why I'm here. I'm here because of my kids - our kids. Yesterday, my children asked where their father was." Manik winced, visibly hurt by her words.
Naina pressed on. "I know I can give them everything, but they need a father, and that is you. Look, I don't know if I can forgive you or if I love you, but I love my kids, and they need you." Naina hesitated, then, with immense resolve, she spoke: "Six years ago, you said let's get married. Now I am saying, let's get married. What do you think? And don't worry, I will take all responsibilities properly, and I will fulfill them as a Malhotra daughter-in-law, your wife, and a mother - which I am already doing."
Manik listened, his heart aching that his children had grown up without a father for five years. Now, he had the chance to be with his children and Naina, the girl he had hurt, the girl he loved, who was asking to marry him. Though tinged with sadness, he felt an overwhelming happiness. "Yes," he said.
Naina nodded. "Let's have a court marriage. I don't want a grand wedding; something simple. We can have a reception later, after the marriage. What do you think?"
"Yes," Manik replied, his voice thick with emotion. Naina was coming back into his life as his wife, exactly as he had always wanted.