Manik settled into the car with Anjali and her kids, his mind drifting back six years. He remembered waking an hour after Naina had left the hotel, his side empty. A wave of worry and self-loathing washed over him, consumed by what his anger had driven him to do. He had to find Naina, at any cost.
He had left the hotel, intending to go to her home, but before he could reach it, he saw Anjali standing in the middle of the road. His cousin's wife, distraught. He was surprised, pulled over, and got out of the car. Anjali was crying, shaking uncontrollably. He treated Anjali like a sister, and her distress worried him deeply. She hugged him, sobbing, and he comforted her, taking her into his car. Still, in the back of his mind, he worried about Naina, unsure what to do. He'd assumed she would go straight home, an assumption that would prove wrong.
Anjali eventually explained a misunderstanding between her and Kabir; Kabir had left her. She was devastated, clinging to his past promises that he would never leave her. Unwilling to return home, Manik arranged for her to live in Dehradun, and he went with her to ensure she was settled.
A month later, when Manik returned to Mumbai, intending to talk to Priya, he was met with the devastating news: Priya had killed herself. The news shattered him. He couldn't bear to stay in Mumbai. Anjali, learning of his profound grief and transformation, suggested he come to Dehradun for a fresh start. He had become even more ruthless and hardened than before, haunted by the loss of the love of his life. He worked relentlessly, trying to escape the memory of Priya, consumed by guilt that he had hurt her, that his actions had driven her to such an end. He was a man who, once charming and persuasive, was now cold and heartless, his heart beating only for Priya and her phantom memories. Anjali, seeing him as a brother, worried endlessly about his desolate state.
Two months after the tragic news, Anjali discovered she was pregnant with twins, a rare joy that brought a glimmer of happiness to Manik. Two years prior, Anjali's father had passed away, and Manik had meticulously arranged everything for Anjali to attend the funeral, keeping it secret from Kabir.
A few months ago, Manik received a call from his mother: Jaya's wedding was approaching, and he had to come back. Jaya herself had also pressured him, as had Anjali, her "second sister-in-law." The entire family eagerly anticipated Anjali's return.
In the present, Manik was jolted back to reality by a sweet voice. "Uncle, when do we reach?" It was Kiara. He gently touched her cheek. "Dear, we'll reach the resort soon. That's where the wedding is arranged."
Meanwhile, Naina, equally excited to reunite with her family, had planned her own surprise at a beautiful, secluded Ocean View Resort – a five-star luxury destination far from the bustle of Mumbai, complete with stunning beaches, ideal for their special reunion.
Naina and her entire party arrived at the Ocean View Resort, finally ready to meet her family.
At the very same time, Manik and his entourage also reached the Ocean View Resort for Jaya's wedding.