MaNan FF : Blame Game

part 4

The Party That Wasn't His

The ballroom glittered like a jewel dropped into the heart of the city.

And at the center of it all stood- Nandini Manik Malhotra.

draped in an elegant red gown that shimmered under the crystal chandeliers hung above, scattering golden light across polished marble floors, The delicate diamond necklace at her throat caught every flicker of light, and her smile - poised, warm, impossibly magnetic - drew every gaze in the room.

while the hum of soft music mingled with the clinking of champagne glasses.

Every corner whispered luxury - silk-draped tables, towering floral arrangements, and servers gliding by with trays of delicacies that cost more than most people's monthly rent.

It was the Malhotra legacy on full display - and tonight, She moved from guest to guest, a perfect hostess, greeting old family friends, influential business partners, and society's finest..

They all belonged among the city's elite.

She greeted each guest as if they were royalty - handshakes for the men, air-kisses for the women, all the while her eyes scanning, ensuring nothing was amiss.

Then she spotted them - her parents.

Raghav murthy and neelima murthy..

Nandini's eyes lit up.

"Mummy, daddy" she breathed.. A rare softness replaced the formality in her eyes. She moved forward, hugging her mother tightly, then her father.. Raghav kissed her head, making her smile. her mother's eyes shimmering with pride..

"I'm mad at you both. You two came so late" said Nandini faking anger.

Her father raised his hand like surrendering in front of his Darling daughter and put the blame on his wife

"well I was ready on time, it was your mummy who took time painting her face"

Neelima glared at him playfully while Nandini shook her head seeing them..

A stir in the crowd announced the arrival of the guests of honor.

Her in-laws - Raj Malhotra and Niyonika Malhotra - swept into the room, effortlessly elegant. Her father-in-law, tall and regal, and her mother-in-law, draped in an emerald saree that could rival the chandelier's sparkle.

Nandini embraced them warmly, leaning in to whisper her congratulations.

"Happy anniversary. Omg mom you look so beautiful. And dad, what to say about you.. Always the most charming" she said with sugary voice.

Raj chuckled, his arm sliding around his wife's waist. "And you, my dear, look like the most gorgeous woman here."

He paused, his eyes twinkling. "After my wife, of course."

Niyonika playfully hit his arm, couldn't help but blush. Laughter rippled through the nearby guests.

Nandini placed a hand dramatically on her chest. "Aww, Dad, you're so romantic. Please teach something to your son."

Her father-in-law grinned, but then asked, "Speaking of, where is our son Manik?"

Nandini's smile didn't falter, but there was the tiniest pause.

"He's around somewhere... probably making his way here. You two should enjoy yourselves for now."

They nodded, drifting into the crowd.