Crossroads of love: Enstranged or Adultery?

A Sip of Wine, A Touch of Intimacy

Nandini's eyes softened, reflecting on his words.

Nandini: You're right. I'm sorry for letting my frustration get the better of me. I should have communicated better from the start.

Manik smiled warmly.

Manik: No worries. I'm glad we talked it out. Let's focus on enjoying our time together now.

They continued cooking with a renewed sense of partnership and understanding. When the food was finally ready, Manik stepped back and admired their creation.

Manik: We should take a picture. (he suggested, reaching for his phone.)

Nandini agreed, and they posed together, their earlier tension giving way to smiles. Manik snapped a few shots, capturing their shared joy and the delicious food they had made.

As they were laughing over one of the photos, Manik's expression turned serious.

Manik: Let's do one more. (he said.)

Nandini, intrigued, asked.

Nandini: What are you thinking?

Without answering, Manik pulled her gently into his lap, wrapping his arms around her.

Manik: Smile. (he whispered, resting his head on her shoulder and planting a soft kiss on her cheek. The camera clicked, capturing the tender moment, Nandini's blush, and the sparkle in her eyes.)

They looked at the photo, and Nandini couldn't help but smile.

Nandini: This is perfect. (She murmured.)

Manik: Just like you.

Blushing again, Nandini stood up.

Nandini: Alright, Mr. Photographer, let's eat before the food gets cold.

They sat down together, enjoying the meal they had made and the warm, cozy atmosphere. Despite the earlier conflict, the simple afternoon turned into a cherished memory for both of them.

****

Afternoon at Nandini's House (Continued)

After their meal, Manik and Nandini settled on the couch, the lingering warmth of their brunch still enveloping them. Nandini turned to him, a playful glint in her eye.

Nandini: So, what do you feel like doing now? Watch a movie or play a game?

Manik tilted his head thoughtfully.

Manik: What game do you have in mind?

Nandini's smile widened as she reached under the coffee table and pulled out a board game.

Nandini: How about Wineopoly? It's like Monopoly, but with a twist—each time you land on certain spaces, you have to sip some wine.

Manik raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

Manik: Wineopoly, huh? Sounds like fun. Let's play!

Nandini set up the game, explaining the rules as they went along. The board had all the elements of a traditional Monopoly game but with wine-themed properties and special spaces that required them to sip wine, share stories, or even give compliments.

As they played, the game quickly became competitive, with both of them landing on spaces that required them to sip wine.

Manik: Looks like you're losing some properties, Miss Murthy. Time to pay up—with a sip!

Nandini laughed and took a small sip of her wine, her eyes twinkling.

Nandini: Don't get too comfortable, Mr. Malhotra. I'm just warming up.