Manik strode casually into the lounge, arranging his white shawl around his shoulders as if it was a completely normal occurrence for him to walk into that function. He headed directly towards Nandini, didn't make eye contact with anyone else and came to a halt in front of her. The chatter suddenly died down. Maitree watched from her seat perplexed. Nandini looked at Manik with wide and unblinking eyes, unsure how to react. "I just came to ask if you need any help with anything while your mehendi dries." The entire group of aunties broke out in a teasing chant of "Oooooohhhhhhh!" "Huh?" Nandini spluttered out. Alya see