Hi friends! Today's episode, especially Vikrant's "babe" moment led me to writing this piece. Think it was time for Vikrant to get a taste of his own medicine and since I don't see it happening on the show anytime soon - this idea popped in my head. Have a few thoughts on the direction I might take it but am open to ideas and thoughts as well. Enjoy reading!
Part I - A Dash of Charm
“Harneet, I feel like I made a mistake asking Mannat to come to Saluja mansion, to fight for Vikrant, to fight against Sonia,” Shruti confided, her voice low. “Maybe it would have been better if we found a way to leave all this behind.”
It had only been a week since Mannat and Shruti had moved into the Saluja mansion but it felt like an eternity. Not a day went by without someone taunting them or treating them badly. They were constantly on the lookout waiting for someone – Neetu, Malla, Aishwarya Rai-Singh to come at them with another false accusation.
“Arrey, Shruti. Why are you worried?” Harneet said gently.
“Mannat is a strong girl, she has shown that she can hold up on her own. Our Mannat is no longer the clumsy, innocent, talkative girl we knew. She’s become a strong, independent woman that can take on anything, or should I say, anyone.”
Shruti looked at Harneet, a tear slipping down her cheek, “Wahi toh, my Mannat is no longer the Mannat that we all knew. She is a shell of her old self, she puts on a brave face, but I see it, Harneet. Every single day in that house, especially watching Vikrant and Malla together, chips away at her. She loves him. She smiles to make me happy, but the smile no longer reached her eyes, the twinkle in her eye is missing. I’m scared... I’m scared that if this continues we might lose her completely.”
Harneet looked away, blinking back tears of her own. She knew Shruti was right, and that they needed to do something, but what?
A few days later....
Mannat stood outside Mezbaani along with Shruti and Harneet,
“Maa, Harneet Paaji... why don’t you both head home? I’ve got a few things left to wrap up here,I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
Before Mannat could say another word, Harneet let out a gleeful gasp, tapping both of them excitedly and pointing toward a man speaking with two suited associates near the valet stand.
“Oh ho ho... look who's here!”
Mannat blinked. “What’s gotten into you now? Who is that?”
Harneet gave her a scandalized look, lightly slapping her arm.
“Are you serious? That is Karan Singhania, heir to the Singhania Hotels empire, and one of the Top 10 most eligible Indian bachelors in London and in India. The media practically drools over him. And look at him ... Armani suit, that hair, and those sunglasses. He looks like he just walked out of a Vogue feature.”
Shruti couldn’t help but smile at Harneet’s enthusiasm.
Mannat rolled her eyes. “So? What does any of that have to do with me? I’ve got work to finish. You two go on with your... whatever this is.” Mannat waved her hands, turning around to head back into Mezbanni
“Wait.. wait.. he’s walking toward us!” Harneet hissed, grabbing Mannat’s wrist.
They all turned as Karan strode confidently toward them, his presence smooth and unhurried. People near the entrance turned to look — the valet straightened his posture, a hostess nearby whispered to another staff member
“He definitely has style,” Mannat muttered under her breath, almost involuntarily.
Vikrant, who had just come out of Mezbaani, standing behind her, heard every word, his expressions hardening slightly.
Karan walked over, shaking hands with Vikrant, his presence composed yet warm. "Vikrant, good to see you again, man. It's been a while and thanks for agreeing to meet me on such short notice. I had to stop by, my parents dined here last weekend and haven’t stopped talking about the modaks they had for dessert. Said they were the best they’ve tasted in years. They’ve been pestering me to find out who the chef was and I was hoping to meet them, just to say thanks."
Mannat tilted her head, arms crossed, a flicker of amusement in her eyes. Harneet stifled a giggle behind her, and Shruti looked knowingly between them.
"You came all the way here to thank someone for modaks?" Mannat asked, her tone light but curious.
"Not just someone," Karan said, smiling. "Apparently, they reminded my father of the ones his mother used to make. That’s not a compliment he hands out lightly."
Vikrant parted his lips to speak, but Mannat stepped forward before he could. "And what would you say to the chef... if she were standing in front of you?"
Karan paused, confused for a moment, until realization dawned.
"...No. You?"
Mannat extended her hand, a quiet, knowing smile tugging at her lips.
"Hi. I’m Mannat."
Karan blinked, then laughed, not loudly, but with genuine surprise and appreciation.
"Well. In that case, I owe you more than a thank you, Ms. Mannat. I’m Karan... Karan Singhania. It’s a pleasure to meet you. "
Thanks for coming up with such an interesting plot. Eagerly waiting to read the next part. 
CID
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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