The dinner had stretched into an easy, comfortable rhythm, weaving a thread of shared comfort between them. Soft instrumental music floated serenely through the private corner Vedant had meticulously booked for the evening, while the warm amber lights overhead cast a rich, golden glow over their table. Outside the giant glass windows, Manali shimmered beautifully under the bright moonlight, the magnificent, snow-covered mountains standing silent and majestic like ancient guardians of the valley.

Inside their private sanctuary, however, the atmosphere was far less serene. It was filled with teasing glances, hidden smiles, Kritika's repeated, breathless attempts to deal with Vedant's impossible, towering personality, and his endless, dark amusement at completely flustering her.