Chapter 1

Dubai, UAE.

The aroma of freshly brewed chai wafted through the Doshi household as Niharika stretched in her room, the morning sunlight streaming through the wide windows. It felt good to be back home after her two years in California. Her room hadn't changed much—still painted a soft lavender, with her favorite books neatly arranged on the shelves.

Her mother's voice echoed from the kitchen. "Rahil, you're going to be late for your lecture! And tell your sister to join us for breakfast."

Rahil's groggy reply followed, "Aai, I have an hour. Relax!"

Niharika chuckled, stepping out into the hallway after brushing her teeth, freshening up, showering and getting dressed in simple shorts and a tee. She spotted Rahil scrolling through his phone at the dining table, his unruly hair betraying his late-night study—or gaming—session.

"Still the same, huh?" she teased, ruffling his hair as she sat across from him.

"Don't start, Didi," Rahil grumbled, pushing her hand away. "I'm practically a grown-up now."

"Grown-up? Sure, when you stop raiding the fridge at 2 AM," Niharika shot back, grabbing a toast.

Her father, Abhijeet Doshi, chuckled, looking up from the morning newspaper. "It's nice to have both my kids under one roof again."

Her mother, Yangeeta Doshi, placed a steaming bowl of poha on the table. "It won't last long. Rahil will graduate in a year, and you'll be busy chasing your next big goal. But for now, we're a full house. Feels good, doesn't it?"

Niharika nodded, a small smile on her face. Being home was comforting, but she knew it wouldn't be long before the familiar restlessness kicked in.

Across the city, Mayank Datta leaned back in his chair, his office illuminated by the natural light pouring in from the large windows. The Microsoft Dubai headquarters was buzzing with activity, but he thrived in the chaos.

His team had just wrapped up a successful presentation on optimizing logistics for a major client, and the satisfaction of a job well done lingered. Mayank Datta was known for his sharp mind and ability to solve problems others couldn't. His colleagues respected him, and his bosses trusted him.

"Great work, Datta," his manager said, patting him on the back. "You've really set the standard for this department."

"Thank you, sir," Mayank replied, his tone humble but confident.

As the day wound down, Mayank stepped into his car, the hum of the city wrapping around him like a familiar rhythm. He loved Dubai—the energy, the ambition, the opportunities it offered. It felt like home in a way nothing else ever had.

That evening, the Doshi family gathered in the living room, discussing the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

"I heard the Dubai Indians' group is organizing something big this year," Abhijeet said, adjusting his reading glasses. "We should all go."

Niharika raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it going to be crowded?"

"That's the point," her mother replied. "It's a chance to meet everyone, reconnect. And it's your first Chaturthi back home in years!"

Rahil groaned. "Do I have to come? I've got assignments."

"You're coming," their mother said firmly. "No arguments."

As plans were made, Niharika felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension. She wasn't sure she was ready to face the endless questions about her future from distant relatives and acquaintances. But deep down, she was glad to be back in a city that had always felt like hers.

"I'm going to go meet Siya and Samar." Niharika announced and went to her room to change.

"You've just come back. And now you're going out instantly. Even the jet lag hasn't left you yet. At least stay home today." Her mom argued.

"Arre! Let her go!" Abhijeet interrupted, "At least this way she goes out and meets people."

"Baba! I'm social, okay?" Niharika said, crossing her arms. She got her stuff and started to head out, "I'll be back."

~•~

The aroma of modaks filled the Doshi household as preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi began in full swing. Niharika stood in the kitchen, helping her mother roll the sweet filling into perfect spheres.

"You haven't forgotten how to make them, have you?" her mother teased.

"Of course not," Niharika replied with a grin. "I just need to make sure mine don't fall apart like Rahil's."

Rahil, seated at the dining table with a textbook open in front of him, scowled. "Hey! I'm a master chef compared to you, Didi."

"Sure you are," Niharika said, flicking a bit of flour his way.

Their father walked into the kitchen, adjusting the collar of his kurta. "Are we all set for tomorrow's Ganesh Chaturthi gathering? I confirmed with the organizers—we're expected to be there by six."

"Do we really have to go, Baba?" Niharika asked again, wiping her hands.

"Yes," her mother said firmly. "You're back and haven't seen anyone outside this house, except two friends. It's time to reconnect with the community."

"I don't mind reconnecting," Niharika said. "But does it have to involve answering a hundred questions about my career and why I'm not married yet?"

Her father chuckled. "It's part of the package, beta. Just smile and nod."

"Besides," her mother added, "it's not just about us. Ganesh Chaturthi is about celebrating together as a community. You'll feel good once you're there."

Niharika sighed but didn't argue. She wasn't thrilled about the idea, but deep down, she knew her parents were right.

Meanwhile, 15km away in the Datta Household, Mayank had the same question.

"Are we really doing this, Ma?" Mayank asked, leaning against the kitchen counter.

His mother, Maya Datta, folded her arms and gave him a pointed look. "Why not? Ganesh Chaturthi is as much a part of our lives in Dubai as it is in Mumbai or Kolkata."

"Except we're Bengali," Mayank replied with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't be ridiculous," his father, Madhun Datta, interjected from the living room. "We've always participated in community events. It's about respecting traditions, no matter where they come from."

Mayank sighed. "I'm just saying we don't need to go to every gathering."

"It's not just about Ganesh Chaturthi," Maya said, softening her tone. "It's about meeting people, staying connected. You work so much, Mayank. When was the last time you actually relaxed and spent time with the community?"

"Ma, I relax just fine on my own," Mayank replied, but the amused look on his father's face told him he wasn't going to win this argument.

"We're going," Madhun said, closing the discussion. "Besides, you might meet someone interesting."

Mayank shot his father a look. "Please don't start with the matchmaking."

Maya laughed. "Oh, come on. You can't blame us for hoping. You're 25, beta. It's time to start."

Mayank threw his hands up in mock defeat. "Fine, I'll go. But if I hear one more comment about marriage, I'm leaving early."

Maya just smiled, knowing full well her son's protests were only half-hearted.

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