chapter 13

A warm, cosy living room adorned with vibrant decorations in celebration of Ranya and Prakash's 30th anniversary. Colourful streamers hang from the ceiling, intertwining with strings of twinkling fairy lights.  Fragrant flower garlands drape over frames and doorways, filling the air with the scent of jasmine and roses. The room is filled with laughter and chatter as friends and family gather to commemorate the milestone.

Ranya's vibrant saree shimmered with intricate zari work, catching the light as she moved gracefully through the opulent halls. Prakash, resplendent in his tailored sherwani, exuded an air of quiet dignity as he led his beloved wife. “  Prakash, look at how lovely everything looks! “ Ranya said her eyes gleaming with happiness

“ Absolutely stunning, Ranya dear. The decorations truly capture the essence of our journey together “ Prakash said smiling warmly.

Ranya and Prakash descend the stairs, hand in hand, as their guests cheer and applaud. A table in the centre of the room is adorned with photographs capturing cherished moments from their three decades of marriage. Guests mingle, savouring fragrant dishes of biryani, samosas, and sweets, while soft music fills the air.

“ Prakash, do you remember our first anniversary celebration? We had nothing but each other's love “ Ranya said with happy tears in her eyes “ Indeed, Ranya. We may not have had much back then, but our love was all we needed. And look how far we've come.” Prakash said Advik and Ishan approached them, each holding a bouquet of vibrant flowers.

"Happy anniversary, my lovely mom and dad," Advik said, wrapping them both in a warm hug."Thank you," Ranya replied, her smile illuminating the room as she affectionately ruffled Advik's hair."

Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad," Ishan said, bending down to touch their feet in a gesture of respect.

"Omg, so much drama," Prakash teased, giving Ishan a playful nudge."I was watching a YouTube video, and they did the same thing," Ishan explained, eliciting laughter from the others.

"Look, Mom, today's theme is fairytale, but in desi style," Ishan continued proudly.

"you are wearing blue like Elsa, but she doesn't have a prince. Since we don't know what her prince looks like, we made Dad wear blue too," Ishan explained, a proud smile on his face.

"So creative," Ranya replied, her eyes sparkling with pride at her son's ingenuity.

"Hello, aunty and uncle, happy anniversary," Divya said as she approached them, her warm smile lighting up her face.

"Thanks, beta, you are looking so beautiful," Ranya complimented, admiring Divya's attire.

Divya was wearing a stunning blue kurta with intricate white embroidery, paired elegantly with palazzo pants, a perfect blend of traditional and modern style.

"Of course, I am Cinderella to my Prince charming," she smiled, casting a playful glance at Advik.Ranya noticed the exchange but chose not to comment at that moment.

Then, a woman approached them, offering her anniversary wishes to Ranya, Prakash

."Happy anniversary, Ranya Ji and Prakash Ji," she said, glancing at Advik and Divya. "Look, the perfect pair looking great together," she added, smiling at Divya.

"Didn't you come to my wedding?" Advik asked her abruptly, his tone sounding rude.

"No, I didn't," she replied, her smile overly sweet."And you don't even know the name of my wife?" Advik questioned further, his tone sharp.

"Actually, my wife is upstairs getting ready. When she comes down, I will introduce her to everyone," Advik said in a sharp tone, emphasising the importance of acknowledging his wife.

Divya's face fell as the lady diverted her attention to congratulating Ranya and Prakash."Here comes my wife," Ishan announced, directing everyone's gaze towards the stairs where Pragya was making her entrance.

Pragya descended gracefully, clad in a light pink organza saree adorned with a heavy floral border. Her presence added an extra layer of elegance to the already mesmerising atmosphere of the celebration.

"Here comes my sleeping beauty," Ishan remarked as Pragya made her entrance.

"You mean Aurora?" Avni chimed in from behind, her playful tone adding to the jovial atmosphere.

"Nice dress," Ishan complimented, admiring Avni's attire.

"Thanks, Divya brought it for me," Avni replied, twirling around in her purple sharara suit, her joy evident in every movement.

"Of course, Advik's family is my family," Divya affirmed, causing a flicker of concern to cross Ranya's face as she wondered about the girl's intentions.

"Happy anniversary, Mummy Ji and Papa Ji," Pragya said, pulling Ranya into a warm hug.

"Aww, thanks, my sleeping beauty," Ranya teased Pragya affectionately, her heart swelling with love for her daughter-in-law.

"Mom, you stole it. Pragya, I said it when I saw you coming downstairs," Ishan clarified with a playful grin.

"By the way, you are looking really beautiful," Ishan added, his admiration evident in his eyes

"Thanks," Pragya replied, blushing at the compliment.

"Come, let me introduce you to a few of our business partners and relatives," Ishan suggested, and Pragya nodded in agreement.

"Where is the eldest daughter-in-law? She doesn't value time. It's her responsibility to be present at family functions and oversee everything," Reena commented, approaching from another direction with a hint of disapproval in her tone.

"It's okay, Bua Ji, maybe she's still getting ready," Divya said sweetly, attempting to win over Reena's favour.

Ranya's entire attention fixated on Divya, her unease growing as she observed Divya's attempts

"Look how sweet this girl is," Reena commented, clearly impressed by Divya's gesture. Prakash, choosing to remain neutral in the moment, directed his focus towards the entrance where Aayush and Gulki had just arrived.

"Happy anniversary, Uncle Ji and Aunty Ji," Gulki wished them warmly as she approached.

"Gulki, I told Aayush, and now i am telling you, call me Mom," Ranya said with a fake glare, teasingly.

"Oops, sorry, Mom and Dad," Gulki apologised quickly, adjusting to the new title.

"Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad," Aayush greeted them, stepping forward to embrace them in a warm hug.

"Hello, dear brother-in-law," Aayush greeted Advik warmly.

"Hello," Advik replied with a smile, reciprocating the hug warmly. "Hello, Miss Divya, can you please shift aside, away from my brother-in-law?" Aayush requested politely but firmly.

"i am just standing with my friend. What's wrong?" Divya argued, her tone defensive.

"Nothing, well, it's good to see you standing so close, looking like siblings," Aayush remarked casually, his words landing like cold water on Divya's enthusiasm.

"Here comes my sister," Aayush announced, directing everyone's attention towards the stairs.

Anika descended gracefully, adorned in a simple yet elegant yellow saree with a intricately designed blouse, her beauty captivating all who laid eyes on her."By the way, she chose a very nice princess," Aayush remarked with a smirk, his words laced with subtle mischief.

"Oh, why?" Ranya asked, her curiosity piqued by Aayush's comment. "Beauty and the Beast, she is Beauty with..." Aayush began to explain, but his words were cut short by Advik's cold glare.

"What are you calling me, Beast?" Advik interrupted, his tone sharp as he fixed Aayush with a steely gaze."I didn't, but you yourself," Aayush retorted, his tone tinged with amusement. "What took you so long?" Reena inquired as soon as Anika reached them.

"Whose job was it to order the cake, Bua Ji? Adarsh was supposed to, but he didn't. On an urgent basis, I had to find nearby shops. You can place our order as early as possible," Anika explained, smoothly diverting the conversation and once again preventing Reena from having a chance to criticise her.

"By the way, nice match. The Beast is brown, Advik's dress is also brown, and our Belle is in yellow," Ranya remarked, observing the colour coordination with a hint of amusement.

"But Aunty Ji, I guess Prince Charming wears this type of clothes. The Beast used to wear royal clothes, and he was an animal," Divya argued, challenging Ranya's observation.

"Cinderella used to wear maid clothes, and she was so kind-hearted and lovely. Did we say anything when you chose the Cinderella look?" Ranya countered suddenly, her tone firm yet laced with a touch of humour.

"What, Aunty? Why are you talking to me like this?" Divya asked, her voice trembling slightly with a hint of tears.

"Oh, dear Divya, come here," Ranya said softly, placing her hand on Divya's shoulder and leading her away from the others.

"Dear, i am just trying to say that you should stop whatever you are trying to do. My son is married now. He has a wife who is a thousand times better than you," Ranya said gently, her words carrying a mix of admonishment and concern.

She smiled reassuringly at Divya, who looked at her with a mixture of anger and hurt in her eyes.

Ranya returned to her place amidst the festivities, her gaze still lingering on Divya, who stood there, visibly brimming with humiliation and anger.

As the evening progressed, it was time to cut the cake, marking the celebration of their 30th anniversary. Laughter and joy filled the room as Ranya and Prakash cut the cake, surrounded by their loved ones.

"Ouch," they heard Divya's voice from the ground, indicating that she had fallen. "I fell," she explained, her voice tinged with discomfort, as Anika made her way towards her.

"Can you get up?" Anika asked with concern, extending a hand to help Divya, who shook her head in response.

"Okay, Divya, come with me. I'll drop you off at your room," Anika offered kindly, but Divya remained stubbornly clinging to Advik.

"Advik, can you please drop me? I hurt my ankle too, and I can't walk properly," Divya requested, casting pleading eyes at Advik, who nodded in agreement.

Anika seethed with anger, wondering why Advik agreed to Divya's request instead of accepting her offer.

"Anika, come, let's drop her off at her room," Advik suggested, his tone firm, and Anika nodded in agreement.

"Advik, I said I can't walk, so how can she help me?" Divya questioned him, her voice filled with frustration."Or how can I help you? Are you expecting me to pick you up in my arms? Then dream on, it's never gonna happen," Advik retorted sharply, his words hitting Divya like a slap in the face.

"No, let's go," Divya said tersely, and Anika gently supported her as they made their way to her room, the tension palpable in the air."Wait, i am taking water for you," Anika offered, trying to diffuse the tension, before leaving the room momentarily.

Alone in the room, Advik confronted Divya once more.

"Divya, did you forget what I said before? Stop living in the past. I have a wife, so for now, stop behaving this way. i am not going to give you attention," he stated firmly, his resolve clear as he left the room, leaving Divya to contemplate his words

After some time.Anika was feeling throbbing pain. She made her way towards ranya

"Mom, i am going back to my room. I have a headache," Anika informed Ranya, her voice strained with discomfort.

"Oh dear, go and take rest. Nobody will disturb you," Ranya reassured her daughter-in-law with a gentle smile as Anika made her way upstairs.

Meanwhile, Advik was in the room attending a call. He glanced up and noticed Anika searching for something.

"What are you looking for?" Advik asked softly as he finished his call, concern evident in his voice.

"Headache medicine, but I guess they're finished.” Anika replied with a sigh, and Advik nodded understandingly.

Anika lay down on the bed, seeking solace from the throbbing pain, while Advik quietly left the room and made his way back downstairs

Ishan and Pragya nestled comfortably on a plush sofa, the soft glow of the evening sun casting a warm hue on their faces as they discussed Divya's recent actions.

"Don't you think she's going a bit overboard now?" Pragya's voice held a hint of concern."Yeah, but don't fret, she'll find her way eventually," Ishan's reassuring tone calmed Pragya's worries.

"By the way, when's our flight?" Pragya's eyes sparkled with anticipation."Tomorrow, at 2:00 pm," Ishan's voice was filled with certainty."Alright, so we need to leave home by 11:00?" Pragya sought clarification, to which Ishan nodded in agreement.

The evening breeze wafted through the open window, carrying with it a melody of chirping birds and distant traffic sounds. Ishan's hand found Pragya's, their fingers intertwining effortlessly."Will you dance with me?" Ishan's eyes held a glimmer of excitement as he extended his hand towards Pragya.Pragya's face lit up with a smile as she accepted his invitation, rising gracefully from the sofa.

They moved to the centre of the room, the soft carpet beneath their feet adding to the intimacy of the moment.

As they swayed to an imaginary rhythm, Ishan couldn't help but notice the joy radiating from Pragya's eyes

."What's on your mind?" Ishan's voice was gentle, filled with curiosity.Pragya paused for a moment, her gaze lingering on Ishan's face.

"Doesn't this moment feel like a scene straight out of a Disney movie? Like when the prince and princess dance in the grand ballroom, surrounded by magic and romance?" Pragya's voice held a dreamy quality, her imagination painting vivid pictures of fairy tales.

Ishan's heart swelled with affection at Pragya's words, his love for her deepening with each passing moment.

"Of course it does, because you are my princess, and i am your prince," Ishan's declaration was met with a blush from Pragya.

Advik sat in a quiet corner of the room, surrounded by his business partners, engaged in deep conversation. Amidst the lively atmosphere, he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he met Divya's warm smile.

"Advik, aren't you joining the dance floor?" Divya's voice carried a playful tone.Advik shook his head.

"No, I don't feel like it," he replied, his gaze lingering on Divya."Is your foot feeling better now?" Advik inquired, concern evident in his voice. Divya nodded in affirmation.

"Well, would you like to step outside to the garden? i am not tired yet, and I could use a break from the music and lights" Divya suggested, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.Just then, a guard approached with Advik's medication. He nodded gratefully, accepting the pills.

"Anika isn't feeling well, so I requested medicine for her. i am going to check on her in our room," Advik explained, excusing himself from the gathering as he made his way upstairs towards his room

In the room Anika lay on the bed, her eyes closed in rest. , she felt a gentle tap on her hand, stirring her from her slumber.

opening her eyes, Anika was met with the comforting sight of Advik standing beside her. His presence alone brought a sense of calm to the room.

"Medicine for you," Advik said softly, handing her a glass of water along with the prescribed pills. With a gentle smile, he turned towards the adjoining washroom to change his clothes.

Anika watched him go, feeling grateful for his care and attention. As she swallowed the medicine, she couldn't help but admire the unwavering support he provided, even in the smallest of gestures.

Moments later, Advik emerged from the washroom, his attire refreshed.

As the minutes passed, Advik settled beside her, his comforting presence filling the room. Despite his efforts to create a peaceful atmosphere, Anika found herself unable to drift into sleep, tossing and turning to find a comfortable position.

"Not able to sleep?" Advik's gentle voice broke the silence, his concern evident.

"No, just my headache hasn't gone yet," Anika replied softly, her voice laced with fatigue. She felt Advik's hand gently brush against her forehead, his touch soothing and reassuring.

Before she could utter another word, Advik spoke softly, his words a gentle caress to her weary mind.

"Shhh, just sleep," he murmured, his fingers starting to massage her temples with a tender touch.

The tension in Anika's head began to melt away under his comforting ministrations, and a sense of tranquillity washed over her. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to succumb to the soothing rhythm of his touch, feeling the weight of the world lift from her shoulders as sleep finally claimed her.