chapter 28

The next morning, Advik and Ishan departed early, around 4:00 a.m., for their important meeting in Delhi.

Meanwhile, both sisters, Anika and Pragya, were in the hall with Ranya and Prakash.

"Okay, so I booked the hall for tomorrow," informed Prakash, receiving a nod of confirmation from Ranya.

"Advik mentioned he'd call someone for dresses, but I think we should go to the shops. We'll find more variety, and I want our daughters-in-law to look their best," declared Ranya, her eyes gleaming with determination.

"So she can outshine her rival friend with pride," added Prakash, eliciting a chuckle from pragya and Anika.

"And you know Pragya - Anika, she often jokes with Prakash that if Ranya wasn't around, she'd definitely marry him," revealed Ranya, a hint of tension in the air.

"But my love, I'd choose you in every lifetime," assured Prakash, his voice filled with affection, prompting cheers and whistles from both daughters-in-law.

"Papa ji rocks!" exclaimed Anika, as Prakash beamed with pride.

The ladies set out for the shops and soon found the perfect dresses for the occasion.

Later that night, both brothers returned with sweets, their faces beaming with joy.

"What's the occasion?" inquired Prakash, observing their sons' happy expressions.

"We went there for one project, but we also landed the Dubai project!" announced Ishan with excitement, as Advik completed the sentence.

Overjoyed, Prakash enveloped them in a tight hug, and they exchanged sweets to celebrate the success.

"I am so happy," exclaimed Ranya, her eyes brimming with pride as the brothers humbly touched their parents' feet.

With blessings and pride, Prakash and Ranya blessed their sons for their achievements.

"Both of you sit with your wives. I will bring you something to drink," Ranya said, gracefully gliding towards the kitchen.

Ishan and Advik settled onto the plush couch beside Pragya and Anika, the soft cushions enveloping them in comfort. Ishan with a warm smile initiated the conversation, "How was your day?"

Pragya, her eyes sparkling with excitement, shared, "We went shopping, but Mom and Dad didn't show us the decorations."

"Don't worry, we'll see them tomorrow," Ishan reassured her, his voice filled with soothing assurance. Pragya nodded, a sense of anticipation evident in her demeanour.

However, Advik's unease didn't escape Anika's notice. She turned her gaze towards him, concerned furrowing her brow. "Advik? What happened?" she inquired gently.

Advik, his expression strained, attempted to dismiss her concern, "Nothing, just a headache."

"Let me massage your temples," Anika offered, rising from her seat, but Advik shook his head, declining her offer. "i am fine, perhaps it's just the exhaustion. Let's wait for Mom to bring something to drink," he suggested, his voice tinged with weariness.

Ranya returned with refreshing orange juice, the citrusy aroma instantly invigorating the air around them. "Here," she said, passing each of them a glass with a warm smile before gracefully retreating from the room.

"Take a shower, change your clothes, and come downstairs for dinner," Ranya instructed before departing, her voice carrying a blend of warmth and authority.

"I'll go freshen up then," Ishan announced, rising from his seat, to which Pragya nodded in agreement. Advik also stood up, ready to follow suit.

"i am coming with you," Anika declared, determination lacing her words as she rose to her feet.

"Oh, really, darling? Excellent choice," Advik quipped, a playful smirk dancing on his lips as he teasingly responded, fully aware of her intentions, though she had meant accompanying him to the room rather than the shower itself.

"Advikkkk," Anika whined like a angry child prompting a chuckle from Advik.

"I was just teasing you," he defended himself with a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Bhaiya, have some shame, we're here too," Ishan interjected with a playful scowl, his expression exaggerated for effect, eliciting a round of laughter from them

Inside Ishan and Pragya's room:

"Do you want to join?" Ishan asked, accompanied by a playful wink, as he gestured towards the bathroom door.

"No, thanks," Pragya replied, her eyes rolling in amusement at Ishan's suggestive invitation.

"Sure?" Ishan persisted, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips as he teased her.

"100%," Pragya affirmed with a firm nod, her resolve unwavering.

"Fine then," Ishan conceded, slipping into the bathroom. After twenty minutes, he attempted to open the door, but it refused to budge.

"Pragya? Did you lock it?" he called out, his voice tinged with confusion and a hint of amusement.

"No, the door locked itself. Maybe it enjoyed watching you shower," Pragya retorted, her laughter echoing through the room.

"i am not in the mood for games, Pragya," Ishan stated, his tone slightly exasperated.

"Listen, door, he's not in the mood for games. Don't irritate my honey," Pragya chided playfully from outside the door, a smile tugging at Ishan's lips at her dramatic flair.

"She's so dramatic," he thought, shaking his head in fond amusement at his wife's playful antics.

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After dinner, Advik's headache persisted, despite taking medication. He resigned himself to his discomfort and lay down, hoping for some relief.

"Advik, come, let me massage your head," Anika offered gently, concern evident in her voice. He nodded in agreement, welcoming the comfort of her touch.

He settled into her lap, his tense muscles gradually easing under her skilled fingers. "I feel a little relief from the headache" Advik acknowledged his eyes still closed in relaxation.

"Advik, can I tell you something?" Anika's voice was soft, tentative, as she sought his permission.He nodded in response, prompting her to continue.

"I had a crush on you before our alliance," she confessed quietly, her admission hanging in the air between them. Advik's eyes fluttered open, his gaze meeting hers in surprise, a myriad of emotions swirling in his eyes.

"Wait, really?" Advik's voice was filled with genuine surprise as he processed Anika's confession. She simply nodded in affirmation.

"You never told me?" he inquired, a hint of amusement coloring his tone, while she responded with an uncertain shrug.

"I need details now," he teased with a playful wink, prompting a chuckle from Anika.

"Tomorrow," she replied, her laughter lingering in the air.

"Nooo, tomorrow is too long for me today, please?" he pleaded, his expression playful yet earnest.

"Think of it as an anniversary gift for tomorrow," she suggested with a giggle, eliciting a warm smile from him.

"Fine then, let's sleep. My headache has some relief, and sleeping will reduce it completely," he declared, a sense of contentment evident in his voice, as she nodded in agreement.

She laid down, and he snuggled close to her, the comfort of their embrace enveloping them in warmth as they drifted off to sleep.