chapter 29

Anika slowly opened her eyes, greeted by the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the gentle brightness, and found Advik already awake, his gaze fixed on her with an affectionate intensity.

"How's your headache?" Anika inquired, her voice carrying a hint of concern.

"Better now, thankfully," Advik replied with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "And happy anniversary, Mrs. Malhotra."

A surge of warmth flooded Anika's chest as she returned his smile. "Happy anniversary, Mr. Malhotra," she replied, her words filled with genuine affection as she reached out to intertwine her fingers with his.

"Let's get up and get ready?" Anika suggested, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement. Advik nodded in agreement, a gleam of anticipation dancing in his eyes.

Advik rose from the bed and disappeared into the bathroom while Anika busied herself by laying out their clothes, her movements precise and efficient.

When Advik emerged from the bathroom, the sight of him, clad only in a towel, sent a flutter through Anika's heart. Water droplets glistened on his sculpted chest, accentuating every curve and muscle.

"How's the view, Mrs. Malhotra?" Advik teased, leaning casually against the wall. Anika's breath caught in her throat as she gazed at him, momentarily lost for words.

Managing to regain her composure, she extended the freshly ironed shirt and jeans towards him. Before she could react, Advik seized her hand, pulling her closer to him with a playful grin, their proximity igniting a spark of electricity between them.

He trailed his finger gently along her cheek, his touch feather-light. "How can someone be so beautiful?" he murmured, his eyes reflecting genuine admiration. Anika felt a rush of warmth spread across her cheeks as she blushed under his gaze.

"Get ready, I should go and shower too," she replied, gently extricating herself from his embrace, though reluctantly.

"Wait—now please enlighten me with your crush on me?" Advik pleaded with a desperation

"Tonight, Mr. Malhotra," Anika teased, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes as she disappeared into the bathroom.

Anika emerged from the bathroom, a vision of elegance in her blue organza kurta adorned with delicate white floral designs. She paused in front of the mirror, her fingers deftly applying a bindi and vermilion, adding a traditional touch to her ensemble.

"Let's go downstairs," Anika announced, her voice tinged with excitement as she turned to face Advik, who nodded in agreement, his eyes lingering appreciatively on her radiant appearance. Together, they descended the staircase.

As they descended the staircase, Ishan and pragyaa was already waiting in the living room, a warm smile lighting up her face.

"Happy anniversary, Pragya and Ishan," Anika greeted them warmly, her eyes reflecting genuine happiness.

"Thank you, Dii/Bhabhi," they both replied in unison, their voices filled with affection.

Just then, Ranya and Prakash arrived, their presence adding to the joyful atmosphere. With reverence, both couples touched Ranya and prakash’s feet seeking their blessings for the special day.

"May your love continue to blossom and your bond grow stronger with each passing year," Ranya said earnestly, her eyes shining with sincerity.

"Happy Anniversary!" Anaya exclaimed, emerging from the kitchen with a tray adorned with a bowl of fragrant kheer.

"I prepared kheer for you all," she announced proudly, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Oh my God, the famous actress Anaya Malhotra prepared kheer for us. We are indeed lucky!" Ishan exclaimed dramatically, his expression filled with mock awe.

"Anaya Siddharth Malhotra," she corrected him with a proud smile, emphasising her full name.

"Yes, Siddharth's Anaya," Siddharth chimed in, making his way towards her and placing a hand gently on her shoulder.

Anaya returned his gesture with the sweetest smile, her eyes conveying gratitude for his support.

"Happy Anniversary to both Bhaiya's and gorgeous bhabhis," Siddharth said, his voice sincere as he bent down to touch their feet, seeking their blessings.

"God, Siddharth, what are you doing?" Pragya exclaimed, quickly stepping back in embarrassment.

"Don't make me feel old," she protested, a playful glint in her eyes as Siddharth chuckled at her reaction.

"But bhabhi, you are older than me, in fact, all of you, including Anaya," Siddharth teased, knowing well how to push their buttons.

"Hawwww, Siddharth! If I didn't have this tray in my hand, I would have hit you," Anaya retorted, feigning annoyance at his teasing.

Siddharth smoothly took the tray from her hand, bowing slightly. "My lady, your servant is at your service. You don't have to hold it," he declared

"No, no," Anaya insisted, taking the tray back from Siddharth's hand. "You are not my servant but my pati parmeshwar, always remember that," she declared, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Is she my Anaya only?" Siddharth quipped, raising an eyebrow in mock suspicion.

"Even I doubt the same," Pragya teased, joining in the light-hearted banter.

"Come on, I am embracing Indian culture. Let me" Anaya replied with a grin, her tone affectionate.

Siddharth leaned in and pressed a tender kiss on her forehead, his gesture filled with love and understanding.

"Glad you are , but as I always said  we are open-minded. You don't have to adapt to my culture just because you married me. It's not a force darling, okay?" Siddharth reassured her, his gaze softening with affection.

"Siddharth, I am adapting to this culture because I want to. And you know i am going to be the best and favourite daughter-in-law of the Malhotras," Anaya teased, casting a playful glance at Pragya and Anika.

"You already are," Ranya interjected, cupping Anaya's cheeks affectionately.

"Mummmaaaa," Pragya protested with a playful pout, earning a chuckle from the gathered group.

"All three of you are my favourites," Ranya affirmed, her smile warm and genuine.

"But what about us?" Siddharth chimed in, feigning offence.

"Of course, all of you are my favourites," Ranya replied, her love for her family evident in her eyes.

"But I am her most favourite," Prakash interjected with a grin.

"No, Dad, I am Mumma's eldest child," Advik countered, joining in the playful rivalry.

"Excuse me, I exist, and where I exist, there is no one else who can be the favourite," Siddharth declared, his tone playful yet competitive.

"Come, let me show you some jewellery I bought for you all," Ranya suggested to her daughters-in-law, leading them away from the lively discussion. Meanwhile, the Malhotra gentlemen were left to continue their friendly argument over who was Ranya's favourite.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

As they arrived at their party venue, a luxurious hotel booked for the special celebration, excitement filled the air. Ranya led Anika and Pragya towards the party hall, while Prakash guided Advik and Ishan to get ready for the festivities.

"Where are they?" Ishan inquired, scanning the room eagerly.His gaze landed on Gulki and Aayush, who were already present and dressed for the occasion.

"Hello, brother-in-laws " Aayush greeted both of them with a warm smile.

"Thank you " Advik replied, returning the gesture and both nodded in acknowledgement.

"Where are your sisters?" Ishan inquired playfully, directing his question to Aayush.

Aayush grinned, teasing Ishan in return. "So desperate to see her?" he quipped, his tone lighthearted. "Well, there they are," he replied, pointing towards the trio.

Pragya, Gulki, and Anika were engaged in lively conversation, their laughter filling the air as they exchanged stories and shared in the excitement of the evening.

Pragya looked resplendent in a golden-coloured saree, her elegance and grace shining through, while Anika radiated beauty in a vibrant red ensemble, her smile lighting up the room.

Ishan's eyes lit up as he caught sight of the trio. "Ah, there they are," he exclaimed, his grin widening.

Advik joined them, his gaze immediately drawn to Anika "Wow, She looks stunning," he remarked, his admiration evident..

Meanwhile, Anika caught Advik's eye and waved him over, her excitement palpable. “Advik, come join us!" she called out, her voice filled with warmth. Both brothers joined their wives "What's the topic of discussion?" he asked, joining their circle.

Gulki, ever the playful one, teased Ishan, "We were just discussing how handsome you look tonight, Ishan." Ishan laughed, shaking his head. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Gulki," he replied in his light tone.

Anika smiled at Gulki's teasing , feeling grateful for their presence on this special day..

As the evening progressed, the time finally came for the cake cutting ceremony. The room buzzed with excitement as everyone gathered around the beautifully decorated table.

They saw 8 cakes adorned with intricate designs and the words "Happy Anniversary" written in elegant script.

"Shall we do the honours?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation. Anika and Advik stood side by side, their hands intertwined as they gazed at each other with love and affection. Ishan and Pragya joined them, their smiles mirroring the happiness radiating from the couple.

With a nod from Ranya, they picked up the knife together, their movements synchronised as they cut into the cake. Cheers and applause erupted from the crowd as they shared the first slice, symbolising their love and unity.

As they fed each other the cake, laughter filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of vanilla and cream. It was a moment of joy and celebration, marking another year of togetherness and cherished memories for the Malhotra family.

"We will take care of the guests; you can take your wives if you have plans," Prakash suggested to his sons with a knowing smile.

"Dad, you are the best," Advik exclaimed gratefully, pulling his father into a tight hug.

"I was just finding a way to sneak out," Ishan joked, earning a chuckle from the Prakash and Advik