chapter 3

Anika woke up, refreshed herself with a bath, and made her way downstairs. She found Pragya already in the kitchen, preparing tea for Ishan."Good morning," Anika greeted her sister with a warm smile.

"Good morning," Pragya replied, returning the smile.Anika then proceeded to make coffee for Advik, focusing on her task with determination

."From which direction does the sun rise today? They came back early yesterday, and today they are still at home," Pragya pondered aloud, breaking the morning silence.

"I don't know. Maybe it's because of the party," Anika speculated, considering the possibilities.

"Eww, how can Jiju drink this black coffee?" Pragya remarked with a playful grimace, wrinkling her nose at the sight of the strong brew.

"That's why he's bitter," Anika quipped with a playful smirk, referring to the black coffee she had just made.

"Who's bitter?" Advik's voice interrupted, causing Anika's expression to falter as she realised he had overheard their conversation.

"Um... well... I... I was... talking about..." Anika stumbled over her words

“ Bua ji!! She is bitter, “ Pragya said, her attempt at a quick cover-up faltering under Advik's scrutinising gaze.

Advik simply nodded in response, seemingly accepting Pragya's explanation, before proceeding to make coffee for himself.

"I've already made it," Anika interjected, showing him the coffee she had prepared, hoping to divert attention away from her earlier slip-up.

Advik accepted the coffee and took a sip before offering a piece of advice.

"If Bua Ji says too much, just reply back. She'll shut down immediately," Advik suggested before leaving the kitchen.

"Woah, what was that? Is he falling for you?" Pragya teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she observed Anika's reaction.

"I doubt that," Anika replied with a chuckle, brushing off Pragya's playful insinuation with a hint of scepticism.

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In the lazy afternoon, Anika and Pragya engaged in a lively discussion about their attire for the upcoming event.

"Alright, so should we go with a dress, saree, or kurta?" Anika inquired, her eyes scanning the array of fabrics spread before them.

"I reckon a saree would be fitting, considering we carry the esteemed Malhotra name as daughters-in-law. Besides, it's our maiden appearance as part of the Malhotra clan," Pragya suggested, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns of the sarees.

"Fair point, saree it is then," Anika agreed, her mind already envisioning the elegance of draped silk.

Just as Anika was about to dial the makeup artist's number, the doorbell chimed, interrupting her train of thought.

"They're here," Anika announced with a smile, hurrying to answer the door.

"Good afternoon, ma'am. Apologies for the delay," the makeup artist greeted, her hands laden with cosmetic treasures.

"No worries at all. Please, come in," Anika warmly welcomed her, gesturing towards the inviting interiors of the house.

"Ma'am, Prachi and Shreya will take care of Mrs. Pragya, while Ishika will attend to your makeup." the makeup artist informed Anika, who nodded in acknowledgment, her anticipation growing.

"Please keep my makeup light," said Anika firmly.

“ Sure, ma'am. Sir strictly ordered us to make you look beautiful, but ma'am, there is no need; you two are already beautiful," the makeup artist reassured them warmly.

"Thanks," Anika acknowledged with a grateful smile.With their makeup done, the makeup artists bid their farewells and left the room.

Afterward, they elegantly draped themselves in sarees, each fold reflecting their grace and poise.

Both Anika and Pragya gathered in Anika's room, deliberating over the choice of sandals to complement their attire.

Suddenly, they heard footsteps approaching and a knock on the door.

"Get ready fast, bhabhi, and you too," Ishan's voice echoed through the door.

"Yes, we are coming, just a minute," Anika replied, her tone tinged with mild irritation.

"Don't know how I will manage with him for the whole 3 hours," Pragya muttered, shooting a disapproving glance towards the door.

"I would prefer the mafia over Advik," Anika remarked wryly.

"Mafia would be less scary than jiju," Pragya agreed, and Anika nodded in silent accord.

"This room is not soundproof," they overheard Ishan's voice again. "And I want to ask him why he's listening to our conversations. Is he eavesdropping on us?" Pragya whispered indignantly.

"i am sorry, you know, it's because of my darn husband. He's like that," Anika apologised, feeling sympathetic towards Pragya."Don't worry, di, he's no less," Pragya responded, her expression souring with displeasure.

"Let's go," Anika suggested, and Pragya nodded in agreement. Both were clad in red sarees, Anika's was a simple red chiffon, while Pragya's shimmered with sequins, catching the light with every movement.

Pragya opted for a bold makeup look, with striking eyeliner and deep red lipstick, accentuating her features with confidence. On the other hand

,Anika chose a softer, more understated makeup palette, enhancing her natural beauty with subtle hues of pink and peach. Despite their contrasting styles, both exuded elegance and grace as they made their way downstairs, ready to dazzle at the event.

As Ishan's gaze lingered on Pragya, a faint blush tinted her cheeks, betraying her awareness of his attention.

"Is he mesmerised by my beauty?" Pragya whispered to Anika, her voice barely audible.

"Surely, bhaiya," Ishan interjected, his tone confident.

"The makeup artist said she's the best here in Mumbai. Her words seem true."Pragya shot him a look of incredulity, as if he were an alien from another planet.

"Such a jerk he is," Pragya muttered under her breath, her irritation evident in her tone.

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In the midst of the party's lively atmosphere, Mr. Mehra approached Advik with a curious gleam in his eyes.

"Hello, Mr. Malhotra. So, she is your wife?" Mr. Mehra inquired, gesturing towards Anika.

"Yes, she is! Anika, meet Mr. Mehra and his wife, Mrs. Mehra" Advik introduced them with a warm smile.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Mehra," Anika greeted them politely, returning their smiles.

Similarly, Ishan took the opportunity to introduce Pragya to Mr. Mehra.

"Hello, Mr. Mehra. Meet my wife, Pragya Malhotra," Ishan said with pride.."Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Mehra," Pragya greeted them warmly, her demeanour poised and gracious.

After some time. Anika decided to refresh herself and headed towards the juice counter.

As she pondered over which drink to choose, she caught snippets of conversation around her, mingling with the ambient chatter of the party.

"Hello, pretty lady," a voice called out to Anika."Umm, hello," Anika responded, turning to face the source of the voice.

"May I know your sweet name?" the guy asked Anika, his eyes gleaming with interest."Anika," she replied, a hint of hesitation in her voice.

"Anika Advik Malhotra," Anika heard Advik's voice behind her. Startled, she turned to find Advik standing just behind them.

"Hello, Arjun. Meet my wife," Advik introduced, placing his hand on Anika's shoulder. A rush of emotions swept through Anika as Advik's touch sent shivers down her spine.

She felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, knowing that she was now officially introduced as Advik Malhotra's wife.

"Oh, you guys continue," Arjun said with a casual smile before excusing himself and leaving the scene.

"Be careful of guys here," Advik cautioned Anika, his protective instinct evident in his tone. Anika nodded in understanding, appreciating his concern.

As the evening progressed, Ishan and Advik found themselves engrossed in conversation with the gentlemen present, discussing business matters and exchanging pleasantries. Meanwhile, Pragya and Anika joined the ladies' circle, engaging in light-hearted conversations and sharing anecdotes about their lives. The separation into gender-specific groups allowed for a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, fostering camaraderie and camaraderie among the guests. Anika felt a sense of belonging as she bonded with the other women, grateful for the opportunity to connect with her new social circle