𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐍: 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐟 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬

02|| 𝐑𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐊𝐒𝐇

The darker the night, the brighter the stars, The deeper the grief, the closer is God."

- Fyodor Dostoyevsky

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"I don't care how important this meeting is, it's Choti Maa and Chote Papa's twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, so, No, I'm not coming today. Besides, Jhaveri's needs this collaboration more than us. So better tell them, who got the upper hand here."

Hanging up the call on his secretary, Rudraksh moved out of his walk-in-closet while rolling up the sleeve of his black kurta till his elbow. Setting up his hair by his fingers in front of the vanity, he was all ready for the pooja, which is kept today for Gautam and Shivani's wedding anniversary.

Descending down the stairs, Rudraksh looked around and saw workers moving in and out of the backyard, where tonight the party is held. He moved towards the small spacious in built temple in their house and saw his whole family present there. He gave a sheepish smile to all of them and went to touch his parents' feet followed by his Chote Maa and Chote Papa's.

"Happy Wedding Anniversary Choti Maa and Chote Papa." He wished them and kissed Shivani's forehead and gave a hug to Gautam and they thanked him. He then greeted his both sisters with a forehead kiss.

"Yajman, Pooja ka muhurat ho chuka hai, kripya apna sthan grahan kare." The priest spoke out as he was done with the arrangements.

(It's time for the Pooja, please take your seats)

Everyone took seat with Shivani and Gautam near the havan kund and Anmol and Radhika sat beside them. The three children sat beside each other behind them.

Soon the pooja was done and the priest was given a hefty amount of dakshina by Radhika and he left after giving loads of blessings to Shivani and Gautam.

"Okay Okay, Mumma Papa, now go you guys, get ready, your full day is scheduled till evening." Shivani and Gautam frowned hearing Mayesha and looked at her confusingly.

"What schedule? We thought that after this Pooja, we will have to attend the evening party? Which by the way was so not needed." Shivani sighed as she tried so much to tell her children to not organise any party but they won't budge.

"I guess we were so done with this talk Choti Maa. And as Mishu said, that your whole day is booked, so please don't waste your time here, you really need to go and get ready. It's your day, enjoy it without any thoughts."

"But..."

"No ifs and buts Shivani. Do as the kids are saying. Live this day, it won't come back." Radhika interrupted Shivani.

"Bhabhi, even you too?"

"Arre, why not? Remember how on my and Anmol's wedding anniversary you supported kids when they wanted us to get married to each other. At least you're saved from that thing." The junior Mehrotra's giggled and the senior men smiled while Shivani gave a sheepish smile to Radhika.

"Okay now go both of you. Otherwise these children's plan would go waste." Anmol said in fake Steen voice which only made the couple chuckle.

"Yeah, but where we have to go? At least tell us."

"Papa, you will know, besides Driver uncle is taking you, so you just need to enjoy." Arushi said and Rudraksh nodded while side hugging Arushi who gave him her toothy smile making him chuckle.

Gautam and Shivani shook their heads and moved into their rooms to get ready and meanwhile others got busy in their own works. With Rudraksh busy in the party arrangements, Anmol watching out the guest list, Radhika and Mayesha looking for the family's evening clothes and Arushi in kitchen to bake the cake.