Finding her Existence

# CHAPTER 20

Today was a special day at the Roy Chaudhary Haveli. The youngest member of the family, Shashwati, was celebrating her birthday. And the birthday is to be planned in English style. She had always been fascinated by Western traditions, just like her father and brothers and had requested a grand celebration with her family and friends.

Shaswati's day was started with the wishes of her parents and then Bondita as her both brothers were still asleep thanks to God that Trilochan wasn't back yet. So, Anirudh and Batuk have got the luxury to sleep till late in the morning. As for Somnath he has went away with his senior for some medical case.

Shashwati had a close bond with her eldest brother, Anirudh, and her maasi also Boudi, Bondita. She had specifically asked them to be present at her birthday celebration for the entire day, insisting that they take a break from their busy schedules at the court, and this time Anirudh didn't gave any excuse to go to court as this year Bondita is present with them and he knows that he don't have to pretend to be happy. It isn't that he wasn't happy all these years but the absence of bondita inthese six years it felt so hard to celebrate without her. So, Anirudh and Bondita had happily agreed, knowing how much this day meant to Shashwati.

From the early hours of the morning, Bondita was busy making all the necessary preparations for the birthday party. She had enlisted the help of Koylie and the other servants to decorate the haveli with balloons, streamers, and fairy lights. The aroma of freshly baked cakes and pastries filled the air as Bondita prepared her special recipes in the kitchen. It was alot more tiring as her Bhari babu wasn't present to help his choti malkin.

Later all had Lunch together with some shared plans for the party in evening. Anirudh watched fondly as Bondita meticulously planned every detail of the celebration. He admired her strength and dedication, knowing that she always went above and beyond to make their loved ones happy. Anirudh couldn't help but feel grateful for having Bondita by his side, Anirudh was proud to have Bondita as his wife, and he couldn't imagine his life without her by his side.

"Bondita, umm.. do you need some help? I mean I can do anything that you will say." Anirudh said earnestly.

Bondita spoke with a shuttle shook in her head," Nahi Barrister babu aap rehne dijiye. Vaise bhi sab bigad diya toh fir se karna hoga." And muttered the last part to herself.

" Par Bondita main kuch toh kar hi sakta hu na." Anirudh again tried.

" Acha, Hmm Theek hai aap Shashwati ko apne sath busy rakhiye taaki vo yaha na aaye usse ye sab shaam ko achanak se dekhkar acha lagega." Bondita said shooing him away as soon as possible.

Anirudh thought he had offered his help, but she had outrightly rejected saying he will do a mess. But he was adamant in helping and sighing at last she said that he has to make Shashwati Busy, so she doesn't get to see the preparations before evening. Even though he wanted to help her here so he can have her right here in front of his eyes but now it feels that he has to be away as she wants him with his sister 'The Birthday Girl'. Okay he will adjust for some hours, obviously he loves his sister too he is happy to spend time with her too but with Bondita it feels ecstatic.

As the guests, i.e., Shashwati's friends started arriving at the haveli, Shashwati's excitement grew even more. She greeted her friends with a bright smile and led them to the beautifully decorated garden where the party was set to take place. The garden was transformed into a magical wonderland, with twinkling lights and colourful decorations creating a festive atmosphere.

As the sun started to set, Shashwati's friends gathered around her to sing "Happy Birthday" and present her with gifts. Anirudh and Bondita stood by side, as Binoy and Sampoorna helped Shashwati to cut the cake along with Batuk's teasing and singing Happy Birthday in a fake shrill voice just to irritate others, their smiles reflecting the joy of the occasion.