A Symphony Of Silence And Storm

Whose gift is best?

As evening descended, Kanika's arrival sent shockwaves through the gathered family. Rudra's questioning glance darted between Om and Priyanka, silently asking if they'd extended the invitation. Both remained innocent, shaking their heads in denial.

Pinky, ever the peacemaker, rushed to greet Kanika. "Beta, thank you so much for coming!" she exclaimed, a touch too enthusiastically. Kanika offered a tight smile in return, her eyes scanning the room for a certain someone.

Sensing her gaze, Pinky interjected, "Shivay will be running a bit late. Important meeting, you know." Leaning conspiratorially, she whispered, "But don't you worry, darling. I'll have a word with him tonight, and that apology will be yours. Just you wait."

Pinky ushered Kanika towards the group, oblivious to the flicker of surprise and jealousy that crossed Kanika's face upon seeing Annika.

"Priyanka, since Kanika is practically your sister-in-law now, I thought it'd be nice for her to join us," Pinky announced cheerfully. Priyanka offered a tight nod, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. The air crackled with unspoken tension as Anika and Kanika acknowledged each other's presence.

The air hung heavy with tension as Kanika settled in. Om, sensing the discomfort, decided to lighten the mood.

"Alright everyone's here, Rudra why don't you grab the cake?"

Rudra disappeared into the kitchen, returning with a cake. "Cake? But when did you get this, Bhaiya?" Priyanka inquired, surprised.

"Oh, Shivay baked your favorite himself," Om explained. "He knew he wouldn't be able to attend because of a meeting, so he wanted to make sure you had something special."

Priyanka nodded in understanding, a flicker of warmth softening her features. Annika, who had arrived earlier than Kanika, had also been surprised by Shivay's absence. Initially, it had reinforced her belief that work always came first for him, even Priyanka's success. However, this unexpected gesture, a cake baked especially for her, shifted her perspective.  Despite being absent, Shivay had taken the time to create something thoughtful.  It was a small act, yet it stirred something within her that she tried to push aside.

The arrival of the cake cut through the tense atmosphere. As Priyanka held the knife, everyone's eyes fixated on her, curious about who would receive the coveted first bite.

With a loving smile, Priyanka offered the first piece to her Dadi, a gesture of respect and tradition. Then, taking another slice, she announced, "This second piece goes to someone who helped me conquer my fears and whose unwavering belief fueled my journey to the second round."

Kanika's heart leaped. Was Priyanka offering it to her? But her delight was short-lived as Priyanka bypassed her, moving towards Annika who stood slightly apart from the group.

Annika's eyes widened in surprise, a sweet smile blossoming on her face as Priyanka extended the cake towards her.  She took a grateful bite, the simple gesture a powerful symbol of their newfound bond.

Priyanka continued, lovingly distributing cake to each family member, saving the last piece for Kanika.  By then, Kanika's initial delight had morphed into simmering resentment.  Despite her annoyance, she accepted the cake, the sweetness a stark contrast to the bitterness brewing within her.

With the cake devoured, Rudra, ever the entertainer, announced, "Alright everyone, cake duty is complete! Time to fill your tummies with dinner in the dining area. Afterwards, we have a very important ceremony for our star!"

With the cake devoured, Rudra, ever the entertainer, announced, "Alright everyone, cake duty is complete! Time to fill your tummies with dinner in the dining area. Afterwards, we have a very important ceremony for our star!"

Confused murmurs rippled through the room. "What ceremony?" Om inquired.

Rudra, with a mischievous grin, clarified, "The grand unveiling of Priyanka's gifts, of course!"

A wave of laughter washed over the family, playfully chiding him for his theatrics.

Meanwhile, Shivay returned home from his office. He quickly freshened up and headed downstairs, finding the family gathered in the living room. Priyanka sat amidst a growing pile of wrapped gifts, the center of attention. Everyone awaited the exciting reveal.

Shivay joined the group, taking a seat next to Kanika. It was a strategic choice – two available spots, and sitting near Annika would only amplify the guilt gnawing at him for his earlier misjudgment.  Kanika, oblivious to his internal conflict, beamed at his presence, basking in the unexpected closeness.

Priyanka eagerly began the gift-opening ceremony. First came Dadi's offering – a charming Ganesha statue, a symbol of auspicious beginnings for Priyanka's competition. Gifts followed, each reflecting the giver's personality: Tej's generic perfume, Jahanvi's trendy handbag, Pinky's dazzling diamond earrings, and Shakti's pre-release novel by Priyanka's favorite author. Om presented a heartwarming portrait of the entire family, a testament to their love and support. Even Rudra, ever the playful one, offered a giant teddy bear, perhaps a hint of lingering childhood affection.

Only two gifts remained: Kanika's and Annika's. Anticipation hung in the air as Priyanka unwrapped Kanika's present. Kanika, dripping with pride, boasted, "This bracelet is from Paris, a one-of-a-kind piece! Only three exist, and you hold the last one!"

Priyanka, a known minimalist when it came to jewelry, offered a polite smile.  Gifts like these usually ended up gathering dust in her drawers.  She had repeatedly told her mother about her disinterest, but the pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears.  Despite the supposed prestige of the bracelet, Priyanka felt little excitement.  With a cursory glance to save Kanika's feelings, she gently placed it aside.

"Now, only Annika Didi's gift remains," Rudra declared dramatically, "the one that will surely declare the winner of this gift ceremony!"

Kanika, brimming with overconfidence, fueled by the perceived expensiveness of her gift, chimed in, "Of course, it'll be mine, Rudra! My gift is by far the most valuable! Just look at Annika's – poorly wrapped, probably from some local market."

Priyanka winced at Kanika's hurtful words, but when she opened Annika's present, a gasp escaped her lips. "Annika, this is... this is beautiful!" she exclaimed. "Where did you even find it? I never knew this thread could be so stunning! I can't wait to incorporate it into one of my designs!"

Annika, ever humble, replied, "Maybe it's not expensive, but I thought it would inspire you."

Priyanka's heart overflowed with gratitude. She pulled Annika into a warm embrace, cherishing the thoughtfulness behind the gift.

Rudra, sensing the shift in energy, announced, "Well, I think we know who the real winner is here!" He shot a pointed glance at Kanika, whose face contorted with a mixture of anger and humiliation.

Shivay, who had been silently observing the scene, couldn't help but notice the change in Priyanka. He'd seen her smile before, but this was different. Her eyes sparkled with genuine joy, a light he hadn't witnessed in a long time.  And it all stemmed from Annika's simple yet meaningful gift. It was a stark contrast to Kanika's ostentatious display, and it left a profound impact on him.

The evening wound down, and everyone began to drift towards their rooms. Annika, at Priyanka's persistent urging and with Rohan away at his friend's place, had agreed to stay the night at the Oberoi mansion.