A Symphony Of Silence And Storm

Your partner would be sun and moon

The next day, Annika arrived bright and early, Kavya in tow. The young assistant still bore the remnants of sleep in her eyes. Annika directed Kavya to their designated room, where Kavya promptly opted for a one-hour nap to recharge. Annika chuckled at her sleepiness.

Annika, ever the organizer, wasted no time.First, she meticulously labeled every box, ensuring everyone could easily identify its contents. Next, she meticulously sorted them, organizing them by function and designated area within the venue. Finally, she separated the items specifically needed for the next day, setting them aside to avoid last-minute confusion.

By the time Kavya emerged from her nap, a full hour had passed. She blinked at the sight of Annika surrounded by a veritable fortress of boxes. "Di" she exclaimed, "you look like a queen presiding over a fortress of boxes!"

Annika chuckled in response. "I organized everything," she explained. "See that section over there? Those are all the things you'll need tomorrow. I'll double-check everything before I leave, and I've even left instructions to keep you at ease. Now, let's grab those boxes we need first."

Kavya silently hefted the box, impressed by Annika's professionalism and attentiveness. Annika had thoughtfully pre-sorted everything to minimize Kavya's workload the next day.

Reaching the living room, they carefully placed their boxes in a corner, mindful of the existing guests.

Dadi, spotting them, called out, "Annika, Kavya, come meet my Guruji! He's a well-respected spiritual leader and astrologer, and today he's offering to read palms. Come, sit with us."

Annika and Kavya exchanged a brief glance before nodding and taking seats beside Rudra. Guruji, with a warm smile, announced, "Alright, who would like their future read first?"

Rudra, ever the impulsive one, shot forward, eager to have his palm examined. "Guruji," he declared, "tell me, will I pass my final exam?"

Guruji's laughter filled the room. "Young man," he chuckled, "success in exams depends on your hard work, not the lines on your hand. However, if you insist, let me take a look."

After a moment of examination, Guruji spoke, "The dream you've cherished since childhood can be realized, but only through dedication and perseverance. You will face challenges along the way, but overcoming them will be key."

Rudra, returning to his seat, leaned towards Annika and whispered, "I think this Guruji might be a fake. Everyone knows if I put in the effort, I can achieve my goals."

Annika raised an eyebrow, cautioning him with a hushed tone. "Shhh, Rudra. Dadi would be offended if she heard you speak like that."

Pinky, bubbling with excitement, directed her attention towards Shivay. "Guruji," she chirped, "please take a look at Shivay's palm! He's getting married soon, so a peek into his future with his wife would be lovely."

Shivay, deeply engrossed in his phone, jolted at his mother's proclamation. "Mom, really? Can someone else go instead?" he pleaded with a touch of desperation.

Dadi, ever the mediator, intervened. "Billu," she coaxed, "just let Guruji take a look. It won't hurt."

With no room for further argument, Shivay reluctantly extended his palm. Guruji examined it intently, his brow furrowed in concentration. Finally, after a few moments, he spoke.
"Your son is indeed destined for a life in business, but he will encounter many challenges along the way." Dadi and Pinky's faces fell with concern.

"However," Guruji continued, offering reassurance, "with a strong partner by his side, he can overcome any obstacle. He, like the sun, possesses immense strength and power, capable of scorching anyone who threatens him or his family. But his partner, like the moon, will provide a calming influence. Together, they will form an unbreakable bond, their love eternal as long as trust and belief bind them. Despite their contrasting personalities, they will complement each other perfectly."

Pinky's eyes sparkled with delight. "See, Mummyji! I knew Kanika would be the perfect anchor for Shivay, a calming moon."

Rudra, unable to contain his mischievous streak, leaned towards Annika and whispered, "Di, I think Chachi's a bit off. Kanika might be a moon, but not a full one - more like a troublesome eclipse! Always causing problems in the name of being 'calm.'"

Annika, ever the silent observer, simply acknowledged his remark with a subtle nod.

The palm-reading session continued, with Dadi, Pinky, Om, Jhanvi, and Kavya all taking turns. Finally, only Annika remained.

Pinky, ever the insistent one, prodded Annika. "Annika, you should go next! Ask Guruji anything that's on your mind."

Annika, however, wasn't interested. "Auntyji," she replied politely, "there's nothing I need to ask."

Pinky's brow furrowed in surprise."How can you not have any questions? Let Guruji read your palm and tell you when you'll get married!

Annika's irritation flared. "Auntyji, I'll get married when I choose to. What does my palm have to do with it?"

Sensing her rising annoyance, Guruji intervened gently. "Beta," he addressed Annika kindly, "they're simply eager. If you don't mind, let me take a look. Or perhaps you have doubts about my abilities?"

Not wanting to appear disrespectful, Annika reluctantly approached him. Guruji studied her palm with a thoughtful expression.

"Interesting," he remarked after a pause. "You are like the moon, shining brightly yet alone. However, when a special someone enters your life, your radiance will intensify. Together, you'll achieve what was once out of reach. You'll complete each other. In fact, I believe this special person is already present in your life - you just need to recognize them. And, remarkably, you'll be married within this very year."

Annika's jaw dropped in astonishment. Her mind raced, searching for clues about this mysterious individual who would supposedly help her fulfill her desires. As if on cue, her gaze met Shivay's. His own eyes held a flicker of intrigue, silently contemplating the identity of this person destined for Annika's life.

Unable to contain his usual curiosity, Rudra piped up excitedly. "Wow, Guruji! According to you, Bhaiya is the sun and Didi is the moon, so what celestial body am I?"

Guruji chuckled. "You, young man," he replied playfully, "resemble Venus - a planet some consider rather notorious."

The session concluded with a few more lighthearted exchanges before Guruji finally took his leave, leaving behind a trail of predictions and a lingering sense of curiosity.

Pinky, blissfully unaware of the undercurrent of emotions, clapped her hands together, her smile wide. "Did you hear that, Annika? You'll be married this year! Isn't that wonderful?"

Annika forced a smile, her voice strained. "Yes, Aunty Ji. Very wonderful."

The day continued in a blur of activity. Annika and Kavya scurried around, setting up the venue for the upcoming engagement ceremony. Every task, every interaction felt mechanical, her mind preoccupied with Guruji's words.

As dusk painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, Annika cast a final, meticulous glance over the meticulously prepared stage for the engagement ceremony. A knot of worry tightened in her stomach. Everything had to be perfect, any mishap due to her absence would be a disaster.

With a heavy heart, she turned and headed home. Annika had convinced herself that witnessing Shivay's engagement wouldn't faze her. She'd buried her emotions deep, or so she thought. Yet, a dull ache throbbed within her, a persistent reminder of what could have been.

Refusing to dwell on this lingering pain, Annika steeled herself. Tomorrow, she had to be strong for Rohan. His surgery day had finally arrived. She hadn't been able to see him recently, as Ishita and Rohan had already gone to the hospital for pre-operative tests. They'd extracted a promise from Annika to come tomorrow after getting a good night's sleep. They knew full well she wouldn't rest otherwise.