THE RAJHANS SISTERS

THE BIG FAT WEDDING

Bua Ji's accusatory gaze swept over Nishi's attire, her disapproval palpable in the air. Niharika's voice, soft and gentle, broke the tense silence. "Nishi...where were you, dear...?" she inquired, her concern evident in her tone.

"I went to my bachelorette party, and that's where I was," Nishi replied, her voice tinged with defiance.

"You should have told us, beta," Niharika gently reprimanded.

"I did tell, Mom...I informed Nitya Di," Nishi interjected, but Bua Ji interrupted with a sharp retort.

"Disgraceful! Oh, you little troublemaker...(to Nitya)...don't you know, after the telbaan ceremony, the bride-to-be shouldn't be out all night...Nishi is young, Nitya...but you...what has happened to you...you're a mother of three children...yet you didn't stop your sister..." she scolded, her words dripping with condemnation.

"Bua Ji, it's not Nitya's fault...she..." Aniket attempted to intervene, but once again, he was cut off.

"You stay out of this, Damad ji , don't take her side...I know you love Nitya very much...but don't cover up her mistakes...she's been like this since childhood...her habits haven't changed...if something goes wrong...who will be responsible?" Bua Ji continued her tirade, her disapproval ringing loud and clear.

As Bua Ji took Nishi away to perform a ritual to wade the evil eye off her. Nitya felt a familiar sting of humiliation rise within her. Suppressing the urge to cry, she forced herself to remain composed. Aniket, sensing her distress, enveloped her in a comforting embrace, offering solace in his warm embrace.

"We're leaving, Aniket," Nitya declared, her voice tinged with resignation.

"No...it's not like that...the mistake wasn't yours, mine, or Nishi's...it was Bua Ji's mindset that needs to change," Aniket reassured her, his unwavering support a source of strength.

"Yes, Nitya...you know how Bua Ji is...it's okay," Aarushi chimed in, her words filled with understanding.

Aniket gently lifted Nitya's chin, guiding her gaze to meet his own, his touch tender and reassuring.

"She will realise her mistake Nitya, and this will happen before the wedding...trust me..." he promised, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.

Nitya's lips curved into a faint smile, finding solace in his unwavering support. With Aniket by her side and their children in tow, she found refuge from the storm of judgment and criticism, lost in the simple joys of family and love as they ventured into the peaceful sanctuary of the park.

As they wandered barefoot on the soft grass, the cool blades tickling their feet, a sense of tranquility enveloped them. The gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze seemed to soothe their weary souls, and for a moment, the worries of the world faded away. Aniket, with tender care, plucked delicate flowers from the lush surroundings, their vibrant hues a stark contrast to the verdant landscape. With a smile that mirrored the radiance of the blooms, he began to weave them into Nitya's braid, each petal adding a touch of whimsy to her dark locks. Nitya's smile widened, a reflection of the love and joy that blossomed within her heart, as she savored this simple yet profound moment shared with her beloved. In the embrace of nature's embrace, they found solace, their bond strengthened by the beauty that surrounded them.

The mehndi ceremony was in full swing, with vibrant colors and joyful melodies filling the air. But amidst the lively atmosphere, Nitya remained distant, her attention divided between her children and the festivities. Aniket, ever observant of his wife's mood, sensed her disconnection and decided to take action. He whispered a plan to Aarushi, who grinned in agreement, ready to assist.