Shadows & Sunshine

Ch : 18

The party was in full swing, laughter and chatter filling the grand hall of the Khanna residence. The decorations glimmered under the soft lights, casting a warm glow on the guests who mingled and celebrated Varsha's birthday. Music played in the background, and the air was filled with the scent of flowers and rich cuisine.

As the time for the cake-cutting ceremony approached, Mrs. Khanna scanned the room, looking for Priya. She found Ved standing near the grand staircase, his face a mixture of forced smiles and underlying tension. Approaching him, she placed a hand on his arm and asked, "Where is your wife? What is she doing?"

Before Ved could respond, Priya appeared at the top of the staircase, her presence commanding the room. She descended gracefully, her dress flowing behind her like a whisper of elegance. Ved's eyes locked onto her, and he noticed immediately that she wasn't wearing the necklace he had given her. Their gazes met, a silent conversation passing between them, filled with unspoken words and unresolved pain.

Priya joined them just as Varsha's excited voice called out, "Everyone, it's time for the cake!" The crowd gathered around the large, elaborately decorated cake that stood as the centerpiece of the celebration. Varsha, radiant and full of joy, stood ready to make her birthday wish.

Mrs. Khanna gave Ved a look that spoke volumes, silently urging him to keep up appearances for the sake of their daughter. Ved, with a subtle nod, moved to stand beside Varsha, pulling Priya gently along with him. Priya plastered a smile on her face, though her eyes still held a hint of sadness and fatigue.

The guests circled around, their faces bright with anticipation. Varsha closed her eyes for a moment, clasping her hands together as she made her wish. The room fell into a hushed silence, everyone waiting with bated breath. Then, with a joyful giggle, Varsha blew out the candles, and the room erupted into applause and cheers.

Ved and Priya, standing side by side, clapped along with the guests, their hands meeting briefly in a show of unity. Priya felt a pang of sorrow mixed with hope, wondering if they could ever truly find their way back to each other. As the cake was cut and shared among the guests, Priya looked around at the faces of friends and family, feeling a deep sense of duty and love for her daughter.

Despite the turmoil within her, Priya knew that tonight was about Varsha. She resolved to put on a brave face and give her daughter the happiest birthday possible, even as the complexities of her own heart remained unresolved. The party continued, the night filled with laughter and celebration,

 Varsha, radiant in her birthday dress, scanned the crowd for her parents. Her eyes finally settled on Ved, sitting alone at the bar, a drink in his hand and a distant look in his eyes.

She made her way through the throng of guests, her brow furrowing with concern. "Dad, why are you sitting here alone?" she asked, coming to stand beside him. "Where is Mom?"

Ved looked up, his eyes slightly glazed from the drinks he had consumed. He forced a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Why don't you look for yourself?" he replied, his voice tinged with a bitterness that surprised Varsha.

"Dad, are you okay? Why are you drinking so much?" she pressed, her worry deepening.

Ved sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. "No, Varshu, nothing's wrong. I'm fine. Why are you looking for your mom?"

Varsha pointed towards the hallway where she had just seen Priya. "I want you both to be on the dance floor," she said, her voice insistent. Just then, she spotted Priya walking through the hall, her face drawn with the same tension that plagued Ved.

"Mom!" Varsha called, waving her over. Priya, caught off guard, hesitated for a moment before making her way towards them.

Varsha didn't give either of her parents a chance to object. With a determined look, she took them both by the hand and led them to the dance floor, weaving through the crowd of guests who were lost in their own worlds of celebration.