"I Do"

chapter 14

Akira glanced at the clock, its hands ticking ominously as she hurried through the grand foyer of her family's stately home. The air was thick with the heady scent of cardamom and saffron, a telltale sign that the preparations for Navroz, the Parsi New Year, were well underway.

As the only family matriarch of Meherjirana , the responsibility of overseeing the celebrations had fallen squarely on her shoulders. Akira took a deep breath, momentarily allowing herself to be transported by the familiar aromas that had marked the arrival of this cherished festival since childhood. But the illusion was shattered as her phone buzzed incessantly, a constant reminder of the equally pressing demands of her high-powered career.

Akira's brow furrowed as she stepped into her private study, the weight of her dual roles as a successful professional and a dutiful daughter-in-law converging in a dizzying swirl. She had spent the better part of the last week coordinating the Navroz festivities – the intricate floral arrangements, the lavish menu planning, the guest list revisions. And now, just as she was poised to oversee the final preparations, a last-minute meeting with a delegation from France had been scheduled, threatening to upend her carefully orchestrated plans.

Sinking into the leather chair behind her desk, Akira scrolled through the urgent emails, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she drafted responses. The museum project in Paris was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, one that could propel both ITS and SAGC in European market not via trade by via cultural relations to new heights and cement their reputation in the industry. But the timing, mere days before the Navroz celebrations, felt like a cruel twist of fate.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her frenetic thoughts. Akira looked up to see her brother-in-law, Naval, standing hesitantly in the doorway, his eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"Akira Bhabhi, I hope I'm not disturbing you," he said, his voice gentle and measured. "I noticed you seemed a little preoccupied, and I wanted to make sure everything is alright."

Akira felt a pang of guilt wash over her. Naval, barely twelve year old boy, represented the younger generation of the family, eager to embrace the warmth and traditions of Navroz.

In contrast, Akira's focus had been laser-sharp on the logistical details, her mind consumed by deadlines and deliverables.

"Everything is under control, Naval," Akira replied, summoning a reassuring smile. "I'm just finalizing a few things for the Navroz celebrations. It's a bit of a busy time, but nothing I can't handle."

Naval nodded, his brow furrowed slightly. "I know how much you do to make these celebrations special for the family. If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask."

Akira felt a surge of fondness for her younger brother-in-law.

Despite his shyness, Naval possessed a kind heart and a deep appreciation for the family's traditions. She couldn't help but wonder if he sensed her growing unease, the tension that threatened to overshadow the joyous occasion.

"Thank you, Naval," Akira said, her voice softening. "I'll keep that in mind. Now, tell me, are you looking forward to the Navroz festivities this year?"

Naval's eyes lit up, and Akira couldn't help but be drawn into his infectious enthusiasm. "Oh, yes, Akira Bhabhi! I've been looking forward to it for weeks. The delicious food, the vibrant decorations, the sense of togetherness – it's my favorite time of the year." Through this is the first time it's celebrated here in our own home.

Akira listened intently, her own memories of past Navroz celebrations bubbling to the surface. The laughter, the music, the feeling of belonging – all the things that had once filled her heart with joy.

But this year, the weight of her professional obligations threatened to overshadow the very traditions she had grown up cherishing.

As Naval continued to describe his excitement for the upcoming celebrations, Akira felt a renewed sense of determination.

She would find a way to balance her career and her family responsibilities, to ensure that the Navroz festivities remained a cherished part of her life, not just another item on her endless to-do list.

Straightening her posture, Akira placed a reassuring hand on Naval's arm. "I'm glad to hear that, Naval. This Navroz is going to be one to remember, I promise."

Naval's face lit up with a warm smile, and Akira knew in that moment that she would do whatever it took to make the celebrations a success, both for her family and for herself.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Akira turned her attention back to her computer, ready to conquer the tasks at hand. The Navroz challenge had been laid before her, and she was determined to rise to the occasion.