The next morning, the Goenka mansion was buzzing with activity as preparations for Anushka's wedding continued. The grand house looked even more beautiful bathed in the soft morning light. Kairav was in the living room, anxiously waiting for Lakshmi Sharma, the talented young baker he had found the previous day.
Right on time, the doorbell rang, and Kairav quickly went to answer it. Standing there was Lakshmi, a bright smile on her face, carrying a large bag of baking supplies.
"Good morning, Lakshmi!" Kairav greeted her warmly. "Thank you for coming."
"Good morning, Kairav," Lakshmi replied, her excitement evident. "Thank you for having me."
Kairav led her through the spacious mansion to the kitchen, which was a modern and well-equipped space perfect for baking. "This is where you'll be working today," he said, gesturing around the room. "I want you to bake four different flavors of cake. My family and sister will try them all and decide which one they like best for the wedding."
Lakshmi nodded, her mind already whirling with ideas. "Absolutely. I have a few flavors in mind that I think you all will love."
Kairav watched as Lakshmi started unpacking her supplies, arranging everything meticulously on the counter. "If you need anything, just let me know. I'll be around," he said, offering her a reassuring smile.
"Thank you, Kairav. I appreciate it," Lakshmi replied, her focus already shifting to the task at hand.
As Lakshmi got to work, Kairav couldn't help but be impressed by her dedication and skill. She moved with a practiced ease, measuring ingredients with precision and mixing them with confidence. The kitchen soon filled with the delightful aroma of baking cakes.
After a couple of hours, Lakshmi had prepared four different cakes: a rich chocolate cake with a raspberry filling, a classic vanilla cake with a fresh berry compote, a tangy lemon cake with a creamy blueberry frosting, and a decadent red velvet cake with a smooth cream cheese icing.
She carefully arranged the cakes on the counter, ensuring each one looked as inviting as it smelled. Kairav, who had been checking in periodically, now gathered his family.
"Everyone, the cakes are ready," Kairav announced, leading his parents, Anushka, and their younger siblings into the kitchen.
Anushka's eyes widened in delight at the sight of the beautifully decorated cakes. "Wow, these look amazing, Lakshmi!" she exclaimed.
Lakshmi blushed, smiling shyly. "Thank you, Anushka. I hope you like the flavors as much as the look."
Kairav handed out plates and forks, and everyone took a piece of each cake. The kitchen was soon filled with the sound of appreciative murmurs as the family sampled the different flavors.
"This chocolate cake is divine," Kairav's mother, Sirat, said, savoring a bite.
"The vanilla cake with the berry compote is so refreshing," Anushka added, her eyes sparkling with enjoyment.
"I love the lemon and blueberry combination," Akshara chimed in, while Aarohi nodded in agreement.
Kairav took a bite of the red velvet cake and smiled. "They're all fantastic, Lakshmi. You really outdid yourself."
Lakshmi beamed, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. "Thank you so much. I'm glad you all enjoyed them."
After some discussion and many more bites of cake, the family finally decided on their favorite. Anushka turned to Lakshmi with a smile. "We'd like the vanilla cake with the berry compote for the wedding. It's perfect."
