The Wedding Whisperer

Chapter 4: Clashing Visions

The next morning, Akshara pulled up along the elevated circular driveway of Anisha's parents' home and parked her vehicle to one side at the top of the driveway. She was glad Anisha was free to meet with her that morning and smiled at the young woman who came to the door.

She was led to the home office where she waited for Anisha. Akshara placed her computer purse and the tote with the catalogue from her friend, an upcoming designer, on the table and looked around the large space. The home office was a large open area with glass walls on three sides. One wall offered a beautiful view of the front yard garden, another showed the formal living room through an open door, and the third wall featured a central focal point with natural sunlight streaming from the ceiling and a large tree adding a sense of calm to the perfectly decorated home.

She walked over to the last wall that had wooden shelves built out with pictures and mementos. She stopped when she saw a picture of a young boy holding an electronic circuit in his hands, with the words on the award reading: "Abhimanyu Birla Genius – Under 10 Categories."

Her eyes swept over the next set of mementos that filled the rest of the shelves, realizing Anisha's brother was a prodigy. As a businessman, he was extremely successful and yet a caring brother, just not a reasonable client.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Akshara turned when she heard Anisha behind her. "No problem. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me on such short notice."

"Not a problem. What's up?" Anisha gestured for her to be seated on the couches to one side of the study.

"I wanted to discuss a couple of things with you: one about your outfits and the other the venue for the bachelorette weekend."

Anisha let out a sigh. "I haven't selected my outfits, and I know you need to know the color palette but—"

"Anisha, I'm not here to rush you but to show you some options."

"I have been to every one of the boutiques in the city, and I know what you are going to say about considering someone from another city or going international, but no. I am going to stick to my theme of choosing everything from my hometown. I love this city too much."

"Are you open to a new designer?" Akshara asked as she pulled out the folder with the catalogue and the swatches.

"I don't care if the designer is new; I want something I like and you know it has to be unique."

Akshara placed the catalogue on the small coffee table in front of the couch where Anisha was seated and flipped to the page she had marked as the outfit that Anisha might like. She pointed at the beautiful traditional saree decked with intricate handwork and said, "I think this style will suit you well."

Anisha's eyes widened. "Wow, that's beautiful, and I could use the saree Mom bought me."

"Yes. And here are some swatches with the kind of handwork the designer creates. Each design is unique as it is hand-stitched. He is a good friend of mine and I will make sure he works on your outfits exclusively until the wedding. Everything he makes for you will not be made for anyone else. He is a local upcoming designer who could use your endorsement."

"This is genius. I love the designs. I can't wait to try them on." Anisha let out a squeal of joy. "Thank you, Akshara. You are the best."

"I am so happy you liked the designs. I can leave the catalogue and the swatches for you to look through."

"Oh my God, yes. I am so happy I want to scream."

Akshara smiled. "I don't know if you would feel the same way when I tell you about the bachelorette event."