HUMDARD- A Journey From Chaos To Calm

Chapter 18

It was a bright and sunny afternoon when Saana received a call from Jahnavi, Sidharth's elder sister-in-law. The warmth in Jahnavi's voice was unmistakable as she extended a heartfelt invitation.

"Saana Darling, I hope you're doing well. I wanted to invite you over for lunch tomorrow. It'll be a small gathering with family and close friends. It's a wonderful opportunity for you to get to know everyone better and for us to spend some quality time together."

Saana, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, replied,

"Thank you, Jahnavi di. I'd love to join you all. I'm looking forward to it."

The next day, Saana arrived at Jahnavi's home, her anticipation growing with each step. The house was adorned with vibrant decorations, reflecting the festive spirit that had been building around Sidharth and Saana's impending wedding. Jahnavi greeted her at the door with a warm hug and a bright smile.

"Welcome, Saana! I'm so glad you could make it. Come on in,"

Jahnavi said, leading her into the house.

Saana stepped inside, immediately feeling the warmth and hospitality of the Dutta household. The living room was buzzing with activity as family members and friends gathered, engaged in lively conversations. Saana was introduced to Sidharth's relatives, who welcomed her with open arms and genuine smiles.

Jahnavi made sure Saana felt comfortable, guiding her through the introductions and ensuring she felt included in the conversations.

As the guests settled in, Jahnavi guided Saana to a cozy spot where they could chat.

"I wanted to make sure you feel at home, Saana. Today is all about getting to know each other better and enjoying each other's company."

Saana appreciated Jahnavi's efforts and settled into the conversation, feeling more at ease with each passing moment. The lunch was a delightful mix of traditional and modern dishes, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and warm interactions.

As the afternoon progressed, conversations flowed effortlessly. Saana shared stories about her life and her experiences, and in return, she learned more about Sidharth's family. Each interaction reinforced the sense of belonging and acceptance she felt.

However, amid the warmth of the gathering, the media's attention on Sidharth and Saana's relationship was reaching a fever pitch. The news of their engagement and impending marriage was making headlines, with pictures of them together frequently appearing in tabloids and on social media. The couple's public appearances, family gatherings, and even casual outings were being documented and analyzed by the press.

The constant media coverage was creating a buzz, but it also stirred up old emotions in one person-Neha, Sidharth's ex-girlfriend. Neha had been following the media frenzy closely, and the news of Sidharth moving on with someone new was causing her considerable distress.

Neha's resentment grew as she saw the images of Sidharth and Saana together, their smiles captured in photographs that seemed to taunt her with the reality of their new relationship. She couldn't bear the thought of Sidharth starting a new chapter with someone else, and her frustration began to manifest in various ways.

She vented her anger on social media, leaving comments filled with bitterness and envy. Her posts were a mixture of passive-aggressive remarks and outright criticism, reflecting her discontent with Sidharth's decision to move on. Neha's comments did not go unnoticed, and they added fuel to the fire of public scrutiny surrounding Sidharth and Saana's relationship.

Despite the media frenzy and Neha's bitterness, Saana remained focused on the positive aspects of her time with Sidharth and his family. The lunch with Jahnavi and the family had been a heartwarming experience, reinforcing her sense of belonging and hope for the future.