Fated Ties

chapter 40

The Poddar house is alive with the vibrant energy of the engagement ceremony preparations. The living room is a spectacle of beauty, adorned with a colorful tapestry of flowers, shimmering fairy lights, and elegant drapes. The air is thick with the sweet scent of incense, blending harmoniously with the fragrance of fresh blooms, filling every corner of the house with a sense of celebration.

**Dadi (Dadisa)**, dressed in a rich maroon saree with gold embroidery, is seated on a plush armchair in the living room, overseeing the arrangements with a watchful eye. Her face carries a contented smile as she watches her family bustling around.

**Dadi:** (with a twinkle in her eye) “Vidya, make sure the mithai trays are ready. We must offer sweets to the guests as they arrive. And Madhav, did you check if the panditji is on his way?”

**Vidya**, wearing a teal saree with delicate work, smiles at the command. Her joy is evident as she checks the arrangement of sweets on the dining table, ensuring everything looks perfect.

**Vidya:** (cheerfully) “Don’t worry, Maasa. Everything is under control. The sweets are ready, and Madhav ji already called panditji to confirm. He’ll be here soon.”

**Madhav**, wearing a cream-colored kurta with intricate embroidery, enters with a small pot of incense sticks, adding them to the ones already lit around the room. He smiles at Masaa

**Madhav:** “Panditji will be here in a few minutes. And Vidya, the flowers in the courtyard look wonderful. The fragrance is just perfect!”

**Charu, Krish, Aryan, and Kiara**, the young cousins, are busy running around, helping wherever they can, their laughter echoing through the house. Charu, in a lavender lehenga, is fixing the flower arrangements, while **Krish** adjusts the fairy lights near the entrance. **Aryan**, in a navy blue sherwani, is teasing Kiara, who’s trying to place candles on the windowsills.

**Kiara**, wearing a bright yellow lehenga, turns around and playfully swats Aryan’s arm.

**Kiara:** (mock-annoyed) “Aryan, stop teasing me and help! We need to make sure everything looks perfect when Ruhi bhabhi walks in.”

**Aryan:** (grinning) “Okay, okay! Don’t worry, Kiara, everything’s going to be perfect. Just like a fairy tale. Right, Krish bhaiya?”

**Krish**, looking up from the lights, nods with a smile.

**Krish:** “Absolutely! And wait till you see the surprise we have planned for Armaan bhaiyaa and Ruhi bhabhi during the ring exchange. They’re going to love it!”

**Manoj **, dressed in a simple yet elegant white kurta, walks in carrying a tray of glasses filled with juice, smiling at the enthusiasm of the youngsters.

**Manoj:** (laughing) “What’s this surprise you kids are talking about? Should I be worried?”

**Charu:** (giggling) “No, Chachu! It’s just a little something we thought would add a special touch to the ceremony. You’ll see!”

**Dadisa:** (clapping her hands lightly) “Ah, to be young again! I’m so glad you’re all here, making this day special for Armaan and Ruhi. They deserve all the happiness in the world.”

Vidya walks over to Dadi, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

**Vidya:** “They do, Masaa. And with all of us together, this day will be as beautiful as the love they share.”

Dadisa smiles, her eyes glistening with happiness as she watches her family come together. The atmosphere is filled with love, laughter, and anticipation. The Poddar house, with its festive decorations and joyful vibe, is indeed like a scene straight out of a fairy tale, waiting to witness the magical union of Armaan and Ruhi.