Upto Chance

Part 17

Pandit ji had arrived, and the preparations for the pooja were almost complete. The air was filled with the fragrance of incense, and the quiet murmur of prayers created a serene atmosphere.

"Arjun, call your Karan bhai," Anditha instructed, noticing that everyone was gathered except for him.

But before Arjun could move, he saw Karanveer walking towards the pooja hall. "Bhai is here," he announced.

As Karanveer entered, Arjun's eyes lit up with mischief. "Bhabhi, you didn't tell us that we had a color theme for the pooja," he teased, pointing at Karanveer and Ragini's matching outfits.

Ragini looked confused at first, glancing down at her saree and then at Karanveer's kurta. They were both wearing shades of baby pink, completely unintentionally.

Karanveer, always quick with a comeback, raised an eyebrow and smirked. "You know, some couples are just naturally in sync," he said, his voice playful.

But before Ragini could respond, Manvi joined in on the teasing. "Matching outfits, huh?" 

Ragini felt her cheeks warm, her eyes darting towards Karanveer who was enjoying the attention. 

"I had no idea," she muttered, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement.

As the laughter and teasing continued, the entrance door creaked open, and Akash and Siya walked in, accompanied by Shaymlal, seeing whom, Dada ji gave a defeated sigh.

As the conversation flowed in the hall, it was interrupted by a sudden, piercing scream. "Ahhhhh!" Siya shrieked, her eyes wide with fear as she spotted Ash. In her panic, she jumped onto Akash, clinging to him for dear life.

"Woof!" Ash barked, his tail wagging, clearly enjoying the chaos he had unintentionally caused.

Karanveer sighed, running a hand through his hair. 

"Siya and Akash are equally dramatic," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head in exasperation.

Ragini quickly took charge, turning to the housekeeper. 

"Take Ash to the greenhouse and make sure he stays there until our guests leave," she instructed.

Anditha gestured to Karanveer and Ragini, urging them to sit down for the pooja. As the hawan was completed and the guests moved towards the dining area for lunch.

It was evening by the time everyone left, except for Akash, Siya, and Shaymlal, who stayed behind. The family gathered in the hall, their laughter and conversations filling the room with warmth.

Suddenly, Shyamlal cleared his throat and spoke up, 

"Suno, gawalo," he began, catching everyone's attention. 

"Akash and Siya's engagement date is fixed for next month, and six months after that, they will be married."

A wave of excitement swept through the room. Ragini immediately hugged Siya, "Congratulations!"

Everyone followed suit, congratulating the couple with smiles and well wishes. 

"Kanika, bring some sweets!" Anditha called out, wanting to add to the celebration. The room buzzed with happiness as sweets were passed around, and the joy of the moment was palpable.

But then, Shyamlal's next words brought everything to a screeching halt. 

"I thought Karanveer and Akash loved each other. Thank God it was not the case."

Akash, who had been savoring a piece of sweet dish, choked mid-bite, while Arjun, in the middle of lounging on the sofa, suddenly lost his balance and tumbled to the floor.