Destined (RagSan FF)

Chapter 9

"Today, he made me smile when I thought I couldn't, reminding me that even in the midst of heartache, friendship can light the way."

The Maheshwari mansion was bustling with excitement on the morning of the sangeet. Every room echoed with the sounds of preparation, conversations, and laughter as the family geared up for the evening's grand celebration. The house, adorned in rich floral arrangements and elegant decorations, reflected the grandeur that the Maheshwaris were known for.

Annapurna Maheshwari stood in the main hall, overseeing the arrangements with her usual pride and grace. "Everything should be perfect today," she instructed, her voice steady. "This is my son, Lakshay's sangeet. The world will be watching, and the Maheshwari family should shine brighter than ever."

Parineeta, standing beside Uttara, chimed in with excitement, "I've already chosen my outfit for tonight! A pink sari with maroon accents, just like the theme. What about you, Uttara?"

Uttara smiled. "I'll be in pink as well, but with a twist. After all, tonight's all about Laksh bhai and his big moment."

Adarsh joined in the conversation, teasing his younger brother from across the room, "Let's just hope our Laksh doesn't forget his dance moves. He tends to freeze up under pressure!"

The whole room erupted in laughter, knowing how Laksh could get nervous during important moments, despite his usual confidence.

Meanwhile, Sujatha was observing all the excitement, but her attention quickly shifted to her son, Sanskar, who was lounging comfortably on a sofa. His relaxed demeanor caught her eye. Walking over to him, she lightly tapped his arm.

"Sanskar, thara sab taiyaar toh hai ne aaj raat ri party maate? (Sanskar, are you prepared for tonight's party?) Don't tell me you haven't thought about your outfit yet."

Sanskar looked up from his phone, his trademark smirk in place. "Relax, Ma. Sab ready hai (Everything's ready). Ragini ne mere liye ek outfit choose kiya hai jo bilkul perfect hai dress code ke liye. (Ragini picked an outfit for me that's perfect for the dress code.)"

Sujatha raised an eyebrow, a little surprised but mostly pleased. "Ragini ne? Vaah, thara toh choras hoya jaise. (Ragini did? Well, you're a lucky boy, it seems.)" She nodded approvingly, thinking about how good a friend Ragini was to Sanskar.

She added with a fond smile, "Thara ko kudh ke baare mein samajh aavi gayi. (It looks like you've figured things out well for yourself, my dear.) Bhagwan kare, humesha ek achhi saheli bane re! (May God always bless you with such a good friend!)"

Sanskar chuckled, his voice full of mischief. "You're making it sound like I'm in trouble without her, Ma. I've got everything under control."

Sujatha smiled knowingly. "Haan, haan, tharo control to dekha hai humne. (Yes, yes, I've seen your 'control' before.) Just make sure you don't give her too much trouble, Sanskar. A friend like her is hard to come by."

Sanskar nodded, his playful tone still intact. "Don't worry, Ma. Ragini's a good friend."

Sujatha, proud of her son but always a little protective, patted his shoulder affectionately. "Mhara chora hamesha aacha raho. (My son, always stay blessed.)"

The family's attention then shifted back to Laksh, who had entered the room, brimming with his usual confidence. "I hope you're all ready for my big performance tonight. Don't worry, I've been practicing."

Uttara quipped, "We just hope you don't trip and fall on your face in the middle of your big moment!"

Adarsh added with a teasing grin, "Or forget all your steps. That would be classic."