𝔹𝕖𝕥𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨

19

The Viraj mansion was bustling, lively, and vibrant with energy as everyone prepared for the day. Varu descended the stairs, stepping into the living room where the family elders were seated. She looked elegant in a deep wine-colored saree, paired with minimal jewelry that highlighted her natural grace.

Nirmal questioned where is Bhavish, Before Varu could respond, Niran jumped in with a teasing tone, "Maybe he’s tired from last night," only to be met with an immediate, sharp glare from everyone around the room.

Ranjan cleared his throat, shaking his head. "Seems your tongue has been growing longer, Niran, and without any restraint."

For a moment, Niran looked confused. Then realization dawned on him, and he quickly corrected himself. “I mean, he was awake all night yesterday, working. When I got up at 3 a.m. for some water, the light in his study was still on. I even told him to get some rest.” With that, he excused himself, eager to leave the room and avoid any more awkwardness.

Just then, Bhavish walked in, noting the silence and the serious expressions. “What’s going on here? Why does everyone look so serious?”

Suma shook her head with a slight smile, gesturing toward the pooja room. "Nothing serious. Just come along and do the pooja before Varu’s family arrives.”

Bhavish nodded, and he and Varu moved towards the pooja room. Together, they performed the aarti and took blessings from all the elders present. The peaceful atmosphere in the pooja room was soon interrupted by the sound of a car horn outside.

With a wide smile, Varu rushed to the door, eagerly welcoming Aarav, Bhoomi, and their parents as they stepped out of the car. She hugged each of them warmly, her joy evident. Bhavish followed, greeting and embracing everyone, his expression softened as he welcomed his extended family into their lively home.

As Varu’s family stepped inside, Bhavish greeted them warmly, saying, “Thank you for coming,” his gratitude clear. Sumitra, Bhoomi’s mother, pulled Varu into a tight hug. “So happy for you, my child,” she whispered, her eyes gleaming with pride. Sumitra kissed Varu on the forehead, and Arvind, Bhoomi’s father, gently brushed her hair back. “You seem to be truly happy here,” he remarked, smiling. Varu beamed back, nodding.

Just then, Nandini called from the kitchen, asking Varu to help with the juice. Excusing herself, Varu joined her mother-in-law and Suma in the kitchen, only to sense a hint of tension between them. A feeling of unease crept in, and she asked softly, “Mamma, why do you both look so worried? You’re not unhappy they’re here, are you? I only invited Aarav bhai and Bhoomi… I’m sorry if I overstepped.”

Nandini quickly shook her head, offering Varu a comforting smile. “Chee, Varu, don’t talk like that. I’m very glad they’re here. We’re all family now.” Suma placed a reassuring hand on Varu’s shoulder, but Varu noticed her hesitation.

After a moment, Nandini finally spoke. “It’s just… I invited more of your family to join. Your uncle and aunty are here too.”

“What?” Varu asked, her face showing a mix of surprise and worry. “But I thought… I thought Bhoomi’s parents did all my wedding rituals.”

Before Nandini or Suma could respond, Ruhi entered, a bit flustered. “Varu attige, your uncle and aunty, Tanvi are here.”

Varu’s heart skipped a beat as she made her way to the living room with Nandini and Suma. She saw Lakshmi, her aunt, standing there with an expression that made Varu instinctively bow her head. Lakshmi's voice was sharp, laced with reproach. “So… married into a wealthy family, and you’ve forgotten us already? Found yourself some ‘better’ family, hmm? Shame on you, Varudini.”