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In a lively neighborhood in Hyderabad, the Rao family lived happily together. Raghav Rao and his wife, Vaidehi, were both respected professors at a well-known university. Their son, Varun, works as an architect in a MNC and his wife, Vidya is a pediatrician. They were a close-knit family, sharing dreams and achievements.

At the heart of the family was Shrika, their cherished daughter. She was not only an entrepreneur but also passionate about music. Shrika promoted local handicrafts and celebrated their culture through her brand. Many people remarked on how much she resembled Raghav's late mother, which brought back fond memories during family gatherings.

Shrika loved music and often organized events that connected art and business, helping local artists while sharing her love for music. Her family always supported her, cheering her on as she brought people together through her work.

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In the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, Shrika lay sprawled on her bed, sleeping like an angel. Her peaceful expression was a picture of serenity, her jet black hair with hint of red hair is spilling over the pillow. 

Downstairs, the aroma of spices filled the air as Vaidehi and Vidya busily cooked in the kitchen. Raghav was chopping vegetables nearby, the rhythmic sound of the knife is punctuating their conversation.

Vaidehi looked up from the stove with a hint of concern in her voice. 

Vaidehi : I can't believe she's still asleep. It's almost noon ! 

Vidya chuckled by  stirring a pot. 

Vidya : I remember those days before I got married. I could sleep through anything ! But don't worry, I'll go wake her up.

With a playful smile, Vidya made her way upstairs, determined to rouse the slumbering Shrika. She gently opened the door and tiptoed into the room, but waking her was no easy task. Despite her soft nudges and coaxing words, Shrika just burrowed deeper into her blankets, cocooned in dreams. Vidya persisted, her laughter mingling with frustration as she gently shook Shrika, trying to bring her back to the waking world.

Vidya leaned closer by trying to break through Shrika's sleepy haze. 

Vidya : Come on, sleepyhead ! You need to wake up. Remember, a man is coming to see you for the pellichoopulu today ! 

Shrika groaned by rolling onto her side. 

Shrika : I won't like him anyway.

She mumbled by pulling the covers up higher.

Vodya : Don't be so smart ! Just get up, will you ?

Vidya insisted with a mix of amusement and exasperation in her voice. 

Vidya : We can't keep him waiting.

With a final chuckle, Vidya left the room, heading downstairs. As she descended, she found her husband Varun pacing back and forth in the living room, his brow furrowed in thought.

Vidya : What happened ? 

She asked by sensing the tension in the air.

Varun : Nothing ! 

Varun replied, but she could see the restlessness in his movements. He ran a hand through his hair, clearly on edge.

Vidya stepped closer with  concern growing. 

Vidya : You're lying. What's bothering you ? 

He sighed by pausing to look at her. 

Varun : It's just work stuff, deadlines piling up. But I'll manage.

Vidya studied him for a moment, unconvinced. 

Vidya : You know you can talk to me about anything, right ? 

Varun : Yeah, I know ! 

He replied, but his eyes betrayed a deeper worry. The weight of his unspoken thoughts hung heavy in the room, mingling with the familiar scent of spices from the kitchen.

 The weight of his unspoken thoughts hung heavy in the room, mingling with the familiar scent of spices from the kitchen

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Shrika quickly got ready, slipping into a beautiful baby pink saree that accentuated her radiant personality. As she made her way downstairs, she was met with a flurry of gentle scoldings from her mother.

Vaidehi : Sleeping like a log again, Shrika ? You could have at least helped us in the kitchen ! 

Vaidehi exclaimed with her hands on her hips.

Shrika : Relax, Mom, I'm awake now ! 

Shrika  replied by brushing off the reprimand with a playful smile as she grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl.

Vaidehi continued, 

Vaidehi : The groom's family will arrive by lunchtime, so you and Vidya need to make sure the house is tidy.

Shrika shook her head, not budging. 

Shrika : I'll help later, I promise.

Raghav, who had been listening, nudged her gently. 

Raghav : Come on, Shrika. Let's pitch in a little.

With a reluctant nod, she finished her apple and accepted a mug of milk from Vidya. 

Shrika : Thanks ! 

she said by appreciating the gesture.

After taking a sip, she wandered into the garden, finding a quiet spot to sit and read the newspaper. The fresh air was soothing, allowing her to momentarily escape the day's excitement.

Just then, a car honked outside, pulling her attention away from the pages. Before she could gather her thoughts, Vidya hurried out, calling for Shrika to come inside.

Vidya : They're here ! 

She said with excitement bubbling in her voice.

As Raghav and Vaidehi welcomed the visitors into their home, Vidya announced, 

Vidya : This is the family that came to see you, Shrika ! 

With a mix of curiosity and nerves, Shrika stood up, her heart racing as she prepared to meet the guests who might change her life.

The atmosphere in the Rao household was charged with anticipation as the groom's family settled into the living room. After a few awkward moments, one of the family members cleared their throat and asked, 

Groom's mother : Could you please call the bride ? 

Moments later, Shrika sauntered in, her walk is more like a casual strut than the graceful entrance everyone expected. She plopped down in a chair, a look of nonchalance on her face. Raghav Rao shook his head slightly, knowing all too well what was running through his daughter's mind. Vaidehi shot Shrika a glare, but Shrika simply shrugged it off, seemingly unfazed.

...........

How's the chapter ? 

Are you loving shrika's character ? 

Isn't she so adorable and sassy ? 

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