Finally, it was Sunday, and the kids could hardly contain their excitement for the long-awaited doll wedding.
Neale, who was known for waking up late, surprised everyone by getting up before Robin could even pull him out onto the balcony to let a few rays of sun fall on him. He was excited not just for the wedding but for the feast that came with it. His mom usually restricted certain treats, but today he’d finally get a chance to indulge.
Like Neale, the other kids also woke up early, buzzing with anticipation.
“Vi Chachu! Ro Chachu! You have to come with Vami, Sammy, and the chachis. I don’t want to hear any excuses!” Ziva commanded over a conference call, her voice assertive as she ensured they wouldn’t let her down.
“Okay, Zivu, we’ll be there. Happy now?” they both answered in unison, half-amused and half-committed.
“And don’t forget Vami and Sammy must be dressed as princesses. That’s non-negotiable!” Ziva insisted, her tiny voice carrying a surprising amount of authority.
“Yes, ma’am!” they replied, chuckling.
As the time for the wedding arrived, the play area had been beautifully decorated with plastic flowers and glitter, a collaborative effort led by Rutu, Deepak, and Sai. The space shimmered with childlike wonder and creativity, perfect for the special occasion.
Guests began arriving, each dressed as instructed. The ladies wore elegant saris, and the men embraced traditional South Indian attire.
“Wow, Nidhu! You look absolutely stunning!” Gracy complimented as Nidhu spun around to show off her gown.
“Oho, these girls!” Neale rolled his eyes, appearing in his new t-shirt and jeans, clearly hoping for a compliment of his own.
“Where’s Ziva didi?” Nidhu asked, ignoring Neale’s attempts to be noticed.
“Yeah, I was looking for her too. Let’s ask Sakshi chachi!” The three kids ran to the ladies, who were absorbed in lively conversation.
“Sakshi chachi, where’s Ziva?” Nidhu asked.
“If she’s not here, then she’s probably waiting for Vami and Sammy at the reception,” Sakshi replied with a warm smile.
The kids sprinted off toward the reception area, their excitement intensifying with every step.
Deepak, admiring his decorating work, surveyed the venue with pride. “Looks amazing, doesn’t it? After all, it’s my touch!” he said, as if savoring the credit.
Ahem “Who’s work?” Rutu shot back, grinning.
“Oh, I mean ours all three of us: you, me, and Sai!” Deepak quickly corrected, not wanting to lose face.
Meanwhile, in the car on their way to the venue, Vami was giggling in her seat, clearly thrilled. Sammy, sitting beside her, was trying to explain the importance of the occasion.
“Vami, remember Ziva didi?” Sammy asked, her voice full of excitement.
Vami clapped her hands, her little eyes lighting up as she recognized the name.
“Yes, we’re going to see her! She invited us to a special wedding, a doll wedding!” Sammy explained, bouncing with excitement.
Rohit, who had Vami in his lap, couldn’t help but chime in. “Vami, you’re becoming such a big girl. You’ll be just like me so smart, so beautiful, and so cute!”
Virat, who was driving, glanced at Rohit and burst into laughter. “Beautiful? Really?” he said, laughing harder.
Vami, noticing the teasing tone, scrunched up her face in a playful frown and leaned forward to plant a small kiss on Rohit’s cheek. “Be-bitu-ful chachu!” she proclaimed proudly, looking between the two men.
