𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐘𝐀𝐀𝐍𝐍

11. Sanskriti Ka Rang ( Tilak )

The Kapoor mansion buzzed with activity, the excitement of the engagement still fresh but overshadowed by the preparations for the next ceremony-the Tilak. A deeply traditional and symbolic event in Indian culture, the Tilak ceremony marked the official acceptance of the groom into the bride's family. With only a day to prepare, every member of the household was on their toes, ensuring everything was perfect.

Morning Chaos at the Kapoor Mansion
The first rays of sunlight streamed through Naina's window as she sipped her morning coffee in the garden, enjoying a rare moment of peace. The aroma of the freshly brewed coffee mingled with the subtle scent of jasmine flowers, calming her usual morning rush.

"Di, it's Tilak day! Why aren't you excited?" Anika's cheerful voice broke the calm as she rushed into the garden, clutching a list of tasks.

Naina looked up from her phone. "Anika, excitement is for people who aren't organizing the entire ceremony. This needs precision, not enthusiasm."

"You and your obsession with precision. Come on, Di! It's a celebration, not a corporate event!"

"Someone has to ensure everything is perfect. If left to you, we'd have pink marigolds instead of yellow," Naina retorted with a rare smirk.

Inside, Mr. Kapoor was overseeing the arrival of the gifts to be exchanged at the ceremony-shagun ka thaal, a tray filled with fruits, sweets, dry fruits, and jewelry, all beautifully arranged. Each item was symbolic, representing prosperity, health, and happiness for the groom and his family.
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Tilak Preparations Begin
By mid-afternoon, the decorators had transformed the Kapoor mansion into a vibrant, traditional paradise. Strings of marigolds and roses hung elegantly from every corner, and the entrance was adorned with intricate rangoli designs made from colored powders and flower petals. The sweet aroma of freshly cooked delicacies wafted through the air as the kitchen staff worked tirelessly to prepare an elaborate Rajasthani feast.

Anika, ever the mischief-maker, decided to sneak into the kitchen. "What's cooking dada? Can I taste the kachoris?"

"Anika beta, you'll spoil the arrangement! Go help your sister," scolded the head chef.

"Fine, fine. But don't blame me if something is missing later," she teased, stealing a piece of jalebi on her way out.

Naina, meanwhile, was in the living room inspecting the ceremonial items. She noticed one of the shagun trays was missing a key item-a silver coin engraved with Lakshmi ji's image.

"Where's the coin? It's supposed to be on this tray!" she snapped at the staff.

"Sorry, madam! It's being polished; we'll place it immediately," one of them stammered.

Anika appeared just in time, munching on her stolen jalebi. "Di, relax. Everything looks amazing. Maybe you should take a break before you scare everyone off."

Naina shot her a glare. "Maybe you should do something useful for once."
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The Kapoor mansion was a vision of splendor, with floral garlands adorning every corner, twinkling lights casting a golden glow, and a faint aroma of incense filling the air. The family members bustled about, ensuring every detail for the Tilak ceremony was perfect.