"Congratulations to my little sister and her fiancé on their engagement!" Khushi said, raising a glass of orange juice in her pajamas. Maitree and Rudra clinked their champagne glasses, while Shourya held up his own glass of orange juice with a grin.
"I am going to plan the hell out of this party!" Khushi said excitedly, sitting down.
"I'm okay with that, but promise me you won't overdo it," Maitree said, settling onto the couch. Shourya nodded in agreement as he sat beside Khushi.
"Oh, like you didn't overdo our housewarming party?" Khushi teased, raising an eyebrow.
"Di, you're six months pregnant," Maitree reminded her.
"I'm pregnant, not dying of cancer," Khushi shot back, rolling her eyes.
Shourya sighed, shaking his head. "And this is why I have gray hairs already."
Khushi playfully smacked his arm. "Oh, please! You love my parties."
Maitree chuckled. "I do too, but just... keep it simple, okay?"
Khushi huffed. "Fine, fine. But I'm still making it fabulous!" Rudra laughed, thinking to himself that this was exactly what Maitree had said when she started planning for their housewarming party.
Rudra chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm starting to think we're in for another over-the-top event," he said, glancing at Maitree with a playful grin.
Khushi puffed out her chest. "You bet! I'm going to make sure it's unforgettable, but I'll keep it somewhat under control."
All three of them laughed shaking their heads
___________
Two Weeks Later
"Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together and welcome my brother and my soon-to-be sister-in-law!" Aradhya announced excitedly through the mic.
The hall was beautifully decorated in soft pink and white tones. Fresh roses were arranged in tall vases on each table, and fairy lights twinkled across the ceiling, creating a warm, romantic glow. The stage had elegant golden arches wrapped in flowers, making the perfect backdrop for the couple.
Guests had written heartfelt notes for the couple, which were displayed on a wishing board near the entrance. The round tables were set with blush-colored linens, delicate centerpieces, and small thank-you gifts for each guest.
Nalini, Rudra's mother, stood gracefully in a beautiful blue saree with a golden border. Beside her, Anjali looked stunning in a pink lehenga, her silver jewelry shimmering under the lights, while her husband, Varun, stood proudly next to her in a white kurta paired with a pink vest coat. Their little daughter, two-year-old Amrita, slept soundly on his shoulder, dressed in an adorable pink dress.
Aradhya, who had insisted on managing the event, wore a pink half-saree paired with a white skirt, beaming with excitement as she stood on the right side of the stage, clapping along with the others.
On the left side of the stage, Manasi Rana smiled brightly in a vibrant pink saree. Beside her, Sonakshi, dressed in a chiffon purple saree, clapped the loudest for her best friend, her face lit up with a wide, joyful smile.Meanwhile, at one of the front tables, Khushi sat in a light red saree. Though she couldn't stand on the stage due to her very swollen feet, it didn't stop her from helping Aradhya make this engagement a reality. Beside her, her husband, Shourya, sat in a white kurta, keeping her company with a fond smile.
As the upbeat beats of "Gallan Goodiyan" filled the hall, the excitement in the air skyrocketed. The guests turned toward the entrance, anticipating the building.
The doors swung open, and Rudra and Maitree walked in, hand in hand, beaming with joy. Rudra, dressed in an elegant ivory sherwani with subtle gold embroidery, twirled Maitree playfully, making her blush. She looked radiant in a pastel pink lehenga, the soft shimmer of her dupatta catching the lights as she laughed.
Their friends and family clapped and cheered, some joining in the infectious energy of the song, clapping to the beat. Aradhya led the way, hyping up the crowd, while Sonakshi and Anjali swayed to the music, pulling a few others onto the floor.
Maitree and Rudra made their way to the stage, their hands still intertwined as the music played on. As they stood facing each other, Rudra pulled out the ring, his eyes shining with emotion. Maitree held out her hand, and he gently slid the ring onto her finger, his touch lingering for just a moment longer. The room filled with applause, whistles, and the occasional happy tear.
The couple made their way down the stage, greeted by friends and family who showered them with congratulations.
"Congratulations, Mrs. Rana," Mr. Chatterjee, an elderly man in his 50s, said warmly as he approached Manasi.
"Thank you, Mr. Chatterjee," she responded with a bright smile.
"I apologize for being late," he said, folding his hands politely.
"Oh, that's quite alright. Let me introduce you to my daughter," Manasi said, gesturing toward Maitree, who was just a few steps away.
Maitree nodded and walked over, but as soon as she met Mr. Chatterjee's gaze, her eyes widened in surprise. He, in turn, smiled at her.
Manasi introduced them formally, but Maitree remained stunned, struggling to find her words.
Maitree nodded, still feeling a little confused, and moved on. Sonakshi quietly tugged at her arm, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"Is that...?" she asked, her brow furrowed.
"Yes," Maitree replied, nodding slowly. She glanced back at Mr. Chatterjee before meeting Sonakshi's gaze. "He is Vatsel's father."
"What is he doing here?" Sonakshi asked, frustration creeping into her tone as she turned to look at Manasi, who was still engaged in conversation with Mr. Chatterjee.
"I think he's Mumma's friend," Maitree said, her voice quiet, trying to make sense of it all.
"Do you think Vat...?" Sonakshi began in a hushed, wide-eyed tone.
"Don't!" Maitree said sternly, cutting her off. She then looked directly at Sonakshi, her expression firm. "Don't say it! Don't even think it!"
Maitree glanced over at Rudra, who was being teased by Khushi and Anjali, and a soft smile spread across her face. She gently touched her engagement ring, her voice quiet and warm as she said, "Today is the beginning of the rest of my life with Rudra. I don't want anything from the past weighing on our happy day."
_____________
Rudra approached Maitree with a playful smile. "So, Miss fiancée, how was the engagement?" he asked, his tone light.
Maitree chuckled softly. "Everything is amazing, Mr. fiancé," she said, her eyes scanning the room as she noticed guests enjoying the food and couples dancing to the music.
Rudra squeezed her hand gently, his heart swelling with happiness. "I can't wait for the wedding," he said, his voice full of excitement.
Maitree's gaze softened as she looked at him. "Me neither. Rudra, you are so special to me. You gave me everything I hoped for and then some more. I love you," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.
Rudra's heart skipped a beat as he looked into her eyes. "I love you too," he murmured, before pausing for a moment. "Maitree, is everything okay? You're fidgeting a lot," he asked, concern creeping into his voice as he noticed her restlessness.
________
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Threads of Destiny
Romance"I'm not interested in you, so I don't want to know anything about you," Maitree stated firmly. Rudraksh, responded with a playful tone, "Well, maybe you should go on more dates with me. You might find yourself becoming interested once you get to kn...
