Chapter - 23

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The evening was settling in, casting a warm golden hue over the Raghuvanshi mansion

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The evening was settling in, casting a warm golden hue over the Raghuvanshi mansion. The family had gathered in the grand hall, sipping on chai and munching on snacks, enjoying the calm after the chaos of Holi. Laughter and light conversations filled the space until Abhimanyu’s Dadi (grandmother) suddenly spoke up, her voice carrying a hint of concern.

“Mujhe pata chala hai ki Anika beta ka kidnapping ka kuch mamla tha?” (I got to know that the Anika beta was kidnapped?)

Her words immediately silenced the room.

Abhimanyu wasn’t present at the moment—he was busy with some important work—but Anika was right there, sitting beside her Sasurji (father-in-law), who sighed before replying.

“Haan Maa, par wo sirf ek accident tha. Koi badi baat nahi thi.” (Yes, Mom, but it was just an accident. Nothing serious.)

Dadi wasn’t convinced. She pressed her lips together, her worry evident. “Nahi, kuch toh gadbad hai. Mere bachchon ki kisi ki bahut hi buri nazar lag gayi hai.” (No, something is wrong. Someone’s evil eye has affected my children.)

A heavy silence settled in the air as everyone exchanged glances.

Then, Dadi straightened her spine, determination flashing in her old but sharp eyes.

“Main chahti hoon ki ghar mein ek Satyanarayan Puja ho. Humein apne ghar ki raksha karni hogi.” (I want a Satyanarayan Puja to be held in the house. We need to protect our home.)

Anika, who had been quietly listening until now, nodded without hesitation. “Ji Dadi, jo aap kahengi, wo hoga.” (Yes, Dadi, whatever you say will be done.)

Discussions began about the venue and date for the puja, and they decided that it should be held in the grand Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, known for its purity and sacred energy.

Just then, Abhimanyu called Anika.

She picked up, placing the phone on speaker so the family could hear.

Abhimanyu: "Puja ki baat chal rahi hai?" (Are you discussing the puja?)

Anika: "Haan, Dadi chahti hain ki nazar utarwani chahiye." (Yes, Dadi wants to ward off the evil eye.)

Abhimanyu: "Theek hai, jo bhi tum sabko thik lage, wo kar lo." (Alright, do whatever you all think is right.)

His approval made Dadi smile. "Dekha? Mera Abhimanyu kitna samajhdar hai!"

The family continued finalizing the details, while Anika, unaware of what was about to come, went back to her usual routine.

_____

Later that evening, just as Anika was getting comfortable in her room, Abhimanyu called her again.

Abhimanyu: "Jaldi se bahar aao." (Come outside quickly.)

 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 (𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠)Where stories live. Discover now