chapter 12

In the kitchen, Anika and Pragya were busy discussing the menu for dinner with the cook, ensuring everything was in order for the family gathering later that evening.

Meanwhile, in the hall, Avni approached Ishan with a request. "I have a debate competition in college. Help me with it," she pleaded earnestly.

Ishan couldn't help but chuckle at her request. "Hahaha, nice joke. You need help in DEBATE?" he teased, his playful tone filling the room.

"Bhaiya, I am serious," Avni insisted, her determination evident in her voice. Just then, Anika and Pragya entered the hall, curious about the conversation unfolding.

"I will help you, Avni," Divya offered, stepping forward with a supportive smile."Well, I want to come first, not last," Avni quipped sarcastically, her competitive spirit shining through as she prepared for the challenge ahead.

"So, debate is like an essay," Divya commented, trying to simplify the concept for Avni. "Oh, really? I didn't know that," Pragya replied with her innocent face, her curiosity piqued by the comparison.

"Really? But I heard you are a poet, and your sister is a writer. She didn't tell you about that?" Divya questioned, her tone laced with sarcasm  about her supposed lack of knowledge despite her literary background.

"Well, thanks, I will help myself," Avni declared, breaking away from the group and leaving the hall.Anika followed her, her curiosity piqued. "Avni, what about that guy, Obsession One?" she asked, intrigued by the story.

Avni sighed, her expression sombre. "Well, you know, Bhabhi, Maya, she always makes me feel inferior. Without asking me, she wrote my name for the debate. Then, he fought with her and insulted her very badly. Well, he's a politician's son, so then he challenged her that i am gonna win this, so I have to," Avni explained, frustration evident in her voice.

Anika listened attentively, her heart going out to Avni.

"Come, I will help you," she offered warmly, extending her support to Avni in her time of need. Avni nodded gratefully, appreciating Anika's understanding and willingness to assist her.

After some time, Anika and Pragya received an urgent call from the office, prompting them to hurry there. It was already 8:00 pm as they waited anxiously for their return.

As the doorbell rang, Ranya greeted the unexpected visitors, Aayush and Gulki, with delight. "Oh, what a surprise! Please come in. Anika and Pragya must be coming soon," she exclaimed warmly, inviting them inside.

"Yeah, actually, they both called us and said to come here immediately," Aayush explained as they made their way into the house. Shortly afterward, Anika and Pragya arrived, bearing sweets

"Why these sweets?" Prakash inquired, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected treats.

"Okay, so I told you about my book, 'World of Poetry.' I got an order from the USA for 2,000 copies, and they're willing to pay three times the price! It's such a huge order!" Pragya exclaimed with excitement, her eyes sparkling with joy as she shared her good news. She urged everyone to indulge in the sweets, spreading happiness.

Approaching Ishan, she blushed as he whispered teasingly, "I guess your lips will be sweeter." His playful remark elicited a shy smile from her as she tried to compose herself.

"And, I told you that I had to submit my story. I changed my story yesterday and then again today. I showed it to them, and they were so impressed. I got a promotion. Now, I am a senior writer. I can write without any pressure and no time limit “  Anika announced proudly, her voice filled with accomplishment. She began distributing sweets to everyone, making her way towards Divya.

"I don't like sweets much, i am fine," Divya responded curtly, declining the offer with a hint of rudeness in her tone.

Anika approached Advik and handed him a box of sweets. He accepted it graciously, offering his congratulations with a warm smile.

"Dear brother-in-law, you should worry about where Gulki and I are going to stay tonight, as I see you already have guests in your house," Aayush remarked, casting a pointed glance at Divya.

She forced a fake smile in response, her discomfort evident despite her efforts to conceal it.

"Avni's room, and today Avni will sleep with Divya. Don't worry, I found an apartment for Divya; she is going to live there after one week," Advik announced, catching Divya off guard.

"Why can't I live here?" Divya questioned, her voice laced with feigned innocence.

"You can't stay here forever. Besides, I was thinking last night, if you will live in the guest room, then where will my kids live?" Advik explained matter-of-factly.

Anika, Pragya, and Ranya choked on their sweets their coughing fits disrupting the room's atmosphere. Ishan quickly passed a glass of water to Pragya, while Prakash did the same for Ranya, and Aayush handed a glass to Anika, each one assisting their respective family members in overcoming the sudden discomfort.

"I was not expecting that, brother-in-law," said Aayush with a smirk, amusement dancing in his eyes at the unexpected turn of events.

"Shameless! Haven't you seen your mom, dad, and bua here?" Ranya chided, her tone laced with playful reprimand.

"Then after some years, Mom, Dad, and Bua are gonna blackmail us. I want to see the face of my grandson or granddaughter," Advik remarked, his words tinged with humour as he envisioned the future antics of their extended family.

"On point," Ishan replied, nodding in agreement with Advik's astute observation.

"Let's eat first, i am hungry," Anaya declared, breaking the momentary silence, and everybody nodded in agreement.Anika, Pragya, and Anaya sprang into action, serving the food and ensuring everyone was well-fed.

"Well, Pragya and I are going on our honeymoon. I've been thinking about it for quite some time, so I finally made a plan," Ishan announced, excitement evident in his voice."Wow, really?" Pragya exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she eagerly awaited Ishan's confirmation.

Ishan nodded in affirmation, and a wide smile spread across Pragya's face, mirroring her excitement.Aayush coughed suddenly, drawing attention to himself, and Pragya noticed everyone's gaze shift towards her.

"We are here only, little sister," Aayush reassured her with a grin, but Pragya's cheeks flushed with embarrassment nonetheless.

“ Aayush and Gulki, please stay here tomorrow as it's our 30th wedding anniversary," Ranya requested warmly.

"Oh, sure, Aunty," Aayush replied, readily agreeing to Ranya's request

"Call me Mom, as Pragya and Anika call me Mom," Ranya requested, and Aayush nodded in agreement. "Aunty, please pass me the kheer," Divya requested.

"Didn't you say you don't like sweets?" Aayush interjected, a mischievous glint in his eyes, while Gulki struggled to contain her laughter.

"Um, I... no... yes... I mean, some specific things. I like only a few things, even Aunty's kheer is my favourite. During our college days, Aunty used to send an extra box for me with Advik. How sweet those days were, I and Advi..." Divya began reminiscing, but Aayush cut her off.

"Why do you always talk about past miss divya? You need serious help to get out of past ," Aayush stated bluntly, bringing the conversation back to the present and effectively halting Divya's nostalgic reverie.

"What i am just recalling our memories. Remember, Advik, you never liked Italian, and just for you, I started eating Italian, and you still like it. So sweet of you, Advik," Divya reminisced.

"No, actually, my wife makes such delicious food. I like everything she makes Italian, Thai, Chinese, and Indian," Advik replied smoothly, leaving Divya momentarily speechless.

"Where are you going on your honeymoon, Pragya and Ishan?" Divya quickly changed the topic, attempting to redirect the conversation.

"Ishan said we're going to Singapore," Pragya chimed in, answering Divya's question.

"Wow, that's cool, an amazing place," Divya remarked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Advik bhaiya, are you not taking bhabhi on your honeymoon?" Avni innocently inquired, earning a sharp glare from Divya.

"That's not your concern. You seem to know everything except your studies, right?" Divya retorted, her tone tinged with irritation, as she directed her gaze towards Avni and Reena."I was just joking," Divya quickly added, attempting to diffuse the tension, but the atmosphere remained slightly strained.

After the dinner they were thinking where to sleep

“ Well Divya and Avni will have tantrums, so let's do one thing: I, Di, bhaiya, and bhabhi will sleep on the terrace, what say?" Pragya suggested."Yeah, amazing," Anika agreed enthusiastically.

"Okay then, I am..." Ishan began to say something, but was quickly interrupted.

"Shut up! You are going on your honeymoon in a few days, so let's work tonight. You can spend time with her in Singapore," Advik interjected firmly, prompting Ishan to make a mock crying face before reluctantly nodding in agreement.The Saxsena family ascended to the terrace, where they settled in for the night.