chapter 22

Malhotra mansion looked beautiful, all decked up with lovely decorations.The daughters-in-law were busy getting everything ready for the pooja.

Anaya wore a shiny golden lehenga with her hair tied neatly in a bun. She was super excited because it was her first time celebrating Diwali, being a Christian having only seen it at her friend's house before.

Pragya wore a pretty pink saree and had her hair tied up loosely. She was placing sweets in front of the idol.

Ranya was busy gathering all the jewellery in the house onto a plate for worship.

Anika, as usual, looked gorgeous in her red sequined lahenga with her hair left open in curls. She was busy oiling the diyas.

Advik, in his bright red kurta, sat peeling coconuts for the pooja.

Ishan and Siddharth were checking all the lights to make sure they were working perfectly.

Meanwhile, the Sheghal family gathered in Ishaani's room, preparing for the Diwali pooja just like they did every year.

As they gathered for the pooja, Ranya beckoned Anika and Advik to her side with a warm smile.

"This year, you both will perform the pooja as the eldest couple," Ranya announced, her eyes shimmering with pride.

"But mom, you and dad are the eldest," Advik protested, a hint of hesitation in his voice.

"We have been performing the pooja for years now. It's time for you two to take on this responsibility," Ranya gently explained, her words carrying the weight of tradition and familial duty.

Understanding dawned on Advik's face, and he nodded in agreement, a sense of reverence mingling with his excitement.

Anika's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she clasped Advik's hand, their unity a testament to their bond as a couple and their readiness to embrace this honoured role.

Together, they held the aarti plate with steady hands, their voices intertwining as they began to recite the sacred verses of the Laxmi Aarti, their hearts filled with devotion and gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them.

As the pooja commenced, each member of the family participated with reverence and devotion, offering prayers and seeking blessings for prosperity and happiness in the coming year.

Anaya, her heart overflowing with gratitude, closed her eyes and offered her prayers silently, feeling a deep sense of peace and belonging wash over her

Pragya, her hands folded in prayer, whispered heartfelt wishes for her loved ones, her voice joining the chorus of prayers rising to the heavens.

Ranya, her eyes shining with reverence, offered the plate of jewels to the deity, her gesture a symbol of her love and devotion to her family and their traditionss.

Anika, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the diyas, felt a sense of unity and purpose as she offered her prayers for the well-being of her loved ones.

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Anika and Advik placed diyas on the terrace together, Advik couldn't help but express his fondness for the Diwali festival.

"Diwali is my favourite festival," he declared with a smile, glancing at Anika.

"Mine too," she replied, returning his smile warmly.

Their conversation soon turned to Ishan and Pragya's plans for yet another honeymoon.

"Again?" Anika exclaimed incredulously. "They just went on one three weeks ago!"

Advik chuckled, revealing his cunning plan. "Well, this time I told that duffer i am taking you on a honeymoon, so to get away from work, he planned another one."

Anika shook her head in amusement as she noticed a lantern in the sky.

"In other countries, they say if you make a wish on a lantern, it comes true," she mused, gazing at the floating light.

"Really? Then i am glad," Advik responded with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, leaving Anika puzzled.

He hurried downstairs, leaving her wondering about his intentions. However, her thoughts were soon interrupted by his return, carrying colorful lanterns in his hands.

"You brought them?" she asked in surprise, to which he simply nodded.

Eagerly, they prepared to release a lantern together.

"Come on, let's make a wish," Anika suggested, handing one lantern to Advik and holding another herself.

"Don't let go until I say," he instructed, his voice soft and gentle.

Anika nodded, holding the lantern firmly from the bottom while Advik held it from the front.

"Now, close your eyes and make a wish," Advik whispered, and Anika obediently shut her eyes, her heart full of hope.

"Please never let this spark between him and I fade away," she silently wished, her fingers tightening around the lantern.

"Now, slowly let go," Advik urged, and Anika followed his instructions, releasing her grip on the lantern.

As it soared higher and higher into the sky, Advik assured her, "Your wish is reaching God."

Anika smiled, her gaze filled with love as she watched the lantern ascend, while Advik's attention remained fixated on their wish, his heart undoubtedly echoing the sentiments of her silent prayer.

"Here," Advik suddenly produced a small box, its contents a mystery to Anika.

Curiosity piqued, she watched as he opened it to reveal a stunning gold ring adorned with a sparkling diamond. Advik carefully removed the ring from its velvet nest and presented it to her with a gentle smile.

"Here, a little gift for my Laxmi," he said, his eyes gleaming with affection as he bent to touch her feet in a traditional gesture of respect and reverence.

Taken aback by his unexpected gesture, Anika instinctively stepped back. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice filled with surprise and confusion.

"On Karwachauth, you touched my feet, calling me your 'pati parmeshwar.' Now, let me touch the feet of my Laxmi," Advik explained, his sincerity evident in his words.

Anika hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond, but eventually relented, allowing Advik to touch her feet with a mixture of amusement and affection.

"Look inside; our names are engraved on it," Advik pointed out, drawing her attention to the inside of the ring.

Anika's eyes widened in delight as she examined the engraving, her heart swelling with emotion at the thoughtful gesture.

"Adnika ∞," she read aloud, her voice filled with wonder and admiration.

"So thoughtful and so beautiful," Anika remarked, her gaze lingering on the ring, a tangible symbol of their love and commitment to each other.

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As Ishan and Pragya arranged diyas outside the mansion, Ishan couldn't resist teasing her.

"Look, madam, your wish to make our house the most beautiful in all of Mumbai is successful," he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Pragya smiled softly, her heart warmed by his words. "Our house is beautiful because of the people who live in it," she replied, her tone gentle yet heartfelt. Ishan couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for her in that moment.

"Bua ji too?" he teased again, poking fun at their lively banter.

"Well, I can't blame her. She must have had her fair share of challenges with that type of mother-in-law. And she's not that bad," Pragya responded, her words tinged with empathy and understanding. Ishan couldn't help but admire her compassionate nature, and he gently pinched her cheeks in affection.

"Cute," he remarked, his heart swelling with fondness as she blushed in response.

"Of course I am," Pragya retorted playfully, flipping her hair with a hint of sass.

"And the biggest drama queen too," Ishan added with a chuckle, delighted by her playful spirit as she stuck out her tongue in mock indignation.

"Here, for my drama queen," Ishan presented her with a customised gold bracelet, with 'Drama Queen' engraved on it.

"Hawww, you... I don't know whether I should laugh or cry," Pragya exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of amusement and affection.

"Oh, is that so?" Ishan teased, producing another box containing a beautiful flower bracelet.

"Wow, it's so beautiful," Pragya exclaimed, her admiration evident as she gazed at the intricately crafted bracelet.

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Anaya's smile radiated pure joy as she and Siddharth prepared sweets together, their hands working in perfect harmony.

"You know, I always admired Diwali... Not just during the pooja, but afterward, too. I used to visit all my friends' houses, and their parents would always say, 'Look, Laxmi is here,'" Anaya reminisced, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. Siddharth listened attentively, his heart swelling with affection for her.

"Look, my Laxmi is finally home," he declared, his gaze softening as he looked at Anaya, who returned his smile with equal warmth.

"Here's something for my Laxmi," Siddharth said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a delicate gold pendant shaped like a heart.

"Aww, so cute," Anaya exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she admired the intricate design.

"May I?" Siddharth asked, holding out the pendant and seeking her permission to adorn her with it. Anaya nodded eagerly, a blush tinting her cheeks.

With gentle hands, Siddharth fastened the pendant around her neck, his touch conveying a silent promise of love and devotion. As the pendant rested against her skin, Anaya felt a flutter of warmth in her heart, knowing that she was truly cherished by the one she loved.