Chapter 2: Celebration of Bonds

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"Brother, could you please hang these yellow lights up there? Yes, just like this, exactly," Aaru directed, gesturing towards the specific spot where she envisioned the lights. Once the task met her satisfaction, she offered her gratitude, saying, "Thank you, brother," before shifting her focus to other arrangements.

"Oh Aaru, why aren't you ready yet? The groom's family could arrive at any moment for Naina's engagement. Hurry up and get ready," Anika Maa, playing the roles of both Naina's mother and a savior to Aaru and Abhi, urged as she approached Aaru. Anika Maa had observed Aaru bustling around, overseeing the engagement preparations.

"No, Maa, look, so much still needs to be done. The lights weren't even set up properly. After all, it's my sister's engagement; it can't be so simple," Aaru explained, expressing her concern about the arrangements. Determined to ensure everything was flawless for her sister's special day, Aaru hastily sought out Jaya, Naina's college friend, to request a final check of the arrangements.

"Dear, we have only an hour left. Everything is good, and Jaya beta, you are not ready too. You both need to bring Naina downstairs," Anika Maa said in a firm tone. "Not another word from you both, get ready fast."

Upon hearing this, Aaru, with a slight pout, turned to leave to get ready, prompting Abhi to tease her, "Only Maa can make you listen to her words; mine, you never listen to."

Aaru shot Abhi a playful glare, to which Anika Maa shook her head, thoroughly enjoying the banter between the two. She gently nudged Aaru once more, encouraging her to start getting ready for the upcoming celebration.

"Otherwise, I will let Naina know that you both are not ready yet," Abhi teased further, earning widened eyes from Aaru and Jaya.

"She will throw a fit," Jaya mumbled, to which Aaru nodded in agreement.

"Don't worry, I will not let her know if you both get ready fast," Anika assured them. "Abhi, it seems you are ready and free. Go and check the arrangements." Abhi made a face in response, prompting the other three to burst into laughter. The playful dynamics among them added a light-hearted touch to the busy preparations.

As Abhi reluctantly made his way to check the arrangements, Aaru, Jaya, and Anika exchanged amused glances. The countdown to Naina's engagement was on, and amidst the laughter and camaraderie, the anticipation for the joyous occasion filled the air.

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Naina Modi, Aaru's younger sister, became an integral part of her life after the Modis, Anika and Anuj, who were initially Naina's parents but became Aaru's parents too, treated her with unwavering love and acceptance. It had been a year since she became a part of their family, yet Aaru never felt like an outsider. Instead, she embraced the role of their elder daughter.

"My bond with Naina is like that of siblings, as if I always yearned for this kind of connection in the back of my head, which eventually brings me peace. We share every detail, and like Maa and Paa, I am protective of Naina, and even Abhi is too," Aaru reflected on the warmth and love that enveloped her in the Modi family.

Naina's love story with Arun Gupta mirrored Aaru's, being a product of a love marriage. Today marked a significant day for them as they were finally getting engaged. The celebration of their love didn't end there; next month, they were all set to embark on a journey to Goa for their destination wedding.

In Nainital, the Modis were renowned for their exclusive resorts, and Naina's father was a well-known figure not only in Nainital but also across India. The anticipation for the engagement and the upcoming wedding was not only a celebration of Naina and her partner's love but also a testament to the unity and happiness that radiated within the Modi family.

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