Kitni Mohabbat Hai!

Prologue

The Raichand mansion in Jaisalmer stood bathed in the soft glow of the moonlit night, a grand fortress that echoed with the anticipation of a long-awaited homecoming. Anirudh Raichand, the 28-year-old scion, had returned after three years of navigating the fast-paced world of business in London. The ancestral home, adorned with a regal charm, awaited the return of its most beloved member.

As Anirudh stepped through the ornate doors, a symphony of joyous welcomes engulfed him. Dadi-Dadaji: Nandini and Yashvardhan Raichand, their eyes reflecting a century of wisdom, stood at the entrance. "Dadi, Dadaji," Anirudh exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face.He bent forward to touch their feet and the duo embraced him, their love transcending words.

Within the heart of the mansion, the family had gathered in eager anticipation. Parents Amrita and Nachiket, bade Chachu and Chachi, Ragini and Naitik, and chhote Chacha and Chachi, Pallavi and Nakul, created a living tapestry of familial warmth. Anirudh's maa, Amrita, rushed forward, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears of joy. "Mera beta, welcome home!"

In the bustling kitchen, the aroma of Anirudh's favorite dishes wafted through the air. Badi Chachi, Ragini, and Chhoti Chachi, Pallavi, orchestrated a culinary masterpiece. "Anirudh, we've made all your favorite dishes. Come, have a taste," Pallavi declared, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

The familial embrace continued as Anirudh connected with his brothers—Nairit, Naksh, Reyansh, Raghav, Nirav, and Neev. Laughter and banter filled the air, echoing the bonds that time and distance could not diminish. As the night unfolded, the Raichand mansion resonated with the echoes of love, laughter, and shared memories.

Later, in the serene quietude of the mansion, Yashvardhan approached Anirudh, a glint of paternal pride in his eyes. "Anirudh, chal mere saath. Kuch baat karni hai," Yashvardhan requested, gesturing towards the study.

Nandini intervenes saying: "Saans toh lene do mere bache ko!"

Yashvardhan: "Aap jaanti hai Nandini, yeh baat zaruri hai."

Taking this cue, the Vaanar Sena of the house, that is Nairit, Naksh, Reyansh, Raghav, Nirav & Neev, seemed with joy. They knew, they all knew what is it about!

Meanwhile, Anirudh wonders what is it that has made everyone in his family so happy and is also important enough for his Dadaji to talk over as soon as he steps into his home.

The study, adorned with antique furniture and the scent of aged books, provided a cocoon of privacy. Yashvardhan, settling into his favorite leather chair, motioned for Anirudh to join him. "Baith, beta. London kaisa tha?"

Anirudh, sinking into the chair, began sharing tales of his experiences, the challenges faced, and the triumphs achieved in the bustling city. Yashvardhan listened, his eyes reflecting a blend of pride and paternal concern.

"London ne tujhe kaise badal diya, beta?" Yashvardhan inquired, his gaze penetrating.

Anirudh chuckled, "Badla toh hoon, Dadaji. Lekin yeh badlaav achha hai, mujhe aur bhi zyada taiyaar banaya hai apne parivaar ke liye kaam karne ke liye."

Yashvardhan nodded appreciatively, "Tum humare liye garv ki baat ho, Anirudh. Hum sabne bahut punye kiye honge jo aisa Shravan Kumar jaise beta mila hai." His eyes clearly show pride and love for his favourite grandson.

Anirudh: "Dadaji mai itne time baad aapse mil raha hun! Aur aap senti ho rahein hai!"

 Yashvardhan: "Acha acha theek hai nahi ho raha senti. Lekin, jaise ki tu samajh raha hai, ab teri zindagi mein ek naya mod aaya hai."

Anirudh, intrigued, looked at his grandfather, "Kaisa mod, Dadaji?"

Yashvardhan, with a twinkle in his eye, delicately broached the subject of marriage. "Anirudh, humein lagta hai ki ab tera samay aa gaya hai shaadi ka. Aur humne ek bahut acchi ladki dekhi hai—Vasudha."

"Shaadi?" Anirudh exclaimed, his brows furrowing. "Lekin Dadaji, abhi toh main focus kar raha hoon business pe. Shaadi ke liye thoda jaldi nahi ho gaya?"

Yashvardhan, leaning forward, spoke with conviction, "Beta, shaadi ek naya safar hota hai. Aur hum chahte hain ki tu is safar ko apne parivaar ke saath tay kare. Vasudha ek bahut acchi ladki hai, aur humara yeh manna hai ki tum dono ek dusre ke liye banaye gaye ho."

Anirudh hesitated, "Dadaji, main abhi thoda overwhelmed feel kar raha hoon. Mujhe lagta hai ki main thoda waqt chahiye."

Yashvardhan, understanding the weight of the decision, nodded, "Hum samajh sakte hain, beta. Lekin ek baar Vasudha se milke toh dekho. Shayad tumhe woh sahi mil jaaye, jo tumhein bhi nahi pata."

Anirudh debates: "Par Dadaji mujhe koi distraction nahi chahiye"

Yashvardhan: "Beta, shade distraction nahi, companionship hoti hai. Vasudha teri life me preen ki tarah aayegi. Tujhe sahi raasta dikhayegi."

Anirudh, though uncertain, respected his grandfather's wisdom. "Theek hai, Dadaji. Main Vasudha se milke dekhunga."

Yashvardhan's face lit up with satisfaction. "Yehi toh chahiye tha, Anirudh. Aur ek baat yaad rakhna—parivaar sabse important hota hai."

Anirudh, feeling a mix of emotions, nodded in agreement. "Ji, Dadaji. Hamesha."

As Anirudh left the study, a wave of weariness from his long flight washed over him. He made his way to his room, the mention of Vasudha lingering in his thoughts. Before surrendering to sleep, he muttered, "Vasudha," a name that now carried a sense of curiosity and possibility.

The night in the Raichand mansion settled into a serene quiet, but the echoes of the conversation between Yashvardhan and Anirudh lingered. A new chapter had begun, and the future held the promise of unexplored paths, familial bonds, and perhaps, the blossoming of a new love story in the heart of Jaisalmer.