"In case you ever foolishly forget: I am never not thinking of you"
-- Virginia Woolf
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Present--
Vahni POV:
I'm sitting in the living room, watching as Vishaal's mother stands at the entrance of the house, waiting to welcome Vishaal and Vanya. She's dressed in a beautiful yellow saree, and her face is beaming with excitement.
Finally, the moment arrives. Vishaal and Vanya step out of the car, looking radiant in their traditional outfits. Aunty smiles warmly and welcomes them with a traditional aarti.
As they enter the house, everyone cheers and claps. Vanya is beaming with happiness, and Vishaal looks proud and content.
"Welcome home, beta!" Aunt Miyori exclaims, hugging Vanya warmly.
Vanya smiles and hugs her back. "Thanks, Mummyji," she says.
After the initial welcome, Vishaal and Vanya are led to the living room, where a beautifully decorated swing is waiting for them.
"Okay, you two lovebirds, time to take a swing!" Vihaan says, grinning.
Vishaal and Vanya laugh and sit down together on the swing. Everyone cheers and claps as they swing gently back and forth.
Next, it's time for the traditional "Grihapravesh" ritual, where Vanya will cook a traditional meal for the family.
"Okay, Vanya, time to show off your cooking skills!" Vihaan says, teasing her.
Vanya playfully rolls her eyes. "I'm not that bad a cook, Vihaan, as my brother you do know this"
Vishaal's mother hands Vanya a traditional Indian cooking vessel, and Vanya begins to cook a delicious meal of rice, lentils, and vegetables.
The aroma of cooking food fills the air, and everyone's stomach begins to rumble in anticipation.
As Vanya cooks, Vishaal sits nearby, chatting with the family members and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
"Vanya, how's the food coming along?" Vishaal asks, peeking into the kitchen.
Vanya smiles. "It's almost ready, Vishaal. Just a few more minutes."
Vihaan teases her good-naturedly, trying to distract her from her cooking.
Vanya laughs and playfully hits Vihaan with a spoon.
"Hey, watch it!" Vihaan says, laughing.
I'm sitting on the couch, watching the commotion in the kitchen with a smile. It's moments like these that I cherish the most – surrounded by the people I love, enjoying good food and good company.
I'm sitting in the living room, watching as Vanya and Vishaal prepare for the ring-finding game. The whole family is gathered around, cheering and laughing.
"Okay, let's get started!" My mom exclaims, holding up a bowl of rose water. "Whoever finds the ring first wins!"
Vanya and Vishaal eagerly plunge their hands into the water, laughing and joking as they search for the ring. Vihaan is sitting next to me, teasing Vanya good-naturedly.
"Hey, Vanya, you're going to lose!" he says, grinning.
Vanya playfully rolls her eyes. "Oh, I don't think so!" she retorts.
I'm laughing and cheering along with the rest of the family. This is such a fun and lighthearted tradition.
After a few minutes of searching, Vanya's hand closes around the ring. "I found it!" she exclaims, holding up the ring triumphantly.
Everyone cheers and claps, congratulating Vanya on her victory. Vishaal grins good-naturedly, shaking his head in mock defeat.
As the game comes to an end, Vishaal's mother smiles warmly at Vanya. "Welcome to the family, beta," she says, embracing Vanya warmly.
Vanya smiles, looking happy and content. "Thanks, Mummyji," she says, using the affectionate term for "mother-in-law".
Next, it's time for the "Mooh Dikhai" ritual, where Vanya will be formally introduced to the rest of the family. Vishaal's mother leads Vanya to the living room, where everyone is waiting.
As Vanya enters the room, everyone cheers and claps. Vishaal's mother introduces Vanya to each member of the family, and Vanya greets each person with a respectful "namaste".
As the ritual comes to an end, Vihaan turns to me and whispers, "You know, Vahni, you're looking particularly beautiful today."
I feel a blush rise to my cheeks as I meet Vihaan's gaze. "Thanks, Vihaan," I reply, trying to sound nonchalant despite the butterflies in my stomach.
Vihaan just smirks, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm serious, Vahni," he says. "You light up the whole room."
I'm not sure how to respond to Vihaan's flirtation, but before I can say anything, aunty interrupts us.
"Okay, everyone, let's get ready for lunch!" she exclaims. "We have a big feast prepared, and I'm sure everyone is starving."
Everyone cheers and claps, and we all head to the dining room to enjoy the delicious meal that's been prepared.
As we sit down to eat, the room is filled with the sound of laughter and chatter. Vanya and Vishaal are beaming with happiness, and the rest of us are enjoying the festive atmosphere.
After lunch, we all gather in the living room again for some more games and fun. Our parents suggest we play a game of antakshari, and everyone agrees enthusiastically.
We divide into teams, with Vanya and Vishaal on one team, and Vihaan and me and Vyara on the other. The game is hilarious, with everyone singing and laughing together.
As the afternoon wears on, we take a break for some snacks and refreshments. The maids have prepared a delicious spread of sandwiches, fruit, and other treats.
As we eat and drink, Vishaal starts teasing Vanya again. "Hey, Vanya, I heard you're a great dancer," he says, grinning. "But I'm not sure I believe it."
Vanya playfully rolls her eyes. "Oh, I don't think so!" she retorts.
I laugh and join in the teasing. "Yeah, Vanya, show us your moves!" I say, jokingly.
Vanya laughs and gets up to dance, with Vihaan and Vishaal cheering her on.
Soon Vyara and I join her.
As the evening approaches, we decide to watch a movie together. The elders suggest a romantic comedy, and everyone agrees.
We all settle in on the couch, with blankets and snacks, and watch the movie together. The elders then decide to rest and retire to their rooms, leaving the youngsters to enjoy the movie.
As we watch the movie, Vihaan sits next to me, and we chat and laugh together. I feel happy and content, surrounded by the people I love.
As the movie comes to an end, we all applaud and cheer. "That was so much fun!" Vanya exclaims.
Vyara nods in agreement. "Definitely. Let's do it again soon."
We all agree, and as we say our goodnights and head off to bed, I feel grateful for this wonderful family and the love and laughter we share.
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HAPPY READINGGGG 🍁🔮
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