The past week had been a whirlwind of planning, meetings, and adjustments, but somehow, everything was falling into place. After days of clashing over nearly every aspect of the event, Lathika and Prashanth were finally starting to find a rhythm. The once unbearable tension between them had given way to something more manageable—maybe even cooperative.
They still disagreed, of course. Just the other day, they'd had a heated argument over the event's colour scheme. Lathika had pushed for rich, saturated tones—deep reds, golds, and oranges that captured the spirit of Deepavali. But Prashanth had insisted on something more vibrant and bolder, pushing for a palette that leaned into striking blues and greens. After a good half-hour of back-and-forth, they'd landed on a surprising compromise, pastel colours.
It hadn't been what either of them initially wanted, but the softer hues gave the event a modern, elegant touch while still retaining a festive charm. They both left the meeting feeling that they'd made the right decision—proof that maybe, just maybe, they could work together despite the differences.
Now, with just three days left before the big event, both Lathika and Prashanth had stepped away from the final preparations to celebrate Deepavali with their families. However, much to their surprise, Jaimathi and Raahini had planned for a joined celebration for Deepavali as well.
Upon hearing about the arrangement, Lathika let out an exasperated groan. "Why? Why can't Achi just let me be in peace for one day?" she whined at her mother, who had just relayed the news.
Tejashree chuckled softly. "Don't be such a kid, Lathi. What's wrong with celebrating together? The more, the merrier, right?" She settled down next to Lathika on the bed. "And remember, it's not just Prashanth's and your grandmother who are best friends—both of your fathers are close too. So instead of whining, why not enjoy the celebration? Instead of looking for reasons to fight, how about you both try being friends? It would make things so much easier," Tejashree suggested, giving Lathika a gentle nudge.
Lathika considered this for a moment. "But I'm not the one who starts arguments over everything..."
"Yes, but you can keep things at bay," her mother said. "That doesn't mean you avoid every argument, just to those you think you can let it go. Otherwise, things can get a little too bumpy."
✈✈✈✈
Meanwhile, at Prashanth's house, Nagendran had been tasked with informing Prashanth about their new arrangement for the festival.
As Prashanth stood on a ladder, strings of twinkling lights draped over his shoulder, he looked down at his father with a bewildered expression. One hand was gripping a support beam while the other rested on his hip. "Are you telling me that Lathika's family is coming over tonight to celebrate, and then tomorrow, after breakfast, we're going to their house?" he echoed, as if he couldn't believe what he'd heard.
"That's right. Just thought I'd give you a heads-up since Patti mentioned that your relationship with Lathika is a bit... off balance," Nagendran replied, a knowing smile on his face.
"But why? Why can't Patti let us celebrate in our own houses?" Prashanth protested, climbing down from the ladder, strands of lights still hanging from his shoulders. "What if we end up fighting over food and firecrackers?"
Nagendran chuckled, giving his son a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You need to calm down, Prashanth. As far as I know, neither you nor Lathika are the type to get into a fight over such petty things. You'll be fine," he said, heading back inside to finish the decorations.
Prashanth groaned, "This whole charade seems like a pain," as he climbed back up the ladder. Beside him, Prasad's giggle only added to his frustration. "Shut up and hold this for me," he snapped, swinging the lights playfully at his brother.
▾▴▾▴▾▴
Deepavali Eve called for a grand family gathering as everyone came together around the dining table to indulge in a delicious feast, freshly prepared just after a small prayer in the house. Colourful twinkling lights blinked in waves, intertwined with strands of yellow and orange marigolds adorning the walls, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere. Oil lamps flickered everywhere, illuminating both the interior and the exterior of the house, casting a warm glow across the compound.
Lathika's family arrived just after dinner at Raahini's house, and the two pairs of best friends embraced each other warmly, exchanging heartfelt greetings. Jaimathi and Raahini animatedly chatted as Raahini ushered her inside, gesturing for everyone else to follow.
Meanwhile, Lathika and Prashanth merely nodded at each other, deliberately keeping their conversation to a minimum to avoid any potential arguments. However, Prasad walked straight up to Lathika, extending his hand. "You must be Lathika. Patti has been talking about you lately."
Lathika raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Really? And I'm sorry, you are?"
"Prasad. Younger brother of your troublemaker," he said, pointing a thumb toward Prashanth.
Lathika laughed. "Well, I thought I'd be stuck staring at the wall all night with no one to talk to. I'm glad I found someone." They fist-bumped, sealing their newfound friendship with ease.
"Trouble?" Prashanth lightly smacked Prasad's head. "Lathika, did I really trouble you? If anything, it was only for the event. Otherwise, I've been nice to you, haven't I?" He said this with a teasing grin, but the underlying tension between them lingered in the air, hinting at the complexities of their relationship.
"Fine, fine. You've been nice enough to get me coffee every morning, and I appreciate that. Thank you," Lathika replied, her tone playful.
"Alright, you two. Don't start anything," Prasad interjected, raising his hands between them. "I don't want to be the referee here, you know. It's tough handling two lions at once," he chuckled, scanning the room for any potential allies.
Just then, Raahini approached them with grace, exuding an air of authority. "There you are," her voice rang like a melody, unmistakably cheerful at being surrounded by friends and family for Deepavali.
She placed a soft, warm hand on Lathika's shoulder. "You know, Lathika, the lack of women in this house must be quite evident," she said, mixing seriousness with a hint of teasing. "Look at the floor; it's empty, and none of my boys are listening to me."
Lathika waited for Raahini to elaborate on what she wanted her to do as she scanned the room, confirming Raahini's claim about the empty floors.
"Do you think you could create a beautiful rangoli?" Raahini's eyes sparkled with earnestness. "You can choose your spot, of course. And Prashanth will be here to help you too."
"Patti," Prashanth groaned, clearly reluctant to assist.
"What? Isn't this your house too? You should lend a hand, Prashanth," Raahini insisted, her tone light yet firm.
"Exactly!" Prasad chimed in as he started to move away.
"Where do you think you're going, huh? This is your house too." Prashanth quickly hooked his arms around Prasad, pulling him back with a playful grin. "You've got two extra pairs of hands now, Lathika. Let's get started before Patti comes back and gives us another job to do," he insisted, his tone light-hearted.
With their moods lifted, Lathika felt a sense of relief. The addition of Prasad to their collaborative effort reassured her that they might avoid any arguments—at least for the time being. She smiled at both of them, feeling grateful for the camaraderie that made the festive preparations a little brighter.
"Great! The more the merrier," she chuckled, "I'll go get the things."
✈✈
From inside the house, Raahini and Jaimathi watched the scene in the courtyard with beaming smiles. Lathika and Prashanth were working side by side on the rangoli, their initial tensions giving way to laughter and easy conversation. Prasad danced around them, throwing petals in the air and offering his "expert" advice.
"Look at them go," Raahini said, her voice filled with delight. "I can't believe how well they're getting along!"
Jaimathi chuckled, nodding in agreement. "It's heartwarming to see! I always knew they had the potential for something great."
"Just look at that concentration on Lathika's face," Raahini pointed out. "And Prashanth—he's actually smiling! This must be a record."
"Right? It's like they've forgotten all their usual bickering," Jaimathi added, a glint of mischief in her eye. "Maybe we should have them work on rangoli every week!"
Raahini laughed softly. "I can see it now—'The Rangoli Chronicles: A Journey from Enemies to Best Friends!'"
As if hearing their conversation, Prashanth glanced back at the house, a playful grin on his face. "Hey! We can hear you two plotting over there!"
"Just admiring your teamwork!" Jaimathi called back, her smile widening. "It's impressive!"
Lathika piped up, still focused on her design. "Yeah, don't let it go to your head, Prashanth! It's all thanks to Prasad's expert guidance!"
"Expert guidance? More like chaotic creativity!" Prasad interjected, tossing more petals into the air. "You should be thanking me!"
Lathika laughed, shaking her head. "If you keep tossing petals like that, we'll need a vacuum cleaner instead of a rangoli!"
"Don't worry! I've got a backup plan. I'll just make a flower bed instead!" Prasad declared dramatically.
"Now that sounds like a great idea," Prashanth teased. "A flower bed for our little flower expert!"
Raahini turned to Jaimathi, her eyes sparkling. "I think they're really starting to bond. It's so nice to see them laughing together like this."
"Absolutely," Jaimathi replied, her heart swelling with hope. "This is just the beginning. I can feel it."
Just then, Raahini cleared her throat, catching the attention of the kids. "You all are doing such a fantastic job! Lathika, I was wondering if you might be willing to create a special rangoli for the festival?"
Lathika looked up, surprised. "Really? You want me to do the main rangoli?"
"Of course!" Raahini said, her tone encouraging. "With Prashanth and Prasad's help, it will be amazing. What do you think, boys?"
"Count me in!" Prasad exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement. "I'm ready to take this rangoli to the next level!"
Prashanth crossed his arms, feigning seriousness. "And what about me? I can help too, you know. I might even have some artistic talent buried somewhere."
"Ha! Artistic talent?" Lathika scoffed playfully. "Let's see you try and not just stand there looking pretty!"
"Challenge accepted!" Prashanth shot back, grinning widely. "I'll show you my hidden skills."
Raahini and Jaimathi exchanged hopeful glances, their hearts full. "This is it," Jaimathi said softly. "This is where it all begins."
"I couldn't agree more," Raahini replied, her voice laced with warmth. "Here's to new beginnings, laughter, and the joy of family."
As the laughter continued to echo in the courtyard, both women felt a shared sense of happiness and anticipation. This evening was shaping up to be not just a celebration of Deepavali but the start of something beautiful for Lathika and Prashanth—a blossoming friendship that could lead to so much more.
Jaimathi and Raahini soon joined their children inside the house as they got into their conversation, sharing their thoughts on Lathika and Prashanth.
Nagendran and Haresh burst into laughter, their spirits high with the prospect of becoming in-laws.
"Can you believe this?" Nagendran said, a wide grin on his face. "Our kids are actually getting along. Who would've thought?"
Haresh chuckled, shaking his head. "I know! It feels like just yesterday they were at each other's throats. Now look at them—working together like a well-oiled machine!"
"Perhaps we should've forced them to do this sooner," Nagendran teased. "Imagine all the arguments we could have avoided!"
"Or we could've had twice as many!" Haresh retorted, both men laughing heartily at the thought.
Tejashree joined her mother-in-law and Raahini, her laughter mingling with the men's. "I hope Attai will be the one to bring this up with Lathika," she said, giggling. "Although I wouldn't mind; Attai's words carry more weight."
Raahini nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, absolutely! When she speaks, it's like a spell has been cast. Lathika won't stand a chance!"
"I just hope she delivers the message gently," Tejashree added with a playful frown. "Lathika can be quite stubborn when she feels cornered."
"Like mother, like daughter!" Haresh joked, winking at Tejashree.
"Hey now!" Tejashree laughed, feigning indignation. "I may be a little strong-willed, but it's for her own good!"
"Right, right," Nagendran said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "You're both just preparing her for the future—teaching her to stand her ground. It's a good trait!"
"Yes, but let's not forget that sometimes it's okay to let the walls down a bit," Raahini advised gently. "Love requires a bit of vulnerability, after all."
The women nodded in agreement, sharing a moment of understanding. They all turned their attention back to the courtyard, where the laughter and friendly banter between Lathika, Prashanth, and Prasad continued to flow freely.
"Look at them," Tejashree said, a smile gracing her lips. "They're already like family."
"Indeed," Nagendran replied, his eyes gleaming with hope. "With time, this bond will only strengthen. I can feel it in my bones."
As the joyful atmosphere enveloped them, the families felt the promise of a bright future ahead, filled with laughter, love, and togetherness.
✈✈✈✈
Looks like the wind is flowing in the right direction?
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