Abhiram started working from home, his engagement is in next week and he wanted chance to meet Harshini.

"Wow! Your voice says it all Srinivas. It's obvious how much you love your kids"

______

"Yeah!... I can see how both of them are attached unlike my kids" Raghuram said laughing.

Abhiram observed his Dad became good friends with his would be father in-law, they speak almost daily. Just great! I should talk with my wife but here these both are talking like long lost lovers.. Abhiram thought.

"Nandini! We too should start shopping for engagement. I spoke with Srinivas just now, kids returned from their native and they started all arrangements for engagement" Raghuram said and Abhi got excited hearing this.

"Yes we should even start preparing for wedding Raghu, I spoke with priest and he said there are no good muhurthams(auspicious time) after this month. We may get wedding date this month itself or else it will be almost after six months" Nandini explained.

"What? Six months? No Mom! Fix whatever date comes in this month" Abhiram said seriously making his parents smile.

"Don't be desparate to get married son, these are your golden days. Enjoy this time" Raghuram teased making Nandini glare at him.

"Is this what you teach your son? How could... Uff! Leave it" Nandini gave up and turned towards her son. "Abhi! Muhurtham is based on both of your horoscope. We don't know which one will be good. Let's decide it on your engagement day itself, your in-laws and all our family will be present. It will be good to finalize it then" Nandini explained.

"Mom! Try to final the date which comes early. Six months is too much" Abhiram whined. "We are on groom side, so time for us will be sufficient but for Harshini's family it will be tough Abhi. Also we should give them time with their daughter. We should not hurry" Nandini said "but will see accordingly" she added not to make Abhi sad.

"Abhi! You both need time to understand each other, this courtship will help you both form a strong relationship. Talk to her, know her, go on dates with her" Raghuram winked.

"Dad! Are you for real!" Abhiram said with shy smile, "what's wrong son, I said these to my daughter too. Unlike you she wanted courtship, your brother in-law understood and supported her" Raghuram said shocking his son. So Dad helped Divya in meeting Dhiraj, why didn't I understand them how she sneaked out... He face palmed in his thoughts.

"How can I talk to her without having her contact details?" Abhiram asked hoping his Dad would help. "Abhi! Are you naive or acting? You have social media. Use all other ways man" Raghu shook his head.

"I am not dumb, all her profiles are locked. I could not even send friend request without mutual friends. She is so secretive" Abhi rolled his eyes.

"She is careful" Raghuram corrected, "you know what to do but not doing. Wait till you get engaged" Raghuram went away disappointed with Abhiram.

Abhiram could get all details from Varshith if he wanted but he didn't want to ask him directly. Anyway Divya is going to visit them tomorrow, she will get me details... Abhiram thought.

. .

"Bro! Will you take me to temple now?" Harshini asked after getting ready. "Your sister in-law will come to see you today, it will not be good if you are not at home" Latha said to her daughter.

"Mom! I will bring her before she arrives and I don't think there will be any problem as we are going to temple not to amusement park" Varshith added last part in sarcasm.

"Come sis! Let's go fast" Varshith said glaring at his Mom. "Why do you get angry on them for petty things?" Harshini wondered. "Because they control you more than limit" Varshith said still in anger.

They reached temple and Varshith prayed for well being of his sister. He couldn't believe his little sister is grown up and getting married, he didn't want to go abroad even for job leaving her. Anyway now she is getting married, he is happy for his sister.

All their childhood, little fights with her, seniors ragging her, someone stalking her, the accident, how she saved Arjun everything played in his mind, then his phone rang breaking his thoughts.

"Varshith! Where are you both? Divya is here, bring some chocolates on the way" Latha said in hurry. They returned soon worrying what will happen.

. .

"Abhi! I almost reached there, Uncle is guiding us on his bike. Inform Dad" Divya said over phone. She called her husband to remind him about giving tablets to her mother in-law.

"Dhir! It's time for mom's tablets. They are in blue cap box, she knows which one just remind her" Divya informed.

"How was your journey? Morning I could not ask you, Did Tridha trouble you?" Dhiraj enquired.

"Journey is ok, Tridha is behaving all good may be she is tired" Divya said ruffling her daughter's hair.

"You should have visited them tomorrow or afternoon after taking rest" Dhiraj suggested.

"I should help Vishwa Uncle in arranging things before his wife comes. Remember that's the deal" Divya reminded his wife making her husband laugh.

"Do you really think Vishwa Uncle will stop Abhi's wedding if you don't help? " Dhiraj asked, "No! He helped in convincing mom about this alliance, so I can do this for him. Moreover I want to meet Harshini soon" Divya said the later part in excitement.
"Ok D! Take care"

Divya reached Harshini's home, Srinivas guided their car to help them find address easily. She got warm welcome from Latha, they exchanged pleasantries. Her eyes were searching for her brother's bride. Stop looking around much, they will think you are scanning their home.. Divya thought.

"Where is Attha?" Tridha asked her mother Divya, "She went to temple with her brother, before she comes have these snacks" Latha offered. "Oh! I want juice too with these" Tridha asked innocently.

"Tridha! It's bad manners" Divya warned, "It's ok Divya, she can have whatever she wants. Afterall it's her Attha's home" Latha said with a lovely smile. She liked kids very much.

Divya had snacks along with Tridha while talking with Latha, Srinivas went to finalize venue for engagement after dropping Divya.
Tridha felt sleepy after eating and slept in her mother's lap. Divya slowly rocked to make her sleep peacefully.

"I am sorry sister in-law for making you wait" Harshini came hurriedly, Divya looked angrily at her making Harshini shiver.

Varshith could not control his anger but his mother stopped him, "Atthaya! Can I make her sleep inside?" Divya asked Latha and she guided her inside one of their bedroom.

"Sorry Harshini! My daughter was tired because of long journey, if her sleep is broken it's difficult to manage her" Divya reasoned.

"I am sorry" Harshini said and Divya hugged her, she saw tears in her eyes. "I am so bad, I made my brother's bride she'd tears in the first meet itself" Divya said. "I will make it upto you, I will share my brother's little secrets which will help you. Deal" Divya said making Harshini smile.

"Hello Varshith! The angry young protective brother" Divya greeted Varshith. "Hello Divya garu(a term used to respect eldery)" Varshith said smiling, he understood Divya will be a good friend to his sister in future.

"No garu and all, Call me Divya or D" She suggested, "It applies to you too Harshini" She added. "How can I call you with name? You are elder than my brother" Harshini asked with innocent face.

"Just call me D! Break all these stupid rules now, no need to be obedient kid always" Divya said making Varshith smile widely. "You are speaking like my brother" Harshini said with wide eyes.

"Common connections" Varshith said making his sister wonder, she couldn't ask as they got in to another conservation when their mother Latha joined them.

Divya liked Harshini very much, she understood this girl will make her brother's life colourful. "What did my brother do to get a sweet cute girl like you?" Divya said suddenly making Harshini blush. "He will definitely spoil you, be prepared for it. You both will make a good pair" Divya said and laughed seeing Harshini's face.

"D! You said you will be on my side, now you are teasing me" Harshini accused like a child, "Aww! My Harshi felt bad but that's what friends do" Divya smirked. Harshini felt happy to get such a understanding sister in-law as her friend.

"Mom! Where are you?" Tridha came searching for her mother. "Tridhu! Come here" Divya called. "Attha" Tridha came running towards Harshini as she recognised.

"You are more beautiful than that photo" Tridha said smiling kissing Harshini. "Your cheeks are so soft, don't know what happens when Mama kisses you" Tridha said making both the ladies gasp.

Divya took her from Harshini and warned not to talk like that, she went to play on terrace after that.

"Don't mind her Harshi, we are very much open to her. She understands many things more than she should" Divya said skeptically. "D! Don't tell me you do all the stuff before her" Harshini said shocking Divya.

"No! She knows only about kisses and how much her parents love each other" Divya said in embarrassment. "D! I'm sorry, I thought of teasing you" Harshini said. "No problem, don't forget you are a new bride and I will get many opportunities to tease" Divya winked. What did I do? I have dug my own grave by messing with my sister in-law
but she is sweet.. Harshini thought.

"D! Can you stay till evening? Afternoon we are doing sarees shopping" Harshini explained how they will get sarees at home, about her Attha's native, Tara and all other details.

"It's difficult to manage Tridha" Divya said in hesitation, "No problem, I will handle her" Harshini said brightly. "I will stay only if you promised that you won't treat me like guest" Divya said in finality. "Sure" Harshini said and went to play with Tridha.

Divya observed how Harshini was handling Tridha, she herself could not believe how Tridha is behind so well. My naughty daughter.. Divya thought.

Harshini was carrying Tridha in her arms and doing work while talking with her. Little Tridha is explaining about all cartoons which she watch and how she spends time with her friends.

During lunch Divya got shocked to see various food items, "I told you not to treat me like guest" Divya said feeling bad to trouble them. "Who said all these are for you? It's for our little Tridha" Varshith said making her smile. Harshini understood they knew each other but she wondered why her brother didn't mention it before.

"All the dishes are superb aunty! I don't eat brinjal so I skipped it. This sweet is yummy" Divya said to Latha. "It's Harshini who prepared it" Srinivas said proudly. "When did you prepare this? You were with Tridha right" Divya got shocked.

"That's my talent D" Harshini said making all of them smile, she fed Tridha who sat beside her. "She can eat herself Harshi" Divya suggested. "I'm habituated to this" Harshini said looking at her brother and Divya understood. Varshith didn't raise his head and ate calmly.

Both father and son were busy in engagement arrangements, Latha and Harshini finalized menu before Neela comes.

"Where is Tara Attha?" Harshini asked sadly, "She will come that day with her father. She is busy with her studies" Neela said patting Harshini's head. "Now who will help me" Harshini cried making Neela feel bad.

"Attha! Don't worry. Tara's studies are more important. I will help you Sis, don't worry" Varshith said. "That's my Varshith babu" Neela said pulling his cheeks.

"Whatever he does is sweet for you" Harshini sulked, "What happened Harshi?"Divya asked. She explained how she misses Tara, "I don't know about rituals, she will help me in getting ready and all other stuff" Harshini cried missing Tara already.

Divya found her cute, she decided to help her. "I will come with you for shopping, will help you with everything. You can contact me whenever you want" Divya said wiping her tears.

"I promise you Harshini, I will be there for you always. I can even hit my brother or mother if they hurt you. My mom is kind of scared of my husband" Divya said to cheer up. "What about your dad?" Harshini asked innocently.

"You want me to hit my dad? That I will not do ever, as he will be in our team Harshi" Divya said and both of them bursted into laughter.

All of them sat on a carpet when the vendor started showing sarees, at first they checked all models. Then they started selecting for each of them, "Harshi! Check this one. It's beautiful" Latha said showing a saree. "Mom! It's expensive" Harshini said in whisper to her mom.

"You are the bride, don't think about cost. I will suggest you only if I am ok with it" Latha convinced her daughter. Divya sat smiling listening to all their words. She too selected three sarees and picked one more.

Harshini saw a beautiful peach colour saree, she imagined how she will look in it. Before she could react Divya picked it. Oops! I should have taken immediately. It's ok, it suits D.. Harshini thought.

They paid for all the shopping done, "Neela mam! Thank you very much for this. Hope you shop with us for wedding too" vendor said hopefully.

"Actually mom planned to buy wedding sarees from Kanchi" Divya said in low tone and Vendor felt sad. "You can definitely help is for other kids weddings" Latha said making him smile.

"Yes! Yes! We have all of them in queue. Varshith, Rupali, Ajay,Tara, Sri" Neela added making him cheerful, he blessed Harshini for a prosperous life ahead.

"Harshini! You always accuse me that I love your brother more than you. So here is a surprise which will alter your words" Neela gave her a box.

Harshini opened it and she had happy tears in her eyes. "This is just a surprise, you will get more gifts before your wedding" Neela said and Harshini hugged her.

The box had wonderful design and it's full of bangles of various colours. This would serve her lifetime with all the colours and designs.

Divya loved to see all their bonding, she felt happy how Harshini mingled with her. She left to her Uncle's home in the evening as she has so much to do. Abhiram was already excited about details she was messaging him.

She sent him pics of various sarees, the peach colour saree caught her eye and she immediately grabbed it for Harshini.

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A/N: Hope you all liked this update, please do comment your suggestions.

Chapter is unedited

Next update will be soon