By the time their term end exams were over the first monsoon showers of the years had already begun and Vidushi came over to spend a few days with them in Mumbai. The boys were dispatched to the market with a shopping list so the girls could be home alone to be able to reconnect. The kitchen garden had become a flourishing success; Vidushi could see pots of fresh mint, green chillies, tomato, okra, brinjal, methi, spring onion tops, arvi leaves, lemon grass and even aloe vera along with the roses, hibiscus, tulsi and jasmine. Sanyukta preferred cooking with her home grown produce as much as possible, she harvested a crop per week and planted something new each time. Today there would be aloo methi on her menu, the methi fresh from her garden.

When she heard the story of the mangalsutra Vidushi became so excited she enveloped her friend in a bone crushing hug telling her that henceforth she would only address her as bhabhi sa and for the first time ever she spontaneously offered to make sooji ka halwa explaining that custom dictated a new bride's advent has to be celebrated with a sweet offering. Sanyukta blushed at the suggestion cautioning her friend that since the wedding was yet to be solemnised the celebration was premature. Nevertheless she helped her prepare the halwa and by the time the boys returned with the groceries and little Aman in tow the rich confection flavoured with saffron and generously garnished with raisins and slivered almonds was perfectly ready to be enjoyed and washed down with cardamom tea.

While her friend took a bowl of the dessert downstairs Vidushi served the boys. Aman was delighted and quickly asked for seconds. Randhir was so surprised to have his sister cook for the first time that he actually presented her with shagun, which is token money gifted on occasions. When Vidushi told him why she had made the halwa he smiled saying that the bride was yet to cross their threshold, she should hold her horses until then. Vidushi assured him that she would not let any other woman set foot in their ancestral home as her sister-in-law; this girl was the perfect soul mate for him. Her brother was surprised at her candour wondering how she had become so affiliated to a girl she hardly knew a few months ago, but he was happy to have his sister's support, something told him he was going to need it. Vidushi suggested they take a short break somewhere close by to celebrate the betrothal, and they could let Aman join in if his grandmother did not mind.

The boys decided a trip to the nearby hill resort of Lonavala would be easy to undertake. Randhir went to the land lady to ask for her permission to take Aman along. Having known them for a year she had developed a special bond with her young tenants. They were civic minded, never caused trouble and Randhir had already paid the rent in advance for two years, also helping her with registering the rental agreement. Keeping a tenant can be risky business for a home owner but they had managed to win her trust. Additionally Randhir and Parth were extremely helpful with home maintenance or for running errands for the her while Aman swore by his affection for them, hardly surprising since they pampered him so much. She gave them a go ahead after insisting that they call her every few hours during the trip so she could rest assured they were all fine.

All were excited with the prospect of a holiday; it would be an apt break after a hectic examination schedule. The boys got busy making the arrangements and to have the car serviced and fuelled for the outstation trip. After the girls finished their packing for the next day they set about prepping for dinner. On Parth's request the menu included Safed maas and pulao, missi roti with aloo methi. Vidushi watched carefully as she watched her friend make the dhungaar for the meat by lighting a piece of coal on the gas flame then placing it into a small metal bowl, adding some whole garam masala and kasuri methi over it and the pouring some ghee on top, causing the coal to sizzle. The bowl was then placed over the meat and lid placed for a couple of minutes to finish the smoking process.

During dinner she plied them with some fine pinot noir; hoping the wine would slacken her brother's inhibitions with his lover. Randhir smirked at his sister's innocence; it would take him more than some wine to lose control in bed. Nevertheless he sat back to enjoy the feast noticing that his partner had managed to give an authentic Rajasthani flavour to the food. As they dined under the stars there was magic in the air, the soft glow of the tea lights and mood music playing in the background adding to the ambience. Little Aman relished his ice cream, he was happy to be part of this unusual family; never before had he felt so nurtured. While his grandmother did her best to look after him he knew what had been missing so far, he finally felt like he had a home now, just like his friends at school.