The evening sun cast a warm orange glow over the Khurana mansion, its grandeur enhanced by the elegant decorations.

Twinkling fairy lights danced across the facade, while intricate flower arrangements and shimmering drapes transformed the interior into a luxurious oasis.

Servants scurried about, their crisp uniforms a testament to lead maid meticulous supervision. Some of them, adjusting the last of the outdoor lanterns, casting a warm smile at the bustling activity.

Inside, Nanlini stood before the mirror, her beauty reflected in the glass. Her dark hair tied into a bun. Her silk saree shimmered in shades of emerald green, matching the sparkle in her eyes.

"Nalini ma'am, you look stunning," her maid Rukmini said. Nalini smiled while adjusting her heavy diamond necklace. "Thank you, Rukmini, don't you know that am always stunning."Rukmini smiles while nodding.

Downstairs, Avani's father,Vikram greeted guests. He smiles widely while greeting the guests.

Avani watched from the staircase. She knew behind that smile they are secrets, which he always hides from world, deep inside his heart.

Avani's brother, Aryan, approached her with his wife sona. "Avani, come downstairs." "I don't want to," Avani replied. Aryan sighed as he looks towards Sona.

She nods her in understanding "Avani, come one let's downstairs, people will be expecting us, you. "Please, for father's sake."
Avani hesitately nods then descended the stairs.

The party was in full swing. The grand hall shimmered under the chandelier's radiant glow, its crystal droplets refracting light into a kaleidoscope of colors. The white marble floor, polished to perfection, mirrored the elegance of the gathering.

However, beneath the surface of refined manners and designer attire, the atmosphere buzzed with superficiality.

Guests mingled, exchanging pleasantries and hollow laughter. Conversations revolved around mundane topics: the latest gadgets, upscale vacations, and pretentious business ventures.

Avani observed the scene, her gaze drifting from group to group.
Near the bar, some men ogled women, their eyes lingering on curves and cleavage. Whispers and snickers accompanied their glances.

At the buffet, matronly aunties scrutinized the younger generation's attire, their disapproving glances slicing through the air.
"That dress is too short."
"Her neckline is too low."
"Who wears such bold colors?"
Their judgmental murmurs wove a subtle web of disapproval.

Uncles, entrenched in their own world, sipped whiskey and boasted about their accomplishments. "I made a killing in the stock market."
"My son's getting an Ivy League scholarship." "My daughter's marrying into a prestigious family."
Their self-importance hung in the air like a thick fog.

This facade, this charade of wealth and status, was suffocating. As Avani navigated the crowd, she felt like an outsider looking in. "How do they pretend to be so perfect?" she wondered.

The chandelier's sparkle seemed to mock her, its beauty masking the emptiness beneath. Avani's thoughts drifted to her grandmother's words:
"True beauty lies in imperfections, beta." In this sea of artificial smiles, Aisha yearned for authenticity.

Her thoughts were broken by the sudden voice of Sona."ani..Avani oh god you girl where are lost I have been calling you from past 5mins."
"Sorry di.."Sona shakes her head and smiles "it's okay..". Just then, Nanlini descended the stairs, radiant. She walks them while adjusting her necklace.

" I fear Vikram isn't taking this seriously," Nanlini confided. Avani and Sona shares a look. "Don't worry, Maa. He is..he just shows it differently."Sona said.

Soon then Vikram's brother, Vijay, and his wife, Shobha, joined them in their conservation. "I still can't believe Vikram bhai agreed to this lavish party," Vijay said, shaking his head.

Nalini smiled mischievously. "My charm works wonders."Vijay and Shobha chuckled as Avani rolls her eyes. Only if they know..

Vikram joined them looking less than enthused. "What's all the fuss about?" he asked, eyeing the decorations.Vijay teased. "Your anniversary, brother! Thirty years together!"

Vikram gaves him a expressionless face."I know, I know. Nanlini's been planning this for weeks."

Nalini's voice whispered in his ear.
"Can't you even pretend to be excited, Vikram. It's our wedding anniversary after all."

"How can I? Because this day reminds that I should have taken a better decision than marrying you."Whose words made her speechless. She glare at him a little before a putting fake smile and walks away from him to greet another guests.

---✧---

Nanlini and Vikram's 30th wedding anniversary celebration was in full swing. The grand hall shimmered with warmth and love, friends and family gathered to honor the couple's milestone.

The emcee's voice boomed through the hall, announcing the cake-cutting ceremony. But before he could continue, a lively voice pierced the air."Nalini, dear! Happy anniversary!"
Heads turned, curiosity sparking. Avani's eyes narrowed, scanning the room for the speaker.

A woman with striking features and an infectious smile hurried toward Nanlini, embracing her warmly. Her elegant saree fluttered behind her, drawing attentions.

"I'm so sorry I'm late, Nanlini. Traffic was a nightmare!" Nanlini's laughter filled the room as she hugged Sujata back. "Thanks, Sujata. But you're late. We were about to cut the cake. I thought you weren't coming."

Sujata's smiles sheepishly. "Am sorry, Nanlini. You know how my son is. We were about to leave, but suddenly he got a call from his office and had to go there. That's why we're late."

Avani's curiosity intensified. Sujata? Never heard of her. Wait am acting like I know all damn thing about my maa.

Aaryan, sensing Avani's confusion, leaned in."Sujata aunty is Mom's childhood friend, she had one more best friend too Kavita aunty but she's no more in this world" he whispered.

Avani's gaze lingered on Sujata, observing the warmth between her and Nanlini. Sujata continued. "Leave that. Thirty years! What an achievement! You two are an inspiration."

Nanlini beamed. "Of course, it is. Thirty years of love, laughter, and adventure."

Avani rolled her eyes, her thoughts sarcastic. Wah, what a actress her mother is someone please give her a oscar. No, no someone should give an award to Papa for living with this woman.

Aaryan intervened, breaking the spell.
"Maa, it's time to cut the cake. Come on, everyone's waiting." Nalini nodded, her smile unwavering.
"Oh, yes, come, Sujata."

Vikram and Nanlini positioned themselves before the majestic cake, its tiers adorned with delicate flowers.

Together, they cut the cake, feeding each other a piece as the room erupted in applause and cheers.
The warmth of the moment contrasted with Vikram's reserved demeanor. His smile seemed forced, a mere formality.

---✧---

After the cake-cutting ceremony, the room buzzed with renewed energy. Guests scattered, reuniting with friends and family.

Nanlini's eyes sparkled as she turned to Sujata. "By the way, where's your son? It's been a while since I've seen him. How's he doing?"

Sujata's smile. "Oh, that boy! He was with me till I entered, then he suddenly disappeared. Maybe talking on the phone with some client or business works." Her tone blended amusement with a touch of seriousness.

Avani stood nearby, engaged in a one-sided conversation with Sona.

Sona chatted on, oblivious to Avani's distraction. "...and then I told him, 'You can't expect me to...but that stupid said...'"

Avani's responses were just nods. Sona's words blurred into background noise until she said"Oh, there he is."
Avani's gaze followed Sona's, her eyes.

A tall figure emerged from the crowd, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. She knew that eyes, that piercing dark brown eyes which always gives an unknown feeling through her veins.

Avani's discomfort spiked. She hated the way he looked at her - as if he could see right through her. His eyes seemed to hold, a spark of amusement as if he wasn't expecting her here.

Ofcourse he should... like dude I didn't expected you here too.