"अपने आप को प्रेम करो, आत्मा को पहचानो,
तभी सच्ची खुशी और संतुष्टि का अनुभव होगा।"

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The three sat in the room, a tableau of contrasts. Saanjh, the youngest, sat cross-legged on the floor, her eyes glued to the TV as Shinchan's antics brought giggles to her face. The soft glow of the screen danced across her features, illuminating her carefree joy.

Meanwhile, Pratiksha sat on the couch, her laptop perched on her knees, her brow furrowed in concern as she typed away with a sense of urgency. Her eyes, usually bright and expressive, were clouded with worry, and her lips were pursed in a thin line.

Keshavi, seated beside Pratiksha, balanced a plate of freshly cut fruits on her lap, feeding herself and Pratiksha simultaneously with a gentle touch. Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she offered Pratiksha a slice of juicy apple, her voice soft and soothing as she asked, "So, you're trying to say that Mrs. Rathore is selling her company?"

Pratiksha sighed, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her concerns. She nodded, her eyes welling up with a mix of sadness and anxiety. "Yeah, cuz her husband ran away with the investors' money after his fraud was exposed. And the condition she's in... it's not good for her to take stress. So, she's chosen this path." Pratiksha's voice cracked, her emotions raw and vulnerable.

Keshavi's expression softened, her eyes filled with empathy as she reached out to gently squeeze Pratiksha's hand. "I don't know if I'll continue to be an employee there or not," Pratiksha continued, her voice laced with uncertainty. She knew the staff at the company hadn't always been kind to her, resenting her close bond with Mrs. Rathore. They perceived her as taking advantage of their relationship, and Pratiksha feared they'd give her bad reviews, no matter how hard she'd worked to earn her position as manager.

As Pratiksha spoke, her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of her doubts and fears. Keshavi listened attentively, her face a picture of understanding and support, while Saanjh, still engrossed in her cartoon, remained blissfully unaware of the emotional currents flowing around her.

"Don't worry, Prati, I know you'll be there not because of any favor, but because of your own hard work," Keshavi exclaimed, her voice filled with conviction and reassurance. She squeezed Pratiksha's hand gently, her eyes locking onto hers with a deep understanding. "You've worked tirelessly to get to where you are, and no one can take that away from you. Your dedication and perseverance are what have earned you your place, not just your connection with Mrs. Rathore."

Keshavi's words brought a warm smile to Pratiksha's face, and she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She appreciated Keshavi's unwavering support and faith in her abilities. "Btw, party kitne baje se hai?" Keshavi continued, her curiosity getting the better of her. !"

Pratiksha chuckled and glanced at her watch. "7 pm starting hai, dekhte hain kitne der chalegi," she replied with a shrug. "To be honest, I'm not really thinking about the party timings or how long it'll go on. Btw, kya fark padta hai? Maine toh bas khaana khaana hai aur yeh jaanana hai ki mein uss company mein further kaam karungi ya nahi." Pratiksha's expression turned contemplative, her mind wandering back to the uncertainty that had been plaguing her.

"Keshu, main Saanjh ko leke jaa rahi hoon," Pratiksha exclaimed, a hint of excitement in her voice. "Waise bhi bore hi hona hai wahan, kam se kam thoda entertainment rahega iske saath. Aur yeh mere good luck bhi hai, kya pata kuchh achha ho jaaye." Pratiksha's eyes sparkled with a mix of hope and anticipation as she looked at Keshavi, seeking her approval. She knew that having Saanjh by her side would not only bring some much-needed levity to the evening but also serve as a reminder that life was about more than just work and uncertainty.

Keshavi answered with a chuckle, her expression sympathetic. "Nah, I'm on my periods, itna ready hoke party wagera mein jaana bhai bahut tiring hai," she said, shaking her head. "Tum dono jao, aur han, Saanjh ka dhyaan rakhiyo, bahut uchal-kud karti hai yeh ladki." Keshavi's words were laced with a mix of affection and warning, and Pratiksha nodded understandingly. She knew that Keshavi's absence wasn't about not wanting to join them, but rather about taking care of herself during a time when she needed rest.

Saanjh, who had been quietly watching the conversation, suddenly perked up when she heard the word "party." Her eyes twinkled with excitement, and she started jumping up and down enthusiastically, her ponytail bouncing with each jump. "Yayyyy, mein palty mein jayungi! Yayyyyyy, Mumma, I'll wear my pint flock!" Saanjh's voice was filled with unbridled joy, and her face lit up with an infectious smile. She couldn't wait to let loose and have fun, and the prospect of wearing her favorite dress only added to her excitement.

Keshavi and Pratiksha exchanged a warm smile, amused by Saanjh's energetic reaction. Pratiksha laughed and scooped Saanjh up in a big hug. "Okay, beta, you can wear your favorite frock," she said, smiling. "But first, let's get ready and have some fun!" Saanjh squealed with delight, already imagining the fun she would have at the party. She clapped her hands excitedly, her eyes shining with anticipation, and Pratiksha couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and relief wash over her. Maybe, just maybe, this party would be exactly what they all needed.

Keshavi's curiosity got the better of her as she asked, "Tu kya pehen ke jayegi?" Her eyes sparkled with interest, eager to know Pratiksha's plans for the evening. Pratiksha thought for a moment before responding, her face lighting up with a decision. "Theme traditional hai, toh soch rahi hoon saree pehen loon," she said, a hint of excitement in her voice. The idea of wearing a saree, a traditional Indian garment, seemed fitting for the occasion, and Pratiksha couldn't wait to get dressed up.

Keshavi raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Saree mein isko sambhal legi?" she asked, nodding towards Saanjh, who was still bouncing around the room with infectious energy. Keshavi's question was laced with doubt, hinting at the potential challenges of managing Saanjh's exuberance while wearing a saree. Pratiksha chuckled, anticipating the concern. She knew that Saanjh could be a handful, but she was confident in her ability to keep up.

"Mushkil nahi hai, I think I can handle," Pratiksha replied with a smile, her tone reassuring. She had worn sarees before with Saanjh in tow, and while it could be a bit of a challenge, she was up for it. Pratiksha's confidence was rooted in her experience as a mother, and she knew that with a little planning and patience, she could navigate the evening with ease. Keshavi nodded, seemingly convinced by Pratiksha's response, but her expression still hinted at a lingering concern about the practicalities of wearing a saree with a rambunctious child in tow.

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Rukmini, Parth's mother, sat in front of him, a collection of photographs spread out on the table between them. Her eyes sparkled with hope as she gazed at her son, her face creasing into a warm smile. "Dekh beta, koi toh pasand aayegi tereko," she said, her voice filled with optimism. She had always envisioned this moment, where she would get to see her son happy with a partner of his choice. Rukmini's eyes scanned the photos, her hands gently nudging them forward, as if encouraging Parth to take a look.

Parth, however, was less than enthused. His expression turned frustrated as he pushed the photos back towards his mother. "Maa, bhoolo maatt, shaadi ho rakhi h meri already," he said, his tone firm but tinged with a hint of exasperation. Rukmini's face fell, and she looked at Parth with a mix of surprise and concern. She had always known that Parth's previous marriage had left him scarred, but she had hoped that with time, he would be open to the idea of moving on.

Rukmini's eyes clouded over as she replied, her voice laced with a mix of emotions. "Kon si shaadi? Woh sirf ek dhokha tha jo Shreshta or uske parivaar ne diya tha hume," she exclaimed, her words spilling out in a rush. "Tu jaanta bhi hai teri shaadi kisse hui hai, kon hai woh, kaise dikhti hai... nhi na toh kya jarurat hai yeh sab sochne ki?" Rukmini's tone was a complex blend of anger, hurt, and disappointment, reflecting the pain she had endured during Parth's previous marriage.

Parth's face darkened, and he leaned back in his chair, his eyes flashing with frustration. "Maa, please not again," he said, his voice firm but weary. "Ek baar apki baat Mann ke shaadi ke liye hnn ki thi, kya hua? Bhooliye matt." Parth's words were laced with a sense of finality, as if he was trying to draw a line under the entire conversation. He had been down this road before, and he wasn't willing to revisit the same arguments and emotions. Rukmini's eyes met his, filled with a deep understanding, but also a hint of sadness. She knew that her son was hurting, and she wasn't sure how to reach him.

Rukmini's eyes clouded over as she recalled the day that had left an indelible mark on her memory. She had been bursting with excitement, eagerly anticipating her bahu's first cooking endeavor in her new home. The preparations had been underway since morning, and the aroma of delicious food wafted through the air, teasing her senses. But her enthusiasm was short-lived, as she saw Parth walking in from outside, his face etched with a hard expression.

"Beta, tu itni subah kaha se aa raha hai? Aacha, chor jaa Shreshta ko utha deh, aaj uski pehli rasoi hai," she had said, her voice filled with warmth and anticipation. However, instead of a warm response, she was met with stony silence. Parth didn't even acknowledge her words, let alone respond to them. Rukmini's confusion deepened as she asked him about it, but he remained silent, his expression unreadable.

As she was about to go herself to check on Shreshta, she heard Parth's voice, low and laced with emotion. "Chali gyi woh, ab kabhi nahi aayegi wapas," he said, dropping a bombshell that left Rukmini reeling. The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and Rukmini's world came crashing down around her. The excitement and anticipation of the day were replaced with shock, confusion, and a deep sense of loss.

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Bhavika entered the room, her footsteps quiet on the floor. As she stepped inside, her eyes scanned the space, taking in the familiar surroundings. What caught her attention, however, was the heartwarming scene unfolding before her. Her husband was sitting on the floor, surrounded by books and papers, patiently helping Abhi with his homework. Abhi, their young son, was seated beside him, his face scrunched up in concentration, clearly frustrated with the task at hand.

As Abhi's eyes met his mother's, his expression transformed in an instant. His pout disappeared, replaced by a bright, cheerful smile. With a joyful exclamation, he jumped up from his seat and ran to Bhavika, throwing his arms around her waist in a tight hug. Bhavika's heart swelled with love and affection as she wrapped her arms around her son, holding him close. The warmth of the moment was palpable, filled with the love and connection that bound their little family together.

"Baacha, aap jao, aapko dadi bula rahi hai khaana khane ke liye," Bhavika said, making Abhi grin from ear to ear. He ran away enthusiastically, his little feet pattering against the floor, making Bhavika chuckle. As she watched him go, her gaze fell on her husband, who stood there looking at them with a small, gentle smile.

Although their marriage had been one of convenience, Adhitya had made it clear to her from the very beginning that she would be only Abhi's mother, nothing more. This had been the sole reason he had agreed to the marriage. Bhavika had not refused, as the prospect of freedom from her scary family had been too enticing to resist. In return, she had gained not only freedom but also a loving family that treated her like one of their own. She had Abhi, her adorable son, for whom she would go to great lengths, even sacrifice her life. And then there was Adhitya, her husband, who respected her boundaries and treated her with kindness. Despite the initial arrangement, Bhavika couldn't help but feel grateful for the life they had built together.

Bhavika turned around as she heard her husband calling her. His voice was gentle, yet carried a hint of concern, and she could sense the underlying responsibility that weighed on him. "Actually, I've to go to hospital tomorrow, there is a major surgery, so can you accompany Abhi alone to the PTM?" he asked, his eyes locking onto hers with a mixture of apology and hope.

Bhavika could see the sincerity in his eyes, and she knew that he wasn't taking this decision lightly. He wanted to attend the Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) himself, but the hospital commitment was unavoidable. "I'm sorry, I want to attend, but..." he trailed off, his words hanging in the air. Bhavika's heart went out to him, understanding the conflict he was facing.

She smiled warmly, her expression reassuring. "Don't worry I don't have any problem" she said, her voice soft and gentle.

As she slipped her hands into the cupboard, the soft folds of the saree rustled, releasing a faint scent of fabric softener. She gently pulled it out and laid it on the bed, the fabric pooling like a serene lake. With a quiet efficiency, she began to remove her jewels, each piece clicking softly as it left her skin. The earrings, the bangles, the rings-all were carefully placed on the dresser, their sparkle dimming slightly without the warmth of her skin.

The Mangalsutra, however, remained around her neck, its sacred knots a reminder of the vows she had made. It seemed to glow softly in the fading light of the evening, a symbol of her enduring commitment.

With her ornaments removed, she headed to the washroom, the heavy saree suddenly feeling oppressive, its weight a reminder of the pooja's formality. She longed for the simplicity of lighter clothes, something that would envelop her in comfort after the ritual's solemnity. As she changed, the sound of water running in the background seemed to wash away the day's fatigue, leaving her feeling lighter, freer.

The pooja was indeed over, and with it, the weight of her responsibilities for the day. Now, she could let go, relax, and be herself, unencumbered by the expectations that came with the rituals. The soft cotton clothes enveloped her like a gentle hug, and she felt a wave of relief wash over her. She took a deep breath, letting the tranquility of the moment settle within her.

The sudden realization hit her like a slap, and she groaned in frustration, her eyes rolling heavenward. "How could I forget the towel?" she muttered to herself, the sound of running water mocking her forgetfulness.

Sighing, she peeked outside the bathroom, confirming that Adhitya was nowhere in sight. A sly smile crept onto her face as she wrapped the saree around her body, improvising it into a makeshift towel. The fabric was still warm from her earlier wear, and it felt luxurious against her skin.

With a playful swish of her hips, she stepped out of the bathroom, the saree draped around her like a makeshift sarong. The absurdity of the situation wasn't lost on her, and she couldn't help but giggle at her own predicament. For a moment, she felt carefree, the weight of her responsibilities lifted by her own resourcefulness.

As she moved through the room, the saree threatened to unwrap itself, and she hastily adjusted it, her hands securing the folds. She felt a sense of mischief, as if she'd gotten away with something, and the smile lingered on her

Just as she was adjusting the makeshift petticoat, Adhitya appeared from the balcony, phone pressed to his ear, oblivious to the impending disaster. Their eyes met, and time seemed to freeze. She felt like the ground had swallowed her whole, her face burning with embarrassment.

Adhitya's expression morphed from surprise to embarrassment, his eyes darting to the saree wrapped haphazardly around her body. Before either of them could react, her clumsiness struck again. Her leg got entangled in the saree, and she lost her balance.

In a split second, she felt herself falling, her arms flailing wildly in an attempt to regain balance. Thankfully, she was wearing her petticoat and blouse underneath, but the saree's precarious wrap was her main concern now. She crashed into Adhitya, her momentum sending them both stumbling backward.

As she fell into Adhitya's arms, their lips ended up mere inches apart. The proximity sent a jolt through both of them, their breathing becoming labored and uneven. Their hearts pounded violently, as if trying to break free from their chests. They locked eyes, lost in the intensity of the moment, their minds reeling with the sudden closeness.

The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in this charged moment. But before they could process what was happening, a tiny voice pierced the air, shattering the spell.

Abhi's curious gaze landed on them, his eyes wide with wonder. "Mom...Dad?" he said, his voice innocent and unaware of the tension that had just been broken.

The sudden interruption snapped them back to reality, and they hastily stepped apart, their faces flushing with embarrassment. They tried to compose themselves, but the moment had been too intimate, too raw. They exchanged a glance, both of them knowing that the atmosphere had shifted irrevocably.

Abhi's tiny hands clapped enthusiastically as he exclaimed, "Dadi, dadi! Abhi ko bhi ek naya sibling milega ab!" (Grandma, grandma! Abhi will get a new sibling now!) His babyish voice was filled with excitement and anticipation.

Adhitya and Bhavika's faces turned beet red as they exchanged a mortified glance. They were still reeling from the intimate moment they shared, and Abhi's innocent declaration left them utterly flabbergasted.

Adhitya's eyes widened in horror, while Bhavika's face turned a deeper shade of crimson. They both knew they had to address the situation, but for now, they were speechless, their reactions a mix of shock, embarrassment, and amusement.

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Parth collapsed onto the couch, letting out a deep sigh. Siddharth, his best friend, walked in and chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Well, well, well, Mr. Businessman, how does it feel to have expanded your business?" he said, his tone dripping with mockery.

Parth shot him a look, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. "Shut up, Sid. You know Vagisha dii is in a tough spot, and she asked for my help. I couldn't exactly say no," he replied, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his voice.

Siddharth plopped down beside him, a grin still plastered on his face. "Yeah, sure, sure, the mighty Parth, brought down by a damsel in distress," he teased, nudging Parth playfully.

Parth chuckled, despite himself, and the two friends sat there, enjoying each other's company, the banter between them easy and familiar. The tension of the day seemed to melt away as they sat together, their friendship a comforting presence.

Siddharth's eyes sparkled with amusement as he asked, "So, any news about your accidental wife?" Parth rolled his eyes, a mixture of frustration and annoyance crossing his face.

"She's vanished," Parth replied, his voice tight with irritation. "I don't know where she is, and to be honest, I'm not exactly losing sleep over it. You know how I feel about betrayal, Sid. Shreshta and that girl had the audacity to lie to us, and then she just... disappeared. Left a note behind, like that's supposed to make everything okay. Seriously?"

Parth's anger and disappointment were palpable, and Siddharth's grin faltered slightly as he listened to his friend's words. He knew Parth's stance on loyalty and trust, and he also knew that being betrayed by someone he trusted would cut deep.

Siddharth's expression turned thoughtful, and he leaned back into the couch, his eyes fixed on Parth's face. "You know, Parth, maybe there's more to the story than you're seeing. Maybe there's a reason she did what she did."

Parth's voice was laced with skepticism and hurt, his brow furrowed in confusion. "If she had a reason, why didn't she come to me or anyone else? Why did she choose to just leave without a word, instead of talking it out or finding a solution? It just doesn't add up."

His words hung in the air, a mixture of pain and frustration evident in his tone. Siddharth's expression turned contemplative, and he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees.

"Maybe she felt cornered or trapped," Siddharth suggested, his voice measured. "Maybe she thought leaving was the only way out, or that it would protect you or others from getting hurt further."

Parth's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the possibilities. He wasn't sure he bought into Siddharth's theory, but a part of him wanted to understand what had driven her to make such a drastic decision.