Chaotic Morning
After breakfast, the entire Raichand family slowly gathered in the main sitting area of the house. The large hall, decorated with carved wooden furniture and soft cream-colored interiors, carried the warmth of a proper family gathering. Tea trays were placed on the center table while servants moved quietly around the room serving snacks and refreshments.
The atmosphere had now shifted completely toward wedding discussions.
After all, the house had not hosted such a grand celebration in years.
Dadaji sat at the center sofa with the elders while the younger members occupied nearby couches more casually. A large notebook rested in front of Meera as she carefully wrote down points being discussed.
"So first decide the dates properly," Saraswati Devi said while adjusting her shawl. "If we delay too much, preparations will become rushed."
Bua nodded immediately. "Pandit ji already suggested two auspicious dates next month. One is for engagement rituals, and the second is suitable for the wedding itself."
Kavita chachi leaned slightly forward. "And what about the venue? Are we planning everything traditionally here or booking a separate palace venue?"
"Traditional functions should happen at home," Dadaji stated firmly. "Our customs should stay connected to the house."
Bua smiled softly hearing that. "Exactly what I was thinking, Papa."
Soon the discussion expanded in every direction.
Guest lists.
Decor themes.
Traditional ceremonies.
Family customs that absolutely could not be skipped.
Shristi sat beside Radhika listening quietly at first, though occasionally both exchanged amused glances whenever the elders began debating seriously over small ritual details.
"Haldi should happen in the courtyard only," Saraswati Devi insisted. "That tradition has been followed for generations."
"And the entrance décor should not look overly modern," Kavita added immediately. "Nowadays weddings look more like film sets than marriages."
Siddharth, meanwhile, looked completely uninterested in the discussion.
He sat lazily at the edge of the sofa scrolling through his phone while pretending to listen.
Then suddenly—
his phone rang.
The moment he saw the caller ID, his entire expression changed instantly.
A grin appeared on his face so quickly that even Aarav noticed.
"Oho…" Aarav whispered dramatically. "Future bhabhi?"
Sid ignored him immediately and answered the call casually right there in front of everyone.
"Hello, baby."
The entire room froze for one dangerous second.
Radhika almost choked on her tea.
Shristi slapped her forehead instantly.
And slowly…
very slowly…
everyone's eyes shifted toward Dadaji.
The atmosphere became suspiciously silent.
Sid, completely unaware at first, continued talking comfortably.
"No, no, I already told you… baby, listen—"
Shristi widened her eyes aggressively and began signaling him desperately.
Sid blinked in confusion.
"What happened?"
Then he followed everyone's gaze.
Straight toward Dadaji.
For a moment, Siddharth looked like his soul temporarily left his body.
But surprisingly—
Dadaji simply adjusted his glasses calmly and continued reading the newspaper like he had heard absolutely nothing.
Nothing at all.
Not even the word "baby."
Bua immediately coughed loudly to break the awkward silence.
"Ahem!"
Then she gave Siddharth a sharp eye gesture toward the balcony.
Outside.
NOW.
Understanding the silent order immediately, Sid stood up awkwardly.
"Uh… yes baby, one second… network issue…"
Aarav almost fell from the sofa trying not to laugh.
The moment Sid disappeared outside, laughter finally erupted softly across the room.
Even Dadaji's newspaper lowered slightly for a second, revealing the faintest hidden smile before he returned to pretending complete ignorance.
Meera quickly clapped her hands lightly to normalize the atmosphere.
"Alright, let's continue the marriage discussion before Siddharth creates another crisis."
The family settled again.
But now the atmosphere felt lighter than before.
Beside the window seat, Shristi suddenly caught hold of Radhika's wrist while talking.
"Wait a second…"
Radhika looked at her in confusion.
Shristi carefully observed the bangles around her hand.
"These are different," she said thoughtfully. "Yesterday also you wore another set during dinner, and honestly… they looked so beautiful."
Radhika glanced toward the bangles unconsciously.
Simple glass and thread work mixed together delicately with tiny handmade detailing.
"I noticed them yesterday too," Shristi continued curiously. "They don't look market-made. Where do you buy these from?"
Before Radhika could answer, Aarav suddenly jumped into the conversation proudly.
"Of course they look unique," he declared dramatically. "Because she makes them herself."
The room fell silent again.
This time out of surprise.
Kavita looked up immediately.
Even Dadaji lowered the newspaper properly now.
"She makes them?" Bua repeated in genuine surprise.
Aarav nodded proudly like he himself had achieved something huge.
"Every single one. She keeps experimenting with designs in her room all the time."
Radhika immediately glared at him lightly. "Aarav…"
"What?" he defended himself innocently. "I'm just telling the truth."
Shristi looked completely shocked.
"Radhika! Seriously? These are handmade?"
Radhika smiled awkwardly under everyone's attention.
"It's just a hobby," she said softly. "Nothing serious."
"Nothing serious?" Bua repeated immediately. "Beta, these designs are beautiful."
She gently took Radhika's hand closer to observe the detailing properly.
"The craftsmanship is so delicate," she continued honestly. "Even boutique collections don't carry this kind of uniqueness nowadays."
Meera quietly watched her daughter from the side.
There was pride in her eyes.
Because she knew how secretly Radhika worked on these things late at night whenever she needed peace from her thoughts.
Saraswati Devi also looked toward the bangles carefully before speaking.
"You made these without learning professionally?"
Radhika nodded lightly. "I just watched videos online sometimes… and experimented."
Shristi suddenly became excited.
"Oh my God, then you HAVE to make customized bangles for the wedding functions!"
"Yes!" Aarav supported immediately. "And mine should look expensive."
"You are not wearing bangles," Radhika deadpanned.
"You never know my fashion journey."
Laughter spread across the hall once again.
And amidst all the wedding discussions,
traditions, teasing, and family chaos—
for the first time in a very long while—
Radhika's hidden talents were not being questioned.
They were being admired.