——Rakhi Day——
At Poddar Mansion, two generations of siblings had gotten ready. After trying rakhis, they were all set to head to Singhania House for Satnarayan Puja at the behest of Naksh Singhania himself. Kaveri did not want to disappoint as she was aware that they had just landed a prestigious deal with the Singhanias, which could potentially translate into more business for the firm, and the fact despite being so successful, and hailing from a well known family in Udaipur, he himself came to request her and her whole family to attend puja at his house.
Manisha was dressed to the nines today. After all, an invitation from the Singhanias it was! She further explained how exclusive this invitation was.
“Manu, did you know that this is a strictly private family event? Everyone who comes there; is somehow related to the Singhanias. Even family friends are those who have known the Singhanias for a good amount of years. It’s the perfect networking event. It has always been dubbed as the event to be part of, in Udaipur! I’m so excited we are going there!” Manisha exclaimed.
“ I don’t understand one thing. You said family, or long time family friends. As I see it, we do not classify as either.” Manoj said.
“Arre, family friends ban jaayeinge Manu! Tum bhi na! Now, tell me, how does this saree look? Perfect for the party, no?” Manisha dismissed his concerns. Little was she aware that the Singhanias this year too, had not broken with traditions. Until divorce for Abhira and Armaan was finalized, the Poddars were still technically related to the Singhanias.
Kaveri too had taken extra attention to her dressing. She too understood how important going to the Singhanias was. Ruhi was ecstatic going to the grandest private event of Udaipur. She wore a lovely chiffon lace saree in magenta.
When it came to transportation, the elders minus Madhav and Vidya sat in the Toyota Innova with Sanjay at the helm with Aryan. Kaveri, Manoj, Kaajal and Manisha. Madhav held Vidya by the hand and took her to his official car given for IPS officers. Kiara gave a nudge to Charu, indicating how Ruhi already sat in Armaan’s car next to the driver seat. The youngsters, Charu, Kiara and Krish sat in the back of Armaan’s Lexus, with Ruhi sitting next to Driver Armaan.
———Singhania House——-
When the Poddars arrived, they were welcomed to the Puja, which was at it last stage of aarti. Poonam, Krish Singhania's wife gave company to Vidya and Manisha, whereas Ananya made small talk to Kaveri, after introducing herself. The Poddars elder ladies were taken aback by the opulence of Singhania House, and the charm and respect that was given to them, making them feel valued.
The youngsters were a little bored, but they were keenly observing Ruhi's antics. After the aarti, Naksh and Yash made their way to Kaveri and Sanjay who were havingprasad, and did their namaste to them. Sanjay was jubilant seeing the respect the Singhanias were giving, and too reciprocated. Yash gestured sanjay and Kaveri to come with them.
"Sanjay, I hope you do not mind me calling by your first name, as you and Anthony are of the same age." Yash asked. He did not want to give the person who insulted daughters of his family any respect that was not due.
"Oh of course, that is fine." Sanjay replied with a smile. Ah, he is wanting to becoming informal with me. That is a good sign Sanjay. Keep it up. - Sanjay thought to himself.
"Sanjay sa, did you bring the documents we needed?" Naksh asked.
"Ah yes, I have them with me." Sanjay spoke showing his briefcase.
"Very well then. Would you and Kaveri ji please come. I wanted to discuss somethings with you both, " Naksh said, and then with a mischievous grin looked at Kaveri and said, "and like I promised, I have a surprise for you."
Kaveri couldn't help stop the blush that crept up in her cheeks. The subtle, respectful manner in which Naksh would behave, would disarm her. Naksh on the other hand knew very well what he was doing. He was just having fun with his Samadhan sa!
As the Poddars walked through gallery, they saw beautiful portraits of couples, one of Naksh's paternal granduncle and grand aunt captioned - Dadda ji and Bhabhimaa, Dada ji & Dadi, Dada ji & Chhoti Dadi. Kaveri stopped for a while, seeing Naksh's grandfather twice, and looked at him for an explaination.
"Ah, when Dadi passed away tragically, Dada ji was so distraught. He was lonely and needed a companion. So, Chhoti Dadi then came into our lives, and we got our Dada ji back to his old cheerful self." Naksh said.
As Kaveri went a step further, she saw Naitik & Akshara's portrait, along with that of Mendhak & Sherni. Naksh laughed, and explained about the caption.
"You know Kaveri ji, Sherni's granddaughter reflects Sherni's qualites. She will not budge on any wrongdoings. I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by strong women, and I respect their resilience especially in the face of adversity. You know my mom was a typical traditional Marwari girl, for whom learning how to drive was frowned upon in her sasuraal. However, she continued to push, and when my father fell into coma after my birth for 4 years, she was the one handling the business. She was always his pillar of support. Same was with Naira. She went to her sauraal as a bahu, but had become their daughter. Her fierceness earned her the earmark Sherni, while her husband gave himself the name Mendhak in her presence" Naksh fondly spoke.
Kaveri chuckled at the thought of a husband so terrified of his sweet looking wife's temper. The fierceness reminded her of that insolent yet sweet, cherubic young girl who had left the Poddars.
"But these two seem so young? What a shame." Kaveri spoke sadly. Somehow the young girl in the picture looked so familiar.
"You know, my niece Akshu, also derived her resilience from my mother, her namesake. Jamaisa died in an accident. He was not even aware that Akshu was pregnant at that time. Akshu though forged ahead, she had a successful law career while being a single mother." Naksh spoke melancholically.
"Weren't you around?" Sanjay's interest got piqued.
"A good question Sanjay sa. When my sister Naira died, Karthik married Naira's doppledanger Sirat. For a brother, it is extremely painful to see your brother -in-law with someone else. The communications slowly ceased, and I lost touch after moving to South Africa. Plus there is more on this that I want to talk to you about in my study. Shall we? I must disclose though Sanjay, I had a chat with one of your lawyers, as I could not help myself. A brilliant legal mind indeed is the young chap." Naksh moved forward, leading everyone.
Kaveri felt a pang of sadness for Akshu's baby that had to grow up fatherless. Somehow it bothered her, as she drew parallels with Abhira. Sanjay on the other was curious as to what Naksh wanted to discuss in his study that pertained to family history.
When they entered Naksh's study, they could see his well-organized desk, and how the room was designed in a mid-century look. On the side console, there were pictures of family, and one of his youth with his sister Naira, and one of Naira with her two kids.
However, when their eyes fell on the luxurious bench, their mouth were agape. On the bench, they had Rohit sitting with another young man.
"Dekha, maine aapse kaha tha na, jab aap ayeingi, toh jaan jaayeingi. Vaade ka pakka hoon main." Naksh smiled at Kaveri ji.
"Dadisa, Fufasa, pranaam." Rohit spoke as he went to get their aashirvad.
"I don't know what to say! My prayers have been answered. Thank you Naksh ji. I don't know how to repay you." Kaveri was elated.
Sanjay too was speechless. Naksh Singhania had done the impossible for them. Where they had failed, he persevered! - What can this man not do!
Rohit spoke, "Dadisa, aap rona band kijiye pehle. Mujhe naya jeevan, Dr. Abhir Sharma ne diya hai." Rohit pointed towards Abhir who smiled, and placed his hands in a namaste. Kaveri and Sanjay too reciprocated.
"Well, I may have given you a new lease on life, but it was BS who gave you your identity back." Abhir spoke.
"BS?" Sanjay asked.
"Baby sister or babysa as I love teasing her." Abhir laughed. Abhir's laugh was so infectious, that everyone else laughed as well.
"Please, I would love to meet and thank her in person." Kaveri spoke pleadingly.
Abhir gave his sister a call, asking her to join them in the study.
When the door, opened, everyone's attention naturally gravitated towards it. To some, it was a soothing sight, and to others, it seemed as if they had been electrocuted by a high density live electrical wire!
There stood Abhira, the same cherubic cheeks, the same innocence filled eyes, dressed in a beautiful Anita Dongre floral gown entrusted with Swarowski crystals. In her hands, she was holding a bronze thaal having prasad for Abhir and Rohit.
"Arre waah Babysa! You got me prasad as well. Neki aur puchh puchh!" Abhir injected. He felt the tension permeating from Kaveri and Sanjay.
Abhira, had been aware of Naksh's plan, and she had mentally prepared herself. However, preparing, and facing reality are two different things. Yash, gently came, and held Abhira her shoulders, giving her comfort and reassurance at the same time. Abhira looked at him, and relaxed seeing his smiling face. She approached Rohit and Abhir with the prasad.
Looking at Kaveri and Sanjay, Naksh proudly spoke, "Meet Naira ki sherni, my grandniece, Abhira Sharma. A budding lawyer in the making, just like her Mumma, Akshara."
Abhira did a small namaste to Kaveri and Sanjay. She just wanted to get out, it felt so awkward. Naksh sensed her uneasiness, and the Poddars, and addressed her.
"Thank you for coming Princess! Could you escort Rohit out to the hall? I'm sure his mother, and younger siblings too will be happy seeing him. Especially his sisters. Akhir, aaj ka din bhai-behenon ka hi hai." Naksh asked sweetly.
"Sure, Naksh Nanu. Come Rohit." Abhira spoke, gesturing to Rohit to follow her.
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