*¬* DHLJ Last Round *¬* Sharma's Pearl Anniversary

***** VENUE *****

***** FOOD *****

*** ANNIVERSARY CAKE ******

***** MUSIC ****

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE7C35WxKno

***** DRESS CODE ****

Party Day:

Servants swiftly moved about the Basu house as final preparations for the party remained underway. Prerna checked the last of the arrangements with Debu and then the DJ. Gripping her one hand in the other several times. Nervousness consumed her from all angles. Although not entirely on her own with arranging the party, Prerna had never before needed to arrange one as elaborate or for her important.

She again checked on the buffet arrangements as the servers packed out the various dishes. Mohini had insisted on a varied buffet, claiming it would serve even the most distinguished of guests visiting from London. For that reason Prerna had agreed and the fact that she had taken Mr. Moloy’s words to heart: “Just let Mohini do whatever she thinks is best, she knows how to arrange these things. Also, that way the peace will be maintained.” The last was said with his usual impish smile. But if Prerna were to be honest, she would admit that she found the Bengali woman’s manners a little overwhelming.

As if on cue, the woman herself arrived downstairs and glanced over the arrangements. Prerna tried not to take offence, it was however difficult given the woman’s abrupt manner with Dabu, “The guests will be arriving soon, I do not want any of the servants floating around unless they are catering staff. Do you understand me?

“Yes,Madam.” Debu sheepishly answered.

“Good,now go.” Mohini said before turning towardsPrerna, offering the latter an artificial smile before professing overlysweetly, “You can relax Prerna,everything has been arranged to the standardexpected from the Basus.”

“Thank you Mrs. Basu, it is greatly appreciated.”

Condescendingly Mohini replied, “You are most welcome Prerna, these arrangements do not come naturally for your kind.”

The words grated on Prerna’s nerves, she however let it slide. Herfather’s friendship with Mr. Moloy meant far more to them, than tolerating hiswife’s usual barbs.

Just then the first of the guests arrived. Prerna andMohini made their way to the door to welcome everyone. Prerna folded her handsin greeting as they welcomed the first couple, thankful for Mrs Mohini, whoknew the guests far better than she did. She knew why her mother disliked theseevents, but her father’s alliance with Mr Moloy meant he moved in such circlesand such an elaborate party was only to be expected.

Prerna checked her phone for possibly the hundredthtime. Shekar had promised her that he would notify her the moment they arrived,and the time for their arrival was quickly approaching.

“Ah,there’s two of the most beautiful women in theroom,” Moloy’s cheerful voice reached them.”

“Moloy,”Mohini cautioned.

“I was hoping to have a word with Prerna.”

“By all means, take her,” Mohini said possibly alittle more enthusiastically that she should have.

Moloy pulled her to the side and said, “Relax child,everything will be fine.”

Nervously Prerna replied, “You know that my motherdoes not like such events.”

Moloy took Prerna’s hand and patted it as he said,“Yes I know my dear, but they have been together for thirty years it issomething worth celebrating.”

Prerna sincerely replied, “Mr. Moloy, I can’t thankyou enough for offering us the use of your house.”

“Moloy made a waiving gesture with his hand and said,“It’s nothing my dear, adding in a conspiring tone, “Tell me, dear, have youseen Anurag?”

Surprised Prerna asked, “He’s here?”

Surprised Moloy replied, “You didn’t know? He landedthis morning, flew in for the party of his aunty Veena and uncle Rajesh.” Histone then took on a more indefinite tone as he continued, “Although I fear thatwith the time difference, and jetlag, he’s been holed up in his room for mostof the day.”

“I’m certain he will be down soon.”

“Perhaps you should go up and call him.” Moloysuggested.

Just then Prerna’s phone chimed. Prerna checked it andsaid, “It’s Skekar, they’re here.”

“Time to get ready then” Moloy said gesturing toMohini.

Everyone fell silent and turned towards the door.

Prerna’s heart swelled in her chest as she filled withpride. Her parents were the two most important people in her life. Her motherlooked about them visibly surprised as Mohini stepped forward to welcome them.The moment Mohini completed the ritual everyone clapped.

“You are very welcome,” Mohini said, “I will now handyou into the capable hands of your daughter.”

Prerna folded her hands in gratitude to Mohini thenstarted; “Ladies and gentlemen tonight we celebrate the 30th WeddingAnniversary of Rajesh and Veena Sharma my parents. We congratulate them on thismomentous achievement and managing to remain sane with four headstrongchildren.”

Everyone laughed.

Prerna noticed her mothers warning glance but only smiled as sheturned to her mother and continued. “Prerna turned to her mother and said, youare an inspiration to many, proving exactly how much commitment and love is required to maintain such a long relationship.”

“I think you have spent far too much time with Moloy lately,” Rajesh said looking at his long-term friend, “…he has this habit of trivializing important matters.”

Moloy teased in return, “Which is why you never take my suggestions regarding our children serious.”

“I would take them more serious if there was any merit to them.”

“What are you two up to?” Veena asked.

“Nothing important, my dear,” Rajesh dismissed.

Moloy stepped forward and said to Rajesh, “Come I have arranged some entertainment.”

“Seriously, Moloy! “ Mohini cautioned, “It’s his wedding anniversary and you’re planning to take him away?”

“He’s been married to her for so long I’m certain she won’t mind.” Moloy playfully replied, smiling at Veena. “Besides we have something important to discuss.”

“I’m certain that whatever you have to say to him can wait till you return to the office,” Mohini stressed, “…For now simply allow them to enjoy the evening.”

“Fine, fine,” Moloy finally relented, “I need to speak with Prerna though, so just give us a moment.”

Rajesh cautioned Moloy, “Not a word.”

Once everyone had moved deeper into the house Moloysaid, “I know I said I would not interfere to much or make this a businessrelated matter, but we’re in negotiations with a certain Mr. Rishabh Bajaj, soI have invited him as well. I have no idea if he will attend though.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Prerna asked. “I’mcertain he will speak to either you or my father.”

“No child, I’m just warning you to keep an eye out foranyone hoping to snag a bigfish. Mr. Bajaj has recently lost his wife so Idoubt he will be very receptive of female advances. And if I told this toMohini she will have him married before the month is out.”

“I understand.” Reran said.

“I knew you would. Come, dinner’s served.”

Prerna stood in front of the immensely elaboratebuffet, plate in hand. She wondered for a moment how she should go aboutchoosing… she could not decide on a single thing, everything just lookedso good.

“I never would have thought I would witness this,”Anurag said coming up behind her.

Instinctively,Prerna challenged, “And what exactly isthat?” They had always loved sparring as kids so it was easy to fall back intothe habit.

“You being unable to decide what to eat.” Anuragteased, “As I remember you always ate everything.”

“You make it sound as if I cannot control myselfaround food.” Prerna said, turning towards him, Falling silent the moment sheclapped eyes on him. Anurag Basu had finally grown into himself. Gone was thegangling teenager she remembered visiting their home. She knew him better thanmost, having tripped him up as many times as her brothers. Before leaving he’dbeen like part of the furniture.

“What?”Anurag challenged, tilting his head slightly tothe side.

“Nothing.”Prerna quickly replied, possibly tooquickly.

“With you it’s never nothing.” He challenged, “… I’veknown you for too long.”

“And you don’t think people can change.”

Forthright he replied, “No. Not you. You will alwaysbe the irritating Prerna Sharma that likes to pull pranks on me.”

Instantly she threw back, “And you will always be theboring Anurag Basu that’s incapable of having and living in the moment.”

“I’m not boring,” He countered.

“Oh,you are so boring.”

“Enough!”Shivani cut in. “If you are not going to eatanything, sister, they need you to help with setting up for the dance. And thenMr. Moloy said something about a person he’s told you about… well that personhas arrived. Not that he told me much more, didn’t even give me a name.”

“That’s fine Shivi, I know who he’s talking about.”

“Who?”Anurag demanded.

Teasingly Prerna replied, “An admirer of mine youfather has approved of.”

Shocked Anurag demanded, “What!”

Prerna handed Shivani her plate and said, “You heardme,” as she walked away.

“Vikrant is also looking for you!” Shivani calledafter Prerna.

“Who’s Vikrant?” Anurag asked.

“We haven’t given their relationship a name yet. Buthe’s the one who will be doing the couples dance with Prerna and our parents.”

Prerna took up her position on the dance floor,Vikrant coming to stand behind him.She was thankful that he at least was a gooddancer, and she enjoyed his company. Prerna knew her parents were not ones todance often, thus she’d chosen one of the simpler dances for the floor opening.The music started and she instinctively started counting, moving in time withthe rhythm, performing the required steps. The glances shared between herand Vikrant remained natural and unforced. She glanced over at her parents,smiling as they easily moved through the series of movements. Warmth envelopedher at the realization of their shared, intrinsic happiness. She hoped to oneday share a similar bond with her partner, so that they too could share anddiscuss anything, and overcome any obstacle together.

Prerna missed a step and Vikrant instinctively reachedto catch her causing their eyes to lock. She could easily identify his friendlyconcern for her, but it made her realize that this was not what she was lookingfor in a life partner.

Gently he enquired, “Are you okay? I’ve never knownyou to miss a step during a dance.”

“I was thinking about my parents. How they managed toremain together for so long.”

“I believe it is possible if both parties arecommitted to the same thing.”

“They were lucky to find one another.”

“Luck has nothing to do with it. Their parentschose well.”

Disbelieving Prerna asked, “So you will settle for anarranged marriage?”

Calmly Vikrant replied, “Not all of us are asromantically inclined as you.”

“Oh,I realize only too well.”

“I would have thought your parents would renew theirvows.”

“They are doing it at the temple, tomorrow.”

“You know Anurag’s been following your every movesince we started dancing.”

Prerna quickly flung back, “And why should thatconcern me?”

“I just thought you would like to know, especiallysince he seemed to seek you out before the dance.”

“I think you need to get some glasses – his girlfriendfrom London is here.”

“Where?” Vikrant asked looking about him, “I wouldlike to meet and warn her.”

Confused, Prerna asked, “About what?”

“That her boyfriend has wandering eyes.”

“You’re imagining things,” Prerna said as theyconcluded the dance.

Just then Moloy caught Prerna’s eye, and gestured toone of the guests.

“What now?” Vikrant asked when he realized that he nolonger held her attention.

“Come with me, I have to see to one of the guests.”

“But that’s not your job.”

Prerna replied as she made her way over to thegentleman, “I am the hostess, and I’ve been warned that Mr Eligible Bachelor overthere has no desire to meet with women. So how good is your business talk?”

The man stood tall, proud, perhaps about Vikrant’sheight, with broad shoulders and a confidant demeanour. His hair showed onlythe slightest traces of grey. It always amazed her how women in society weredrawn to money and power and this man extruded it in waves. Prerna doubted heneeded her help but she had promised Mr. Moloy.

“Good evening, Mr. Bajaj,” Prerna said, interferingjust as the woman made to say something. “…my apologies for not receiving youproperly earlier.”

“That is alright, you were elsewhere engaged,” Mr.Bajaj replied in a firm tone.

“My companion, Vikrant,” Prerna introduced the twomen.

“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Bajaj replied, histone remaining the same.

“If your companion does not mind, Mr. Bajaj, Mr. Basuhas requested of me to accompany you somewhere.

Baja looked at her in obvious confusion.

“Vikrant,”Prerna said as she gestured to the lady,“…would you be as kind as to keep the lady company.”

“That will not be required,” the woman quickly said,“I have to meet up with someone.”

“What was that about?” Rishabh asked the woman left.

“Mr. Basu mentioned that you have no desire to meetwith such ladies.”

“How considerate of him.”

“Please enjoy the party.”

“I shall definitely try.”

As they walked away, Anurag came up behind Prerna andnonchalantly said, “Come dance with me.”

What? Prerna replied, then pointed at him, ‘So that you can stomp on my feet like you did when we were kids. No thank you. The nightis still young and I’m going to need them.” And with that she left him looking after her.

Please Join In and Thank Q for your time; Team Prerna ❤️

Well done team Prerna .. 🤗

So we all completed the game

Well done team Prerna .. 🤗

So we all completed the game

Originally posted by: Sutapasima

Well done team Prerna .. 🤗

So we all completed the game

Thanks Suta… Yea finally done!

I learned how to make Gifs today... Pretty cool... Just don't have time to make more...

Well done team Prerna👏

Thankfully we all completed the rounds👍🏼