The living hall was buzzing bursts of laughter, overlapping gossips, the clinking of bangles, and the faint melody of dhol beats playing from somewhere outside. Women in radiant sarees sparkled like jewels, their foreheads adorned with bindis, their necks heavy with shimmering necklaces. Every wife looked no less than a bride tonight, their fasts kept for their husbands adding a divine glow to their smiles.

Sumitra stood like the queen of the evening in her deep green saree woven with intricate golden motifs. Grace radiated in her every step, and with Abhimanyu beside her in a matching green kurta, they looked like a royal couple from another era. Shivank and Ruhi didn’t let the opportunity slip.

Ruhi giggled, “Maa, you and Papa are matching so well. Looks like someone secretly planned a couple photoshoot.”

Shivank added dramatically, “Next time, let’s book a pre-wedding shoot for you both. Romantic poses included.

Abhimanyu narrowed his eyes at them, while Sumitra chuckled and smacked Shivank lightly on the arm.