Chapter 1

Sun rose brightly in the sky welcoming a new day and a big family was gathered in a big mansion for having breakfast. A boy in his late 20's hurriedly came with a file in one hand and laptop bag in another.

Adi : Good morning everyone. Sorry I am late for breakfast.

Madhu narrowed her eyes at her son : Good morning son. Why are you again late today?

Mansi : Relax didi Adi must have come home late last night right dear?

Aditya sighed in relief and gave a brilliant smile to his Chachi for saving him from his mother's scold.

Vikas : As everyone has come so shall we start the breakfast? I am getting late for the hospital.

Nitin : Yes yes why not!

Madhu : Akshara beta did you drink your fruit juice this morning?

Akshara sheepishly smiled at her mother-in-law as she was caught for skipping her food.

Madhu huffed : This is not done Akshara. You are pregnant beta and it's not good to skip your food.

Paridhi : Don't worry Badima after my breakfast I will pack bhabhi's juice also with her lunch while I pack my tiffin.

Vikas : Thanks sis otherwise some people are so careless for their health.

He glared at Akshara for forgetting to drink her morning juice and then continued eating his breakfast simultaneously keeping an eye on his wife's plate.

Sameer : Alright I am full. Mansi I will wait in the living room. Come fast.

Mansi : I am also done with my food. Didi I will come back early today from office. Call me if you need anything from market. I will pick it up on my way back.

Madhu : Sure!

Aditya : What is today evening mom?

Madhu : Oh yeah Ruchi's family is coming for dinner tonight. Yesterday you came late so you must not be knowing. Come back from work early today evening. I want you all kids home before they arrive. Understood?

Aditya, Vikas, Akshara and Paridhi nodded simultaneously and rushed out of house to their respective workplaces making all four elders giggle at their behaviour.

After Sameer and Mansi also left for work, Nitin asked Madhu about sudden visit of Ruchi.

Nitin : Madhu I am still confused about what Ruchi's in-laws wants to discuss with us? I hope our Ruchi is fine and there won't be any problem in their home.

Madhu : Stop overthinking Nitin. Everything will be ok. Now help me in deciding tonight's menu for dinner. Ruchi and Aryan often come home for visiting but her in-laws are coming after quiet a long time.

Soon it was evening and Madhu and Mansi were busy preparing delicacies for their daughter's family. Akshara and Paridhi were setting the table with new crockery whereas all gents except Aditya were talking randomly and waiting for the guests to come.

The door bell rang in the meanwhile and Vikas stood up to open the door. He bowed down to senior Khuranna couple and after greeting Aryan, pulled his sister for a warm hug.

Vikas : How are you my darling sis?

Ruchi : All good big bro. I missed you so much

Vikas : Oh really that's why you are coming home to meet us after one whole month inspite of living in the same city?

Ruchi pouted : I was very busy with office and work!

Vikas shook his head smiling and invited them in. Akshara and Paridhi engulfed Ruchi and Aryan in a bear hug and greeted the elders. After the pleasantries, Ruchi looked around for her other brother.

Ruchi : Badima where is Aditya?

Madhu : Actually he met one of his college friend today after his court hearing so got a bit late but he would be coming home in some time.

Awantika (Ruchi's mother-in-law) : Umm Madhuji we wanted to discuss something important with you all?

Madhu : Yes Awantikaji tell us..

Awantika : Actually Ruchi told me some days ago that you all are looking for a suitable alliance for Aditya?

Madhu sighed : Yeah few alliances came for Aditya from our close friends and relatives but that boy! What do I tell you? He straight away rejected them all without even looking at those girls pictures.

Mansi : Didi why are you stressing over it? Those girls were not upto Aditya's match. We will very soon find a perfect girl made for our Adi!!

Ruchi grinned and said : Mom what if we might have just found out that girl?

This drew everyone's attention and all looked at Ruchi with a confusion.

Sameer : What are you saying dear?

Nitin : Yes beta explain clearly..

Milind (Ruchi's father-in-law) : Arey Nitinbhai we came with a very good alliance for Aditya.

Akshara and Paridhi squealed togather : Really!!

Aryan laughed and replied : Yes really bhabhi and Pari. Mom tell them all...

He gestured towards Awantika and she turned towards Nitin and Madhu pulling out an envelope from her handbag.

Awantika : Mohini Nanda is a very good friend of mine. She also used to write articles in our women's magazine but she took retirement alongwith her husband Vinay Nanda who is a retired army officer.

They have two children. A son and a daughter-in-law who are both doctors and a daughter who is an interior designer. She has completed her studies and is currently working with a prestigious firm though we don't know the firm's name. Her name is Arpita.

Mansi felt as if she knew this name but couldn't remember where she had heard it.

Ruchi : Badima and Badepapa I have met her and her family once personally. Believe me she would be perfect for Adi and our family. She is very beautiful and smart. Her family is also very good with high moral values.

Awantika : Yes Madhuji this girl and her family are very good. Here is the biodata and also her photo in this envelope. Just have a look and then decide.

Nitin : If you all are praising them so highly then I think we can proceed further with this alliance after talking with Aditya. What's say Madhu?

Madhu : Why not? Did you talked with that girl's family too Awantikaji?

Awantika : Not yet but if Aditya and you all are ok to proceed then I will personally talk with Arpita's mother.

Meanwhile Aditya came and saw all of them sitting and chatting. He went and greeted Ruchi's family and ruffled Ruchi's hair earning a glare from her.

Ruchi : Adi we are meeting after a month and instead of greeting me sweetly you are spoiling my hair..

Adi : Your fault. Who told you to visit us after one whole month.

Ruchi bit her lips : I know and I am sorry. Was busy with work but now I will come again very soon. Promise. Come on give me a hug now lil bro!!

Adi growled but pulled her in a tight embrace : I am not little my dear sister. FYI i am 27 and 27 is not considered as little.

Ruchi rolled her eyes : Whatever. Now go and freshen up quickly. I am hungry. We all were waiting for you only to start with dinner.

Adi : Give me 5 mins. I will be back quickly. With this he went to change and then joined his family at the dinning room for a hearty dinner.

With all the casual talks and funny banters of the siblings, the dinner came to an end and Khuranna family took their leave with a promise to meet again soon.