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Hello My Gummy Bears🧸

How are you all?

I missed you all, and now I'm back.

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Author's POV

In Raichand Corporation.

The clock struck noon when Abhiraj's cryptic message crackled through the phone line to his son, Mridul. "Come home with Akhil at lunch I've something to discuss with you both, and don't tell Aarav about it."

The air crackled with unspoken possibilities. Mridul, intrigued, immediately left his cabin and hurried to Akhil's. Entering Akhil's cabin, Mridul took a seat in front of his brother.

"Bhai, what happened?", asked Akhil seeing his brother all excited.

"Dad called a minute ago," Mridul explained, "He told me to come home for lunch with you, but we're not supposed to say anything to Aarav."

A knowing smile spread across Akhil's face. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Mridul nodded, his own smile mirroring his brother's. The brothers exchanged a look of shared anticipation, a silent understanding passing between them.

After hastily arranging a last-minute meeting for Aarav– conveniently ensuring his absence – Mridul and Akhil returned to the Raichand mansion. Inside, they found the entire family gathered, with the notable exception of Aarav. A mischievous glint sparkled in their eyes as they exchanged another knowing glance. They took their seats, their attention fixed on their father.

"Papa, aapko kya baat karni hai hum sabse?" Manya asked, her curiosity piqued.

(Dad, what do you want to talk about ?)

Stuti echoed her daughter-in-law's question, "Haan, bataiye na kya baat hai?"

(Yes, please tell us what is the matter?)

Aavya, the youngest, added her voice to the chorus of inquiries, her lower lip trembling slightly. "Dadu, aap suspense kyun create kar rahe ho? Please bata do na," she pleaded, her eyes wide with anticipation..

(Grandpa, please tell us, don't create suspense for us)

Abhiraj chuckled, enjoying the playful impatience of his family. "Okay, okay, I'll tell you all," he relented, "but on one condition. Promise me that no one will say anything about this to Aarav until WE decide who will tell him. Sab promise karo." He emphasized on "we," adding another layer of intrigue.

(Okay, okay....I'll tell you all but on one condition, promise me that no one will say anything about this to Aarav)

One by one, the family members agreed, their curiosity now reaching fever pitch.

"Aarav ke liye ek rishta aaya hai, jo mujhe bahut pasand hai," Abhiraj finally revealed. 

(I've received a marriage proposal for Aarav, and I like it very much.)

Mridul and Akhil exchanged another significant look, their smiles widening. It was clear they were already in on the secret.

"Dadu, kaun hai? Kya hum jaante hain unhe?" Anaaya asked, her mind racing.

(Grandpa, who is it, do we know them?) 

"Well, you all don't know them," Abhiraj replied, "but Stuti and I do."

Stuti looked at him, a question mark etched on her face. Her confusion sparked a ripple of giggles through the room.

"Hum, jaante hain unhe?" (We know them?) Stuti asked, still trying to piece together the puzzle.

"Haan",  (yes) Abhiraj confirmed with a nod.

"Wait," Advik interjected, his brow furrowed in thought. "That means bhai is going to get married if he likes the girl?"

"That's why I call you an idiot," Manya retorted playfully, rolling her eyes at her son's slow comprehension. Advik's confusion was a running joke in the family, and everyone laughed at his expense. Aavya even giggled, though she quickly covered her mouth with her hand, trying to maintain a semblance of seriousness.

"Accha," Abhiraj continued, regaining control of the conversation,Hum sab unlog se milne Sunday ko ja skte h, par usse phle hume Aarav se is bare me bat karni hogi, toh kon karega usse bat?"

 (Okay, We can all go meet them on Sunday, but before that, we need to talk to Aarav about this. So, who's going to do it?)

All eyes immediately turned to Mridul. But before he could volunteer, a new voice chimed in.

"I can help if you all want."

The family turned to see Aditya standing against the wall, arms crossed, a confident expression on his face.

"Aditya Bhaiya", Anaaya exclaimed.

"Umhmm", Aditya nodded. "And I know who will be helping me with it", he added, stepping forward and touching the feet of the elders respectfully. "Right, Uncle?"

"Papa, me and Aditya will talk to him," Mridul confirmed, finally getting a word in.

"Tum yaha kya kar rahe ho Aditya beta?" Manya asked, curious about his unexpected arrival.

(What are you doing here Aditya?)

"Wo," Aditya began, "main aap logo ko yeh inform karne aaya hu ki, aap sab mere saath Jaipur chal rahe hain meri shaadi ke liye aur main koi bhi bahane nahin sunna chahta." He delivered the news with a playful sternness, brooking no arguments.

("I'm here to inform you all that you're all coming to Jaipur with me for my wedding, and I'm not going to listen to any excuses.)

A collective gasp filled the room. Aditya's wedding! The news was a delightful surprise.

"Mujhe pata hai ki aap sab aaoge meri shaadi mein," Aditya continued, his voice softening, "lekin main chahta hu ki aap sab meri shaadi ke saare functions mein mere saath rahein, pleaseeee," he pleaded, his eyes filled with earnestness.

(I do know that you all will come to my wedding but I want you all to be there in all my wedding functions too.)

Aavya, forgetting her earlier amusement at Advik, clapped her hands excitedly. "Jaipur! Shaadi!" she squealed.

The family members exchanged warm smiles. Of course, they would be there for Aditya. They assured him that they wouldn't miss his wedding for the world, and they would be there for all the celebrations

Aditya's face lit up with relief and happiness. He had known they would come, but hearing them say it meant the world to him.

He was invited to join them for lunch, and the conversation shifted from Aarav's potential bride to the details of Aditya's upcoming nuptials. After a delicious meal filled with laughter and excitement, Mridul and Akhil returned to the office, leaving the women of the house to discuss the finer points of the upcoming family events. The air was thick with happiness and anticipation, wedding on the horizon, and the prospect of welcoming a new member into their close-knit family. Stuti, however, still looked perplexed, occasionally glancing at Abhiraj with a confused expression. The mystery of Aarav's potential bride remained unsolved, adding a dash of intrigue to the already festive atmosphere.

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Happy Reading y'all.

Thank You so much.

Love Aaviah💖