"No, no Sanjana... everything happened so suddenly. Otherwise, I would have told you earlier."
Maithili spoke softly over the phone.
"But why today, Maithili?" Sanjana asked, confused.
"Papaji insisted. He said today is an auspicious day."
" Ohhh..."
"Come quickly. I'll be waiting for you."
"Yes, I will."
Sanjana smiled and ended the call.
"So, done calling your best friend?"
Shikar's voice came from behind.
Maithili turned and smiled brightly. She looked genuinely happy.
"Yes, Shikar. I'm so happy today... you have no idea."
Shikar hesitated. "But Maithili... we should have asked Hriday once."
"Don't worry about him. He'll say yes."
Before he could argue further, a servant called Maithili to inform her that the decorators had arrived.
Today was special.
They were arranging Hriday's marriage with Disha.
Harshavardhan had agreed to this proposal only because of Maithili.
By evening, the entire Shekhawat mansion looked like a bride itself.
Though it was meant to be a small gathering with only the Shekhawat and Ranawat families, Maithili had decorated the house as if it were her son's wedding day.
Sanjana entered with her brother Dhiraj and Disha Ranawat. Several servants followed them carrying expensive gift hampers.
Maithili welcomed them warmly.
"Good evening. How are you all?"
"We're good," Dhiraj replied with a polite smile, joining his hands in greeting.
Maithili returned the gesture.
"No need for formalities. We are going to be family now," Sanjana said, hugging her.
Disha stepped forward and bent to touch Maithili's feet after receiving a sharp look from her father.
"No, no, Disha beta. Daughters don't touch feet in this house. Come, let's go inside."
Inside, they were greeted by Harshavardhan. Shikar wasn't present as he had left for Mumbai for a business meeting.
"Hello Dadaji, how are you?"
Disha touched his feet.
"I'm good. Come, sit."
Servants served tea, cookies, and sweets.
"Please have something," Maithili offered.
"No, Mrs. Shekhawat. I avoid oily food for health reasons," Dhiraj replied politely.
"Bhaiya, for one day you can enjoy. It's your daughter's special day," Sanjana teased.
Maithili handed him a plate. "Our chef prepared this specially. Sanjana told me about your health. Papaji eats this too."
Dhiraj finally accepted.
"Disha beta, you are too."
"No, Aunty. I'm on a strict diet. You know about my career."
Maithili nodded, slightly awkward. Harshavardhan observed everything silently.
"Let's talk about the proposal we came for," Sanjana said, shifting the topic.
"Uncle, Bhaiya and I are very happy with this alliance. Hriday is handsome, charming, intelligent. He'll treat Disha like a queen."
Harshavardhan didn't like that Sanjana was speaking on behalf of everyone.
"I would prefer to hear it from Mr. Ranawat."
Dhiraj cleared his throat.
"I have no objection. I've met Hriday at business events. He's impressive. Handles deals confidently. A true businessman."
"We are discussing marriage, not business," Harshavardhan replied sharply.
The room went silent.
"By the way... where is Hriday?" Sanjana asked.
"He's on the way," Maithili replied.
Meanwhile...
Gauri kept stealing glances at Hriday as he drove.
"If you want to ask something, just ask," he said.
"What will you tell your family? I mean..."
She trailed off.
"You've given me a condition not to reveal our marriage. So yes, I've thought of something. And please remove your sindoor and mangalsutra."
"No. I won't."
Hriday immediately stopped the car and looked at her in disbelief.
"Are you serious? What will I tell them? That you're already married?"
"Tell them I'm married. Just don't tell them your name. Say I came here for work... that I have nowhere else to go."
Hriday stared at her.
"This isn't right, Gauri. I'm asking you one last time. Are you sure you don't want to reveal our marriage?"
"Yes."
He inhaled deeply.
"Fine. Then this is how we start our relationship. But remember—one day, when you beg me to announce you as my wife to the world... I won't."
He started the car again.
Gauri looked outside, holding back her tears. Hriday had always been gentle with her. Today, he was hurt.
After an hour, they reached the mansion.
The house was glowing with decorations.
"Why is the mansion decorated?" Hriday asked the guard.
"Guests have arrived, sir."
Hriday took Gauri's bag despite her protests and walked inside with her.
At the entrance, he froze.
"What are they doing here...?"
He turned to Gauri. "Come."
Inside—
"Kamla Aunty!"
The house helper appeared.
"She is our guest. Take her to the guest room."
Gauri looked at Hriday once before following Kamla.
Maithili approached immediately.
"Who was that girl?"
"I'll tell you later. But why are they here?"
"They came for your marriage proposal."
"What? Whose marriage?"
"Yours."
Hriday blinked. "I thought you were finding a bride for Dadaji."
"Hriday!"
Ignoring her, he walked straight into the living room.
Dhiraj stood to greet him.
"How are you, beta?"
"Not fine... after seeing all of you here."
Everyone stiffened.
"I don't know why Mom and Dadaji called you. But I am not interested. So please... leave."
Disha stood up immediately.
"Hriday! Why are you insulting my family?"
"I'm not insulting anyone. I'm clearly stating I'm not interested."
Tears filled Disha's eyes. She walked out.
"I don't like seeing tears in my daughter's eyes," Dhiraj warned before leaving.
Sanjana glared at Maithili. " I didn't expect this."
She too left.
"What is this behavior, Hriday?" Harshavardhan said sternly.
Maithili's eyes were filled with disappointment. "You could have handled this better."
"When did I insult anyone?"
She stormed away.
Hriday stood there, frustrated.
"Now how will I tell them about my marriage..."
A servant accidentally dropped a plate.
"I didn't hear anything, sir!" she panicked.
He ignored her.
Later at dinner, despite the tension, they all sat together.
No matter what happened, family dinner was never skipped.
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