The evening air shimmered with anticipation as the Jha and Singh families settled around the dining table, the aroma of delicious food wafting through the room, mingling with the tension that had yet to dissipate. Pratiksha sat between Kirti and Rishi, her heart still racing from Dadi's harsh words. She could feel the weight of Dadi's gaze on her, a storm brewing beneath the surface.

"How was your day, Pratiksha?" Kirti asked, attempting to break the ice.

"It was fine," Pratiksha replied, forcing a smile. "Just the usual classes and… you know, avoiding tomatoes." She shot Rishi a playful glare, and he chuckled, grateful for the light-hearted banter.

Meanwhile, across the table, Atharva exchanged glances with Eshank, who had just arrived, his shirt slightly wrinkled and eyes reflecting the fatigue of a long day. Eshank had always been the more serious one, a dedicated worker, but tonight, there was something different in his demeanor—an edge of frustration that hinted at unresolved matters.

As they began serving dinner, Radha Singh initiated small talk, trying to ease the atmosphere. "So, Kirti, how do you feel about the wedding next week? Are you excited?"

Kirti nodded, but her smile faltered. "I am, but I’m also nervous. I want everything to go perfectly."

Pratiksha quickly chimed in, "Don’t worry, Dii! Just think of it as another interview. You’ve already passed the first round with flying colors."

The table erupted into laughter, and Kirti shot Pratiksha a grateful look, momentarily forgetting her anxiety.

Eshank, however, remained silent, his mind preoccupied. He glanced at Pratiksha, recalling their earlier encounter. Her fiery spirit had ignited a curiosity in him, but he couldn’t afford to dwell on distractions, especially with the family’s expectations weighing heavily on his shoulders.

Just then, the doorbell rang, interrupting the laughter. Kirti jumped up to answer it, revealing a surprise visitor—Vrushti, her childhood friend, and confidante. "I thought I’d drop by and see how you’re doing, Kirti!" Vrushti exclaimed, her bright smile illuminating the room.

The family welcomed her with open arms, and for a moment, the atmosphere lightened. Vrushti pulled Kirti aside, whispering something that made Kirti giggle nervously. Pratiksha couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy; she wanted Kirti’s attention to be solely hers, especially with the looming wedding creating a rift between their usual closeness.

As dinner progressed, Eshank’s tension radiated through the table. He finally spoke up, his voice firm, "I think we need to talk about the merger in the family business."

The mention of business shifted the focus, and the lighthearted mood dimmed. “We can discuss that later,” Radha said dismissively, sensing the discomfort at the table.

But Eshank pressed on, "No, it’s important. We can’t keep ignoring it. Our families are intertwined now, and the future of both our businesses depends on this."

Pratiksha exchanged glances with Kirti, sensing the weight of Eshank's words. The thought of their families’ futures being tied together sent a shiver down her spine. She felt a sudden urge to defend her sister. “But tonight is about celebrating Kirti dii and Jiju, not business deals,” she interjected, her voice stronger than she intended.

Eshank turned to her, surprise flickering in his eyes. “And what if those business deals affect Kirti’s future? Shouldn’t we consider all angles?”

Before Pratiksha could respond, Dadi cleared her throat loudly, cutting through the tension. “Enough of this talk. You girl stop meddling in the matters which doesn't concerns u,always ready to spoil everything. Useless huh..!Let the young ones enjoy their evening. We’ll handle business like we always do—behind closed doors.”

Reluctantly, everyone returned to their plates, but Pratiksha felt the spark of defiance ignite within her. She needed to voice her thoughts, not just for herself but for Kirti too. In that moment, she resolved to confront Eshank privately after dinner.

As the meal continued, Vrushti and Kirti whispered secrets, laughter echoing around the table, but Pratiksha felt a mix of determination and anxiety swirling within her. The night was far from over, and the threads of their intertwined lives were beginning to unravel, revealing deeper challenges and connections that lay ahead.

As dessert was served, the doorbell rang once more, and the siblings exchanged puzzled looks. Who else could it be? The evening was full of surprises, and Pratiksha felt the thrill of uncertainty. Whatever happened next, she was ready to face it, even if it meant standing up to Eshank and challenging the status quo.

That's it for today.Thank u