Meanwhile, in Yagnik’s room. “Phase 1, complete! I riled up Bhai and spoke to him pretty harshly. He’s never going to pay attention to subtle hints until we speak straightforwardly first. So, since I put the idea of actually building a relationship with Bhabhi in his head, now we can move on to the subtle nudges.” “Haan, aur waise bhi humne Bhai ko party ke baare mein kuch bataya nahi. Because of course, if he knew that we were planning a date and party for him, he would come up with some kaam ka bahaana to avoid it.”

(Yeah, and anyway we didn’t tell Bhai anything about the sixth monthiversary party. Because of course, if he knew that we were planning a date and party for him, he would come up with some work excuse to avoid it.)

Akanksha looked at Yagnik, Yuv and Yug. “Waise tum theenon ne Bhai ka kaam handle kiya hain kya? Matlab bataya na ki Bhai uss din off lenge?”

(By the way, did you three handle Bhai’s work for that day? I mean, did you let everyone know that he’ll be taking a leave that day?)

“Haan Akshu, sab dekh liye humne. And you, Priya, and the parentals- you guys have all the party and date preparations under control, right?”

(Yes, Akshu, we’ve handled everything...)

“Yup, everything is planned perfectly. I’m just so excited to surprise Bhai!” Akanksha snorted at Priya’s statement. “I don’t know about surprising Bhai, but I’m eagerly waiting to see his face when he realizes that we’ve got him trapped and he can’t escape with his laptop.”

“Did you guys tell Bhabhs about our plans?” Yug asked. “Of course not, duffer, why would we tell her about Mission Milan,” Yuv answered his twin. “Oy! You’re the duffer here. I wasn’t talking about Mission Milan, but about their anniversary.”

Yuv chuckled sheepishly and scratched the back of his neck. Akanksha answered his question. “Well, Bhabhi knows about the party, and I think Maa mentioned the date, but we give her any details, so that all might be a bit of a surprise.” “All right, then we’re all ready for the day after tomorrow.”

Priya and Akanksha smiled at each other. “Not quite. We ladies are going shopping tomorrow!” The guys collectively groaned, earning smacks from their sisters. “You have nothing to complain about! You only came shopping with us twice, ever, and that was shaadi wala (shaadi wala- wedding) shopping, too. So, it was super long. Just wait until you all get married, then your wives will show you what shopping really looks like. Besides, we don’t want you guys to come. It’s gonna be our ladies' day out. Just make sure to help Papa and Chachu in the kitchen and have some good food ready to eat by the time we return.” The boys shrugged. That wasn’t such a bad deal. And they could always order out and pretend they cooked it.

“Maa, kya shopping jaana zaroori hain? Shaadi ke liye kitne saare kapde karidhne padi, aur abhi bhi bohot kuch hain jo maine pehna nahi.”

(Maa, do we need to go shopping? I had to buy so many clothes for after the wedding, and there are still so many I haven’t worn.)

“No way, Bhabhs! You have to buy something special- we’re talking about six months here! And it’s not just you, we all need to upgrade our looks, too.” Vaidehi planted her hands on her hips and looked sternly at Priya. “Acha, toh mere liye shopping karna sirf bahana hain? It’s really you guys that are going to be shopping.”

(Oh, so shopping for me is just an excuse?)

“Mauka ko chodna nahi chahiye. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” Akanksha and Priya high-fived each other, cackling.

(You shouldn’t let go of the opportunity.)

They spent several hours shopping blazing a whirlwind through different stores, everyone putting on a mini fashion show. After enjoying street food, they went to a popular bazaar to shop for accessories and enjoy the atmosphere. While in the mall, Vaidehi quickly excused herself to slip into a jewelry store, drawn to a bracelet on display. Raghuveer always wore a gold chain, a gift given to him by his grandfather when he came into the business. He used to have a gold bracelet that matched the chain, but as he had gotten it when he was several years younger, he outgrew it and never replaced it. Maa had told her that they wanted to get a new bracelet many times, but Veer had staunchly refused the first few years, unwilling to replace his grandfather’s gift. And then it was forgotten.

This bracelet, though, seemed perfect to Vaidehi. It was slim and sleek, yet still made in a traditional design. It would suit his aura and image perfectly. She would probably be overstepping, but…Oh, what the hell? This was something she would do for anyone else in their family, too. If he didn’t like it, she’d just exchange it and get something for herself. She had yet to splurge and buy herself any gold. Or she would get another design for Yash bhai, a birthday gift. Vaidehi would figure it out later. Making the impulsive purchase, she rejoined the group.

This was the first big gift she would be giving him after marriage. She had gotten him a wedding gift, but it was given with the rest of the gifts from her family, so she doubted he would know that it was from her. She had actually gotten him gifts for all their monthiversaries, but never gave them to him as such. She’d simply put the new pair of shoes on his show rack, or place the pen in the drawer of his desk. It almost seemed humorous, a game of sorts. Perhaps a sort of petty revenge. It gave her a little boost to know that she’d seamlessly left her mark in every part of his life. Since her husband so staunchly maintained a civil distance from, she didn’t think he’d noticed the few additions she’d made. But Vaidehi had noticed – how he absentmindedly twirled the pen she had gifted him while deep in thought, how he automatically reached for the shoes she had given most days of the week, how he relished it whenever she made dessert.

---

Raghuveer had been waiting the entire day to speak with his wife, but the ladies had gone out shopping. And Vaidehi seemed exhausted after dinner, so he kept quiet, tucking her in the comforter as she fell asleep within minutes. The conversation would have to wait until tomorrow. The next morning dawned, their sixth monthiversary, nervously anticipated by both, though neither were aware of the other’s feelings. Vaidehi woke and got ready first, heading downstairs to prepare for the small puja that was planned for that morning. Everyone wished her as they all freshened up and came to the puja mandir directly, wishing her husband at the end as he was the last to arrive. A delicious breakfast spread was prepared and as everyone relaxed afterwards, Raghuveer came to stand behind Vaidehi and whispered in her ear. “Can we talk?”  She stiffened at the feel of his breath whispering across her ear, but relaxed and nodded.

Just a few minutes later, Akanksha and Priya presented their surprise. “Bhai, we spoke to everyone at work, and you are approved to take the day off today. So, no going to work, and absolutely no working from home.” “Seriously?” Raghuveer was surprised that his family had read his mind- he’d already planned to take the day off. But it was clear from their looks that they misinterpreted his reaction. “Aaand, not only that, but we planned a special date for you and Bhabhi and then a small get-together amongst family to celebrate.” “I’ll take the day off from work, but is the party necessary?” He wanted to start wooing his wife, spend the day with her, let her know that he remembered what today meant for the both of them. His efforts of the past few days were ruined, but at least he would get time alone with her.  

The little part of Vaidehi’s heart that still held hopes deflated. That horrible, stubborn part of her heart that did as it wished. That devil part of heart that wished for things that she’d never wished, that were never part of her life plan. Then his offhand comments would always crush that wish. She would have to spend several minutes building her walls, scolding that rebel part of her organ back into submission. “Bhai! Don’t be so boring. Yes, you absolutely have to go! Now come on, go get dressed and we’ll help Bhabhi get ready. The dress code is casual but nice.”

Akshu yanked Veer’s hand, pulling his ear close enough to whisper, “Putting effort and dressing well shows her that you care.” She winked, and the boys, including Papa and Chachu, dragged Raghuveer to a guest room, while the girls took over Vaidehi and Raghuveer’s bedroom. While Chandrika and Aparna were a bit too excited, offering advice every thirty seconds, Ranvijay and Rishi were only there to pull Veer’s leg. Priya elbowed Akanksha, whispering in her ear, “Our plan’s working.” “What do you mean?” “Bhai only said no to the party, not the date. I think Mission Milan is succeeding.” “Oh teri! Tere muh mein ghee shakkar.”

(Oh yeah! I hope your words turn out to be true.)

“How’s this saree?” “No Bhabs! You’ll wear a saree in the evening, too. And you usually wear cotton sets at home. You need to shock Bhai’s system, wear something western. He’s never seen how good you look in your office wear. Oh man, we should have bought an outfit for the date yesterday while shopping, we forgot!” “Western, well…” Vaidehi did have two dresses in mind that she had been waiting to wear, but she didn’t want to expend all her effort when her husband didn’t care. Main thodi na mari jaa rahi hoon date par jaane ki.

(It’s not like I’m dying to go on this date.)

Actually, who cares about him. If she wants to wear the gorgeous outfits she bought, she will. She walked towards the back of the walk-in closet and brought out two hangers.

On one was a chiffon midi dress with a halter neck, sheer balloon sleeves, and a wide accent belt. On the other was a tea length, slim-cut lace skirt with a sheer, flowy top that tied in a bow at the side of the waist. The top also had lace detailing that embellished the low neckline. “Can I give my opinion, sweetheart?” “Of course, Chachi.” “The first dress is very stylish and cute…” “Yeah, it almost gives birthday girl vibes,” Priya chirped. “But the second one…” Aparna trailed off, searching for the right words.

Chandrika smirked slyly. “Kahin tumhe dekh kar behosh naa ho jaye!”

(I hope he doesn’t faint seeing you.)

“Maa!” “Badi Maa!” Aparna burst out laughing, while Chandrika simply shrugged and said, “It’s true.” Vaidehi carried the outfits back into the closet, getting ready with a few accessories and just a touch of makeup. “Ok, I’m coming out now.” Everyone else covered their eyes, waiting for the grand reveal.

Vaidehi stepped out dressed in the outfit, paired with multi-layered hoop earrings, contrasting heels and clutch, and her hair in a ponytail that highlighted the waves, a few loose strands softening the look. “You can all open your eyes.” After a moment of shocked silence, she was treated to claps and exclamations, and Akshu even whistled. A knock sounded on the door. “Hey, hey, hey! What’s all the ruckus?” Yug asked. “Hold your horses! You’ll find out soon enough. If Bhai’s ready, tell him to head downstairs, and Bhabhi will come in a minute.” 

Though Vaidehi protested against all the drama, she was secretly enjoying it just a pinch. Nobody had ever celebrated her with as much enthusiasm as her in-laws. Everyone needed attention from time to time; even she, who usually felt more comfortable blending into the shadows. Everyone else had gathered downstairs, at the foot of the stairs, awaiting her grand entrance.

Weirdly nervous, she took a deep breath and turned the corner, carefully stepping down the stairs and gliding her hand along the rail for support. Papa and Chachu whistled and clapped along with the ladies, while Yuv clutched a hand to his chest and pretended to faint in his twin’s arms. Vaidehi giggled at their antics, the warmth in her heart bringing a genuine smile to her face. This was all she’d wanted in life. A happy, loving, involved family. She and Bhai had tried their best, for the sake of the twins, but it was always incomplete without the love of their parents. Not to mention their grandparents’ constant kalesh (interference).

As she reached the bottom of the steps, Yagnik came forward and hugged her. Stepping back, he whipped a black pen out of his pocket and made a little dot behind her ear. “Kisi ki nazar na lage meri Bhabhi ko.”

(To keep all the evil eyes away from my Bhabhi.)

“Thank you Yagnik, kitne pyaare ho.”

(Thank you Yagnik, you’re so sweet.)

Although Maa and Chachi had already applied kala tika, it was a very cute gesture. Raghuveer finally stepped forward, coming out of his trance. He had struggled to resist her when he only allowed himself to notice her presence, much less actually look at her. And now - dressed up as she was, looking at the natural beauty and glow of her - he looked his fill, unwilling to even blink.

“Behadd khoobsurat,” he said with a hint of a rasp. (Gorgeous.) Vaidehi held her clutch with both hands, looking up at his face for a moment before bringing her gaze back down to her heels. “Thank you, you look quite handsome, too,” she mumbled. In the few seconds that she had taken to look at him, she noticed that he did look really handsome, dressed in trousers and a button-down with a casual blazer.

Akanksha clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “All right, so here’s the plan. Humne lunch ke liye ek restaurant mein reservation ki hain, lekin tab tak, aapke paas time hain, Bhai aur Bhabhi. So, Bhai aap Bhabhi ko jahan woh chahthi hain, waha ghumaiye, phir aaram se lunch kijiye, kuch shopping-wopping bhi kijiye aur shaam ke party ke liye wapas aiye. Bhai, maine aapko address bheji hain. Aur haan, Bhabhi, aapko sirf ek duty hain, bohot saare pictures click karna.”

(All right, so here’s the plan. We made a reservation for lunch at a restaurant, but until then, you have some time. So, Bhai, take Bhabhi wherever she wants to go, have a relaxing lunch, maybe do some shopping, and come back in time for the party. Bhai, I’ve sent you the address. And Bhabhi, you only have one duty, to click lots of pictures.)

“Lekin didi, mujhe in donon par bilkul bhi bharosa nahi hain. Backup ke liye abhi kuch pictures lete hain.”

(But Didi, I don’t trust them at all. Let’s take some pictures now for backup.)