"Namaste, Kalyani ji. I am ready whenever you are."
Dadi returned the greeting warmly.
"Namaste, Girish ji. Thank you for coming. The car is waiting outside."
We all walked out to where Ramesh, our driver, had the car ready. He opened the doors for us, and we climbed inside. Dadi and I sat in the back while Girish ji took the front passenger seat. Ramesh started the engine and pulled smoothly out of the driveway.
The drive to Avija's house took about thirty minutes. It was located in a posh locality, a decent middle class home with a well maintained front yard. As we pulled up to the curb, I could see Avija's parents standing at the door, waiting to receive us.
Vinay uncle and Sangeetha aunty stepped forward as we got out of the car. They greeted us with warm smiles and folded hands.
"Namaste, Kalyani ji. Namaste, Armaan. Please, come inside. Welcome to our home."
We followed them through the front door and into the living room. The house was neat and comfortable, decorated tastefully but simply. As soon as we entered, Avija appeared from one of the inner rooms. She was dressed in a beautiful salwar kameez, her hair styled perfectly, her face glowing with happiness.
She walked straight to Dadi and bent down to touch her feet in a gesture of respect. Dadi blessed her with a gentle hand on herhead. Then Avija straightened and looked at me, giving me a bright smile.
I smiled back.
"I am so happy you are both here," Avija said, her voice bubbling with excitement. "This means so much to us."
Dadi introduced Girish ji to Avija's parents.
"This is Girish ji, my family astrologer. He will be helping us finalize an auspicious date for the wedding."
Vinay uncle nodded respectfully.
"Of course. Please, everyone, sit down. Make yourselves comfortable."
We all settled onto the sofas in the living room. Dadi sat beside me, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She looked genuinely happy, more relaxed than I had seen her in months.
"I am so pleased that Armaan has found his life partner," Dadi said, looking at Avija with affection. "I want to see them married as soon as possible. I have been waiting for this day for such a long time."
Girish ji cleared his throat and turned to Sangeetha aunty.
"I will need the girl's kundali to study the compatibility between the two charts. Do you have it ready?"
Sangeetha aunty nodded quickly.
"Yes, of course. Let me get it."
She disappeared into another room and returned a moment later with a folded piece of paper. She handed it to Girish ji, who accepted it with both hands and began unfolding it carefully.
Meanwhile, Sangeetha aunty turned to Avija.
"Beta, go and bring the snacks for our guests."
Avija nodded and went into the kitchen. She returned a few minutes later carrying a large tray filled with samosas, pakoras, and sweets. She set it down on the coffee table in front of us and began serving everyone.
Dadi took a bite of a samosa and her face lit up.
"This is very delicious, Sangeetha."
Sangeetha aunty beamed with pride.
"Actually, Avija made all of this herself. She insisted on preparing everything for today."
I looked at Avija in surprise.
