Chinmayi's POV:

Home felt like home again. With all the family members around, smiles dancing on their faces, life felt worthy of living. A month passed by since Dhaadaji's return from hospital. With constant monitoring by Joshi uncle and Eeshwar ji, his health considerably improved and through that, so did we.

The ladies of the house seemed to get along setting aside their differences. An emotional scenario which contained heartfelt apologies exchanged between the daughters in law, showed how much they wanted to mend their ways. The moral compass seemed to point North again. We seemed to heal together, as a family and as individuals.

On this note, I'd like to give you all some good news. Dhaadi was preparing them for well, shy alert, Deepak and mine and Eeshwar ji's and Veera's engagement. Well, all of us felt the necessity of a function and get together for spreading the good vibes. This family has been through a lot. It does deserve a sound round of celebrations.

The ups and downs experienced in this short period of time, with Deepak sort of gave me crash course of life and marriage. At the end of the day, it's about just being there for each other and honestly, his act and actions outgrew the pranks that Deepak had pulled previously. Somehow, Charan started seeing this too. At times, I do catch them having corridor conversations, when Deepak pays a visit, but I really don't try to acknowledge that (it might spook them!). Oh, my fears!

Megha also seemed to gel really well with our family. My mother seemed to genuinely see the goodness in her, like how she did in our childhood. She seemed to witness the changes that Megha had influenced Charan with. It was undeniable even to my mother, that Megha was the sole reason for the man Charan is. All in all, things seemed to fall in place.

The Sunday afternoon witnessed the entire family having lunch together. Laughs and teases flew amidst the conversations as we hogged the tasty dishes prepared by my aunts and mother.

"Megha, can you please pass over the pan with Baturas?", I chirped in.

"Yeah yeah, keep eating like this Chinnu, Deepak may not even recognize you in a few days!", teased Charan.

* Brothers! *

"Charan, why do you keep troubling her?" asked Bhabhi, chuckling at him.

"Well, that's what brothers do Diya", pitched Bhai.

"Don't you dare say anything on me now-", sprung Veera defensively, fake-glaring at her brother.

"Kids, calm down at eat" said Dhaadi smiling at her grandkids playing pranks at one another.

After 2 minutes of silent munching, Dhaadaji cleared his throat. Everyone looked at the corner of the table, directing their eyes at him.

"It is family that sticks through thick and thin and we have once again proven that we're the Sharma's!"

"Hear, hear!" we all chirped with our water glasses raised.

With a toothy smile, he continued, "It is time for us to make things concrete. We have two of our children who have found their homes at the Joshi's. From what we have seen and experienced, they're great family, with values, culture, humbleness and humility. The boys are responsible and truly deserve our house's gems. I hope you all agree with me on this."

I slowly turned to look around as everyone nodded in gleeful agreement. There was no hesitation in anybody's face or action. I tried to look at Charan and he caught me staring at him. He raised his eyebrow and genuinely smiled at me. At once I knew that he is happy for me and has accepted Deepak.

"Then it is settled. I'll call the Joshi's and invite them to our house this evening."

Chaachi teared up a bit while Badi Ma consoled her. The elders of the family seemed to discuss on the arrangements while Anirudh, who was sitting right next to me stood up to give me a warm hug. Slowly, Akhila followed in too. I felt safe and emotional, all at once. The word of congratulations spread across the table. As I slowly relieved myself from the hug of my cousins, Dhaadaji cleared his throat once again.

All of us attentively looked back at him.

"When God gave us the blessing to give away two daughters, he also brought a gem of a daughter to this house. Megha, the doors of this house are always open to you and this your grandmother has made it very clear. Radha pointed out that it is time for you and Charan to unify as a couple. For this, we would like to pay a visit to your home and make things straight with your parents. As an elderly person in this family, I shall initiate this conversation with them."

Megha was stunned to listen to my grandfather's words. Tears embraced her as she stood in silence not knowing what to speak.

"Dhaad-"

"Fear not, my child, you are a Sharma now. Whatever maybe the outcome, you are our daughter and daughter-in-law. It is our duty to make things right. "

More tears trickled through Megha's beautiful face. Bhabhi immediately jolted by her side and patted her, aiding her to calm down.

"Megha-", Ma said.

"We're all here for you, don't worry-"

Charan was surprised that Ma had consoled Megha. He too looked overwhelmed at Dhaadaji's proposal.

Even before any of us could react Veera let out a small scream.

Akhila immediately asked, "What happened Veera is everything okay?"

"Do you remember the Germany thing, my office-"

She couldn't speak through the words but all of us realized what she was referring to.

"Yes Veera, what happened?" enquired Bhai.

"Well, my Visa would be arranged in a month and once I get it, I should be relocating; two months, hard deadline."

*** 

A/N: 

Yellow, 

Hope you're all doing well. Here's the next chapter. :) 

So, I know it is one after the other, but all good news right? 

1. Dhaadaji is doing okay! 

2. Engagement plans for the Sharma-Joshi couples. 

3. The elders proposing to support Megha and straighten things with her family. 

4. Cliffhanger: Veera's Germany news! 

Please vote and comment! 

Lots of Love, 

Rashmi :)