Tara, who was always eager to please her aunt, nodded in agreement and set to work in the kitchen, preparing the traditional delicacy with precision and care.

As the time for the meeting drew near, Nidhi instructed Tara to stay upstairs and not make an appearance during the alliance discussion. "Remember Tara, you are more beautiful than Ketki, and I don't want to distract Varun's family with your presence," Nidhi said with a hint of anxiety in her voice.

Tara smiled reassuringly at her aunt, understanding the importance of the situation. "Don't worry, Mami. I will stay out of sight and let Ketki take center stage," she replied confidently.

As Varun's family arrived, Nidhi welcomed them warmly and led them to the living room where Ketki was waiting anxiously. The air was filled with anticipation as the families exchanged pleasantries and sat down to discuss the alliance.

Tara remained upstairs, listening intently to the muffled voices below. She could hear her aunt speaking in a hushed tone, trying to present Ketki in the best light possible.

After what felt like an eternity, Nidhi came upstairs to check on Tara, a look of relief on her face. "They have agreed to the alliance, Tara. Ketki is going to be married to Varun," she announced with a smile.

Tara congratulated her aunt and hugged her tightly. "I'm so happy for Ketki, Mami She deserves all the happiness in the world," she said sincerely.

Nidhi looked at Tara with pride and gratitude. "Thank you for your help, Tara. You played a crucial role in making this alliance successful," she said gratefully.

As the family celebration continued downstairs, Tara couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. She may have stayed out of sight, but her contribution had not gone unnoticed. And as she looked out the window at the evening sky, she knew that her aunt's wishes had come true - Ketki was going to start a new chapter in her life, and Tara had played a part in making it happen.

As the evening progressed, Abir, Tara's elder brother, grew increasingly annoyed with Nidhi Mami's behavior towards Tara. He couldn't understand why their aunt always seemed to favor Ketki over his sister, especially when Tara was equally talented and beautiful in her own right.

After the alliance discussion had concluded downstairs, Abir sought out Tara in her room, where she was sitting quietly by the window, lost in thought. "Tara, I don't understand why Mami always treats you like this. You are just as deserving of recognition and appreciation as Ketki," he said, frustration evident in his voice.

Tara looked up at her brother, gratitude shining in her eyes. "I know, bhai. But I don't mind staying out of the spotlight if it means Ketki gets the chance to be happy," she replied softly.

Abir shook his head in disbelief. "It's not fair, Tara. You deserve to be celebrated, not hidden away like some secret," he insisted, his protective nature coming to the fore.

Just then, Nidhi Mami appeared at the doorway, her expression a mix of concern and guilt. "Abir, Tara, I didn't mean to upset either of you. I just thought it was best for the alliance discussion today. I hope you understand," she said, her voice filled with regret.

Abir's frustration softened a bit as he looked at his aunt. "Mami, we understand your intentions, but you should never make Tara feel like she has to hide her light to make others shine brighter. She is a gem in her own right," he said firmly.

Tara smiled gratefully at her brother and their aunt, feeling touched by their support. "Thank you, bhai. And thank you, Mami. I know you both mean well," she said, her eyes shining with emotion.

Nidhi Mami nodded, realizing that perhaps she had been too focused on one daughter while not appreciating the other. "I'll make sure to show Tara the appreciation she deserves from now on. I'm sorry, Tara, for making you feel less important," she admitted, remorse evident in her voice.

As they shared a moment of understanding and forgiveness, Abir, Tara, and Nidhi Mami knew that going forward, they would celebrate each other's strengths and talents, recognizing the value and uniqueness of every individual in the family. And as they sat together, basking in the glow of reconciliation, they felt a renewed sense of unity and love that would guide them in the days to come.