There was a pooja at Sara's house, and the Shroffs had invited the Malhotras to join them for the auspicious occasion. The Shroff household was buzzing with excitement and preparation. Rimma and Sunil had already arrived at the Shroff residence, helping with the final touches and mingling with the hosts. Shubman, Sidharth, and Kiara were the last to leave from the Malhotra house, making sure they were dressed impeccably for the event.

Shubman stood in front of his mirror, making final adjustments to his peach kurta. The kurta featured a mandarin collar, long sleeves, and a straight-cut hem that fell just above his knee. The fabric was light, possibly cotton, which gave it a crisp and clean look. The placket was simple, without visible buttons, and on the left chest area was an embroidered text in a darker shade, adding a subtle touch of elegance. He wore a dark-colored watch on his left wrist, which complemented his traditional attire perfectly. He checked his reflection one last time, ensuring everything was in place.

Meanwhile, Kiara was in her room, carefully draping her saree. The saree featured intricate embroidery and beadwork predominantly in shades of pink and gold, shimmering under the soft lighting. It was draped traditionally, with one end gracefully passing over her left shoulder. The blouse she wore had short sleeves and was embellished with similar embroidery as the saree, completing the cohesive look. Kiara adorned herself with a beautiful choker and matching earrings, letting her hair fall freely around her shoulders. She applied minimal makeup, just enough to accentuate her natural beauty.

Sidharth, in the adjoining room, was donning his Sherwani. The Sherwani was made of a cream or light beige fabric with detailed embroidery throughout, extending below knee-length with long sleeves. He paired it with matching churidar pants that gathered elegantly at the ankles. Completing his look were cream-colored traditional footwear, embroidered and embellished, giving him a regal appearance. Sidharth looked at himself in the mirror, satisfied with the way everything came together.

As Shubman finished his final adjustments, he stepped out of his room and bumped into Sidharth, who was just coming out of his own. They exchanged appreciative nods, admiring each other's attire.

"You look sharp, bhai," Shubman complimented, adjusting his watch one last time.

"Thanks, man. You too. That peach kurta suits you well," Sidharth replied with a smile. "Ready for the pooja?"

"Absolutely. Let's check on bhabhi and get going," Shubman suggested.

They walked over to Kiara's room and knocked gently. Kiara opened the door, looking stunning in her saree. Both Shubman and Sidharth couldn't help but admire her elegance.

"Wow, bhabhi, you look amazing," Shubman said, genuinely impressed.

"Absolutely beautiful," Sidharth added, giving her an approving nod.

"Thank you, guys," Kiara replied with a warm smile. "You both look great too. Shall we?"

The three of them made their way downstairs, where their parents were waiting. Once everyone was ready, they all headed towards the Shroff residence. The drive was filled with light-hearted conversation and laughter, setting a joyful tone for the evening.

Upon arriving at the Shroff residence, they were greeted by the lively atmosphere and the warm hospitality of their hosts. The house was beautifully decorated, with floral arrangements and lights adding to the festive ambiance.

Sara was busy coordinating the final preparations. She wore a graceful mint-green anarkali with delicate silver embroidery, her hair styled in soft waves. Spotting Shubman and his family, she hurried over with a bright smile.

"Shubman! You all made it. Welcome!" Sara greeted warmly, giving Shubman a friendly hug. She turned to Kiara and Sidharth, "You both look fantastic. Please, come in and make yourselves comfortable."

"Sara, everything looks beautiful. You've done a great job," Shubman said, appreciating her efforts.

"Thank you! It's been a team effort," Sara replied modestly. "Come, let's join the others inside."

As they walked in, they were enveloped by the sound of soft music and the aroma of delicious food. The pooja was about to begin, and everyone gathered in the spacious living room, settling into their places. Shubman found a spot next to Sara, while Sidharth and Kiara sat nearby.

The priest started the rituals, chanting prayers and performing the sacred rites. The atmosphere was serene, with everyone participating wholeheartedly. Shubman glanced at Sara and shared a quiet smile, feeling grateful for the warmth and togetherness of the occasion.

As the priest continued the rituals, the room was filled with the scent of incense and the sound of rhythmic chanting. Shubman occasionally glanced at Sara, who was deeply engrossed in the ceremony, her hands folded in prayer. The atmosphere was calm and spiritually uplifting.

After the pooja concluded, the Shroffs and their guests moved to the dining area for the feast. The long dining table was laden with a variety of traditional dishes, from fragrant biryanis to an assortment of curries, breads, and sweets. The vibrant colors and rich aromas promised a delightful culinary experience.

Sara, always the gracious hostess, made sure everyone was comfortable and had enough to eat. She floated from one guest to another, engaging in light conversation and ensuring no one felt left out. Shubman watched her with admiration, appreciating her ability to handle everything so effortlessly.

As Shubman and his family settled into their seats, he noticed a familiar face approaching. It was Tiger. Tiger was dressed in a stylish navy-blue kurta, looking equally impressive.

"Hey, Shubman! It's great to see you here," Tiger greeted with a broad smile, extending his hand.

"Tiger! Good to see you too," Shubman replied, shaking his hand warmly.

Arjun said, glancing around at the festive gathering. "Let's catch up later."

Shubman nodded, looking forward to it. He then turned his attention back to his family and the delicious spread before them.

Kiara, seated next to him, whispered, "This food looks amazing. I can't wait to try everything."

"It really does," Shubman agreed, serving himself some biryani. "Sara and her family have outdone themselves."

As they enjoyed their meal, the conversations flowed easily. There was laughter and storytelling, making the evening even more memorable. Shubman felt a deep sense of contentment, surrounded by his family and friends in such a warm and inviting environment.

After dinner, the group moved to the patio, where a gentle breeze provided a pleasant contrast to the warmth inside. The patio was beautifully lit with fairy lights, creating a cozy and magical atmosphere.

Sara joined Shubman and his family, bringing along a tray of desserts. "I hope you saved some room for sweets," she said with a playful grin.

"Always," Shubman replied, eyeing the tray of gulab jamuns and rasmalai. "You know how to tempt us."

As they savored the desserts, the conversation turned to lighter topics—movies, music, and upcoming plans. Shubman and Sara shared some anecdotes from their project work, making everyone laugh.

Towards the end of the evening, as guests started to leave, Shubman took a moment to thank Sara. "You've done an incredible job today, Sara. Everything was perfect."

"Thank you, Shubman. I'm so glad you all could come," Sara replied, her eyes sparkling with genuine happiness. "It means a lot to have friends like you here."

With warm farewells and promises to meet again soon, the Malhotras finally took their leave. As they drove back home, the car was filled with contented silence, each of them reflecting on the beautiful evening they had just experienced.

Shubman looked out of the window, a soft smile playing on his lips. He felt grateful for moments like these—moments that brought them all closer and created memories to cherish.