Madhu, her apron tied tightly around her waist, was busy adding the final touches to a delectable rice pudding. Tiny almond slices, cut with precision, were being sprinkled over the creamy dessert. The kitchen was filled with a delightful aroma of spices and sweetness.
As she worked, she couldn't help but ask her husband, Pankaj, who was standing nearby. "Who's joining us for dinner tonight?" she inquired, her voice filled with anticipation.
Pankaj, a man of surprises, smiled and replied, "Let it be a surprise. With my hectic work schedule and frequent travels, I hardly get a chance to spend quality time with you and our family. So, I thought I'd make this evening extra special."
Ding dong!! The shrill noise from the doorbell interrupted their conversation. Atul, their son entered the room, soaked in sweat from playing outside. “ Do not dirty the carpet,” shouted Madhu from the kitchen. The dining table was laid with attractive cutlery and the living area bathed in warm dim glow. The needle of the clock pointed at eight when suddenly Pankaj’s phone started to beep. He picked up the phone and gave directions excitedly over the phone. “I am going to get them from the gate,” saying this Pankaj left in a hurry keeping Madhu in suspense.
There was a sound of laughter and Madhu opened the door to check if her guests had arrived. On seeing their faces, her expression froze completely. “Hey! What happened? Have you forgotten them?” teased Pankaj. Madhu took few seconds to reorient herself and then smiled at the two of them. “This is indeed a pleasant surprise. How did you all meet?” she inquired curiously.
“Well, this was the surprise I was telling you about,” Pankaj replied. “They came to my office to apply for a house loan. I immediately recognized Suman and she introduced me to her husband, Shabeer. I thought of giving you a surprise and hence invited them over. Two sisters meeting after six years is a moment to be cherished.” The sisters shared anecdotes from their childhood with their husbands. How life had been after marriage? The four of them joked, laughed and gossiped about their relatives. Suman was glad that she could connect with her sister instantly, even after not being in contact for almost six years. She wished to meet her parents. While saying goodbye, Madhu and Pankaj embraced the couple tightly, after all a hug is always the right size. Suman and Shabeer left the home with a promise to meet frequently.
"Shabeer is a truly remarkable young man," Madhu remarked, her voice filled with admiration. "He's highly educated and comes from a respectable family. Their love is evident, and Suman's happiness is plain to see. I'll talk to my parents and do my best to convince them to accept this inter faith marriage. Religious differences should not be a barrier for true love,” she said as she dialed her parent’s number to share the news.