CHAPTER 1

The bells clanged in unison, and the chants in praise of Lord Ram added to the din at Basu Bari. Moloy Basu adjusted his watch and surveyed himself in front of the mirror.

"Looking good Mr.Basu",he told his reflection.

"Mohini! I'm going downstairs. Anurag has started the arti." he called to the closed washroom door and left without waiting for a reply.

Smiling at his son,he joined the prayer and closed his eyes,letting the words wash over him.The rustling of anklets alerted him to the presence of his wife who was smiling at their son lovingly.He pointed to his watch."You're late ."he whispered,grinning as she glared at him pointedly.

There was more chaos as his daughters , Nivedita and Tapur joined in. He heard Mohini whisper, "Nivi, where is Anupam?"

"Where do you think he is, maa?"she muttered.

Both of them frowned and returned to their prayer.He raised an eyebrow and was about to ask his daughter to check on her husband when he caught Tapur shaking her head frantically at him.Sighing,he resolved to get to the root of this matter.The pooja soon concluded and he made his way to Nivedita.

"Nivi,why don't you take the day off today?It's Durga pooja."

"Does maa need help with the pandal or something?"

"How would I know whether your mother needs help or not?"

She shook her head at him.To his surprise, even Tapur looked disappointed.

"Never mind that!"he continued."It will be a nice change for you.You can relax at home and..."

Before he could finish his sentence, the door flew open and a young man ran in,out of breath.

"I hope I'm not late!'

A very awkward silence permeated the room before Moloy broke it.

"Definitely not Anupam Babu.You're right on time,quite early in fact.Anu was just about to distribute the prasad."

He could feel the weight of his wife's gaze on him but he decided to ignore it.With a huff Nivedita stormed off ,her husband looking at her retreating figure,shoulders slumped.Tapur cast one last appraising glance at everyone and sped after her sister.

Anurag cleared his throat."I guess I'll be off as well.I'm running late."he gave a forced smile and left.

Moloy finally turned to his wife."Shona..."

"Don't ,Moloy.I can't have this conversation right now."

She stood ram-rod straight,her left hand held close to her stomach and her right hand clenched at her side.Her eyes had darkened and her cheeks flushed.This was the angriest he had ever seen her.

"Will you be joining us for breakfast?"he tried asking her.

She let out a deep breath and turned to him with a smile which didn't quite reach her eyes.

"I'm afraid not.I have a lot of work left.But do not let that deter you from enjoying your breakfast,Moloy. I'm sure you'll enjoy a fun filled day with our son-in-law ."With one vicious glare at Anupam,she went upstairs,head held high.

Moloy's eyes followed her as she barricaded herself in their study.Turning back to Anupam, he gently patted him on the back and gestured him to the dining room where breakfast had been laid out.

"I went to get her ,her favourite flowers."the younger man mumbled.

It was then that Moloy noticed a bouquet of unhappy looking lilies and felt a pang of regret.

"Let's go."he urged him and the two of them retired to their respective rooms.

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Anurag stared at Prerna.

"Have you gone mad?"

The two of them stood outside the Basu publications office ,waiting for their respective fathers to show up.

She shook her head."I'm being perfectly serious.Jhanvi loves you and is planning to speak to her parents.If Madam Hitler gets to know about it,she will push you towards matrimony."

"But why do I have to pretend to be gay?And stop calling mum Madam Hitler.She is such a sweet person."

"Have you even met Mohini Basu? The only person who thinks she's sweet is Kakababu . Anyways, your being gay will throw most girls off, and your mum will need more time to come to terms with it."

"How do you know that my parents won't disown me,or force me into conversion therapy?"

"Because you're their precious Anu who can do nothing wrong.I'm such a genius."she cackled evilly.

Anurag smacked his head.God had to send his most creative archetypes as the females in his life.More often than not,he wondered how his father had managed to survive.

"Prerna, why do we have to complicate this?I can just go and tell maa that I don't like Jhanvi ."

She sighed."It's not that simple Anurag.She will push you if she feels this alliance can benefit Basu publications. Kakababu might protest but eventually,he'll give in as well.You saw what happened with your sister right?Your mother forced her to marry Anupam just to keep the scandal under wraps."

"I don't like hiding things from her.I'm sure she'll understand if I'm just upfront about the whole thing."

She paused for a moment and contemplated his words.Mohini Basu loved only two things,her status and her Anu.If push came to shove,she'd definitely choose her son,or so she hoped.

"It's your call Anu.If you think you can handle your mom,go ahead."

Anurag stared at the pavement ,lost in his thoughts.The honk of a car snapped him back to his senses.

"Earth to Anu!What happened?"his father asked,sticking his head out of the window.

"Kakababu,that's not very safe."said Prerna,fidgeting with the end of the dupatta.

"You're starting to sound like Mohini."he replied with a laugh.

Anurag smiled faintly."I thought you were taking the day off to spend time with maa."

His father looked at him sheepishly."I'm currently not on talking terms with my wife.I'm afraid I will have to woo her this evening."

Anurag and Prerna burst into laughter.

"But I don't even know what I've done to make her mad."

Anurag smiled,"Well Baba,you have the rest of the day to figure it out.Prerna and I are going to eat golgappe."

"We are?"she whispered.

He nodded,"I need some time to clear my head."

"Anu,please don't leave me alone.Let me come with you.And Prerna beta,you call Rajesh and ask him to join us there.It's the usual spot right?"his father begged him.

Anurag looked at Prerna helplessly,his dreams of having some quiet time going up in smoke.

"Don't worry Anu.Papa will keep him busy."she reassured him.

He turned to his father,"Alright Baba,we'll see you there.Why don't you pick up Rajesh uncle and meet us there?"

"Or we could all travel in the same car."his father interejcted.

Giving up,Anurag got in with Prerna,avoiding riding shotgun.

"Alright,now that everyone's settled in,we're off!"

Prerna screamed as his father slammed on the accelerator ,the car jetting off into the heart of Kolkata.