.
The phone was answered by his wife.
Bani's father told the happy event, and invited the whole family.
Then Bani's talked- Hello, Aunty!" she greeted, trying to keep her voice light.
"Hmm," came her usual gruff response. "I heard you're opening a shop."
"Yes, aunty" she replied, pushing past the stiffness in the conversation. "The shop is opening this Saturday. I wanted to invite you personally."
We 'll come by if we are free," she finally said and I will tell your uncle. He went out.
"Alright, Aunty. I'll be happy if you visit," she said, keeping her voice steady.
"Hmm," she muttered again before hanging up.
We should call Auntie's son first," she said.
Aman nodded, pulling out his phone. "Yeah, he'll be happy to hear about this."
The phone rang a few times before a familiar voice answered.
"Hello, Aman! What's up?"
"Hey, guess what? Bani's shop is opening soon, and we want you to be there," Aman said, his voice light with enthusiasm.
There was a moment of silence before Auntie's son responded, his voice filled with excitement. "Seriously? That's amazing! Of course, I'll come. When's the opening?"
Bani leaned closer and spoke into the phone. "We're thinking of a small gathering, nothing too grand, but it would mean a lot if you could be here."
"Count me in," he assured them. "I wouldn't miss it for anything!"
Bani smiled, relief washing over her. She wanted her close ones to be there—people who had supported her through everything.
"Now for his sister, chaitra " Aman reminded her with a smirk.
She is not bad but she is some what calculative. She proritise herself, in Bani's eyes its not bad as one has to keep themselves first fefore others.
Bani dialed chaitra's number. The phone barely rang twice before her cousin's cheerful voice came through.
"Bani! How are you?"
"I'm good!" Bani said, her excitement growing. "Listen, I have great news. My shop is finally opening, and I'd love for you to come."
"Your shop? Oh my God, Bani, that's amazing!" her cousin exclaimed. "Of course, I'll be there! When is it?"
Bani and Aman exchanged a satisfied glance. Everything was falling into place.
After finalizing the details with her cousin, Bani set the phone down, exhaling with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Aman chuckled. "Looks like the guest list is filling up."
"Yeah," Bani said, looking around the shop. "I just want this to go well."
"It will," Aman assured her. "You've worked hard for this. Now, let's make sure everything's perfect for the big day."
In the blink of an eye, it was already Friday. The past few days had been a whirlwind of activity, filled with last-minute preparations for the grand opening of Bani's shop. Excitement and nervousness coursed through her, but she kept herself busy to push away any doubts.
That morning, Aman set out for the market. The sun had barely risen when he reached the bustling streets, filled with the scent of fresh flowers and spices. He carefully selected vibrant orange and yellow marigolds, along with fragrant jasmine flowers, and handed them over to a vendor who specialized in making garlands.