The Next Morning: Preparations Begin
Aarushi (bursting with excitement): "Mom, we can’t wait any longer. We need to get that guest list ready today!" 🎉
Amrita (smiling as she pulled out a notebook): "I agree, Aarushi. Let's get everything sorted out. This is a big day for Rahul, and we need to make sure everything is perfect." 📋✨
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Starting with the Close Family
Amrita (writing down names): "First, let’s start with the immediate family. Dadi and Nanaji, of course, we can’t forget them." 👵👴
Aarushi (nodding): "Yes, they’re always so excited about these things. Dadi will bless Ananya like she’s her own daughter!" 💖
Amrita (writing it down): "Done. Now, let’s add Bua and Phupha. They’re always a part of the celebrations!" 💃
Aarushi (laughing): "And Phupha will probably tell everyone embarrassing stories from when Bhai was a kid!" 😂
Amrita (grinning): "Exactly! Now, let’s move on to Mausi and Mausaji—Mansi Mausi and her husband, Mr. Sharma." 🍮
Aarushi (playfully): "Mansi Mausi will definitely bring her famous laddoos. The whole family will be expecting them!" 😋
Amrita (writing them down): "Perfect! Mausi and Mausaji are on the list. Let’s also invite Chachu and Chachi—Rajesh Uncle and Neelam Auntie." 👨🦳👩🦳
Aarushi (excited): "Oh, Chachu will love the food at the engagement. And Chachi will ask us a hundred questions about the wedding planning!" 😂
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Adding Extended Family and Relatives
Now it was time to think about the extended family.
Amrita (writing quickly): "What about your cousin Mansi, Aarushi? She’s been asking about the engagement since we talked about it." 👧
Aarushi: "Yes, Mansi definitely needs to be invited. She’s so good with kids, and she’ll help keep everyone entertained!" 😄
Amrita (writing it down): "Great! Mansi’s on the list. What about Mamu and Mamiji, Ramesh Uncle and Seema Aunty?" 🧑🦳👩🦳
Aarushi (thinking): "Definitely! And we should also invite my school friends. You know, Priya and Neha. They’ll want to be there, and it’ll be fun for everyone." 👯♀️
Amrita: "Good idea! But let’s keep the list manageable. We can send them the invites in the next few days." ✨
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Moving on to Friends and Colleagues
After finishing the family, the next big step was inviting friends and colleagues of Rahul, who would be part of the engagement.
Aarushi (grinning): "Bhai’s friends are a must! Sameer and Aman, they’ve been with him forever!" 👬
Amrita (nodding): "Absolutely! Sameer and Aman are like family. Let’s add them. And what about Mrs. Mehra and Mr. Mehra? Rahul always talks about how they’ve been his mentors." 👩🦳👨🦳
Aarushi: "They should definitely be there. They’re so supportive of Bhai, and they’ll bring such warmth to the occasion." 😊
Amrita: "Okay, I’ll add them. And we’ll need to invite some of Rahul’s colleagues from work—like Mr. Gupta and Mrs. Gupta. They’ve been working with him for a long time." 🧑💼👩💼
Aarushi (laughing): "Bhai always says how Mr. Gupta’s jokes crack him up. I’m sure it’ll lighten up the ceremony!" 😂
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Finalizing the List
Now, with all the close family and friends in place, they took a moment to review the guest list.
Amrita (checking her notes): "Alright, let’s go over this one last time. We’ve got your Dadi, Nanaji, Bua, Phupha, Mansi Mausi, Rajesh Uncle, and Neelam Auntie. We’ve added Chachu, Chachi, Mamu, Mamiji, Sameer, Aman, Mrs. Mehra, Mr. Mehra, and Mr. Gupta." 📝
Aarushi: "I think we’ve covered everyone, Mom. This is going to be the most amazing engagement!" 💍
Amrita (smiling proudly): "Yes, it will. Now, let’s get the invites ready and start planning the rest. The decorations, the food, everything!" 🍽️✨
Aarushi (grinning): "Can I go shopping for my outfit now? I need to find something stylish, but traditional." 👗
Amrita (laughing): "Of course, but don’t forget that we still need to finalize the details of the ceremony!" 😅
Aarushi: "Don’t worry, Mom, I’ve got it covered! I’ll start shopping, and you keep organizing the event." 👠
Amrita (smiling): "Alright, let’s get this show on the road!" 🎉
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The Guest List Is Ready!
The Food Preparations Begin:
Mr. Khanna (dialing the number of the chef): "Hello, Chef Raghav, how are you? It’s Mr. Khanna here. I’m calling to discuss the menu for my son Rahul’s engagement ceremony. We’ll be expecting a big gathering, and I want the food to be just perfect." 🍴
Chef Raghav (on the phone): "Good morning, Mr. Khanna! I’m doing great, thank you. It’s always an honor to cater for your family. I’ll make sure the food is absolutely delicious. What kind of dishes are you thinking of?" 👨🍳
Mr. Khanna: "We want a mix of traditional and modern cuisine. Something that will reflect the rich culture but also feel fresh and exciting. Start with appetizers and then move to the main course. We’re going for a vegetarian spread, but I want to ensure we have a variety." 🌿🍲
Chef Raghav (nodding in agreement): "Understood, Mr. Khanna. For appetizers, I can do a variety of finger foods—pani puri, dhokla, and a selection of crispy starters like vegetable samosas and paneer tikka. For the main course, we can go with some royal dishes—like dal makhani, shahi paneer, vegetable biryani, and a variety of breads, including naan and kulcha. How does that sound?" 🍛🍛
Mr. Khanna (smiling): "That sounds fantastic! I’m sure the guests will love it. What do you suggest for the dessert?" 🍰
Chef Raghav: "For dessert, we can’t go wrong with traditional sweets like gulab jamun and rasgulla. But I also recommend adding a contemporary touch with chocolate mousse and fruit tarts. A balance of both, I’d say." 🍫🍓
Mr. Khanna (pleased): "Perfect. And how about drinks? We need something refreshing, but not too heavy." 🍹
Chef Raghav: "I recommend fresh fruit juices, lemon mint coolers, and a selection of mocktails like Virgin Mojito and Fruit Punch. That will keep things light and refreshing." 🍉🍹
Mr. Khanna (nodding): "Sounds amazing, Chef. I trust you to handle this. But before we finalize, let me check with my wife. I’ll call you back shortly to confirm everything." 📞
Mr. Khanna then turned to Amrita, who was organizing the guest list in the living room.
Mr. Khanna (approaching Amrita): "Amrita, I’ve spoken with Chef Raghav. He has suggested a menu, but I’d like your thoughts before we finalize it. He’s proposed appetizers like pani puri, vegetable samosas, and paneer tikka, and for the main course, dal makhani, shahi paneer, vegetable biryani, and naan. He’s also suggested gulab jamun, rasgulla, chocolate mousse, and fruit tarts for dessert." 🍮
Amrita (thoughtfully considering): "Hmm, I like all of it! But I think we should also include something that caters to our elders. Perhaps a dish like gajar ka halwa and some Indian sweets like ladoos, along with those desserts. The balance of modern and traditional is perfect, though." 🧁
Mr. Khanna (nodding): "I agree. We can’t forget the classics. Gajar ka halwa and ladoos it is, then. I’ll call Chef Raghav and finalize the list." 👍
Amrita (smiling): "And don’t forget to add a few vegan options—some guests might prefer that. Maybe a tofu curry or a chickpea salad?" 🥗
Mr. Khanna (grinning): "You always think of everything! I’ll let Chef Raghav know about the vegan dishes too." 🍽️
Mr. Khanna immediately called Chef Raghav again.
Mr. Khanna (on the phone): "Chef, after discussing with my wife, we’ve made a few adjustments. We’d like to add gajar ka halwa, ladoos, and also include some vegan options—perhaps a tofu curry and a chickpea salad for those who prefer it. Can you make those adjustments?" 🍛
Chef Raghav (enthusiastically): "Absolutely, Mr. Khanna! I’ll make sure the vegan dishes are as delightful as the rest. It’s all set! I’ll start preparing everything for the big day." 🥘
Mr. Khanna: "Thank you, Chef. I appreciate it. We’ll see you soon!" 🙏
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After the Call
Amrita and Mr. Khanna sat back, satisfied with the decisions they’d made for the menu.
Amrita (smiling): "Everything’s falling into place. Now we just need to finalize the decor and other details." 💐
Mr. Khanna (calmly): "Yes, and don’t worry, we’ll make sure the ceremony is just as perfect as the food." 🎉
