Shibani Devi and Deepak Babu arrived around seven in the evening. Although Bidisha Devi was surprised, Souvik Babu happily walked toward the door after seeing his sister and brother-in-law.
Bidisha Devi quietly walked away to inform Riha. The two of them came downstairs together.
"Ah, here are Boudi and Riha. Where is Icche Ma?" Shibani Devi asked.
"She's studying in her room. The moment she hears you've come, she'll rush out," Souvik Babu said with a big smile.
"No, no, don't call her now, dada. Let her study," said Deepak Babu.
"Pishi suddenly showed up! I mean, I didn't know you all were coming, that's why—"
"This is my father's home. I can come whenever I want. Why would I need to inform anyone beforehand?"
"Well, I actually knew they were coming. There's an important discussion, so it's necessary for them to stay," hearing this, Riha looked at him curiously. Bidisha Devi asked, "What discussion?"
"Sit down, Boudi. Dada will explain everything," Shibani Devi said while pulling her to sit.
Deepak Babu said, "Dada, I told you earlier—their family is truly good. Arnab's family is educated and well-mannered, and Sayam's family is also excellent."
"That much I understood, Deepak. Sayam—"
Bidisha Devi looked shocked. "But nothing is finalized yet. Then how—"
Cutting her off, Souvik Babu said, "Sayam came yesterday and informed us that his family is ready for the marriage. I also told him we have no objections. So it's practically finalized."
"You didn't tell us anything, Baba!" Riha was more angry than surprised.
"Why only you— even Icche doesn't know. The elders are discussing things. You'll all know everything soon," said Shibani Devi.
"But Thakurjhi, even I wasn't told anything. Don't I have the right to know?" — …
"What's the rush! We've only just met them. How can it be so soon—" Before Bidisha Devi could finish, Shibani Devi interrupted, "Met them where! I've known them since Sohini told me about Arnab."
"Only you knowing them isn't enough, Pishi. We need to know them too," Riha said through clenched teeth.
"What will you do knowing them! Icche has met them and that's enough. She already agreed to the marriage—Sohha told me," said Shibani Devi.
"Agreed—but did she say she wants it so soon? Or is her opinion not needed?" Bidisha Devi said. "Let's find out right now. Riha, go—"
Shibani Devi called out, "I came for you. Come downstairs, your Pisemoshai is here."
"Great! Looks like we'll have quite a gathering today," Ishani said smiling.
"Before anything else, answer my question, Icche. Do you like Sayam?" asked Shibani Devi.
Ishani lowered her head and nodded.
"My sweet girl, now come downstairs and tell everyone that you agree to get married this year." Ishani looked stunned. "This year?"
"Yes, Sayam's family wants that. And it'll be good for you too, Icche. Trust me, it makes me feel like I'm doing what's best for you."
"That's how it will be, Icche. Come with me," Shibani Devi said, taking her downstairs. Hearing Ishani's agreement, Riha burned with jealousy. Bidisha Devi was furious but stayed silent. She thought, Something needs to be done, and fast.
But when she heard that everyone must go to the Barman house tomorrow, her face fell.
After the conversations were over, Deepak Babu and Shibani Devi left.
Tomorrow everyone would visit the Barman house.
At the breakfast table—
"What's the meaning of shamelessly tagging along! Girls go to their in-laws' house after marriage, not for a visit beforehand," Riha said. Souvik Babu replied, "Since when do you follow old customs? You're a modern girl, Riha. Nowadays girls visit their future home beforehand. There's nothing wrong with it."
"No, she doesn't need to go. We are here," Bidisha Devi said coldly.
Just as Souvik Babu was about to say something, Ishani said, "Let it be, Baba. Ma is right. You all go. I have urgent classes today." Souvik Babu got up angrily.
They all were stunned by the beautiful house. Soon Sohini and Arnab arrived with Shibani Devi and Deepak Babu. Arnab's parents weren't coming due to office work.
Not seeing Ishani, Sohini asked, "Where is Icche!"
"You didn't bring Ishani?" asked Kuheli Devi.
"Actually, she had an urgent university class, so she couldn't come. My daughter is very serious about her studies—she never compromises," Bidisha Devi said with a smile. Riha whispered under her breath—…
"Take Arnab with you, go have a look around," said Chitra Devi. "Come, Sohini, I'll take you. Arnab, you come too," said Sayam.
Riha quickly added, "I'll go too! I mean, I'll look around my sister's in-laws' house."
"Yes yes, go," said Srijit Babu.
"Come, I'll take you," said Ritom. By then, Arnab, Sayam, and Sohini had already gone upstairs.
Entering his room, Sayam asked, "Where is Ishani? Didn't she come?"
"No, Dada-bhai. Mami said she went to university. Urgent class. But I—" Sohini began.
Arnab joked and cut her off.
"Stop it, you and your jokes," Sayam said.
"Who's joking!" Riha appeared.
"Finished touring the house?" Sohini asked irritably.
"No, not really. We came to you all," said Ritom.
"Actually I thought it'd be nicer if we all stayed together. That's why I came," said Riha. Sayam muttered, "The person whose presence would matter isn't even here… annoying."
"Sit everyone, let's chat. Whose room is this?" Riha sat on the sofa.
"This is Dada-bhai's room," said Arnab.
"Oh, very nice," Riha smiled—though it wasn't genuine.
"Let's go. Surely discussions have started downstairs," Sohini said irritably and walked out.
Riha saw Subir Babu and Srijit Babu talking. But Sayam's mother wasn't there.
"Where's Aunty?"
"In the kitchen. Why, do you need something?"
"No, just asking. I'll go talk to the aunties," Riha said and left.
Subir Babu smiled and said, "Truly, Souvik Babu, your daughters are very sweet."
Sohini thought anxiously, What is Riha up to! I'm really worried now. Ugh, I'm sitting here missing class for Dada-bhai.
"You're going to Icche?" she asked excitedly.
"Yes. I'm bringing her back. You handle things here till then."
Sayam hung up and focused on driving.