I first glanced at their names. Everything was going on, going on, going on. Here, they had postponed the marriage by more than twenty days because they wanted to accompany Grandma at the function—a grand affair indeed. People from the USA, more than a hundred to two hundred, were coming for fifteen to twenty days, along with relatives from IndIndia, Daniel's side, his wife's relations, and Max's mother's family; everyone would attend the wedding. They decided to delay it so everyone could stay active, especially since Grandpa and Grandma had major roles to play. The next day, both families gathered at the church for a prayer meeting. There, they met Max's grandparents, and Daniel announced they would postpone the wedding by twenty days. Both families agreed. On the way back from church, after meeting many relatives, they informed the church father too: on the 21st and 22nd of next month, please tell everyone in prayer that we're inviting them to our grandson's marriage. Grandma and Grandpa made the request. Afterward, they visited Daniel's house, where he met the grandparents before heading home. Meanwhile, as wedding plans progressed, a girl knocked on Mr. and Mrs. Mary's door at 5:00 PM. She was strikingly beautiful but dressed simply. "What do you want, dear? Come in, have a seat. What's the problem? Tell us," they said. She revealed she was Max's first love, having met him six years ago at his company with her father, a longtime worker there. On that function day, she'd seen Max and fallen deeply in love, dreaming of marrying him. She'd heard about his engagement and their families' visits, but for five years, she'd waited silently. Mary asked if Max had loved her back or if she'd loved him unrequitedly. "No," the girl said, "he doesn't know—I fell for him five years ago, while your brother's daughter Rose has loved him for fifteen months." Mary called Daniel down and introduced her as Kim, who claimed to love Max for five years. Daniel was stunned. "How is this possible? We asked him directly on the phone and at the function; his grandparents said he's too busy with business for such things." Kim insisted she wasn't lying—she loved him wholeheartedly and begged them to return her love. Rose came downstairs, and Mary had her sit facing Kim. Kim pleaded for ten to fifteen minutes as they listened. Daniel challenged her: "If your love is true, prove it. Otherwise, face punishment." Kim cried desperately, proclaiming her truth. Rose stood and demanded, "Does Max love you? Did he promise anything five years ago?" Kim admitted it was one-sided—he'd only seen her once at the function, never spoken to her. Her father had worked at his company for fifteen to twenty years, and she'd admired Max's style, hard work, and dedication. "How can this be?" Mrs. Mary exclaimed. Kim wept, head bowed. Mary and Daniel gave her time: with twenty days until the wedding, they'd decide within five whom Max would marry. James escorted her home and returned. The family discussed seriously for three to four hours. Upstairs, Rose cried in her room; Mary comforted her, promising to test Max. They'd arrange a function with six beautiful girls, keep him there overnight without going home, and involve his grandparents for twenty-four to thirty hours. At meals, beautiful girls would serve him, dress him like a king—testing his loyalty. Rose felt hopeful. The next day, Mary visited Max's grandparents and invited them to a special two-day function the day after next, asking them to stay twenty-four to thirty hours. They agreed. Early the next morning, everything was set: they hired six or seven stunning city girls, paying them lakhs each. The girls promised to follow rules, act convincingly, and tempt Max. The event featured music, dance, a fashion show—attended by ten to twelve relatives, both families, and about a hundred workers. In the midnight hour, as Max retired to his room, a girl fairer than Rose entered with sweets and milk. "Darling, will you have this milk?" she cooed. "No, I've had dinner—too full," he replied. She offered grapes or fruits; he refused. She sat, introducing herself seductively, but after an hour, Max said, "Madam, please leave. I'm drowsy and need sleep." She left and reported to Rose: "He's perfect for you—punctual, disciplined, upright. Trust him." Like that, the girl went downstairs.
