The grand courtyard of Rajrishi Mansion was dressed in elegance.
Rows of beautifully arranged seats faced the decorated stage of Janaki Dance Academy. Brass lamps stood ready to be lit, while fresh marigolds and jasmine garlands adorned every pillar. The soft sound of rehearsals floated through the air as guests were expected to arrive at any moment.
Standing near the entrance were Janak and Kushal, making one final inspection. Janak looked around the courtyard with satisfaction.
JANAK- The lighting looks perfect.
Kushal nodded after checking a list in his hand.
KUSHAL- The sound system has been tested twice. And the students are ready.
Janak smiled at him and turned to look at the file in Kushal's hold.
JANAK- I wanted to ask you. Tum yeh files lekar kyu ghum rahe ho subah se.?
Kushal smile at Janak and uplifted his shoulders.
KUSHAL- that even I don't know.
Janak narrowed his eyes in confusion and Kushal laughs at him.
KUSHAL- I took from the event manager at morning and carries it everywhere I go.
JANAK- Good.!
Janak said with a laugh while Kushal folded his hands behind his back.
KUSHAL- we are ready, now all we need is peace.
Janak laughed at his words.
KUSHAL- well, that depends on whether Bhabhi arrives calmly or with another list of worries.
As if summoned by the conversation itself, Sunaina and Chandra walked toward them. Sunaina's graceful face still carried traces of concern despite everything being in order, while Chandra wore her usual composed smile. The moment they reached them, Kushal asked.
KUSHAL- what happened.?
Kushal asked uplifting his eyes while Sunaina took a deep breath.
SUNAINA- abb kya bolu me...
Before she could continue, Chandra immediately understood where the conversation was headed. She smiled at Kushal.
CHANDRA- Kushal, come with me.
He looked puzzled.
KUSHAL- Why?
CHANDRA- I want you to check the guest lounge and the backstage arrangements.
Chandra said casually and Janak already understood that. He hides his smile and Kushal looks confused.
KUSHAL- But I just...
CHANDRA- Come... chote raja ji...
She gently took the file from his hand and started walking. Kushal glanced back at Janak with an amused expression.
KUSHAL- I think your wife and my wife have formed an alliance.
Janak laughed with a nod.
JANAK- They always do.
As Kushal and Chandra walked away, Sunaina finally turned toward Janak.
SUNAINA- I don't understand how all of you are so relaxed.
Janak looked at her with a smile.
JANAK- And I don't understand how you find something to worry about every five minutes.
Sunaina shook her head in disbelief.
SUNAINA- I am serious.
Janak smile back at her.
JANAK- So am I.
She sighed a deep breath again and Janak looks at her waiting for her to speak.
SUNAINA- The guests will arrive soon.
Janak nodded his head to agree.
JANAK- They will.
Sunaina looked around the complete courtyard.
SUNAINA- The decorations...?
JANAK- They are beautiful.
Answered Janak immediately. While Sunaina continued saying.
SUNAINA- The musicians...
JANAK- They are ready.
Janak holds his hands at his back and Sunaina peeped towards the direction of catering.
SUNAINA- The refreshments...
Janak took a final deep breath.
JANAK- They have been arranged Sunaina.
Sunaina looked at him helplessly.
SUNAINA- you answer everything so easily.
Janak chuckled at her in amusement.
JANAK- Because everything has already been taken care of.
She remained silent for a moment before saying what had truly been bothering her.
SUNAINA- And I still can't find the girls.
Janak smiled knowingly.
JANAK- Our girls?
Sunaina nodded to agree.
SUNAINA- I have searched the rehearsal hall. The backstage area. The guest rooms. The garden. They are nowhere.
Janak looked toward the bustling corridors of the mansion. Students hurried past. Volunteers carried props. Teachers discussed performances. He smiled softly.
JANAK- agar wo kahi dikh nahi rahe, iska matlab wo charon yahi kahi hai.
Sunaina looked at him.
SUNAINA- They have been running around since morning. They will tire themselves out.
Sunaina paused and shook her head in complaints.
SUNAINA- kuch khaya bhi nahi hoga subah se.
Janak gently placed his hand over hers.
JANAK- Sunaina...
Sunaina turned to look at him.
JANAK- They are doing exactly what they have learned from us.
She looked at him still.
JANAK- They are taking responsibility.
Sunaina's expression softened, but she still shook her head.
SUNAINA- A mother worries.
Janak nodded his head to agree.
JANAK- I know.
Sunaina folded her hands in front of him.
SUNAINA- And a father?
Janak smile at her.
JANAK- A father learns to trust.
For a moment, they stood quietly, watching the preparations. Janak then looked at his wife with affection. Today, dressed in a graceful saree with traditional jewelry, she carried herself with the same elegance that had first impressed him years ago. He smiled and said softly.
JANAK- You know, Rani Sa...
Sunaina looked at him in wonder. Janak usually calls her that.
SUNAINA- What?
JANAK- You have walked around this mansion at least twenty times today. And yet somehow...
Janak paused and takes Sunaina's hand in his.
JANAK- you still look like the queen of this palace.
A faint blush appeared on her face.
SUNAINA- Don't tease me.
Janak shook his head to agree.
JANAK- I am not teasing you. I am simply telling the truth.
She tried to hide her smile.
SUNAINA- You are saying this only so that I stop worrying.
Janak nodded with a grin.
JANAK- If it works, then yes.
Sunaina laughed despite herself. Just then, from somewhere inside the mansion, the cheerful voices of the girls echoed through the corridors as they hurried from one responsibility to another. Janak looked in that direction and smiled.
JANAK- See? Mene kaha tha na.?
Sunaina looked at him in wonder.
JANAK- Our daughters roam around happily. They won't stay at one place.
Sunaina shook her head affectionately.
SUNAINA- And one day, they will fly away to their own homes.
Janak looked at her and replied gently.
JANAK- When that day comes, Sunaina, they will carry this home's love with them wherever they go.
Before either could say another word, Kushal's voice echoed from across the courtyard,
"Bhaiya! The guests have arrived!"
Janak straightened his sherwani and offered his arm to Sunaina.
JANAK- Come... Our family is waiting.
Together, they walked toward the entrance, ready to welcome their guests and begin another memorable celebration of Janaki Dance Academy.
**********
The preparations were finally complete.
The marble courtyard, decorated with fresh marigolds, jasmine garlands, and brass lamps, looked magnificent under the bright Mumbai morning. The stage of Janaki Dance Academy stood proudly at the center, while attendants welcomed guests with rose petals and sandalwood tilak.
Near the entrance stood the four pillars of the Rajrishi family-
Janak, dignified as ever, greeted every guest with folded hands and a warm smile. Beside him stood Sunaina, still glancing around every few seconds to ensure nothing had been missed.
On the other side stood Kushal, calm and composed, effortlessly coordinating the arrangements while exchanging greetings with arriving guests. And next to him was Chandra, whose peaceful smile seemed to reassure everyone around her.
At a moment, Sunaina whispered to Kushal.
SUNAINA- Please tell me the musicians have arrived.
Janak smile at her question, Chandra already giggled while Kushal sighed before answering.
KUSHAL- They have... Bhabhi.
Sunaina smiled softly and suddenly she questioned him the next.
SUNAINA- The chief guests?
Chandra again laughs and Kushal watches her for once before he answers Sunaina.
KUSHAL- They are on their way.
Sunaina again sighed in relief when after exactly three seconds she asked.
SUNAINA- The refreshments?
KUSHAL- Ready.
Kushal answered immediately and Sunaina threw another question.
SUNAINA- The certificates?
KUSHAL- On the stage.
Kushal answered while nodding his head sideways. Meanwhile Janak and Chandra were mere spectators oscillating their eyes from Sunaina to Kushal and back to Sunaina.
SUNAINA- The bouquets?
JANAK- bas Sunaina...
Janak finally stopped Sunaina and she turned towards him.
JANAK- for what we have management team.?
Chandra chuckled loudly while Kushal shook his head giggling. Sunaina made a face at Janak and nodded softly. After two seconds, she tried to asked again in hesitation.
SUNAINA- The bouquets are fresh, right?
Kushal smiled without missing a beat.
KUSHAL- They are fresher than my patience, bhabhi sa.!
Even Janak chuckled, while Chandra hid a laugh behind her hand.
At that moment, a luxury car entered through the gates. The attendants immediately straightened. Janak's face brightened. The car came to a halt, and out stepped Ratnakar Valmiki, a distinguished gentleman with an easy smile, dressed in brown color suit. Followed by his wife, Bhargavi Valmiki, elegant and graceful in a purple color Bengali cotton saree.
The moment they approached, Janak walked forward.
JANAK- Ratnakar!
The two embraced warmly. Bhargavi folded her hands.
RATNAKAR- ram ram sa.! Raja- sa.!
Everyone have chuckled to hear that. Ratnakar always had that habit to tease everyone in the family while honoring them extraordinarily.
JANAK- nothing changes even after meeting after a long.
The two laughs at each other while everyone greets each other now.
BHARGAVI- Sunaina, every year this mansion becomes more beautiful.
Sunaina smiled looking around the complete mansion while Ratnakar too nodded to agree.
SUNAINA- aisa kuch nahi hai.
Sunaina looks a little embarrassed and Bhargavi laughed.
BHARGAVI- I am only stating the truth.
Chandra welcomed them with flowers as one of the attendent handed her the bouquets.
BHARGAVI- this idea of preparing a bouquets of the fallen flowers of your garden is so unique.!
Rajrishis and their unique way of greeting is always famous amongst the city. The four Rajrishis smile proudly while Ratnakar looked around the courtyard.
RATNAKAR- the atmosphere itself feels different here. It's not just an annual function-it feels like a family festival.
Janak nodded proudly and so as Kushal.
KUSHAL- That's exactly what we hope every guest feels.
Bhargavi admired the stage.
BHARGAVI- The students must be excited.
Everyone turned towards the girls practicing.
BHARGAVI- they have been practicing since months now.
Bhargavi disclosed and Ratnakar nodded to agree.
As attendants served fresh juice, Ratnakar looked around the beautifully decorated courtyard. He observed the elegant stage, the disciplined volunteers, and the students rehearsing. Then he smiled.
RATNAKAR- You know, Janak, there is one thing that has never changed.
Janak looked at him and so as everyone.
JANAK- What is that?
Ratnakar smile before he answers.
RATNAKAR- Your functions.
Everyone looked at him curiously.
He continued.
RATNAKAR- Families with business empires usually turn every celebration into a headline.
He pointed toward the entrance.
RATNAKAR- and here. No television vans. No media houses. No celebrity hosts. No photographers chasing every guest.
He shook his head with admiration.
RATNAKAR- And yet, your events remains one of the most respected cultural events in Mumbai.
Janak smiled quietly. Even Kushal, Sunaina and Chandra smile affectionately.
JANAK- Because we Rajrishis loves this way.
Janak answered being happy and Ratnakar smile nodding his head.
JANAK- If tomorrow's newspaper forgets this event, it doesn't matter. But if one child remembers today's performance and continues the tradition of Indian classical dance, then our purpose is fulfilled.
Kushal, who had been listening with a smile, added.
KUSHAL- Our companies already appear enough in business magazines.
The group laughed. He continued.
KUSHAL- The academy isn't a corporate project. It isn't a branding exercise. It's our family's responsibility.
Ratnakar smiled happily.
RATNAKAR- And perhaps that is why people respect it.
Kushal nodded to agree. Janak looked proudly at his younger brother.
JANAK- Success in business earns profits. Success in culture earns blessings.
Everyone smile at the words. Bhargavi smiled as she looked around.
BHARGAVI- aap sabko yaad hai, the first charity fundraiser we organized together?
Sunaina laughed nodding her head in agreement. While rest of them too chuckled quickly.
SUNAINA- How could I forget? We expected two hundred guests. And nearly six hundred arrived.
Everyone laughs to remember the event happened few years back. Chandra added with a smile.
CHANDRA- Sunaina didi spent the entire evening worrying that there wouldn't be enough food.
Everyone laughs again and Sunaina protested.
SUNAINA- There wasn't! We had to arrange while re ordering.
Bhargavi laughed placing her hand on her heart.
BHARGAVI- And by the end of the night, every guest left happy.
The men nodded happily to remember while Sunaina shrugged.
SUNAINA- If someone comes to our home, they should never leave feeling neglected.
Chandra nodded happily.
CHANDRA- That's exactly what our mother-in-law used to say.
Everyone went silent now. Janak and Kushal have smiled happily.
KUSHAL- yeh maa ka hi to sapna tha to have a cultural dance academy.
Janak nodded his head to agree and Sunaina and Chandra became emotional.
CHANDRA- and that is why our eldest daughter decided to have this dance academy on maa's name. Which is her name too.!
Janaki was the name of Janak and Kushal's late mother.! Everyone smile proudly to hear that.
JANAK- maa aur bauji hamesha se aise the. They always worked for charity.
Janak said proudly and Kushal, Sunaina and Chandra nodded to agree. Ratnakar and Bhargavi listened quietly.
RATNAKAR- we still remember the medical camp Rajrishis organized after the floods at Kedarnath? Thousands benefited.
Sunaina's expression softened and she smiled.
SUNAINA- That was not just our effort. So many volunteers worked day and night.
Chandra smiled to agree.
CHANDRA- And bhaiya and Kushal practically turned the company headquarters into a relief coordination center.
Ratnakar and Bhargavi smile warmly.
RATNAKAR- That is what I admire about your family. You donate quietly. No speeches. No giant advertisements. No photographs handing over cheques.
The Rajrishis smile proudly and nodded to agree.
JANAK- bauji always taught us that the right hand should not wait for the left hand to congratulate it.
Everyone shared a gentle smile before turning their attention back to the entrance, where more guests had begun to arrive.
At that moment, Kushal looked around and asked with amusement.
KUSHAL- by the way, where is Ishaan?
Ratnakar shook his head with amusement. While others looks in confusion as they completely forgot about him with their talks.
RATNAKAR- He insisted on parking the car himself.
Bhargavi added immediately.
BHARGAVI- And then he disappeared because someone recognized him on the way.
The Rajrishis shared a laugh when almost as if on cue, a familiar voice came from behind.
"So this is how my own parents introduce me?"
Everyone turned. Walking through the entrance was Ishaan Valmiki. Dressed in a cream kurta paired with a navy-blue Nehru jacket, he carried himself with effortless confidence. A pleasant smile played on his face as he greeted everyone with folded hands.
ISHAAN- Namaste.
Janak stepped forward and affectionately placed a hand on his shoulder.
JANAK- Welcome, beta.
Sunaina smiled warmly.
SUNAINA- tum to kuch jyada hi busy hogaye ho.
Ishaan laughed at them while scratching his head softly.
ISHAAN- aunty, ask uncle how much busy he keeps me at Rajrishi Industries.
Ishaan pointed at Janak and his eyes grew wide.
JANAK- oh is it.?
Ishaan immediately holds his ears to apologies and everyone laughs with him.
ISHAAN- well, I have met almost everyone...
He paused dramatically turning around the mansion.
ISHAAN- but where are the girls?
Sunaina immediately looked around as if she had been reminded of the same question yet again. Before she could answer, Janak smiled knowingly.
JANAK- The girls?
He folded his hands behind his back and looked toward the bustling mansion.
JANAK- They must be chirping around the mansion.
Everyone looked at him. He continued with a fond smile,
JANAK- They never stay on one branch for long.
Ishaan smiled as he looked toward the corridors leading into the mansion.
ISHAAN- Then I suppose I will have to wait until one of those birds decides to land.
The elders exchanged amused glances, while the lively sounds of rehearsals continued to echo through Rajrishi Mansion, hinting that the much-awaited arrival of the daughters was only a matter of time.
**********
The elders were still engaged in conversation when the peaceful atmosphere of the courtyard suddenly transformed into cheerful commotion. Students hurried from one end to another. Teachers called out instructions. The sound of tabla beats mixed with the jingling of hundreds of ghungroos.
Ratnakar looked around with amusement.
RATNAKAR- I was wondering where the young commanders of this academy were.
Janak smiled knowingly.
JANAK- You don't have to look for them.
He turned at the front with a smile.
JANAK- They announce their arrival themselves.
Everyone turned to his direction and they smile unknowingly to welcome the four girls everyone were waiting since long.
"Arrey, wait! Don't run!"
A lively voice echoed across the courtyard. Everyone turned to see Shruti Rajrishi, the youngest daughter of Kushal and Chandra, running after a tiny six-year-old dance student who was giggling while clutching a pair of ghungroos.
Hey mitti pe khinchi lakire...
The little girl laughed turning towards Shruti. She was the heart of laughter and affection. Friendly, playful, and full of energy, she formed connections effortlessly with children, students, and elders alike.
Rab ne toh yeh tasvir bani...
Shruti caught up to her and gently held her shoulders. Shruti is dressed in beautiful green color anarkali suit. Her beauty reflected her vibrant spirit. Her expressive eyes constantly sparkled with mischief and warmth, and her cheerful smile was impossible to ignore.
Aag hawa pani ko milaya...
SHRUTI- come here, shaitan.!
Shruti knelt down on the marble floor without caring about her anarkali. The child obediently sat on a nearby step. Shruti carefully wrapped the ghungroos around her tiny ankles and tightened the knots. The little girl hugged Shruti before running away.
Toh phir yeh tasvir saji...
Shruti stood up, brushing the dust from her clothes. She possessed a youthful charm that made people feel instantly at ease, while her kindness made that charm unforgettable.
"Excuse me! Side, side...please move!"
Everyone instinctively stepped aside. Across the garden pathways came Urmila Rajrishi, younger daughter of Janak and Sunaina, walking as quickly as humanly possible while balancing an impossible number of packets.
Hey hasti teri vishal...
Gift bags. Flower baskets. Program brochures. Ribbon boxes. Everything Urmila balanced and runs towards the corner. Urmila was the cheerful breeze that filled every corner of the mansion with life. Energetic, optimistic, and endlessly helpful, she rarely stayed in one place for more than a few minutes.
kudrat kaa tu kamal...
Someone called out,
"Urmila, let us help."
She shook her head.
URMILA- No, no! These have to go backstage, those to the green room, and these to the prize table.
One packet slipped. She caught it with her elbow. Another almost fell. She balanced it with surprising skill. Her beauty reflected her lively nature. Bright eyes sparkled with excitement, her expressive face revealed every emotion, and her infectious laughter could lighten the mood of an entire room.
Hey mann mohini teri ada
Tujhe jab dekhle toh phir ghata...
Dressed in pink color long anarkali suit, Urmila looked happy to manage ten work at togther. She had a habit of taking on ten responsibilities at once and somehow managing them all with a smile.
Barse jhar jhar jhar jhar sarar sarar sarar
Nache chamak chamak woh bijali diwani...
Just then a volunteer arrived and relieved her of half the load. Urmila smiled gratefully. Even while rushing from one task to another, she carried an effortless charm that made everyone feel comfortable around her.
A moment later another voice echoed from the stage.
"Please don't step there!"
Everyone looked toward the entrance. There came Manvi Rajrishi, eldest daughter of Kushal and Chandra, carrying several trays filled with vibrant rangoli colors.
Hai bemisal tu kori kori anchuyi...
Blue. Crimson. Yellow. Green. Purple. She walked quickly yet carefully, protecting the trays as though they contained precious jewels. She is dressed in blue color anarkali suit, Manvi was the artist of the family. Thoughtful, creative, and detail-oriented, she noticed beauty where others saw ordinary things.
Tujh mein hai kudrat sari khoyi khoyi...
A worker accidentally moved toward her path. Manvi immediately stopped.
MANVI- No, please!
He froze.
MANVI- If one color spills, the entire design changes.
The worker apologized. She smiled warmly. Then she looked toward the stage. Whether designing a rangoli, arranging flowers, or planning decorations, she pursued perfection with quiet dedication. She spoke less but observed more, often finding solutions that others overlooked.
Tujh mein hai kudrat sari khoyi...
Without waiting another second, she hurried away toward the artists already sketching the outline. Her beauty was delicate and refined. Soft features, graceful movements, and calm eyes gave her an almost artistic presence.
Tujh mein hai kudrat sari khoyi...
There was a gentle sophistication about her, making her seem like someone who belonged amidst colors, music, and creativity.
Just then, from the rehearsal area, came the rhythmic sound of synchronized footwork.
"Ta Thai Thai Tat...
Ta Thai Thai Tat..."
A group of young dancers practiced in perfect formation. Standing before them was Siya Rajrishi, the eldest daughter of Janak and Sunaina and the guiding force behind Janaki Dance Academy.
Mitti ki hai moorat teri
Masumiyat fitrat teri...
She was completely absorbed in the rehearsal. Dressed in a simple yellow anarkali suit, she carried no air of royalty despite belonging to one of Mumbai's most influential families. Siya possessed a quiet elegance that never demanded attention yet naturally drew it. She carried herself with grace, speaking softly but with confidence that made people listen.
Yeh sadapan yeh bholapan
Tu mehaki mehaki,mtu lehaki lehaki...
Her focus was entirely on her students. She clapped once. The girls repeated the sequence. She observed quietly. And then started doing the steps herself. Calm, disciplined, and deeply compassionate, she believed that respect was earned through actions rather than words.
Tu chali chali har gali gali
Tu hawa ke dhang sang sanana san...
From a distance, she looked less like the daughter of a royal business family and more like a devoted teacher. Siya's hair, her postures, her dress, her twinkling sound of earrings and bangles, all made beautiful noise with that graceful dance.
Teraa ang ang jaise jaltarang
Koyi leher leher chali teir teir pani kaa mel...
Her beauty was timeless rather than glamorous. Large expressive eyes reflected kindness and determination, while her serene smile had the ability to put anxious students at ease. Her complexion glowed with a natural radiance, enhanced not by elaborate makeup but by simplicity. A small bindi on her forehead and understated traditional jewelry complemented her elegance rather than overshadowing it.
Tere tan badan jhar jharar jharar, angare jaisa...
What truly made Siya beautiful, however, was her demeanor. She spoke gently, listened patiently, and treated everyone-from young students to senior guests-with equal respect. Her calm leadership, humility, and kindness gave her a presence that lingered in people's memories long after they had met her. Siya continued dancing like a fairy when Manvi, Urmila and Shruti too arrives near her.
Teraa rom rom hai dehka dehka
Agni kaa khel tu agan agan...
Siya turns to look at them happily. She actioned them together and the three girls runs at Siya immediately. The four dancing princesses of Rajrishis started dancing beautifully to the tune.
Jara dhirak dhirak jara lachak lachak
Kabhi matak matak kabhee thumak thumak...
The four daughters were often compared to different seasons of the same garden: Siya - the calm and dignified strength that guided everyone. Urmila - the lively energy that kept everything moving.
Khali jhum jhum kabhee ghum ghum
Dharati ko chum mach dhum dhum...
Manvi - the creative soul who brought beauty to every detail. Shruti - the joyful spirit who filled the mansion with warmth and laughter.
Chanchal badi tu natkhat badi
Dehki bahar ras kee fuhar
Tere teekhe nain tere keshe rain
Yeh balkhana yeh itrana...
The four twirls together and their dresses made beautiful circles into the air. Though each had a distinct personality, together they were the pride of the Rajrishi family and the pillars of the family, combining discipline, compassion, creativity, and joy into a legacy that reflected their family's values.
The complete courtyard echoed with four different voices of laughters while everyone smile happily looking at them.
One of the middle aged workers turned towards his co worker and whispered.
WORKER- Rajrishi pariwaar ki baat hi alag hai. They have a different way of making everyone feel like family.
He smile and nodded to agree.
WORKER- None of them walks past us without greeting us. Even today, with so much work, they still ask whether we have had breakfast.
The old worker leaned on the curtains at the back stage and said softly
WORKER- People think Rajrishi Mansion stands because of marble pillars.
He looked at the four girls dancing beautifully across the courtyard.
WORKER- They are wrong. This mansion stands because of the love inside it.
Another worker agreed.
WORKER- Janak Sir and Kushal Sir are the strength of the family, but these four daughters...
He smiled.
WORKER- they are its happiness.
The housekeeper folded her hands affectionately.
WORKER- When they laugh, the whole mansion feels alive. When they are away, even these grand halls seem quiet.
Just then, the sound of the girls' voices echoed across the courtyard as each called instructions to students and volunteers.
The workers looked at one another and smiled.
WORKER- No wonder everyone calls Rajrishi Mansion a grand mansion.
Another corrected him gently.
WORKER- A mansion is built with wealth. A home is built with people like them.
They all smile turning towards the four girls who have finally stopped with their dance now laughing looking at each other.
**********
**********
Thank you.!
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