The courtyard was almost ready. The stage stood decorated, the musicians had taken their places, and guests were gradually filling their seats.
For the first time since morning, Siya, Manvi, Urmila, and Shruti walked toward the entrance together. Janak, Sunaina, Kushal, and Chandra were standing there, welcoming the arriving guests.
The moment Sunaina saw the four girls, she folded her arms.
SUNAINA- So... the princesses of Rajrishi Mansion have finally decided to appear.
The four sisters exchanged innocent glances. Urmila smiled.
URMILA- Maa, we were here all along. Aapko dikhe nahi honge.
Sunaina raised an eyebrow.
SUNAINA- Really? Me tum sabko subah saat baje se dhundh rahi hu.
Sunaina said standing in front of the girls while they smile looking at each other.
SUNAINA- I asked ten people. One said you were backstage. Another said you were in the garden. A third said you were with the students. And when I reached there, you had already disappeared.
Janak, Kushal and Chandra giggles amongst each other while Manvi and Urmila smiles at them. Shruti quietly hid behind Siya. Sunaina noticed.
SUNAINA- Shruti, don't hide behind your sister.
Shruti peeked from behind Siya and smiled.
SHRUTI- I am not hiding taiji.!
Sunaina folded her arms again waiting for Shruti to reply.
SHRUTI- I am just... strategically standing.
Everyone laughed except Sunaina, who tried very hard not to. Before she could say anything, Chandra looked at the girls stepping towards them.
CHANDRA- Did anyone of you have breakfast peacefully?
The sisters looked at each other. Manvi answered honestly.
MANVI- I had two bites.
Urmila added to it immediately.
URMILA- And I had juice.
Chandra sighed in disbelief.
CHANDRA- That doesn't count as breakfast.
Just then Janak stepped forward, smiling.
JANAK- Enough both of you mothers.
He looked at Sunaina and Chandra and they turned to look at Janak.
JANAK- Don't scold them.
Sunaina looked at him.
SUNAINA- I am not scolding them.
Manvi, Urmila and Shruti looks in surprise at Sunaina. Urmila already shakes her ears and Shruti blinks at Sunaina's words.
MANVI- you have been scolding for five minutes taiji.!
Again everyone laughed. This time Siya stepped forward to save her sisters from the ongoing scoldings.
SIYA- maa... chachi...we are sorry for not looking after ourselves since morning.
Siya said with a calm voice and the two mothers sighed with a shook of their head sideways. Janak looked proudly at the four girls.
JANAK- They have been working since dawn.
Siya, Manvi, Urmila and Shruti smile at Janak while he stepped towards them.
JANAK- They are making sure today's event is perfect.
Sunaina replied.
SUNAINA- And who told them to run around the entire mansion without resting?
Janak answered immediately.
JANAK- No one. They do it because they care.
Kushal shook his head with amusement.
KUSHAL- And that is exactly the problem.
Everyone turned toward him. And Kushal pointed at Janak.
KUSHAL- Because of bhaiya, these four have become impossible.
Janak pretended to be surprised.
JANAK- Because of me?
"Yes."
The three said together. Janak pouts and the girls giggles.
KUSHAL- You never stop them.
Said Kushal immediately.
SUNAINA- If they make a mistake, you defend them.
Sunaina added to that.
CHANDRA- If they forget to eat, you say they are dedicated.
Janak already sighed to hear those three allegations.
KUSHAL- If they work too much, you say they are responsible.
Kushal finally smiled at the four.
KUSHAL- So naturally, they think they are always right.
The four girls looked at each other and burst into laughter. Shruti whispered
SHRUTI- papa has a point.
Kushal heard it.
KUSHAL- I always have a point.
Janak smiled at the girls.
JANAK- What do you have to say in your defense?
For a moment, the sisters remained silent. Then Siya smiled softly.
SIYA- we four sisters are like water.
Everyone looked at her. She continued with a grin
SIYA- Can anyone hold water in their hands forever?
The elders smiled at them and Manvi added.
MANVI- It finds its own path.
Shruti completed the thought.
SHRUTI- And if you try to stop it...
URMILA- it flows somewhere else.
Urmila completes Shruti's sentence and the elders sighed while laughing. Finally Siya looked at her parents and uncle and aunt.
SIYA- We are only trying to be wherever we are needed.
A silence followed. Sunaina looked at her daughters. Her expression softened. She walked forward and gently adjusted Siya's dupatta.
SUNAINA- You all work so hard that you forget yourselves.
Chandra lovingly held Shruti's hand.
CHANDRA- And that is exactly why we worry.
Janak smiled at them.
JANAK- A family that worries for one another is a fortunate family.
Kushal nodded.
KUSHAL- And a family that argues like this...is an even happier one.
Everyone laughed together.
Just then, a little student came running toward them.
GIRL- Siya Didi, everyone is ready backstage.
Siya looked at the stage. The musicians had taken their seats. The audience had settled. The lamps awaited their ceremonial lighting.
Janak looked at his family-Sunaina, Kushal, Chandra, and the four girls standing together. His eyes reflected quiet pride. He folded his hands and said.
JANAK- Then let us begin.
The sisters nodded together. With smiles on their faces and their family beside them, they walked toward the stage, ready to welcome everyone to another memorable celebration of Janaki Dance Academy, where art, tradition, and family came together as one.
**********
The day had unfolded beautifully. The courtyard of Rajrishi Mansion, illuminated by thousands of diyas and elegant chandeliers, had witnessed mesmerizing performances of Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and Kuchipudi. The audience had applauded every recital, and the atmosphere was one of celebration rather than competition.
Finally, the time arrived for the prize distribution ceremony. One by one, the young performers walked onto the stage, their faces glowing with excitement. Medals were placed around their necks, trophies were handed over, and certificates were received with folded hands.
Unlike many events, there were no grand speeches announcing rankings or comparisons. Every child who had devoted months of effort was appreciated. Janak, Sunaina, Kushal, and Chandra personally congratulated each student. Parents captured memories, teachers smiled proudly, and the courtyard echoed with applause.
As the last prize was distributed, the master of ceremonies stepped toward the podium.
HOST- Ladies and gentlemen.!
As the voice echoed, every single eye turned towards the stage.
HOST- before we conclude today's celebration, we invite the guiding force of Janaki Dance Academy.
Janak already smile looking at the direction of the back stage. Siya turned her eyes towards Janak and he nodded his head happily.
HOST- Siya Janak Rajrishi, to address everyone.
The audience applauded loudly. Siya walked onto the stage. She adjusted the microphone and looked across the courtyard. Manvi, Urmila and Shruti who were too standing at the back stage smile happily to hear Siya now.
For a brief moment, she smiled at the students seated in the front rows before beginning.
SIYA- Good afternoon to everyone.
As Siya's voice echoed the courtyard, everyone went silent to hear her. Janak and Sunaina smile, Kushal and Chandra waited patiently while Ratnakar and Bhargavi too smile looking at her.
SIYA- today, as I stand here, I do not feel like someone delivering a speech. I feel like a daughter standing among her family.
She paused and turned towards her family who were looking already happy and proud. Meanwhile Ishaan have started recording the video of Siya from his seat now.
SIYA- When people hear the name 'Janaki Dance Academy,' they often ask us why it is called Janaki.
She glanced toward the first row, where Janak and Sunaina sat.
SIYA- The answer is very close to our hearts. Janaki was the name of my beloved grandmother- our Dadi- whose life was rooted in kindness, culture, and simplicity.
Siya smiled softly. Manvi, Urmila and Shruti exchanged happy smiles and turns to look at Siya.
SIYA- And by God's grace, Janaki is also my second name.
The audience listened attentively. Siya again took a pause while few of the audience have started clicking the photographs.
SIYA- This academy was never created merely to teach dance. It was created to preserve values. To remind us that culture is not something we inherit automatically, it is something we choose to protect.
She looked toward the young dancers with a smile.
SIYA- A mudra, a rhythm, a story through dance... these are not just performances. They are conversations between generations.
Everyone started clapping for Siya while she waits for all to complete their applause.
SIYA- Our family belongs to the world of business, where numbers, meetings, and decisions occupy most days. But whenever we gather here, we remember that before success comes identity, and before identity comes tradition.
She paused as her gaze wandered toward her family.
SIYA- My parents taught us that wealth can build buildings, but values build homes.
Janak and Sunaina happily smile at Siya while Ratnakar turned to look at Bhargavi with a proud smile.
SIYA- My chacha chachi taught us that responsibility is shared with love. My sisters taught me that no dream is achieved alone.
Siya turned to look at Manvi, Urmila and Shruti while they smile back at her.
SIYA- And my grandparents left us a legacy that continues to guide us every day.
A gentle smile spread across her face. Meanwhile, Manvi, Urmila and Shruti have stepped at the stage, walking slowly towards Siya.
SIYA- people often ask the secret behind our family. There is no secret.
The audience listened carefully. And Kushal turned his head towards everyone to check for their reaction.
SIYA- We disagree. We tease each other. We worry for one another. We argue over little things.
She looked toward Sunaina, who smiled knowingly.
SIYA- And by the end of the day, we stand together.
The audience laughed softly. Siya continued.
SIYA- I sincerely wish that every family experiences this feeling. Not perfection, but togetherness.
Siya folded her hands softly.
SIYA- If today's celebration made even one child fall in love with our heritage, then the purpose of Janaki Dance Academy has been fulfilled.
Manvi, Urmila and Shruti stood behind her, like a support watching the audience at front.
SIYA- On behalf of the Rajrishi family, I thank every teacher, every student, every parent, every guest, and every member of our staff for making this academy a home rather than merely an institution.
Everyone smile at the kind words of Siya while she smile turning towards every corner of the courtyard.
SIYA- thank you.!
She stepped back and folded her hands. All three girls did the same. For a moment, there was complete silence. Then the entire courtyard erupted into applause. The students stood to clap. Teachers wiped away tears of pride. Guests nodded in admiration.
In the front row, Janak looked at Siya with eyes filled with pride. He did not speak, but his smile said everything. Beside him, Sunaina gently clasped his hand.
SUNAINA- Our daughter has inherited more than our name.
Janak nodded turning towards Sunaina.
JANAK- She has inherited our roots.
As the applause continued and the lamps flickered in the evening breeze, the banner of Janaki Dance Academy seemed to shine even brighter-a symbol of a family that believed its greatest legacy was not its business empire or royal lineage, but the love and traditions it passed from one generation to the next.
**********
The annual function had finally come to an end. The mansion, which had echoed with music and applause throughout the day, had now settled into a peaceful silence. The evening breeze carried the fragrance of jasmine from the gardens below, while the city lights of Mumbai sparkled in the distance.
On the terrace, a small table had been arranged with a teapot, cups of masala chai, and plates of biscuits and snacks. They have changed into their regular tshirts and pyjamas now. For the first time that day, the four girls had no responsibilities.
Siya, Manvi, Urmila and Shruti sat together, exhausted yet content. Shruti stretched her arms dramatically.
SHRUTI- I think I have walked enough today to circle the entire mansion twice.
Urmila laughed at her and pointed at herself.
URMILA- Only twice? I must have done it five times.
Shruti looks wondered and Urmila shook her head sideways. Manvi picked up her tea cup.
MANVI- And I spent half my day protecting the rangoli from people who apparently cannot see where they are walking.
The sisters laughed loudly. Urmila immediately placed her finger on her lips.
URMILA- maa ne hume aise haste hue sunn liya na... to pata hai na kya kahengi.?
Urmila's question made Manvi to nod while Shruti immediately cleared her throat to act like Sunaina.
SHRUTI- how it feels to laugh like a rakshas.? Tumhari dadi kehti thi rajgharane ki ladkiya aise jor jorse nahi hasti.
Manvi and Urmila clapped their hands together while Siya giggles to watch Shruti enacting as Sunaina ditto!
SIYA- But everything went well.
Said Siya with a quiet smile and the three of them nodded to agree.
SHRUTI- accept the little girl who forgot her steps danced perfectly in the end.
Shruti said with a pout and Manvi immediately slaps her lap.
MANVI- she did because you spent fifteen minutes calming her down...
Shruti grinned proudly. And she uplifts her imaginary collars.
SHRUTI- I deserve extra dessert tonight.
URMILA- No arguments there...
Urmila said immediately and again the terrace echoed with a huge laugh.
URMILA- it feels good to have everyone at the event hai na.?
Said Urmila turning towards the three and they nodded happily. Then Urmila suddenly looked toward Siya with a mischievous smile.
URMILA- By the way...
Siya looked up at her and so as Manvi and Shruti.
URMILA- Did anyone notice that lady in the green saree?
Siya tried to remember. While Manvi and Shruti have already pressed their lips to suppress their laugh.
SIYA- Which one?
Asked Siya looking confused and Urmila shifted a little closer to Siya.
URMILA- The one aunty who spent nearly twenty minutes talking to Maa.
Manvi smiled knowingly. Shruti immediately started laughing. Siya looked confused.
MANVI- the green saree aunty was a guest of Bhargavi kaki. Someone from her NGO.
Said Manvi eating a piece of biscuit while Siya looks at them with her scrunched eyes.
SIYA- What happened?
The three exchanged glances. Finally Urmila leaned forward dramatically.
URMILA- She wasn't discussing the dance academy.
Urmila shook her head sideways to deny and Siya copied her shooking her head sideways.
SIYA- No?
"No."
Said the three girls together while Siya looked at each one of them.
SIYA- Then what?
Shruti covered her smile.
SHRUTI- She was discussing you.
Shruti pointed towards Siya while her eyes became wide in surprise.
SIYA- Me?
Manvi nodded first, then Urmila and then Shruti. All three girls nodding their heads to agree.
MANVI- She has a son.
Siya blinked as she heard Manvi revealing that.
SIYA- And?
Urmila answered with complete seriousness.
URMILA- And she was trying to convince Maa that her son would be a perfect match for you.
For two seconds, Siya simply stared at them. Then she shook her head to deny.
SIYA- No.
Shruti laughed at first, Urmila giggles while Manvi simply smile at Siya.
SHRUTI- That is your answer dii.?
Shruti asked Siya and she nodded her head to agree.
SIYA- Yes.
"No?"
Manvi, Urmila and Shruti repeated together while Siya nodded her head this time confidently.
SIYA- Exactly.
The sisters burst into laughter. Siya took another sip of tea.
SIYA- I don't even know who her son is.
Urmila smiled at her placing her hand on Siya's shoulder.
URMKLA- That doesn't stop matchmakers.
Manvi continued teasingly.
MANVI- And taiji has become very serious about your marriage these days. Siya dii ki shaadi is new aim of taiji.!
Siya sighed dramatically and she shook her head sideways.
SIYA- I know.
Shruti leaned closer to Siya, resting her hand on Siya's shoulder.
SHRUTI- So tell us. What kind of person do you want?
Siya looked at them feeling confused. Shruti cleared her words.
SHRUTI- hamare liye kaise jiju chahti hai aap.? Batayiye...
Before Siya could answer, she asked them while folding her hands.
SIYA- No, first you all tell me. What your definition of love is.?
The sisters immediately accepted the challenge by smiling happily while Siya looks at them in wonder. As in they were waiting for this question to come.
Shruti raised her hand first.
SHRUTI- I will go.
She looked at the evening sky dramatically and Manvi, and Urmila looks at her direction.
SHRUTI- I believe in fairy tales.
As soon as Shruti said that Manvi and Urmila again laughs while Siya stopped them by actioning.
SHRUTI- I want someone who feels like coming home after a long day. Someone who makes ordinary moments magical.
Siya smile at her words and this time Manvi and Urmila too smile at her.
SHRUTI- I want someone who becomes my best friend first. And who can laugh with me when life gets difficult.
Siya, Manvi and Urmila smile happily this time and looking at their reaction Shruti grinned.
SHRUTI- and yes, someone who remembers birthdays.
Everyone laughed together. Urmila nodded.
URMILA- My turn.
She rested her chin on her hand.
URMILA- I believe in true love. Not grand speeches. Not expensive gifts. But choosing the same person every single day.
Siya smile at her while Manvi and Shruti raised their eyebrows.
URMILA- I don't want hook ups. I want commitment. He should be confident about his love for me.
Urmila said dreaming and the three girls exchanged glances.
URMILA- bhale hi wo mujhse laakh lad le, still he should return back to me at the end of the day.
Siya, Manvi and Shruti laughs at Urmila and Urmila too giggles at her words. Then everyone turned toward Manvi. She thought for a moment.
MANVI- I don't know about fairy tales. I simply want to understand the person. And I want him to understand me.
Said Manvi in a low voice to which Siya smile at her and Shruti rested her hand under her chin.
MANVI- I think love grows through understanding.
Before she could continue Urmila interrupted with a mischievous grin.
URMILA- Oh really?
Manvi narrowed her eyes.
URMILA- Does this theory apply to Bhushan too?
Urmila drew out the word dramatically. Shruti immediately burst into laughter. Manvi looked away.
MANVI- I knew this was coming.
Siya smile at Manvi's reaction while Urmila and Shruti smile mischievously looking at each other.
SHRUTI- So answer.
MANVI- There is nothing to answer.
Manvi said feeling irritated and Shruti decides to make her more irritated.
SHRUTI- Nothing at all?
Manvi shook her head to deny.
SHRUTI- maa ke friend ka beta hai Bhushan...
Said Shruti while folding her hands and Siya immediately slapped her back.
MANVI- hmm...
That's all what Manvi said. Urmila narrowed her eyes looking at her.
URMILA- She ignored the question.
Manvi calmly picked up another biscuit.
MANVI- I ignored unnecessary discussion.
The terrace filled with laughter. Finally all three sisters looked toward Siya.
URMILA- Your turn.
Siya sat quietly for a moment, watching the lights of the terrace. Then she spoke softly.
SIYA- I don't know whether I believe in fairy tales.
Shruti smile at her first.
SIYA- I don't even know whether love happens at first sight.
Manvi and Urmila shook their head lightly. Siya paused and then continued.
SIYA- But I know one thing. I cannot love someone I do not know.
The others listened silently. Siya took a heavy breath.
SIYA- I want to understand the person completely. Not just what the world sees.
Siya said in simple words and Manvi, Urmila and Shruti smile listening to her.
SIYA- But what he fear. What he value. What makes him smile. What makes him angry.
Siya turned her eyes towards the girls one by one.
SIYA- How he treat people when no one is watching.
Siya smiled gently.
SIYA- I want to know his dreams, his flaws, his silences. And I want him to know mine.
Siya took a deep breath again and her sisters smile looking at her.
SIYA- Only then can love become something real. For me, falling in love comes after understanding-not before.
For a few moments, no one spoke. Even Urmila, who usually had a teasing reply ready, simply smiled. Then Shruti broke the silence.
SHRUTI- So basically...
Siya looked at her.
SHRUTI- You will probably interview your future husband.
Everyone burst into laughter, including Siya. She shook her head.
SIYA- Maybe not an interview.
Urmila smirked.
URMILA- A very long conversation, then.
As the sisters continued laughing over steaming cups of tea, the moon rose above Rajrishi Mansion. In that quiet evening, their dreams of love were different-one believed in fairy tales, one in true companionship, one in understanding, and one in knowing a person deeply before giving away her heart-but all four cherished the same foundation that had shaped their family:
"Love, when rooted in trust and respect, becomes a home."
**********
**********
Thank you.!
Eight definition of love, four love stories. How will love find its way.?
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