INT. THE IMPERIAL – PRIVATE ROOM – EVENING
The room is bathed in warm, inviting amber light. Each flickering flame on the tall, slender candles danced as if carrying an ancient, whispered prayer on its delicate tendrils of smoke.
Antique mirrors, their silvered surfaces aged and patinaed with time, reflected the soft glows, multiplying the light and casting an ethereal, dreamlike quality upon the scene.
Garlands of vibrant marigolds, a rich tapestry of saffron and gold, draped elegantly along the walls, cascading like blessings whispered from generations past—a fragrant testament to tradition and enduring love.
A low, intricately carved wooden table sat at the center of the room, its surface polished to a gleam. It was set with gleaming silver thalis, their intricate designs catching the light, and scattered with fragrant rose petals.
Their velvety texture and sweet perfume added a touch of romance to the air. Antique glasses, delicate and ornate, were filled with creamy kesar-milk, its golden hue echoing the marigold garlands.
Two old heirloom rings, their surfaces worn smooth by time and imbued with the stories of generations, rested on a small velvet cushion, glinting faintly under the warm glow of a crystal chandelier that hung above, its multifaceted crystals scattering rainbows of light across the room.
Seated at the head of the table were two figures of authority and grace: Gayatri Devi, regal and imposing in a deep maroon Banarasi saree, its intricate gold embroidery shimmering in the candlelight, and Savitri Devi, elegant and serene in ivory silk. Her silver hair was pulled back in a neat bun, her wisdom and experience radiating from her like precious jewelry. They exchanged a knowing glance, a silent nod passing between them—a shared understanding of the significance of this moment.
The heavy wooden door swung open, revealing Riyansh, who entered first. He walked with a measured, dignified gait, his posture impeccable, his expression carefully composed. He carried his emotional armor with an air of practiced grace, a shield against the vulnerabilities of the world. However, his eyes flickered briefly, a momentary flash of uncertainty crossing his face as he took in the meticulously arranged setting, the weight of expectation settling upon him.
Riyansh (quietly, to himself, a hint of apprehension in his voice): This doesn't look like a casual dinner. This feels…orchestrated. There's a weight to the air, a sense of purpose that goes beyond a simple family meal.
He greeted everyone with a warm smile and a respectful nod.
Behind him entered Rishika. Graceful and composed, she was dressed in a flowing sea-green dress that complemented her complexion, her minimal makeup enhancing her natural beauty. Her presence was timeless, radiating an aura of quiet strength and inner peace.
She paused for a beat, her eyes catching on the scattered rose petals and the glinting rings, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she composed herself and walked beside Riyansh, her poise unwavering. They both looked at the matriarchs, a silent question hanging in the air.
Riyansh: Daadi (grandmaa)…what is all this? This elaborate setup…it feels like more than just a family dinner.
Gayatri Devi (sipping her kesar milk, her voice calm and measured, a hint of a smile playing on her lips): An old tradition…being revived with new hope. A tradition of bringing hearts together, of fostering connections that will last a lifetime.
Savitri Devi (smirking gently, her eyes twinkling with amusement): And a gentle nudge for two stubborn hearts who need reminding that companionship isn't a burden, but a blessing. A reminder that love can blossom in the most unexpected places.
Rishika (a soft laugh escaped her lips, but a note of caution remained in her voice): Grandmaa, I thought this was just a quiet, informal dinner? A chance to catch up and relax.
Gayatri Devi (smiling warmly, her eyes filled with affection): So it is. Quiet…but meaningful. A quiet evening filled with the potential for profound connection and lasting memories.
Riyansh (taken aback, his voice soft with surprise): I should've known something was brewing. You two only smile like that when you're about to start a war.
Savitri Devi (grinning mischievously, her eyes sparkling with anticipation): Let's say…a dialogue of destinies. A chance for fate to take its course.
Riyansh (to Rishika, his voice gentle and respectful): You look…calm. Considering this looks like a scene from an old family film, complete with the dramatic lighting and the symbolic flowers.
Rishika (smiling politely, her voice laced with a touch of dry humor): That's because I've stopped getting surprised by their theatrics. I've learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to family gatherings.
Gayatri Devi: Not theatrics, beta (child). Just memories waiting to be made. Memories that will be cherished for generations to come.
Riyansh leaned closer to Gayatri Devi, his voice hushed with concern.
Riyansh (whispers, his brow furrowed with worry): Grandmaa, she's not ready. Neither is he. This is too much, too soon. You can't force these things.
GAYATRI DEVI: (her voice soft yet resolute, a quiet strength resonating in her words) Now, no one said anything about tying knots tonight. We're simply lighting lamps, setting the stage. Let these two young souls discover which flames resonate with them, which ones they wish to nurture. There's no need to rush. Let the evening progress organically, allowing connections to form and deepen at their own pace. We are here to celebrate the present moment, to enjoy each other's company, and to witness the potential for something beautiful to blossom.
Rishika and Riyansh exchanged pleasantries, their conversation flowing smoothly, punctuated by light laughter and genuine interest. Beneath the surface, a subtle energy crackled, hinting at a deeper connection. They spoke of shared interests, of their individual journeys, and the serendipitous circumstances that brought them together. There was a palpable sense of mutual respect and admiration.
Rishika glanced away momentarily, a soft smile gracing her lips, a hint of intrigue in her eyes. She seemed both captivated and slightly cautious, intrigued by Rishank yet mindful of her own boundaries. The air vibrated with unspoken possibilities.
RIYANSH: (his tone reassuring and sincere, his gaze steady): Please don't worry, Rishika. I'm not here to pressure you or force fate. I understand and respect your reservations. I'm simply pleased to share this evening, this table, with someone authentic. It's refreshing and truly appreciated. I value honesty and genuine connection above all else.
RISHIKA: (her voice clear and unwavering): That's good to hear, Riyansh . I want to be upfront and honest. I'm not ready for anything beyond this table, beyond this evening. My focus is on enjoying the present moment, and I appreciate your understanding and respect.