Jaipur , Rajasthan

"Ansh beta when will you get married?" Came the voice of Padmini ji in the early morning only. Wrapped in her pale peach cotton saree with silver hair neatly tied in a bun she had only one recurring worry which was her eldest grandson's bachelorhood. 

Veeransh Raghuvanhsi in short VR the name itself was enough to install a sense of respect and awe across industries. At just 28 he was the most powerful business tycoon of the globe, founder and head of the VR Empire. His tall, sharp-jawed, and composed nature he exuded an unapproachable aura that made people think twice before speaking casually to him. 

He had everything a lineage rooted in generational wealth, businesses passed down from his ancestors and yet he had walked away from the path paved from him and built something of his own brick by brick with sacrifices, persistence, and sleepless nights. But when it came to marriage?

"Never," he replied bluntly adjusting the cuffs of his suit as he stood up from the breakfast table. 

"Why?" 

"I've built my empire. That's my commitment. That's enough Dadi sa." 

"Empires are inherited," she replied. "But hearts? They are conquered."

He didn't respond. He simply offered her a respectful nod before leaving for work. 

The headquarters of VR Empire was a towering structure of steel and glass in Jaipur. The staff stood a little straighter as Veeransh entered the lobby. He stepped into the private floor that took him straight to the 30th floor. 

"Good morning, Sir," came the a little cheerful voice of his PA and best friend, Neil Ahuja. Their friendship was forged in college and held firm through years of chaos.

"Schedule," Veeransh said.

Neil walked in beside him. "You have three meetings. One with the new AI-tech firm, one with the Paris investment group, and the final one with Mr. Birla. That's your day."

Veeransh nodded. His silence was Neil's signal to continue working.

Just as he was reviewing financial reports for an upcoming merger his phone buzzed. It was a call from Moksh Singha Roy, his best friend from a business gala years ago. 

"HELLO BRO! HOW ARE YOU?" Moksh asked making Veeransh keep his phone away from his ear.

"Hm," Veeransh replied which Moksh had long since translated as 'I'm fine' to cope with his friend's usual monosyllabic self.

"Right. Now listen I have an invitation for you and don't even try saying no. You already broke my heart by missing my wedding. I haven't forgiven you!"

"Moksh-"

"Yeah, yeah you were stuck in a trip. I know. But this time no excuses. You're coming to Kolkata for Durga puja with everyone."

Veeransh pinched the bridge of his nose. He already had a hundred things planned. But Moksh's dramatic antics would continue until he gave in.

"Fine. I'll come." He sighed.

Moksh whopped. "Now we're talking. See you in Kolkata."

Veeransh ended the call and buzzed Neil. "We're flying to Kolkata after 20th. Clear my calendar. Wrap up all pending work. And prep for the Seoul deal."

Neil paused for a moment. "Yes sir."

Meanwhile in Kolkata, 

The air was buzzing with festivity as Durga puja was around the corner and the city was a living canvas off lights, colours. Amidst all the grandeur in her chamber Aadhira Singha Roy leaned back in her chair pressing her fingers to her forehead. She was exhausted.

Aadhira was a psychologist known for her compassion and strength. She helped patients cope with anxiety, trauma, addictions even mended broken relationships. The irony? She was still single and joked that while she fixed everyone else's lives her own remained a complicated puzzle. 

"Ah, I'm tired," she groaned during her break rotating her neck. A knock followed. 

"May I come in, Ma'am?" A familiar voice chirped playfully.

"Yes please," Aadhira replied in the same tone.

It was none other than Ahana Chatterjee, her soul sister. Both knew each other since diapers. She was a surgeon.

"Let's go I'm starving," Aadhira said, plopping down on the couch.

"When are you not?" Ahana replied raising an eyebrow.

"Very funny. Come on!" Aadhira laughed grabbing her hand.

As they munched on spicy rolls and cold coffee in the hospital cafeteria, Aadhira's eyes gleamed with mischief.

"Let's go for shopping after work!" she said her mouth half full.

"You literally said you're tired ten seconds ago," Ahana replied raising an eyebrow.

"Not too tired for sarees and bangles," she grinned.

After finishing their shift the girls hit the street markets of Gariahat. Aadhira twirled around showing a maroon dress. 

"What do you think, Anu?" 

"Perfect. You'll turn heads babygirl." Ahana said blowing a flying kiss.

But Aadhira tripped over her dupatta and stumbled. 

"Careful you clumsy goddess," Ahana groaned.

Aadhira laughed. "I'm falling for you."

"I'm the luckiest." 

As the next day came everyone woke up at 4 a.m. in the morning. It was Mahalaya. Meera ji, Aadhira's mother blew the conch shell. Then Moksh played Mahishasura Mardini audio on the radio which was the oldest tradition. 

 They all moved together to the home mandap, where the idol of Durga Ma stood half-finished but divine. Today was "Chakshudan" the moment when the goddess is given eyes.

The senior artisan, a man of great reputation, carefully painted Ma Durga's eyes under the sounds of shankh and dhak. 

Afterwards, the family had breakfast  luchi and alur dom, served hot with sweet chutney. It was comfort food. Home.

That afternoon, Aadhira left for her most cherished destination  the city orphanage.

As her scooty pulled in, a chorus of excited squeals rang through the courtyard.

"Pariiiiii!" the children shouted, abandoning their games and rushing toward her.

She crouched down with arms open. They enveloped her in a giant group hug.

"My babies! I missed you," she said, kissing their little cheeks.

"We missed you too! Why didn't you come for so long?"

"Because Pari was busy buying gifts for her little princes and princesses!" she teased, handing them bags of chocolates and storybooks.

Their eyes sparkled. "Thank you, Pari!"

"You're welcome! Now, where are my kisses?" she asked with a pout.

The kids giggled and smothered her with love.

She then walked over to Ishika, the warm-hearted administrator of the orphanage, who stood smiling at the door.

"Subho Mahalaya, Ishi," Aadhira greeted.

"Subho Mahalaya, Aadhi," Ishika replied, hugging her.

They stood side by side, watching the children play.

"So how's everything going?" Aadhira asked.

"All good, but the kids have become extra naughty lately. I blame you," Ishika joked.

"Let them be! If not now, then when?" Aadhira laughed.

She handed Ishika a gift box. "This is for you."

"Thank you, ma'am," Ishika saluted her jokingly.

Aadhira returned the salute. They both burst into laughter.

"So... have you found your prince charming yet?" Ishika teased, nudging her.

"Not yet," Aadhira replied with a dreamy smile. "You know I'm expensive. My prince is probably still building a castle for me."

"Or stuck in a boardroom," Ishika smirked.

They said their goodbyes, and Aadhira hugged each child before leaving.

Little did she know, somewhere far away in a towering skyscraper, a 6'3" man  stoic, controlled, and emotionally unavailable  was packing his bags to come to her city.

And maybe, just maybe, the universe had finally decided: it was time for the queen of hearts to meet the king of empires.

~ Glossary

Mahalaya : Mahalaya, which occurs seven days before Durga Puja, signals the arrival of Durga, the Goddess of supreme power. It serves as an invocation or invitation for the mother goddess to descend to Earth.

Mahisasur mardini : Mahisasura Mardini (Bengali: মহিষাসুরমর্দিনী,The Annihilation of the Demon) is a hugely popular early radio programme have been broadcasted since 1930 in All India Radio (AIR) program which is a beautiful two-hour audio montage of Chandipath (chanting from Chandi) recitation from the scriptural verses of Sri Sri Chandi or Durga Saptashati, Bengali devotional songs, classical music and a dash of acoustic melodrama. Birendra Krishna Bhadra who will always be remembered for making Mahalaya memorable the magical voice behind the "Mahisasura Mardini."

Chakshudan : This ritual has a special significance as it marks the final touch in embellishing the deity and puts life into the clay Idol. Only a senior member from the artisan community is allowed to draw the eyes of the Goddess.

Sasthi : the sixth day of worshipping ma Durga .

Thank you , take care🥀.