The weeks following the engagement announcement flew by, filled with preparations for both Ananya's wedding and Aditi and Rohit's engagement celebrations. The excitement was palpable, but beneath it all, Aditi and Rohit felt the weight of their decisions growing heavier.**One evening**, after a long day of planning, Aditi and Rohit found a moment of peace in the midst of the chaos. They slipped away to the backyard, where the soft glow of fairy lights illuminated the garden, creating an intimate ambiance."I'm so glad we decided to have a small engagement celebration," Aditi said, leaning against the wooden railing. "It feels right for us."Rohit nodded, his expression contemplative. "I want our engagement to be special, just like our love story. No pressure, just us and our families."Aditi smiled, her heart swelling at his words. "Exactly. I can't wait to see how everything comes together."---**As the days went on**, they worked tirelessly, picking out decorations and discussing the guest list. Yet, there was one detail they hadn't fully addressed: how they would officially tell their friends about their engagement.One afternoon, while they were discussing invitations, Rohit looked at Aditi with a thoughtful expression. "What if we surprise everyone? We could have a small get-together and announce it there."Aditi's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That sounds perfect! We can invite our closest friends and make it a celebration of our journey."---**As they planned**, the day of their engagement celebration arrived, and Aditi could barely contain her excitement. She wore a beautiful pale blue dress that flowed gracefully with each movement, while Rohit looked handsome in a crisp white shirt and navy trousers.The intimate gathering took place in Aditi's backyard, adorned with twinkling fairy lights and vibrant flowers. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and anticipation as their friends arrived, all buzzing with curiosity about the surprise announcement.Once everyone was settled, Rohit stood up, holding a glass of champagne. "Thank you all for being here today. We wanted to share something special with you."Aditi felt her heart race as she stood by his side, their hands intertwined."Over the past few weeks, Aditi and I have taken a big step in our relationship, and we are thrilled to announce that we are engaged!" Rohit declared, his voice filled with pride.A cheer erupted from their friends, and the sound of clinking glasses filled the air."Congratulations!" Ananya exclaimed, her eyes shining with happiness. "This is incredible!"Amidst the celebration, Aditi felt overwhelmed with joy as her friends showered them with love and well wishes. The warmth surrounding them filled her heart to the brim.---**As the evening unfolded**, laughter and conversations echoed through the backyard. Aditi and Rohit moved from group to group, soaking in the joy of the moment.Later, as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the gathering, Ananya pulled Aditi aside. "I can't believe you're engaged! This is so exciting!""I know! It feels like a dream," Aditi replied, her voice bubbling with joy."Tell me, how do you feel?" Ananya asked, her expression curious.Aditi paused, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. "Honestly? I'm ecstatic but also a little scared. There's so much to think about—the wedding, the families, everything. I just hope we can navigate it all."Ananya smiled, her eyes warm with understanding. "That's totally normal. Just remember that you and Rohit are in this together. Lean on each other and communicate openly. It'll make everything easier.""Thanks, Ananya. That means a lot," Aditi said, feeling reassured.---**As the celebration continued**, Rohit found Aditi standing by the edge of the garden, gazing at the stars that were beginning to twinkle above them."Hey," he said softly, joining her. "What's on your mind?""I was just thinking about how surreal this all feels," Aditi admitted, turning to face him. "We've come so far from our childhood, and now we're planning our future together."Rohit smiled, his eyes reflecting the starlight. "And it's only going to get better. We're a team, Aditi, and I wouldn't want anyone else by my side."Aditi felt her heart swell with affection. "I know. I can't imagine my life without you."He stepped closer, taking her hands in his. "Let's promise each other that we'll always communicate, no matter how tough things get.""Always," Aditi replied, her heart pounding in her chest.As the evening wore on, they stole a few moments alone, savoring the warmth of their connection. They shared dreams about their future, envisioning a life filled with love, laughter, and the occasional challenge they would face together.---**The following days** passed in a blur of wedding preparations and family discussions. Amidst the busyness, Aditi and Rohit found solace in their time together, whether it was late-night talks over cups of tea or quiet walks through the streets of Panipat, hand in hand.**However**, not everything was as smooth as it seemed. Aditi's brother, Karan, had become increasingly withdrawn since the engagement announcement. She noticed he often sat alone, his phone glued to his hand, and it worried her.One evening, after a particularly hectic day of planning, Aditi approached Karan, finding him in his room. "Hey, Karan. Can we talk?"He looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes. "Uh, sure. What's up?""I've noticed you've been a bit distant lately. Is everything okay?" she asked gently, concern etched on her face.Karan shrugged, avoiding her gaze. "I'm fine. Just busy with college stuff."Aditi sensed that something deeper was bothering him. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"After a moment of silence, Karan finally spoke. "I don't know, Aditi. It's just... everything feels different now. You're getting engaged, and it feels like everything is changing."Aditi's heart ached for her brother. "I understand that change can be overwhelming, but it doesn't mean we'll drift apart. I still need you, and so does Rohit."He looked at her, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "It's just hard to see you move on. You're my sister, and I don't want to lose you."---**Aditi knelt beside Karan**, taking his hand in hers. "You won't lose me, Karan. I'll always be here for you, no matter what. We're family, and that will never change."Karan sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing. "I guess I just need to get used to the idea.""You will. Just remember, I'm still the same sister who annoys you," Aditi said with a playful grin.Karan chuckled, the heaviness in the room lifting. "Okay, okay. I'll try to be more supportive.""Good. Because I need you by my side for this. We'll navigate this change together," Aditi promised.---**As the days turned into weeks**, the engagement celebration drew closer, and the air was filled with anticipation. Aditi felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, but she knew that with Rohit by her side and her family's support, they could handle anything that came their way.---**On the day of their engagement celebration**, Aditi and Rohit stood together at the entrance of the venue, their hearts racing with anticipation. Friends and family filled the room, laughter and joy echoing around them.As they stepped inside, Aditi took a deep breath, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her. This was their moment, a celebration of love and commitment. Together, they would face the future, hand in hand.