Chapter 3: Niharika surprises well!

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In Kanpur, after getting up from her bed, Ria came out of her room. In the main door, she finds a fresh newspaper. Her attention was grabbed by the main headline of the page where it was clearly printed that UPSC results are out. 

After reading the page, she reminisces about the fantasies that she used to have of marrying an IAS right from school times. Her chain of thoughts was disturbed by the sudden ringing of her phone. Niharika, her school best friend was at the call.

She said, " Hey, Ria... You know what, my IAS training is finally finished ad soon I m going to be posted in Indore."

A tinge of jealousy was clearly visible on the face of Ria. She was surprised to know that she completed her two years of training from LBSNAA Mussourie. Earlier, she had little idea that Niharika had cleared all written exams but she also had cleared the Interview was out of her knowledge.

She was not that pleased because Niharika was never a good student in school but now she has totally new version of herself. Soon, Ria composed herself and congratulated her wholeheartedly. It was a little difficult to get happy in her best friend's achievement but Ria came out of that and asked excitedly,

"It's big news's Niharika. I definitely want a party, no matter wherever you are!"

Niharika exclaimed, " Of course, Ria. Your place, your time as soon as we meet...Listen, I have to go somewhere. I will catch you in the evening. Bye."

The two long-time besties decided to resume their call in the evening. Ria put the paper aside and soon took the bath. She was supposed to join her Mausi for going weekly Wednesday market to get fresh fruits and vegetables for a week.

After getting weekly fresh greens and fruits in their carry bags, the Aunt-niece duo went to Plant Nursery to check fresh arrivals. Just like Ria, her Mausi also loved gardening. Ria chooses a purple heart plant and Mausi chose few seasonal flowers for her balcony.

Before unlocking the door, they found few envelopes were on the doormat

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Before unlocking the door, they found few envelopes were on the doormat. Ria grabbed them from one hand and soon they entered the house. Ria went to get some water while her Mausi was busy checking the envelope. She opened one of them and informed Ria,

"We are going to attend a wedding ceremony in Benaras."

Ria gave her the glass full of water and asked out of excitement,

"Whose wedding is there in Benaras...? When it's going to happen..?"

Her Mausi replied, "It's the wedding of Payal Jiji's son... you don't know Ria. Your mummy would know. If I'm not wrong, then she would have also got the invitation till now. It's Biradari 's marriage beta. It's soon happening nearly after next week..."

She handed her the invitation card. After reading it, Ria's face lightens up as soon as she got to know that it will be going to take place in Benaras. Ria has a special place in her heart for Benaras. 

It was once in her class 8th, she got a chance to celebrate New year's Eve with her family in Benaras. They witness the majestic view of Ganga aarti while seating in the rowing boat. The sweet memories of the journey are still fresh in her mind.

Later, she accompanied her Mausi in potting the new plants. Ria asked, "Mausi, what's the benefit of seasonal plants when they will only bloom for one season and then soon withers after the season gets ended...?"

Her Mausi looked at her curious face and answered with an affectionate smile, " Beta, their pristine beauty is priceless. Whenever I see them on my balcony, my moods always get lighten up. They not only beautify the area but also brings freshness  and color to the dull boring space."

She further added after potting the last plant, " After they withers, I try to collect their seeds for next year and till then I plant some other seasonal greens to it."

Ria was quite impressed with her answer. After placing the pots under shade, both of them moved to the kitchen for cooking lunch. Her Mausi asked Ria, " Tell me, beta, do you still remember cooking or forgot all vacation lessons that didi and I together gave you...?"

Ria nodded and helped her in cooking

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Ria nodded and helped her in cooking. After having lunch, both of them watched a romantic comedy since Samar went out for his coaching. After the movie got finished, Ria went to prepare some tea for both of them. Just after adding tea leaves to boiling hot milk, she got the call from Niharika.

Ria said with eagerness, " Niharika you know what, I m going to Benaras for a wedding ceremony..."

Niharikha exclaimed, "What a coincidence Ria, even I'm coming to Benaras nearly after next week for a wedding."

After discussing some more wedding details, it was again surprising for Ria to know that Niharika is also coming coincidentally for the same wedding. She said with excitement,

 "Let us come one or two days before the wedding to discover different tourist attractions of Benaras..."

Niharika agreed with her as both of them are quite fascinated about UP-Bihar culture, food, and dressing. Though both basically belong to this place but seldom got a chance to live here as they were brought up in Raipur. Ria soon served tea to her Mausi and continued her talking with Niharika. After ending the call, Ria went to her room and took out a diary from her luggage. She started checking the bucket list that she wanted to fulfill before leaving Kanpur.

                                                                    

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