Silent Dreams, Steady Strength EP 1

The city of Bhopal stirred gently under a golden sun, its famed Upper Lake shimmering beside a winding stretch of road where early traffic whispered into the day. Scooters rattled past shuttered shops, a lone vegetable vendor’s call echoed through narrow lanes, and terraces blushed in sleepy gold. In a quiet colony nestled near the heart of the city, life didn’t rush—it unfolded with familiar rhythm.

[7:40 AM – Kitchen, Pathak Residence]

The kitchen was in full-blown combat mode. The pressure cooker whistled like it was filing a protest. Cups clinked as if warning each other. And a mountain of vegetables sat on the counter, mocking everyone silently

Veena Pathak Sharma (FL's Aunt)

*half shouting, half stirring tea like a cauldron* चार्वी, मिश्री कहाँ है? चीनी नहीं, मिश्री! दादाजी की चाय बिना मिश्री के मतलब शादी बिना बैंड! (Charvi, where’s the mishri? Not sugar — mishri! Dadaji’s tea without mishri is like a wedding without the brass band!)

Charvi Pathak (FL)

*half in the fridge, half in existential dread* It’s in the second jar. Labeled in bold. In English. In Hindi. Probably in Morse code too.

Daksha Pathak (FL's Mom)

*gently* Let her breathe, Veena didi. She’s not the caterer, she’s the bride-to-be.

Veena Pathak Sharma (FL's Aunt)

Bride-to-be toh theek hai, but tea-to-be ready hona chahiye!

Daksha Pathak (FL's Mom)

*softly, folding a dupatta* वीणा दीदी, थोड़ा बैठ जाओ। सुबह से भाग रही हो। (Veena Didi, sit for a moment. You’ve been running around since morning.)

Veena Pathak Sharma (FL's Aunt)

दक्षा, ये मेरी बेटी की शादी की बात है! बैठूँगी जब सब लोग खुश होके जाएंगे। (Daksha, it’s my daughter’s wedding talk! I’ll sit once everyone leaves happy.)

Charvi and Daksha exchanged a quiet smile. Her mother was calm as ever — the eye of this joyful storm.

[Living Room]

Charvi Pathak (FL)

*adjusting the garlands one last time. Her phone buzzed.*

Nisha Pathak Gupta (FL's Cousin)

💬 Charu, peach suit today. You’ll look like poetry in motion.

Charvi Pathak (FL)

💬 You and Bua are clearly conspiring

Nisha Pathak Gupta (FL's Cousin)

💬 Of course. It’s your day, after all.

[Charvi’s Room]

The peach suit lay across the bed. Charvi slipped into it gently. Just then, her mother walked in holding a pair of old silver bangles.

Daksha Pathak (FL's Mom)

ये तुम्हारी दादी की हैं। मेरी शादी में मैंने पहनी थी। आज तुम्हारी बारी। (These were your grandmother’s. I wore them at my wedding. Now it’s your turn.)

Charvi Pathak (FL)

*Blinked back emotion. Some heirlooms sparkle quietly.*

Charvi Pathak (FL)

*heard a horn outside* Probably Fufaji, Nishu di and Aakash Jiju arrived. (mumbled)