“Arvi, get up!” shouted Mamma from outside the room. I stirred, blinking away the last vestiges of sleep. “I’m up, Mamma!” I called back, pushing myself out of bed. The scent of breakfast wafted up from downstairs, signaling another busy day.

As a cardiologist, my days were usually packed, but today was different. It was Priya’s haldi function, and my best friend was getting married. The thought brought a smile to my face, even as Mamma’s usual morning scolding began the moment I entered the dining hall.

“Vihaan, your daughter is becoming lazy day by day. I don’t know what she will do in her in-laws’ house,” Mamma lamented to Papa. I rolled my eyes, a familiar routine.

“Mamma, I don’t want to get married anytime soon!” I interjected, a protest I voiced often.

“Arvi, you are not a small kid,” she retorted, but Papa, my ever-present rescuer, quickly stepped in.

“Hey! Don’t scold my princess!” he declared, earning a triumphant stick-out of my tongue towards Mamma. Everyone chuckled at my antics. After a quick breakfast filled with laughter and teasing, we piled into the car, heading for the venue, ready to celebrate Priya’s special day.