As the wedding celebrations continued, Nagaraju found himself being approached by several relatives and even a few old family friends.
Most of them began the conversation casually.
"How are you?"
"Your films are doing very well."
"We're proud of you."
After a few minutes, the real reason for approaching him slowly came out.
"Nagaraju... actually, I need a small financial help."
Another relative said,
"It's only for a few months."
"I'll return it as soon as my work is settled."
Nagaraju listened patiently without interrupting.
He understood that some requests were genuine, while others simply assumed that because he had become successful, lending money would be easy.
He smiled politely before replying.
"I hope you don't misunderstand me."
"After everything our family went through in the past, we've changed the way we handle our finances."
He pointed towards his wife, who was helping with the wedding arrangements.
"Our family's finances are managed entirely by my wife."
"I don't lend or commit money without her knowledge."
"If you genuinely need financial help, you may speak to her first."
"We discuss every financial decision together before saying yes or no."
Some relatives looked surprised.
"You don't make the decision yourself?"
Nagaraju smiled.
"I do."
"But only after discussing it with my wife."
"In our home, she is in charge of managing our savings and financial planning."
"Our past experiences taught us that one person should not make emotional financial decisions alone."
"So we've decided that no money leaves our family without both of us agreeing."
Most people understood his answer.
A few smiled politely and decided not to pursue the matter further.
Some quietly realized that approaching his wife would probably lead to the same answer if there wasn't a genuine reason.
Later, one of his close friends asked him privately,
"Was that really your rule... or just a polite way of refusing?"
Nagaraju smiled knowingly.
"A little of both."
He continued,
"My wife genuinely manages our household finances."
"And having that rule protects us."
"It prevents me from making promises on the spot because of emotion, pressure, or relationships."
He looked around the wedding hall.
"When money enters family relationships, misunderstandings can follow."
"I'd rather people think I'm strict than let finances create distance between relatives."
His friend nodded in agreement.
"That's actually a wise way to handle it."
Nagaraju smiled.
"It has given our family peace."
"And sometimes, peace is worth far more than money."
The wedding celebrations came to a joyful conclusion after several days of rituals, laughter, and family gatherings.
On the final morning, everyone gathered for breakfast before slowly beginning their journey home.
Suitcases were packed.
Relatives exchanged warm hugs, promising to meet again at the next family occasion.
Gayatri stood at the entrance with her husband, thanking every guest for being a part of her stepson's wedding.
When Nagaraju's family came forward, she smiled warmly.
"You all stayed till the very end."
Nagaraju laughed.
"Family celebrations are meant to be enjoyed together."
Gayatri looked at Akshata.
"It was wonderful spending time with you."
"You've grown into a very disciplined young girl."
Akshata smiled politely.
"Thank you, Aunty."
Pooja walked over with folded arms.
"So..."
"You're leaving already?"
Akshata nodded.
"School will reopen soon."
"And I know you'll become busy again.
The cousins exchanged phone numbers once again, even though they already had them, laughing at their own habit.
Soon, the three families began their return journey to Mumbai.
The drive home was much quieter than the journey to the wedding.
Everyone was pleasantly tired after several busy days of celebrations.
Manu fell asleep within an hour.
Akshata sat beside the window, watching the changing scenery as the car moved along the highway.
Her mother looked at her and smiled.
"What are you thinking about?"
Akshata smiled back.
"Nothing in particular."
"It was a nice holiday."
Her mother nodded.
"It really was."
After a few moments, Nagaraju joined the conversation.
"We met many relatives."
"We celebrated together."
"And now..."
He smiled.
"It's time to return to our routine."
Akshata laughed.
"You mean school."
"And your homework," her mother added.
"Don't remind me," Akshata said dramatically, making everyone laugh.
By evening, they finally reached Mumbai.
As they entered their home, everyone took a deep breath.
"No place feels quite like home," Nagaraju said.
The luggage was bought and jewellery was safely returned to the family locker.
The house soon settled back into its familiar rhythm.
The wedding had left behind happy memories, new photographs, and precious moments spent with relatives.
For Akshata, it had also been a reminder that no matter how many places she travelled for work, or how many opportunities came her way, returning home to her family was always the part she looked forward to the most.
The very next morning, life returned to normal.
Nagaraju went back to his production office.
Akshata resumed her exercise routine and French lessons, preparing herself for the reopening of school.
The celebrations were over, but another chapter of their lives was just beginning.
A week passed quietly after the wedding.
Life had settled back into its familiar rhythm.
Akshata's school reopened, and she happily returned to her classroom.
After spending weeks travelling, attending family functions, and working on overseas assignments, it felt refreshing to once again sit with her classmates, attend lessons, and enjoy ordinary school life.
Her friends immediately surrounded her during the lunch break.
"How was the wedding?"
"Did you travel again?"
"Were there lots of relatives?"
Akshata smiled.
"It was wonderful."
"We spent almost a week together."
"There was so much food that I think I don't need sweets for another month."
Her friends laughed.
School soon became busy again.
Assignments were announced.
Class tests were scheduled.
Sports practice resumed in the evenings.
Akshata balanced everything just as she always had.
Every morning began with exercise.
School occupied most of the day.
After returning home, she completed her homework before attending her online French classes.
Meanwhile, Nagaraju returned to his production office.
Both of his films had completed successful theatrical runs.
That afternoon, his production manager entered his office carrying several files.
"Sir."
"We've received another script."
Nagaraju looked up.
"Is it good?"
"I think you should read it."
He took the script and smiled.
"I'll read it tonight."