If you want to read the story from the beginning, click here. (https://wp.me/p2b25R-fw)

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Two days before the party, the doorbell rings as the Gores are having lunch.

“I hear the front doorbell ringing. Will someone get it, please?” Sharada says.

“Really,” Vijay says, surprised. “Who can it be? I will go check.”

Arjun walks behind him.

Vijay opens the door and shouts. “Look who is here. What a surprise.”

Arjun sees Lakshmi walking in, a big smile on her face, and Doug behind her. Arjun is so happy to see Lakshmi. He had no idea when he would meet her, she being in Seattle. Sharada had, in fact, invited Lakshmi to come to the celebration but had kept it a secret. She wanted Lakshmi to participate actively in her brother’s big event.

“So glad you could make it, Sis. What a grand surprise,” Arjun says as he hugs her tight and holds on for a while. Arjun is afraid he will cry in front of everyone.

“You thought I was going to miss meeting my brother, a war veteran and a hero.”

Arjun composes himself and whispers in her ear.

“I’m so glad for you. I like Doug, and you two will make a great pair.”

Arjun walks toward Doug to shake hands.

“Where’s Lily?” Lakshmi asks excitedly. “I’ve heard a lot about her.”

By this time, Lily has followed Arjun and is standing close by. Arjun introduces her to Lakshmi and Doug. Lily hugs Lakshmi, and they wander inside towards the kitchen to join Sharada. 

The next day, Arjun and Vijay make a trip to Dulles Airport to receive Bertel and Alina. Vijay had booked a room for them at the Marriott hotel that was about ten minutes from his house. It would provide them with some privacy to relax from the trip and be close enough to visit the Gore household within minutes.