"Well, young Abhishek arrived early evening on Sunday and went up to meet Ash's parents," he says, adding with a laugh, "It must have needed some guts for Ash's father is a tough boy and slightly intimidating. He's the chairman of our building and keeps all the watchmen under control… Anyway, Abhishek did go up and ask for the hand of their daughter. Her mother Vrinda's presence must have helped for she is rather fond of him. Her parents were happy, but asked whether he had the permission of his parents. Abhishek told them that he hadn't asked his parents yet, he had come for the Rais' permission first. Afterwards, he went off to ask his parents."

At Jalsa:
The engagement ceremony lasted almost till midnight. After which Abhishek decided to throw an impromptu party for a few of his close friends at his bungalow, Jalsa.
"Abhishek was very excited," says Jr Bachchan's childhood buddy Chirag Doshi, who was amongst the first to know that Abhishek had proposed and Ash had accepted. Abhishek SMSed Chirag from New York after proposing to Aishwarya Rai. "When I spoke to him he was very excited, but he didn't want us to talk about it because he wanted to meet Ash's dad before making it public," says Chirag.

The post-engagement ceremony at Amitabh Bachchan's bungalow at Juhu, was a small and private affair. Only some very close friends, which included Abhishek's close friend Chirag Doshi, Sonali Bendre, Abu Jani, Apurva Lakhia, Sandeep Khosla, Karan Johar, Hiroo Johar, Amar Singh, Kirron Kher, Anupam Kher, Sikandar and Sunil Doshi, were among the guests who were present at the bungalow for dinner. Bottles of Champagne were popped. And a formal lavish dinner was served.

Amitabh Bachchan was at his wittiest best and kept cracking jokes. He, of course, had to keep going out of the house to meet mediapersons who had congregated outside. Amar Singh played host.

Jaya Bachchan was also thrilled with the news. "Jaya aunty cooked for all of us. We were served both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. But, of course, the occasion was much bigger than the dinner," says Chirag. Apparently, Jaya made maccher jhol (fish curry, Bengali style), rice, mutton korma, chicken kebabs, dal makhani, navratan korma and payesh (payasam) which is the traditional celebratory dessert of Bengalis.

Abhishek Bachchan had to leave early morning to catch a flight for a shoot. But all the guests hung around chatting and celebrating until almost 5 am.

"Abhishek has left for Jaipur to shoot for Goldlie Behl's film and they are yet to finalise the wedding date. But we all are waiting for the announcement. Abhishek is not just my buddy, but he is like my family," adds Chirag.

Did Abhishek ever speak about his love for Ash to him? "Now that's too personal and I would not like to comment on it," he replies.

Considering the fact that both Abhishek and Ash are doing reasonably well in their profession, this marriage news would certainly bring some difference in their career?