Author's POV

Arjun’s father finally spoke, his voice steady and thoughtful, cutting through the pleasant murmurs in the grand living room.

“As you both know, we’ve been discussing this proposal for a while now. And today... we feel it’s the right time to hear from you two. The decision, of course, lies with you,”

he said, his eyes warm but serious.

The room fell into a hushed pause. The air felt sacred for a moment, like a quiet before a storm—but a good one.

Anvika's father nodded, his hand resting gently on his daughter’s shoulder, and her mother gave a small encouraging smile.

Arjun’s mother looked towards the pair with hope in her eyes, while Shivani was literally buzzing in her seat.

“Just say yes already!” Shivani burst, her grin uncontainable. “You two are so perfect for each other, even Kabir agrees!”

She gestured toward Kabir, who gave a small shrug and smirked.

“She’s not wrong,” he added coolly.

Everyone chuckled, easing the tension in the air. Arjun’s mother reached out and affectionately placed her hand over Anvika’s.

“Beta, we truly think you and Arjun would make a beautiful match. But we’ll never pressure either of you. We just want you to feel this journey is yours.”

Arjun turned toward Anvika, his eyes searching hers gently.

They had barely just spoken earlier, and yet… there was a pull. That fountain moment, her quiet laughter, the way she looked at the moonlight like it whispered secrets to her—it all stayed with him.

He cleared his throat softly, giving her a tender smile.

“I’m okay with it… if you are,” he said, voice steady but sincere.

Anvika blinked, her heart thudding in her chest like a soft tabla beat. Her fingers clutched her dupatta unknowingly. That garden moment played on loop in her head, and now here he was, asking her without pressure, without drama. Just with honesty.

She nodded, softly.

“I… I’m okay with it too.”

The room burst into delighted applause. Shivani squealed so loud that Kabir winced, covering his ear playfully.

“Eeeeeek! Rishta final!” Shivani sang, jumping up and pulling Adhishree into a little celebratory twirl.

Adhishree leaned in and whispered in Anvika’s ear, teasingly,

“So now… Arjun is officially my jiju, and your fiancé, hmm?”

Anvika’s cheeks flushed deep crimson, and she nudged her best friend shyly, trying to suppress her smile.

Kabir pulled Arjun into a side hug.

“I’m happy for you, bro. Finally, you’re settling. And with a girl like her… jackpot.”

Arjun chuckled, shaking his head at Kabir’s dramatics.

The couple—yes, they were a couple now—walked toward their parents and bent to touch their feet, seeking blessings for this new beginning.

As the elders blessed them with glowing hearts, something quietly bloomed in the corner of the room too—Kabir and Adhishree’s glances lingered longer, smiles growing deeper. There was no proposal for them (yet), but the sparks were undeniable.

---

T I M E S K I P – Dinner Scene 🌸

The dining room shimmered under the warm golden chandeliers, and the table was adorned with silver thalis, brass jugs, and marigold petals delicately scattered in between. Laughter filled the space, interwoven with the clinks of cutlery and the soft murmur of stories being shared.

Anvika sat across from Arjun, stealing glances at him between bites of paneer tikka, while Arjun nonchalantly swirled his spoon in his soup… staring right back.

Shivani was on fire with her teasing,

“Arjun bhaiya, stop staring. She won’t disappear! But she might get shy and leave the table!”

she said dramatically, making the entire table burst out laughing. Anvika ducked her head, her cheeks pink.

“You really are impossible,” Anvika whispered across the table later when the families got busy with conversation.

“And yet, you’re still looking,” Arjun whispered back, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Adhishree leaned over to whisper to Anvika,

“You guys are already that couple, you know?”

Kabir caught the comment and smirked too.

“They’re glowing. Must be the shaadi vibes,” he added cheekily.

The air was filled with such pure, golden warmth—families mingling, food being served with love, and laughter echoing like music.

---

T I M E S K I P – The Goodbye 🌙

Dinner ended, and the families began to gather their belongings. Shawls were wrapped, shoes were slipped on, and the night air outside awaited them.

Arjun stood near the grand entrance, his hands awkwardly in his pockets. Anvika stood beside him, equally unsure of how to say goodbye.

Shivani walked past them, winking at Anvika,

“Bye-bye bhabhi, don’t miss him too much tonight,”

she teased, before hopping into the car. Adhishree giggled and gave Anvika a gentle nudge.

Arjun turned to her. His voice low, sincere.

“I’ll see you soon… real soon.”

There was something vulnerable in his eyes.

Anvika nodded.

“You will,” she said, her heart fluttering wildly like a trapped butterfly.

They stood like that for a moment longer—no words, just gazes. Their families were calling them, but for a few seconds, it was like they existed in their own quiet universe.

She turned away, walking toward her car. Adhishree linked arms with her, and as they sat inside, Adhishree whispered,

“Missing jiju already?”

Anvika rolled her eyes, but a soft giggle escaped her lips. She tried to hide it, but it was too late.

Kabir glanced toward their car from Arjun’s side, and Adhishree gave him a small, knowing smile. It was unspoken—but they’d meet again soon too.

From the car window, Anvika looked back once, and Arjun was still there, watching her with a quiet promise in his eyes.

Their paths were separating tonight, but their hearts had already started walking toward each other.

---

T I M E S K I P – New Beginnings 💫

After that night, Arjun and Anvika began meeting every weekend—coffee dates, quiet walks in his family's farmhouse, late-night texts under the stars. Every meeting made their bond stronger, sweeter.

He learned she loved strawberry milkshakes.

She learned he liked sketching when he was stressed.

They both learned that even in silence, they could feel each other.

And while their arranged marriage had been agreed by families…

The love?

That was blossoming all on its own.