FAMILY DINNER

The Sharmas and Raichands were gathered in the dining room, the atmosphere buzzing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Aman glanced at his daughters, Ami and Suhani, giving them a silent signal not to start any of their usual bickering.

"They're here!" Aman announced as the Raichands entered.

Aman and Piyush stepped forward, embracing each other warmly. Their wives, Naina and Priti, followed suit, exchanging pleasantries with genuine smiles.

After the greetings, Piyush began introducing his family. "This is my wife, Priti, my brother Darshil and his wife Dhruti, and these are my children—Rahul, Vihaan, and Vani."

Aman smiled and gestured towards his own family. "And this is my wife, Naina, and my daughters, Suhani and Ami."

As the introductions were made, Rahul found his gaze drifting toward Suhani. He had been curious about her since the morning, and now, seeing her in person, he realized she was even more captivating than what Vani had described. There was a quiet strength in her demeanor, something that intrigued him deeply.

Suhani

Rahul

Rahul couldn't take his eyes off Suhani. He was mesmerized, while Suhani, too nervous to meet his gaze, focused on everything else, smiling politely and trying to mask her unease.

"Come, let's sit and have a chat!" Aman suggested, leading everyone to the dining area.

Piyush laughed, "Yes, and we're starving!"

Just then, Vani jumped in, "If no one minds, can I go over to Suhani and tell her how she's everything I ever wanted in a bhabhi? She's gorgeous, fabulous, stunning, breathtaking—oh my God, I don't even have the words! And when she insisted on going to the hospital, she totally won my heart. She's perfect!"

Vani's enthusiastic outburst left Suhani overwhelmed. She had never been appreciated like this by anyone outside of her family. Without a second thought, Suhani stood up and hugged Vani tightly.

"I don't know if this is a miss or a match, but from today, you're my best friend, and no one can stop you!" Suhani declared.

"I love you!" Vani replied, her eyes sparkling.

"Me too!" Suhani echoed before returning to her seat directly across from Rahul.

Vihaan, meanwhile, had slipped away to the DJ booth, whispering something to the DJ. Rahul noticed and felt a sense of dread when Vihaan shot him a mischievous thumbs-up. Moments later, the music changed, and the familiar tune of *"Do Anjaane Ajnabi"* filled the air.

"Ooooooo," everyone chorused teasingly, clearly enjoying the moment.

The rooftop was reserved exclusively for the Sharmas and Raichands, giving the families privacy. The romantic song heightened the atmosphere, and while everyone else reacted with amusement, Suhani maintained her calm, though she felt butterflies in her stomach. Rahul, on the other hand, wished he could disappear, silently plotting revenge on Vihaan for embarrassing him yet again.

For the first time, Suhani gathered the courage to lift her eyes and look directly at Rahul. She silently cursed herself for not doing so sooner—he was incredibly handsome. Their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them.

Darshil cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "Well, I think the rest of us can talk, but it's important for Mr. Raichand and Ms. Sharma to have a private conversation."

Naina nodded in agreement. "Absolutely! Kids, it's your duty now!"

Vihaan and Vani quickly escorted Rahul to one side, while Ami guided Suhani to the other. With a quick exchange of knowing smiles, they left the two alone. The song continued playing softly in the background.

As the music faded, an awkward silence filled the space. Neither Suhani nor Rahul seemed to have the courage to speak first. The tension was palpable, but then, Rahul took a deep breath and decided to break the ice, showing his fearless side.

"So..." Rahul began, his voice steady but soft. "I suppose this is the part where we figure out what to say to each other."

Suhani smiled nervously, feeling both relieved and a little flustered that Rahul had spoken first. She responded, "Yes... I guess so. It's... a bit overwhelming, isn't it?"

Rahul chuckled lightly, "It is. But I have to admit, I'm glad we finally got a moment to ourselves."

**FAMILY DINNER**

The Sharmas and Raichands gathered together, with Aman signaling to Ami and Suhani not to fight as the Raichands arrived.

"They're here," Aman said, exchanging a warm hug with Piyush, while their wives followed suit. As the introductions were made, Rahul couldn't take his eyes off Suhani. She was far more impressive than Vani had described earlier.

Throughout the introductions, Suhani avoided Rahul's gaze, feeling nervous and flustered under his stare. She kept smiling, her eyes darting everywhere but toward him.

Aman gestured to the seating area. "Come, let's sit and chat."

"Yes, and I'm starving," Piyush added, making everyone laugh.

Before they could settle, Vani interrupted with a burst of enthusiasm. "If no one minds, can I just say Suhani is exactly what I've always wanted in a bhabhi! She's gorgeous, fabulous, stunning—absolutely breathtaking! And when she insisted on going to work today, she won my heart. She's perfect!"

Suhani was overwhelmed. No one had ever appreciated her like this, except for her sister. With a warm smile, she stood and hugged Vani.

"I don't know if it's fate or luck, but from today, you're my best friend, and no one's stopping you!" Suhani declared.

"I love you!" Vani replied, hugging her back tightly.

"Me too!" Suhani said, returning to her seat, now directly across from Rahul.

Vihaan quietly approached the DJ and whispered something to him. Moments later, a romantic song, "Do Anjaane Ajnabi," began to play. The room filled with playful teasing as everyone reacted to the song choice.

Rahul wanted to disappear out of embarrassment, but Suhani remained calm, though she felt butterflies in her stomach. Despite her nerves, she maintained her professionalism.

As the song played, Suhani finally lifted her eyes and met Rahul's gaze. She cursed herself for not looking at him sooner—he was incredibly handsome. Their eyes locked, creating a moment of silent connection.

Darshil noticed the exchange and decided to intervene. "You know, we can all chat, but it's important for Mr. Raichand and Ms. Sharma to talk privately."

Naina nodded in agreement. "Yes, kids! Time to do your duty."

Vihaan and Vani led Rahul aside, while Ami guided Suhani to another corner, leaving the two alone as the song continued to play softly in the background.

The silence between them grew heavy until Rahul finally broke it. "Hi, I'm Rahul."

Suhani smiled, "I'm Suhani."

"What do you do?" Rahul asked.

"I'm a doctor. And you?" Suhani responded, her tone polite but curious.

"I'm an architect. Have you heard of Earth Con?" Rahul asked, slightly tilting his head.

Suhani thought for a moment. "I think I've heard of it."

"I'm the CEO," Rahul added casually.

"That's impressive," Suhani replied with genuine admiration.

The conversation stalled, the silence becoming palpable once again. Rahul took a deep breath and decided to lay it all out.

"Listen, I believe in being open, so here it is—I really like you. Your behavior, professionalism, the way you talk, dress—everything. You're beautiful, especially your eyes. They're angelic. I feel like I could drown in them. It's a definite yes from me, but I need to be honest. Three years ago, I was in a serious relationship, and I was planning to marry her, but she betrayed me. It took me a long time to even consider loving someone again, but with you, I don't want to hold back. You deserve to know everything. You'll find plenty of guys like me, but I doubt I'll find anyone like you. I'm not flirting; I'm just speaking from the heart. That's all I have to say."

Suhani was taken aback by his honesty. She could sense his sincerity and felt that Rahul was someone she could trust completely. His words touched her deeply, but she remained silent, processing everything he had said.

Rahul grew anxious. "Don't you want to say or ask anything?"

Suhani smiled softly. "You've already clarified everything. There's nothing left to ask."

Rahul felt a wave of relief wash over him, his heart swelling with hope. "Is it a yes?"

Suhani paused, considering her response carefully. "I need a day. I'll give you my answer by tomorrow at 10:00 p.m."

Rahul nodded, understanding her need for time. "Take as long as you need. Even if it takes weeks, it's your life decision. You'll be spending it with this messy guy who's the pampered one in the family, but not so mature."

Suhani raised an eyebrow playfully. "You've said all this before asking for a yes, and you say you're not mature?"

"That's something you'll learn later," Rahul teased.

"Why not tell me now?" Suhani countered, a hint of a smile on her lips.

"Say yes first, then we'll talk," Rahul replied, grinning.

Suhani couldn't help but smile back, and seeing her smile, Rahul's heart fluttered. "Shall we?" he asked.

Suhani tilted her head. "Do you have something more to say?"

"Not really, but I'm starving," Rahul admitted with a chuckle.

Suhani giggled. "Alright, Mr. Raichand, let's get you some food."

They walked back to the table, both of their faces glowing with a newfound connection.

Priti looked at them expectantly. "So? Did you two have a good talk? Is it a yes?"

Rahul smiled sheepishly. "Maa, we need a day. Everything will be clear by tomorrow at 10:00 p.m."

Aman sighed in relief. "Thank God! At least we didn't get a 'no' right away this time."

Vihaan looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Suhani explained, "I've rejected four proposals before. That's why I didn't want to meet earlier today. For me, my work is my top priority. As a doctor, it has to be. I need a partner who respects that, and I've never found that in anyone before Rahul. He's much better than the guys I've met before."

Vani grinned, hugging Rahul tightly. "I knew my brother was the best!"

Rahul was speechless, overwhelmed by her words. After the dinner, the families said their goodbyes. Rahul waved at Suhani, and she waved back, their connection lingering in the air.

**LATER THAT NIGHT**

Suhani lay in bed, unable to sleep as her thoughts kept drifting back to Rahul. Meanwhile, Rahul sat in his balcony, lost in thoughts of Suhani's response. Restless, Suhani got up and went downstairs, finding her father watching TV.

"Papa," she called softly.

Aman looked up. "Yes, Suhu?"

"I want Rahul's number," Suhani said, her voice firm but gentle.

Aman smirked knowingly. "Give me a few minutes; I'll send it to you."

"Thanks, Papa!" Suhani replied, returning to her room. A few moments later, her phone buzzed with a message from her father, containing Rahul's number.

Taking a deep breath, she typed out a message. "Hey."

Rahul, still deep in thought, was startled by the notification. Seeing the message from an unknown number, he quickly unlocked his phone, his heart skipping a beat as he read it.

"Hi! Who are you?" he typed.

Suhani replied, "I'm Suhani!"

Rahul sat up straight as he read her message. "Oh! Hey Suhani! It's just that I didn't have your number, so I just reached out."

"I understand!" Suhani typed. "Actually, I want to ask you something."

"Yess," Rahul responded.

"Can I call you?" Suhani asked.

"Ohk!" Rahul agreed.

Suhani dialed his number, and Rahul received it immediately.

"Heyyy," Rahul answered.

"Hi," Suhani said.

"So, what's bothering you at 10:30 pm?" Rahul asked.

"You!" Suhani replied.

"Me??" Rahul asked, puzzled.

"What's bothering you at 10:30 pm?" Suhani repeated.

"Nothing!" Rahul said. "This is just my time to be alone and reflect."

"Hmm," Suhani responded.

"So, what did you want to ask?" Rahul inquired.

"I wanted to say something," Suhani said. "Actually, Rahul, I thought of you on my way home. And the truth is, I've never seen a guy as honest as you. You're the first one I think I can give it a try with! Not just a try—I've made up my mind... It's a yes from my side too."

As Suhani finished, Rahul's face lit up with a joy he couldn't contain. He ran his hand through his hair with a wide smile, momentarily lost for words.

"Hello??? You still on the call?" Suhani asked, noticing his silence.

"Huh—yeah, I-I am still here," Rahul stammered.

"Don't stutter, Mr. Rahul Raichand," Suhani teased.

"Okay, then what would you like me to do, soon-to-be Mrs. Rahul Raichand?" Rahul asked, emphasizing the title playfully.

Suhani blushed deeply and said, "We aren't married yet, and you're starting from the very first page!"

"I said to think with an open mind!" Rahul replied. "And if you said yes, then you'll have to get used to this!"

"You're impossible!" Suhani said, her voice full of amusement.

"I know, soon-to-be wifeyyy!" Rahul said with a sheepish smile.

Vihaan and Vani, watching from the side, saw Rahul's happiness and shared a look of excitement.

"Just shut up, soon-to-be hubby!" Suhani said.

"Haan haan, so when should we tell our families?" Rahul asked.

"Jaisa aap kaho!" Suhani replied.

"I think we should tell them now!" Rahul suggested.

"Ruko ruko, pehle main apne mummy papa ko kahungi, fir aap apne mummy papa ko batana!" Suhani said.

"What do you mean by 'apne mummy papa'?" Rahul asked. "Now they're your parents too!"

"Arreh, yaar, ye dialogue apke muhh se nahi mummy papa se sun na hai," Suhani said with a chuckle.

"Okay, okay," Rahul agreed. "Tum apne ghar pe batao, main idhar batata hoon!"

"Okkk..... Bye!" Suhani said.

"Byee and good night!" Rahul replied.

"Good night!" Suhani said as she ended the call.

Rahul cut the call, blushing furiously. He felt as if he had just won an Oscar. He joined his family downstairs, still glowing.

"Vihaan aur Vani kidhar hain?" Rahul asked.

"Upar hi honge! Kyu?" Darshil replied.

"Donon ko bula ke laata hoon," Rahul said. "Aap sab idhar hi rehna."

A few minutes later, Rahul reappeared.

"Kya hua bhaiii?" Vani asked.

"Nothing much, just that you're getting a new sister-in-law!" Rahul said, his grin widening.

"Mtlb?" Vihaan asked, confused.

"Actually, just a while ago, Suhani's call came through," Rahul explained. "She said yes!"

"Teri taraf se bhi haan hai na?" Dhruti asked.

"Hmm," Rahul confirmed.

Vihaan and Vani jumped with excitement, hugging Rahul tightly.

"Congratulations, bhaiii!" they exclaimed.

Rahul touched the feet of the elders, receiving their blessings with joy. The Raichand household was abuzz with happiness and celebration.

Meanwhile, Suhani, feeling like a blushing tomato, went downstairs to find her parents.

"Papa, where is everyone?" she asked.

Aman replied, "Mumma is in the room, and Ami is upstairs."

"Mumma!!!!! Ami!!!!! Bahar aao...." Suhani called out.

Aman asked, "Kya hua?"

"Unko to aane do!" Suhani insisted.

Naina came down and asked, "Kya hua meri maa...."

Ami followed, asking, "Kya hua?"

Suhani took a deep breath and said, "I said yes."

"Kyaa????" Naina responded, surprised.

"Maine rishte ke liye haan bol diya," Suhani confirmed.

Ami, still shocked, said, "Wait, you really said yes?"

"Yesss...why?" Suhani asked.

Ami said, "No, because you've rejected four boys before this."

"Naina, fudging kya hota hai?" Suhani's mother asked.

Suhani replied, "K-...kuch nahi mumma."

Aman, smiling proudly, said, "I'm very happy for you, beta!" He kissed Suhani's forehead.

Ami added, "Jokes apart, I'm happy too for my sister, and I'll get my jiju!"

That night was special for both the couple and their families. Rahul's shyness had melted Suhani's reservations, and their shared joy was evident to everyone around them.

______________________________________________________________________________

An Arranged Marriage Love Story By
Dhara Chauhan
______________________________________________________________________________