Dev's POV

I was too tense to think about anything else. How would I ever manage to repay such a huge amount in such a short amount of time?

Before I could think anything else, Mr. Arora cleared his throat, "your family debt will be forgiven if you marry my daughter. And I know you don't have a job, so once you and Sanjana get engaged, I'll give you a job. So that you can get well settled."

My mind was blown, I was stupefied by this sort of suggestion. I couldn't think properly. "Are you really sure about this, Mr. Arora? Because I don't know your daughter, and she might not want to marry me, seeing as how..."

"Dev beta, don't worry about all this right now. And don't worry about Sanjana, I'm sure she would love to get to know you, right Sanju?" Mr. Arora asked his daughter, pointedly looking at her.

The girl, Sanjana, had a weird expression on her face. I wasn't sure whether she liked me or was angry at me for crashing my scooty into her car. However, suddenly her expression changed and she gave her approval to her father, "hmm, yes Papa, I would definitely like to know Dev." She said my name in a sugar sweet voice.

But, I wasn't so sure about this whole idea and expressed my opinion on the same, "Mr. Arora, I really don't know, please don't force Sanjana for this, just for me. I can try and give you the money owed in installments..?" I asked him again, this time a bit hopefully. Sanjana's expressions gave me a strange feeling and I didn't want to take such a big step in my life without consulting any of my sisters or my Maa.

"Dev, don't worry, Sanjana is just a bit upset right now. She'll be fine very soon. You know, with the car and everything? She's just a bit short-tempered, nothing major to worry about. Don't bother with the money, Dev I understand." Mr. Arora replied back, a little forcefully.

"Oh okay, sir. But still your daughter.."

I'm cut off by Sanjana, "Oh ho, what is your problem you idiot! Can't you understand that if Papa said something then that means it should be done. And what issue should you have with it? Huh? Paise toh tumhe bharne nai hai, aur ab oversmart ban rahe ho! You're such a scumbag!" She exclaimed suddenly, gaining the interest of a passer-by. (You don't even want to pay the money and now you're acting oversmart!)

My face burned in anger and embarrassment. I really didn't want Sanjana to marry me because of her father, it's clear she doesn't like me even a bit. What should I do? Voice out my opinion? What if Mr. Arora also gets angry with me? I should wait and remain silent for now.

"Sanjana Arora, how dare you speak to Mr. Dixit like that! Haven't I taught you any manners? Aise baat karte hai bado se? Apologise to Dev right now." Mr. Arora bellowed hoarsely, while glaring sharply at her. (Is this the way to talk to elders?)

"I-it's alright, Mr. Arora. I can understand her frustration, I'm sorry to waste your precious time. So sir what do you suggest finally? Is this your final decision?" I sighed softly, while asking him back.

I never imagined I would be getting married like this, in such a rush and that too with someone whom I didn't know at all and neither had my family met her. Hoping that my decision doesn't cause a blunder, I look right at Mr. Arora's face waiting for him to give the final verdict.

Mr. Arora looked between his daughter and myself, "Yes, Mr. Dev Dixit, this is my final decision. So beta what do you think? Are you ready for my daughter? Do you accept my offer?"

Nervousness clouded over my mind. Unconsciously I started wringing my fingers. I had to save my family, hook or by crook and it seemed like there was no other way out. Just my luck.

"Uhm..I..okay, I mean yes sir. I accept your offer of kindness. Thank You so much for understanding. So..uhm, what should I do now?" I asked him and wondered to myself worriedly that I would have to tell Maa everything, but somehow avoid the matter of the debt, or she would unnecessarily get worked up. There must be a very huge reason for Maa to hide this from me, which is why I don't want her distraught over this when she has finally been able to find some source of happiness in her life, that is through her cooking via Ishwari Catering Services.

"Ahh..thank you Dev, you've chosen very well. I'm proud that I'll have such a smart son-in-law. Now, none of this sir business, just call me uncle. We're going to be a family very soon. Aren't we son?" Mr. Arora exclaimed unnaturally loudly.

"Yes, sir. I mean Uncle." He seems to be very happy with my decision, I just hope Sanjana also turns out to be happy the same way once she calms down.

"Hmm...great. So about your mother, don't get her worried with this money problem, you know how mothers are, they get tensed very quickly. So don't tell her this very long story, just introduce us to her. I'm sure she'll be very glad that her son is finally going to get married." Mr. Arora stated tersely.

"Of course Uncle, I wouldn't bother Maa with all these hassles."

"Yes, so Dev beta, now we ought to think about the engagement. How about we plan it for tomorrow? The sooner the better right?"

"Tomorrow? But isn't that too soon? What about the preparations and.." I asked him.

"Tsk, tsk. No worries on that matter at all. The engagement will take place at our place, your mother need not worry and neither should you. It'll just be close relatives and family. How does that sound?" He asked me.

"Oh, okay then if you don't have any issues, then I'll inform Maa and my three sisters about it. If you could just send us the address..?" I responded somewhat thoughtfully.

"Yes, here is Sanjana and my number. I already have yours. So shall we meet by tomorrow evening, 6:30 P.M?"

"Yes, uncle and once again a big thanks to you for this great offer, otherwise I don't know how I would've paid you back. So I will see you both tomorrow. Have a good day Sanjana!" I told them, shaking Mr. Arora's hand.

"Certainly. See you beta! And once you get engaged, I'll get you a proper job!"

"Byeee Devvv! I'll miss you!" Sanjana waves goodbye at me, while blowing me a kiss.

I started my scooty and headed home. I just hoped I made the right decision and didn't make a mistake without consulting Maa. I hope she likes Sanjana, she isn't that bad afterall. It'll just take some time getting used to having a woman in my life.

•••

"Dev, badi der lag gayi ghar aane mei. Sab theek toh haina? Riya ko koi problem toh nai aayi na?" Maa questioned me worriedly.

(It took you a long time to come back home. Is everything alright? Riya doesn't have any problems right?)

"Arey, Maa everything is fine. It's just I've wanted to tell you about something from the past few days. You see.." I soothe her calmly.

Before I could explain, Neha came out of the kitchen and headed over, "Dev bhai, do you know how tense Maa became because you took so much time?!"

I nodded towards her, "well, there's a reason for me being late–"

"Oh Dev, you scared me! So what is this you're talking about?" Maa asked me back.

"Maa, I wanted to introduce you to someone, but it all happened so fast. I like someone and her name is Sanjana. She's very sweet and pretty. We've decided to get engaged tomorrow." I told this all as quickly as possible, so she doesn't doubt me or detect my lie, as she comes to know whenever I lie.

Neha however seemed to have doubted me. She turned towards Maa and asked her, "don't you think it's too soon? Like before the engagement, aren't we supposed to meet her family and get to know her?"

"I agree with Neha, tomorrow is too soon. How will we even manage?" She exclaimed worriedly.

"Don't worry, everything has been taken care of by Mr. Arora, Sanjana's father. He's very kind and helpful, he understands, Maa." I explained to her softly while giving her a swift hug.

Maa looked like she was thinking about something, "Arora you said it was? Could it be...?"

She said Arora, could she have possibly remembered? No, maybe it was some other Arora. She seemed to be deep in thought before Neha interrupted again, "I wonder why they are hurrying so much? Marriage is not a joke."

Why can't Neha understand? Why can't she just accept the fact that I have a girlfriend? If she raises so many questions Maa might remember about Arora and I don't want her to go through difficulties all over again. "Neha, times are changing. Nowadays children don't always need the permission of their parents to get married. What matters is that we love each other and nothing else. It's our personal matter." I told her sharply.

Neha let out a frustrated sigh while turning towards Maa, "you see Maa, this is what I fear. God knows how that girl is and we all know how naive Dev bhai is. He doesn't know how to handle women, anyone could take advantage of him."

"Neha! Enough is enough." I yelled out at her.

"Okay, okay, both of you calm down. Dev, I feel Neha is speaking the right thing but if you are sure then I will always support you, you know that na. Anyways, all that aside, you should choose your outfit for tomorrow. And for your ring take this and take Neha along with you, she knows more about such things. I will tell Riya and Nikki, you both go. Go fast, now, there's no time left for such talks!" She exclaimed happily, handing over some money from her wallet.

I headed over to the jewellery shop with Neha to buy a ring for Sanjana. Maa seemed so excited, and it seemed like Neha was also calming down. I hope this all turns out well in the end.

•••

The day for the engagement had finally arrived. I was all jittery and also very excited. It was quite late, but I decided that I should take my friend Manik's advice on this matter, afterall he was already married. I sat on my bed and dialled his number, waiting for him to pick up. I had sent an invitation to him and his wife as well, hopefully they could make it. On the third ring, Manik picked up, "Dev, is that you?"

"Yes, Manik. I hope you received the invitation to my engagement."

"Of course, I was just a bit shocked, you never mentioned a girlfriend before this."

"That is exactly what I wanted to talk with you about..."

I explained the whole thing to him, obviously leaving out the part where Maa owed Mr. Arora money. It felt bad lying to Manik but there was no other way out. Knowing Manik he would offer money, to pay off the debt, but I didn't want to ask for money from my friend. I was quite capable of handling the situation on my own. I just needed confirmation whether I did the right thing or not.

His line went silent for a minute and I was wondering whether he believed my story or not. He sighed, "actually Dev, I agree with your sister here. It does seem too soon and I know you have met Mr. Arora and must know how he is, but if not your sisters then atleast your mother deserves to get to know Sanjana and her family better."

I tried arguing back, trying to prove my point, but realised that Manik was right. I should have told Mr. Arora that my family would want to meet him, Maa might know him, but my sisters would love to meet Sanjana. How stupid could I be?

"Dev, are you there? Listen, what's done is done, hopefully they like her and as long as you both love each other there shouldn't be any major issues," he told me, before assuring me that he and his wife Nandini would definitely be there for his engagement ceremony.

After the call, I felt a bit better and a bit worse at the same time. Manik tried to lift up my spirits, but at the same time I realised the major problem was love. Sanjana and I hardly knew each other, forget love. This could create some issues. I hope nobody asks too many questions at the ceremony, I'll have to get this sorted with Mr. Arora.

•••

We had managed to arrive at the Arora Residence on time despite the last minute rush. The view of Arora mansion was something out of a fairytale for me. It's not everyday that one gets invited to such a grand place. The exterior was decorated with lights akin to those that are put up during Diwali, there were people dressed in uniforms standing outside welcoming everyone in. Riya and Nikki had told me everything about them, how great and rich they were, about their own family business and everything. I hoped I could fit into their lifestyle. However, standing right now, outside their home, I felt overwhelmed.

Inside, the decorations were quite great as well, flowers adorning the staircase, there were chairs set up and right up front there was a medium-sized stage. I was amazed at how they were able to do so much at such a short notice. My very close friends and family were all here, my uncle and their family had come along with my best friend, Manik and his wife, Nandini, both of whom I was relieved to see. I hadn't seen Sanjana yet, but I noticed Mr. Arora mingled around with everyone, including Maa and my uncle. It seemed like they were getting along fine.

Finally, it was time, Sanjana too had arrived. Just stepping on the stage made my breathing rapid and shallow. I could feel my heartbeat racing. It was a relief that I was able to get up there quickly, because now my legs were shaking and I was afraid I would trip.

I nodded and smiled towards Sanjana and we both exchanged our rings. Huge applause started and everyone came to congratulate us.

Finally, I was engaged to Sanjana. Mr. Arora came over, "Congratulations Dev, we are finally a family. Now tomorrow we can discuss your job."

"Thanks Mr. Arora, I mean uncle." I replied kindly, seeing the look he was giving me. I hope now I can finally get a proper job and get settled, so that Maa can also take some days off and rest, take a vacation. All thanks to Mr. Arora. 

•••

So my fellow readers, how did you find this chapter? Do you really think Dev made the right choice by saying Yes to the Arora's?

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Thankyou!🦋