Scene: Aggarwal House – Early Morning

The sun cast its gentle light through the half-torn curtains of the modest Aggarwal house in Sheetgiri. The birds chirped outside, and the faint smell of morning chai wafted through the air. Rajeshwaran Aggarwal, or Raj, as everyone fondly called him, sat on the verandah, his cup of tea untouched, his thoughts far away.

His gaze fell on the picture hanging on the wall inside—a photo of his niece Prachi, her radiant smile lighting up the frame. His bittu. The girl he had raised as his own after life's cruel twist had taken her parents from her too soon.

He sighed deeply, running his calloused hand over his face. The morning breeze brought a chill, but it wasn't the weather that made his heart heavy today. He knew.

Raj (muttering):

"Ab samay aa gaya hai, Bittu. Tumhare sapne poore karne ka samay. Aur ek zindagi banane ka(Now the time has come Bittu. Time to fulfill your dreams. and to build a life.)" 

He blinked, his throat tightening as a wave of memories washed over him.

[Flashback: The Day Everything Changed]

It was a stormy evening, years ago, when Raj had first brought little Prachi into his home. She was barely five, her tiny hands clutching his shirt as she sobbed uncontrollably.

Prachi (crying):

"Chacha ji, mujhe mummy-papa ke paas jaana hai... kyun chale gaye woh(Uncle, I have to go to Mom and Dad... why did they go?)" 

Raj had knelt down to her level, tears brimming in his own eyes. He had no words to explain why fate had been so unkind to her. Instead, he held her close, patting her head as she cried herself to sleep.

That night, he had promised himself that he would be everything Prachi needed—her mother, her father, her friend, her guide.

Raj (to himself, that night):

"Prachi, main tumhare liye duniya ki har khushi le aunga. Tumhare sapno mein koi kami nahi hone dunga(Prachi, I will bring you all the happiness in the world. I will not let your dreams go down.)"

Present: The Verandah

Raj chuckled softly to himself, though his eyes shimmered with unshed tears. He remembered how Bittu had grown up, her curious questions and her endless energy lighting up their simple home.

Raj (to himself):

"Kitni ziddi thi tu... ek din poori gali mein dhoom macha di thi bas isliye kyunki main tujhe aloo ke parathe nahi bana ke de raha tha(You were so stubborn... one day you created a ruckus in the entire street just because I was not making potato parathas and giving them to you.)"

He smiled at the memory of Prachi, about ten years old, stomping her tiny feet and refusing to eat anything but her favorite parathas. Her laughter, her tantrums—they had filled his otherwise quiet life with purpose.

[Flashback: The Moment She Grew Up Too Fast]

There was another day Raj would never forget. Prachi was sixteen, sitting on the floor of their small living room, her books spread around her as she prepared for an upcoming exam.

Prachi (excitedly):

"Chacha ji, dekho na! Mera naam merit list mein aa gaya! Main top 10 mein hoon(Uncle, look! My name appeared in the merit list! I am in the top 10!)"

Raj had held the newspaper in trembling hands, reading her name over and over again. His eyes had blurred with tears as pride swelled in his chest.

Raj:

"Meri Bittu toh bas chamatkaar hai! Tumhe dekh ke lagta hai ki zindagi mein sab kuch mumkin hai, beta(My little one is just a miracle! Looking at you, I feel that everything is possible in life, beta.) "

That day, they had celebrated with a small bowl of kheer—Prachi's favorite—because that was all he could afford. But Prachi had hugged him so tightly, it felt like a feast.

Prachi (hugging him):

"Chacha ji, bas aapke liye kar rahi hoon yeh sab. Aap dekhiye, ek din main aapka naam roshan karungi(Uncle, I am doing all this just for you. You see, one day I will make you proud.)"

[Present: The Verandah]

Raj snapped back to the present as he wiped a stray tear from his cheek. He could hear Prachi laughing inside the house with Namrata, her younger cousin. Her voice was music to his ears, but he knew that soon, this house would feel empty without her.

The matchmaker was scheduled to come later in the day, and Raj knew it was the right time. Prachi deserved someone who would love her as much as he did, who would support her dreams and give her the happiness she had always given him.

But his heart still ached.

Raj (to himself, softly):

"Kaise karoon main yeh, Bittu? Kaise tumhe kisi aur ke haath mein de doon? Main toh ab tak tumhare sapno ka hissa tha, ab kya hoga(How do I do this, Bittu? How can I hand you over to someone else? I was a part of your dreams till now, what will happen now?)" 

He closed his eyes, his thoughts taking him to a future where Prachi wasn't in this house, wasn't sitting at the kitchen table helping Namrata with homework, wasn't pestering him for extra sugar in her tea.

[Inside the House: Prachi and Namrata]

Prachi was sitting cross-legged on the floor, braiding Namrata's hair while humming a soft tune. She looked up and noticed Raj standing at the door, lost in thought.

Prachi:

"Chacha ji? Aap wahan kya kar rahe ho? Andar aaiye na(Uncle? What are you doing there? Come inside!)"

Raj shook himself out of his trance and stepped inside, his face softening as he looked at her.

Raj:

"Bas yunhi, tum dono ki masti dekh raha tha. Tumhari hasi se ghar roshan ho jata hai, Bittu(Just like that, I was watching both of you having fun. Your laughter lights up the house, Bittu.)" 

Prachi laughed, a carefree sound that filled the room.

Prachi:

"Chacha ji, aap bhi na. Hamesha emotional ho jaate ho(Uncle, you no. You always get emotional.)" 

Raj forced a smile, but his heart felt heavy. He knew she didn't understand yet how much she meant to him, how much he was dreading the day he would have to let her go.

Later That Night: Raj Alone in the Living Room

As the house fell silent, Raj sat in his old wooden chair, staring at the flickering candlelight. He picked up the framed photograph of Prachi as a child, her face smudged with chocolate from her 8th birthday.

Raj (whispering):

"Prachi, tum meri zindagi ho. Tumhare bina yeh ghar bas ek makaan ban jayega(Prachi, you are my life. Without you this house will be just a house.)" 

Tears streamed down his face as he clutched the photo to his chest.

Raj (praying):

"Bhagwan, bas ek baat ki dua karta hoon. Jo bhi ladka meri Bittu ke liye aaye, uska dil itna bada ho ki meri Prachi ko uska har sapna de sake(God, I just pray for one thing. Whichever boy comes for my daughter, his heart should be big enough to give my Prachi all her dreams.)" 

He closed his eyes, letting the emotions wash over him. Because no matter how much it hurt, Raj knew this was the right thing to do.

His little bittu was ready to soar, and it was time to let her fly.

Late Night, Aggarwal House – Living Room

The quiet of the night was broken only by the occasional creak of the old wooden chair as Raj sat, staring at Prachi's childhood photograph. His rough, weathered hands clutched the frame tightly, his eyes glistening in the dim light of a flickering lamp. He didn't notice when Namrata, lovingly called Choti, peeked from the staircase.

Esha: Please roo mat Chacha. Tum rooge to hum bhi dukhi ho jaayenge(Please don't cry uncle. If you cry we will become sad too.)

Namrata's face softened as she saw her Papa sitting alone, his shoulders hunched with the weight of his emotions. She tiptoed closer, her heart breaking at the sight of him wiping his tears with his sleeve.

Namrata (softly):

"Papa? Aap ro rahe ho(Father? You are crying?)" 

Startled, Raj quickly turned the frame facedown and attempted to compose himself, clearing his throat.

Raj:

"Nahin beta, bas yunhi... aankhon mein kuch chala gaya tha."

But Namrata wasn't convinced. She stepped forward and knelt beside him, looking up at him with concern in her big, innocent eyes.

Namrata:

"Papa, mujhe sach bataiye. Aap toh hamesha kehte ho ki apne dil ki baat chupana galat hota hai. Ab khud kyun chhupa rahe ho(Father, tell me the truth. You always say that it is wrong to hide what is in your heart. Why are you hiding yourself now?)" 

Raj sighed, unable to hide the truth from his choti.

Raj (smiling weakly):

"Tumhari Jiji ki baat soch raha tha, beta. Uski shaadi ka waqt aa gaya hai. Par mann kaise samjhau(I was thinking about your sister, beta. The time for her marriage has come. But how do I explain?)"

Namrata's eyes widened. She loved her Jiji fiercely and couldn't imagine her leaving the house.

Namrata:

"Jiji ki shaadi? Woh toh abhi yahaan ke bina ghar kitna khaali lagta hai, Papa! Aap aise kaise...(Sister's wedding? This home feels so empty without her here right now, Papa! how are you like this.)" 

Raj put a hand on her head, stroking her hair gently.

Raj:

"Beta, har baap ka sapna hota hai ki uski beti apne ghar ki raajkumari ban jaye. Prachi toh mere liye beti se bhi badhkar hai. Uski khushi ke bina main kabhi chain se nahin reh sakta(Daughter, every father dreams that his daughter becomes the princess of his house. Prachi is more than a daughter for me. I can never be at peace without her happiness.)" 

Choti saw the raw love in her Papa's eyes, and her heart swelled with pride for the man who had raised both her and Prachi with so much care.

Namrata (smiling faintly):

"Papa, Jiji zaroor ek achhe ghar mein jayegi. Par agar woh door chali gayi toh... main aapko sambhalungi(Papa, sister will definitely go to a good home. But if she goes away... I'll take care of you.)" 

Esha: Aww...we believe in you!

Raj chuckled softly, pulling her into a side hug.

Raj:

"Meri choti toh abhi se sambhalne ki baat kar rahi hai. Tu bas khush rehna, bas yeh hi chahata hoon(My little one is already talking about taking care of it. You just be happy, that's all I want.)" 

[Scene: Upstairs – Babita's Room]

While Namrata comforted Raj downstairs, Babita stood near the window in her room, her hands clenched into fists. The soft voices of Raj and Namrata drifted up, making her restless. She paced back and forth, her jealousy simmering just beneath the surface.

Babita (muttering):

"Hamesha wahi Prachi, Prachi, Prachi! Uske liye Raj ne toh mujhe aur meri beti ko kabhi itni ehmiyat di hi nahi(Always the same Prachi, Prachi, Prachi! For that reason, Raj never gave much importance to me and my daughter.)" 

Babita glanced at the reflection of her younger self in the mirror, a beautiful woman who had once been the pride of Sheetgiri. But with time, her insecurities had grown. Prachi's beauty, her grace, and the love she received from Raj only deepened Babita's resentment.

Babita (angrily):

"Namrata toh uski parchhai ban gayi hai! Kabhi kabhi lagta hai, Raj ko toh sirf Prachi ki hi chinta rehti hai(Namrata has become her shadow! Sometimes I feel that Raj is only worried about Prachi.)" 

Her anger boiled over, but she quickly composed herself as she heard Namrata's footsteps coming up the stairs.

Babita (to herself):

"Lekin yeh shaadi ka time aa gaya hai. Achha hai. Jaldi se Prachi apne ghar chali jaye, aur tab Raj bhi samajhega ki asli ghar kaun sambhalta hai(But the time for marriage has come. Good. Prachi should go to her house quickly, and then Raj will also understand who is in charge of the real house.)" 

Esha: Oh hello aunty. You will regret it soon

[Scene: Namrata's Room – Moments Later]

Namrata sat cross-legged on her bed, her thoughts filled with her Jiji. She opened a small, worn-out scrapbook she kept hidden under her pillow. Inside were little notes, sketches, and memories of her and Prachi—moments of love and laughter they had shared.

She traced a sketch of her Jiji holding her hand, one that she had drawn years ago.

Namrata (to herself):

"Jiji ke bina main kya karungi? Woh toh hamesha meri hero rahi hai. Kaash woh kabhi na jaaye(What will I do without my sister? She has always been my hero. I wish she never goes.)" 

Her heart felt heavy, but she also wanted the best for Prachi. Tears slipped down her cheek as she clutched the scrapbook close.

Namrata (whispering):

"Par Jiji ko khush rehna hai. Bas wahi zaruri hai(But sister has to be happy. That's all that is important.)" 

[Scene: Early Morning – The Kitchen]

The next morning, Babita prepared breakfast, her movements sharp and deliberate as she avoided making eye contact with Raj, who sat at the dining table sipping his tea. Namrata sat beside him, chatting away about random things to lighten his mood.

Prachi entered, her face glowing as always, her dupatta neatly draped, and her hair tied in a loose braid. She smiled at everyone, oblivious to the undercurrents in the room.

Prachi (cheerfully):

"Chacha ji, aaj aapka favorite bana hai—poha! Aur main ne aapke liye extra peanuts daale(Uncle, today your favorite dish is made - Poha! And I added extra peanuts for you.)"

Esha: Mujhe aap ka kuch poha bhi chahiye(I want some of your poha too!)

Raj's face softened immediately as he looked at his bittu.

Raj:

"Bittu, bas tumhari muskaan dekh ke din ban gaya mera(Bittu, just seeing your smile made my day.)" 

Namrata grinned, nudging Prachi.

Namrata:

"Jiji, tumhe pata bhi hai ki Papa tumhe kitna miss karenge jab tum shaadi karke chali jaogi(Sister,do you know how much Papa will miss you when you get married and go away?)" 

Prachi paused, her smile faltering slightly. She looked at Raj, noticing the slight redness in his eyes.

Prachi (concerned):

"Chacha ji, aap theek ho na? Aapki tabiyat kharab toh nahi(Uncle, are you okay? You are not unwell?)" 

Raj waved her off, shaking his head.

Raj:

"Nahi bittu, bas... bas yunhi thoda emotional ho gaya tha. Tumhe itni jaldi paraya karna... mushkil lagta hai(No Bittu, I just got a little emotional. It seems difficult to seperate you so soon.)" 

Prachi walked over and knelt beside him, placing her hand on his.

Prachi:

"Chacha ji, main kabhi aapko chhod ke nahi jaungi. Aap ho toh mera ghar poora hai(Uncle, I will never leave you. My house is complete if you are there.)" 

Raj smiled, but deep inside, he knew that the time was coming. A time when Prachi's home would no longer be under his roof.

The midday sun filtered through the faded lace curtains of the Aggarwal house. The aroma of freshly brewed chai lingered in the air, mingling with the faint whiff of fried pakoras that Babita had made for everyone. Raj sat on his usual seat, adjusting the antenna of the old TV to clear the grainy picture.

Raj:

"Arre, Babita, volume thoda badhao! News mein suna tha ki Kohli group ka beta Ranbir Kohli speech dene wala hai(Hey, Babita, turn up the volume a little! It was heard in the news that Kohli Group's son Ranbir Kohli is going to give a speech.)" 

Esha: Really Uncle. Count me in too

Babita, who was serving tea, placed the tray down and hurried to grab the remote. Her face lit up at the mention of Ranbir Kohli.

Babita:

"Haanji! Maine bhi suna tha. Ranbir Kohli, matlab apne India ka sabse eligible bachelor. Wah! Agar aisa damaad hamare ghar aa jaye, toh toh zindagi ban jaaye(Yes! I had also heard it. Ranbir Kohli means the most eligible bachelor of our India. Wow! If such a son-in-law comes to our house, life will become so wonderful!)" 

Namrata, sitting cross-legged on the floor with her cup of tea, giggled. She tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and leaned closer to the TV.

Namrata:

"Maa! Aap bhi na! Woh toh super-rich hai! Waise maanti hoon, woh handsome toh hai(Mother! You too! He is so super-rich! Well, I agree, he is very handsome.)" 

The TV screen flickered before the picture sharpened, showing the opulent backdrop of a press conference. Ranbir Kohli stood behind the podium, dressed in a crisp navy suit that complemented his sharp features and confident demeanor. His smile radiated charm, and his presence exuded an effortless authority.

Raj (impressed):

"Arre wah, kya confidence hai ladke ka! Yeh hota hai asli business ka samajh. Dekho kaise itni badi media ko handle kar raha hai(Oh wow, what confidence the boy has! This is real business understanding. Look how he is handling such a big media.)" 

Ranbir (on TV):

"Ladies and gentlemen, at Kohli Enterprises, humara vision simple hai—excellence ko har ek field mein achieve karna. Aur yeh tabhi possible hai jab aapke saath ek solid team ho jo aapke sapnon ko samajhe aur unhe reality banaye(Ladies and gentlemen, at Kohli Enterprises, our vision is simple—to achieve excellence in every field. And this is possible only when you have a solid team with you who can embrace your dreams and make them a reality.)"

Esha: Wow Ranbir...how are you confident on stage.

Babita clasped her hands together, almost sighing.

Babita:

"Kash humare ghar bhi aisa ladka aaye. Aise mard toh duniya mein rare hote hain (I wish such a boy comes to our house also. Such men are rare in the world)" 

Esha: Ek baar aap kuch samajhdari ki baat kar rahi hain Babita aunty(For once you are talking some sense Babita aunty.)

Namrata nudged Prachi, who was sitting quietly on the side, peeling peas in a steel bowl.

Namrata:

"Jiji, tumhe kya lagta hai? Kya woh itna accha nahi lagta(Sister, what do you think? Doesn't that look so good!)" 

Prachi didn't look up immediately, her fingers busy snapping the peas one by one.

Prachi:

"Sab same hote hain. Bade ghar ke log bas dikhawa karte hain. Unko sirf paisa aur power chahiye. Insaniyat toh jaise unke dictionary mein hoti hi nahi(Everything happens in the evening. People from big houses just show off. They only want money and power. It's as if humanity doesn't exist in their dictionary.)" 

Namrata frowned at her Jiji's tone.

Namrata:

"Jiji, tum aisa kaise bol sakti ho? Tumhe toh usse baat bhi nahi hui hai(Sister, how can you say this? You haven't even talked to him!)" 

Prachi finally glanced up at the TV. Her eyes lingered on Ranbir for a moment, catching the intensity of his expression as he spoke about the future of Indian industry. But her gaze quickly turned back to her bowl.

Prachi (shrugging):

"Baat karne ki zarurat nahi hai. Businessmen ki duniya alag hoti hai. Unka kaam hai logon ka fayda uthana aur apne faayde ke liye sab kuch karna. Main toh bas(No need to talk. The world of business is different. Their job is to take advantage of people and do everything for their own benefit. I just—)" 

Esha: Prachi ye parivaar aisa nahi hai. Apne dil ki baat suno(Prachi this family is not like that. Listen to your heart.)

Before she could finish, Babita interrupted.

Babita:

"Prachi! Tum toh humesha aise kyun sochti ho? Har ameer aadmi bura nahi hota(Prachi! Why do you think of them like this? Not every rich man is bad!)" 

Raj chuckled softly, his eyes still on the screen.

Raj:

"Parchhai sahi keh rahi hai. Bade logon ki duniya alag hoti hai. Lekin is Ranbir mein kuch baat hai. Apne baap ke paise se nahi, apne talent se yahaan tak pohcha hai(The shadow is right. The world of big people is different. But there is something about Ranbir. He has reached this far not with his father's money but with his talent.)" 

Prachi pursed her lips, trying not to roll her eyes.

Prachi (muttering):

"Talent... ya sirf achhi acting(Talent...or just good acting?)"

Namrata gave her a playful shove.

Esha: Good job Namrata! This girl needed one! 😒🤦‍♀️

Namrata:

"Jiji! Tum toh bas jealous ho! Dekho, kitna charming hai. Agar woh mujhe dekhta, main toh faint ho jaati(Sister! You're just jealous! Look, how charming he is. If he saw me, I would faint!)" 

Prachi couldn't help but smile faintly at Namrata's dramatics.

[First POV – Prachi]

I stole another glance at the TV screen, despite myself. Theek hai(Ok), I admit—he's good-looking, I thought. His deep voice, the way he carried himself, it was impossible to ignore.

But then again, wasn't it all a performance? Mujhe pata hai yeh type ke log kaise hote hain—perfect suit, perfect baatein, lekin dil se... khali(I know how these type of people are – perfect suit, perfect talks, but at heart... empty.)

Ranbir Kohli... jo bhi ho. Mujhe toh aise logon se door hi rehna hai. Mere liye life ke asli heroes woh hote hain jo dil se simple hote hain, jinke paas dikhawa nahi, sirf sachai ho(Ranbir Kohli...whoever he is. That's why I have to stay away from such people. For me, the real heroes of life are those who are simple at heart, who do not show off, but are just truthful.)

I shook my head, dismissing the thought. Lekin ek ajeeb si feeling thi. Woh kaise bolta tha... jaise woh puri duniya ko control kar raha ho(But there was a strange feeling. How he spoke... as if he was controlling the entire world.)

Focus, Prachi, I told myself firmly, snapping another pea pod. Tumhare chhote se life mein aise bade logon ke liye koi jagah nahi hai(There is no place for such big people in your small life.)

[Back to Third POV]

The Kohli speech ended with thunderous applause on the TV screen. Ranbir stepped back from the podium, giving the cameras one last smoldering look before exiting. Babita sighed dreamily, while Namrata clutched a cushion to her chest like a love-struck teenager.

Babita:

"Woh toh kisi maharani ke layak hai. Dekhte hain kiski kismet khulti hai(He is worthy of a queen. Let's see who gets lucky!)

Raj stood, adjusting his kurta as he spoke thoughtfully.

Raj:

"Jo bhi ho, aise log humare jaise logon se door rehte hain. Prachi ka theek hai, apni simple duniya mein rehna best hai(Whatever be the case, such people stay away from people like us. Prachi is right, it is best to live in your simple world.)" 

Namrata gave her father a mischievous grin.

Namrata:

"Par Papa, agar kismet ne aisa ladka humein de diya toh kya karenge(But father, what will we do if fate gives us such a boy?)" 

Raj laughed, patting her head.

Raj:

"Beta, agar aisa kuch ho gaya, toh woh ladka sabse lucky hoga. Kyunki hamari Prachi ki barabari koi nahi kar sakta(Daughter, if something like this happens, then that boy will be the luckiest. Because no one can match our Prachi!)

Esha: She will also be the luckiest girl 😘

Prachi looked at her father and hoti, her heart swelling at their words. She smiled softly, but deep inside, her mind replayed Ranbir's commanding voice again and again.

Scene 1: The Aggarwal House

The ceiling fan whirred softly in the humble Aggarwal living room. Babita was kneading dough in the kitchen while Namrata lazed on the sofa, flipping through a magazine. Prachi sat by the window, embroidering a dupatta for Namrata's friend.

Suddenly, the old landline phone rang, its shrill tone slicing through the calm.

Babita:

"Arre Namrata, phone utha le(Hey Namrata, pick up the phone!)" 

Namrata (grinning):

"Ma, mujhe toh pata hai yeh kisi aunty ka boring call hoga. Aap hi lo(Mom, I know this will be a boring call from some aunty. Take it yourself!)" 

With an exaggerated sigh, Babita washed her hands and picked up the receiver.

Babita (cheerful):

"Namaste! Babita Aggarwal bol rahi hoon(Hi! Babita Aggarwal is speaking.)" 

On the other side, Naira's gentle and cheerful voice greeted her.

Naira:

"Namaste! Main Naira bol rahi hoon. Aap kaise hain(Hello! Naira speaking. . How are you?

Babita (confused but polite):

"Namaste beta! Hum sab theek hain. Aapka naam toh suna suna lagta hai... kaise yaad karna(Hello daughter! We are all fine. I have heard your name before...how to remember it?)"

Esha: You will remember this name for the rest of your life 🥹

Naira (laughing lightly):

"Ji, hum aapke Rajeshwaran ji ke bohot purane jaan pehchaan waale hain. Ek zaruri baat karni thi unse(Yes, we are old acquaintances of your Rajeshwaran ji. I had to talk to him about something important.)"

Hearing her husband's name, Babita's eyebrows rose. She gestured to Namrata and Prachi to quiet down, her curiosity piqued.

Babita:

"Acha? Woh toh abhi bahar gaye hain thoda kaam se. Kya baat hai? Mujhse kehna pasand karengi(Really? He has just gone out for some work. What is the matter? Would you like to tell me?)"

Naira:

"Ji zarur, aapko batane mein khushi hogi. Darasal, hum aapki bhatiji Prachi ke baare mein baat karna chahte hain(Yes, I will be happy to tell you. Actually, we want to talk about your niece Prachi.)"

Babita froze. She glanced over at Prachi, who was quietly embroidering. Her tone became slightly guarded.

Babita:

"Prachi? Kya baat hai uske baare mein(Prachi? What's the matter about her?)"

Naira (warmly):

"Humein suna hai Prachi ek bohot sanskari aur khubsoorat ladki hai. Humein lagta hai woh humare ghar ki bahu banne ke liye perfect hai(We have heard that Prachi is a very cultured and beautiful girl. We think she is perfect to become the daughter-in-law of our house.)"

Babita nearly dropped the phone. Her head spun at the directness of the proposal, but her inner feelings of jealousy bubbled up. Prachi? Bahu? How? She glanced at her niece, who seemed oblivious.

Esha: She will be perfect indeed! Understand Babita Aunty

Babita (nervously):

"Ah... woh toh... baat toh Rajeshwaran ji se karni padegi(This... that... we will have to talk to Rajeshwaran.)"

Namrata overheard and bounded to her mother.

Namrata (excitedly whispering):

"Maa! Prachi Jiji ki shaadi ki baat hai kya? Kaun hai(Mother! Is it about Prachi sister's marriage? Who is it?!)"

Esha: You and Kairav will be the best team choti!

Babita shushed her.

Babita (to Naira):

"Ji, main unse baat karvaungi jaise hi woh ghar aayenge. Par... kaun si family se hain aap(Yes, I will get him to talk to me as soon as he comes home. But... which family do you belong to?)"

Naira (smiling):

"Woh toh aapko abhi nahi batate. Hum chahte hain ki pehle aap hamari baat ko samjhein. Hum ek simple aur pyar karnewali family hain(We won't tell you right now. We want you to understand our point first. We are a simple and loving family.)"

Babita sighed in relief, assuming they were a middle-class family like theirs.

Babita:

"Theek hai, main Rajeshwaran ji se zarur baat karungi. Aapka number note kar leti hoon(Okay, I will definitely talk to Rajeshwaran. I will note down your number.)"

Scene 2: The Kohli Mansion

In the lavish Kohli living room, Naira hung up the call with a satisfied smile. Kartik and Naitik were sitting across from her, sipping tea, while Kairav played with his toys.

Kartik:

"Toh kya kaha unhone(So what did they say)"

Naira:

"Babita aunty ne thoda surprise toh zarur hua, but unhone politely kaha ki woh Raj uncle se baat karengi(Babita aunty was definitely a little surprised, but she politely said that she would talk to Raj uncle.)"

Naitik leaned back in his chair, nodding.

Naitik:

"Good. Humare Ranbir ke liye unki Prachi perfect hai. Ab bas sab kuch smoothly ho jaye(Good. Their Prachi is perfect for our Ranbir. Now everything should go smoothly.)"

Kairav, always nosy, jumped onto Kartik's lap.

Kairav:

"Papa, kya hum Prachi aunty ko milne ja rahe hain? Main unko Chachi bulaunga na(Papa, are we going to meet Prachi aunty? I will call her aunty right?)"

Esha: Zarur beta(Of course son)

Naira (laughing):

"Haan beta, tumhe tumhari Chachi milne zarur aaengi. Pehle Ranbir ko toh unse milne do(Yes son, your aunt will definitely come to meet you. Let Ranbir meet her first.)"

Ranbir walked in, holding a file, looking dashing as ever in a casual black shirt and jeans.

Ranbir:

"Humare baare mein itni serious baatein ho rahi hain aur mujhe toh kuch pata hi nahi(There are so many serious things happening about us and I don't know anything!)"

Kartik (teasing):

"Tujhe abhi sirf yeh pata hai ki tujhe shaadi karni hai. Ladki dekhne ka kaam hum karenge(All you know right now is that you have to get married. We will do the work of looking after the girl!)"

Ranbir (daydreaming about her smile, smiling shyly):

"Main bas itana chaahata hoon ki Prachi mujhe pasand kare...main pehale se hi pyaar...m-mera-matalab, I like her alot(I just want Prachi to like me...I already love...I-I m-mean like h-her so m-much..)"

Esha: That work is on progress. She does not really like you though baklu...(Work in progress. She does not really like you though baklu.)"

Naira (playfully):

"Tension mat le, Ranbir. Tum Prachi se milne ke baad bas uske deewane ban jaoge(Don't take tension, Ranbir. After meeting Prachi, you will become crazy about her.)"

Scene 3: The Aggarwal House Again

Rajeshwaran returned home later that evening, greeted by Babita's hesitant expression. She recounted the call, her voice uncertain.

Rajeshwaran:

"Acha? Kaun hain woh log? Mujhe lagta hai humein milna chahiye(Really? Who are those people? I think we should meet.)"

Babita handed him the note with Naira's number. Prachi sat nearby, visibly disinterested.

Prachi (grumbling):

"Papa, aap bhi maan rahe ho? Mujhe shaadi ki baat abhi nahi karni(Dad, do you also agree? I don't want to talk about marriage right now.)"

Namrata (teasing):

"Jiji! Kya pata woh ladka tumhare sapno ka hero nikle(Sister! Who knows, that boy might turn out to be the hero of your dreams!)"

Prachi:

"Mujhe hero nahi chahiye, Choti. Mujhe meri zindagi ka control chahiye(I don't want a hero, little one. I want control of my life.)"

Esha: Are you sure about that? You and Ranbir are both so stubborn to not change.

Before Prachi could continue, Rajeshwaran dialed the number. Naira picked up on the first ring.

Rajeshwaran:

"Namaste, main Rajeshwaran Aggarwal bol raha hoon(Hello, I am Rajeshwaran Aggarwal.)"

Naira (excited):

"Namaste Raj uncle! Aap se baat karne ka bohot intezaar tha. Mujhe lagta hai aapki beti aur humare ghar ke rishte ke baare mein baat karni chahiye. Hamari Kohli parivaar vaastav mein aapaki beti ko Ranbir ki dilaruba aur dulhan banaana chaahata hai(Hello Raj Uncle! I was really looking forward to talking to you. I think we should talk about the relationship between your daughter and our house. Our Kohli family really wants to make your daughter Ranbir's beloved and bride.)"

As the conversation progressed, Babita's eyes widened when Naira casually mentioned "Kohli family." She gasped, nearly dropping the glass she was holding.

Babita (muttering):

"Kohli family?! Yeh toh India ke sabse ameer log hain(Kohli family?! These are the richest people of India!)"

Namrata nearly squealed with excitement, clutching Prachi's hand.

Namrata:

"Jiji, Kohli family! Ranbir Kohli! Tumhe toh ab kuch kehna hi padega(Sister, Kohli family! Ranbir Kohli! You will have to say something now!)"

Prachi's face paled, realizing the gravity of the situation.

Esha: Aap aise kyon dikhate hain jaise aap final exams dene ja rahe hain(Why do you look like you are going to do final exams?)

Naira (on the phone):

"Raj uncle, humein ek baat kehni thi. Hum chaahte hain ki Prachi se ek baar baat karein. Meri Ranbir se shaadi ki baat tabhi aage badhegi agar dono comfortable ho(Raj uncle, we had to say something. We want to talk to Prachi once. Conversation about marriage with my Ranbir will move forward only if both are comfortable.)"

Esha: Aww...you and your devar is so cute. Didi tera devar deewana! Haye Ram Gudiko Dale daal na! 😆

Raj looked at Prachi, who avoided his gaze.

Rajeshwaran:

"Prachi, beta, kya tum inse baat karna chahogi? Mujhe lagta hai ye log bohot samajhdaar hain(Prachi, daughter, would you like to talk to them? I think these people are very understanding.)"

Prachi sighed, realizing she couldn't refuse.

Prachi:

"Sirf ek meeting, Papa. Uske baad, mujhe apne decision ka poora haq milega(Just one meeting, Dad. After that, I will get full rights of my decision.)"

Esha: Let us see Prachi let's see!

Hey, dear readers! 🌟

First of all, thank you so much for staying on this emotional journey with me. This chapter was incredibly heartfelt to write, as we delved deep into Rajeshwaran's love and struggles as a father. Watching him reflect on the sacrifices and memories of raising Prachi as his own truly touched my heart, and I hope it did the same for you. 😢❤️ Raj's emotions show us just how powerful the bond of love and responsibility can be, even in a middle-class home with its share of challenges.

Then came the moment—the unexpected call from Naira. What a twist, right? 😏 Babita's shocked reaction and Rajeshwaran's internal conflict brought so much drama, and when Prachi finally agreed to the meeting, I could feel the weight of her decision. It's not easy for her, but her family means everything to her, and that makes her strength shine even brighter. ✨

And let's not forget the suspense we're building! The Kholis and the Aggarwals are about to come face to face, and the stakes couldn't be higher. I can't wait for you all to see how Prachi's kindness, simplicity, and grace will ripple through the Kohli family, starting with Naira.

As always, your love and support keep this story alive. Let me know your thoughts on this chapter! Did Raj's flashbacks make you emotional? What do you think of Babita's reaction to the proposal? And how excited are you to see Prachi meet Ranbir in the coming chapters? I've got some fireworks planned for their first meeting, so stay tuned! 🎇💖

Keep reading, commenting, and sharing the love with your friends and Wattpad fam! Can't wait to hear what you think!

Love and chai vibes,

Your Esha ji ☕❤️