The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the day as Viraj arrived at Priya's home. The air was filled with anticipation and a hint of excitement, especially for Arohi and her grandmother, who had been eagerly preparing for this moment.

Viraj stepped out of his car, adjusting his blue suit, the color complementing his confident demeanor. As he approached the front door, bouquet in hand, his heart quickened with a mix of nerves and anticipation. The door opened, and there stood Priya, draped in a stunning red saree that accentuated her grace and beauty. The soft fabric clung to her form, the deep red contrasting beautifully with her fair complexion.

For a moment, Viraj was spellbound. The world seemed to blur around him as he took in the sight of Priya. Her hair was elegantly styled, and the subtle makeup enhanced her natural features. She looked nothing short of radiant. Gathering his composure, Viraj extended the bouquet towards her, his voice warm and genuine, "These are for you."

Priya smiled, accepting the bouquet, her fingers brushing against his for the briefest of moments. Behind her, Arohi and her grandmother were practically buzzing with excitement. Arohi's eyes sparkled as she whispered to her grandmother, "Why didn't we think of him before? They look so perfect together!"

Her grandmother nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on the pair as they walked towards the car. "Yes, you're right, my dear. They truly do," she replied, a contented smile on her face.

As Priya and Viraj left together, there was an undeniable sense of harmony between them, like two pieces of a puzzle finally coming together. The sight of them walking side by side, Viraj's blue suit complementing Priya's red saree, left Arohi and her grandmother with a feeling of hope and excitement for what the evening might bring.

Priya, though still nervous, felt a strange comfort in Viraj's presence. The day had been long, and she had been wrestling with her thoughts, but now, as they drove away, she allowed herself to relax a little, hoping the night ahead would be as pleasant as the warm, tender glances Viraj kept sending her way.

Viraj maneuvered the car through the bustling city streets, his grip on the steering wheel firm yet relaxed. As they neared their destination, Priya's eyes widened in surprise when the car came to a stop in front of a lavish restaurant, its grand façade illuminated by soft, ambient lights. The entrance was adorned with elegant greenery, and the soft murmur of an exclusive crowd drifted out, mingling with the sound of a string quartet playing softly in the background.

Priya turned to Viraj, a mixture of surprise and hesitation in her voice. "Are we really going there?" she asked, glancing at the luxurious setting through the car window.

Viraj nodded, a warm smile playing on his lips. "Yes, we are. I thought tonight deserved something special."

"But isn't this a bit too costly?" Priya protested, a slight frown creasing her brow. She was never one for extravagance, and the thought of dining in such a high-end place made her a little uneasy.

Viraj shook his head gently, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of affection and determination. "It's on me, Priya, and I won't listen to any excuses. Tonight is about celebrating you. Let's enjoy it."

Realizing there was no point in arguing, Priya sighed softly, a small smile curving her lips. "Alright, if you insist."

They stepped out of the car, and a valet quickly took over, guiding the vehicle to its parking spot. The evening air was cool and crisp, carrying with it the scent of jasmine from the nearby gardens. As they walked towards the entrance, Priya couldn't help but admire the attention to detail—the perfectly manicured lawns, the soft glow of lanterns lining the path, and the understated elegance that spoke of old-world charm and sophistication.

Inside, the restaurant was a masterpiece of opulence and taste. Chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, reflecting off the polished marble floors and the rich, dark wood furnishings. The staff, dressed impeccably, greeted them with courteous smiles and guided them to a secluded table nestled near a window that offered a stunning view of the city skyline.

As they sat down, side by side, Priya felt a strange mix of nerves and excitement. The table was set with fine china, sparkling crystal glasses, and a single candle flickering softly between them. Viraj caught her eye and smiled, his hand resting lightly on the back of her chair.

"I wanted tonight to be special," he said softly, his voice sincere. "You deserve nothing less."

Priya blushed, touched by his thoughtfulness. As they settled into their seats, the gentle strains of music filled the air, adding to the ambiance of the evening.

As the warm scent of pizza filled the living room, Arohi and her grandmother, Shipra, settled in front of the TV, enjoying a quiet evening together. The light from the screen flickered across their faces as they laughed and chatted, the remnants of their meal scattered on the coffee table. The doorbell's sudden ring broke the tranquil atmosphere, making them both glance at each other in surprise.

"Who could that be at this hour?" Shipra murmured, her brows furrowing in curiosity.

"I'll get it, Dadi," Arohi said, rising from her spot. She padded over to the door, her curiosity piqued. As she pulled it open, she was met with the unexpected sight of two unfamiliar faces—one, a tall man with a strong, commanding presence, and the other, a young boy, his expression a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

Arohi blinked in surprise. "Uh... can I help you?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

Before the man could respond, Shipra appeared beside Arohi, her own surprise evident. "Who is it, Arohi?" she asked, peering over her granddaughter's shoulder. When she saw the visitors,she also got confused.

The man, who Arohi didn't recognize, smiled politely. "Good evening. I'm Ram, and this is my son, Arjun. We're here to see Priya. Today is her birthday, and Arjun wanted to surprise her."

Arohi blinked in surprise, her confusion deepening. "You're here for my mom? I... I didn't know she was expecting anyone," she said, glancing back at her grandmother for some guidance.

Shipra joined Arohi at the door, her face etched with curiosity. "Who is it, Arohi?" she asked, peering past her granddaughter. When she saw Ram and Arjun, her confusion mirrored Arohi's. "I'm sorry, but do we know you?" she asked cautiously.

Ram hesitated for a moment, realizing they were unrecognized. "I apologize for the unexpected visit. Priya has been tutoring my son, Arjun, and since it's her birthday today, we thought we'd surprise her with a little something."

Arjun, holding a small gift bag, looked up at Shipra with hopeful eyes, though the growing realization that Priya wasn't home began to dampen his excitement. "We didn't mean to intrude," he added quietly.

Arohi's expression softened, understanding the situation. "Oh, I see. But... Mumma isn't here right now. She went out for dinner with a friend."

Arjun's face fell, his hopes deflating as quickly as they had risen. "Dinner?" he repeated, his voice tinged with disappointment.

"Yes, she left a little while ago," Arohi explained. "I didn't know she had students visiting today."

Shipra, noticing the boy's sadness, stepped in with a sympathetic smile. "I'm so sorry for the mix-up. Why don't you both come in and wait? Priya should be back soon."

Arjun glanced at Ram, unsure of what to do. Ram nodded gently, understanding his son's feelings. "Thank you, we'll wait," he said, stepping into the house.

They were led into the living room, where the remains of the earlier pizza night still lingered. Shipra and Arohi quickly tidied up, offering the guests a place to sit.

Arohi, trying to lighten the mood, asked, "Would you like something to drink? We have some soda or juice."

Arjun shook his head, his disappointment palpable as he sat on the edge of the couch, clutching the gift bag. Ram, sensing the awkwardness, smiled politely and declined as well.

As the minutes ticked by, the room grew quieter, with only the faint sounds of the TV in the background. Shipra and Arohi exchanged glances, unsure of how to ease the tension that had settled over the group.

Finally, Shipra said softly, "Priya will be back soon, I'm sure. She'll be so happy to see you, Arjun. It's a very thoughtful surprise."

Arjun managed a small smile, but it was clear his excitement had waned. Ram, too, forced a smile, though he couldn't shake the feeling that the surprise had lost its magic.

As the night stretched on with no sign of Priya, the atmosphere in Shipra's living room grew increasingly strained. Ram and Arjun sat quietly, their initial anticipation gradually giving way to a sense of unease. Arjun kept glancing at the door, clutching the gift bag he'd brought for Priya, but with each passing minute, his hope dwindled. Finally, Ram decided it was time to go.

Ram said politely, "We should be going now. It's getting late." 

When they reached the car, Ram was about to unlock it when the distant hum of an engine caught their attention. He looked up to see a car approaching, its headlights cutting through the darkness. The vehicle slowed as it neared, and Ram recognized Priya stepping out, followed by Viraj.

Arjun's face lit up with excitement, but Ram's emotions took a sharp turn. He stood by the car, watching the scene unfold, but instead of feeling relief that they'd finally found Priya, a wave of irritation washed over him. It wasn't just the long wait or the thwarted surprise—it was something deeper, something unsettling that he couldn't quite place.

When he saw Priya and Viraj exchange a brief smile, and then, to his dismay, they hugged before parting, Ram felt his irritation spike to an uncomfortable level. There was something about the casual ease between them, the way Priya and Viraj seemed so familiar, that gnawed at him.