The Bride Trilogy - Part 1 - The Chosen Bride

Chapter 9: Hum Aapke Hai Koun..!

The engagement ceremony went quite late into the night, and by the time everyone left, it was too late for Dadi to talk to Arnav. They were all tired and needed to rest. The next day was good enough for this chat, Dadi surmised.

However, Arnav was very busy at work for the days following the engagement, and always surrounded by family when he was at home, so it was three days later that Dadi got a chance to talk to him privately.

She wasn't sure if the talk was required, since there appeared to be a change in Arnav's behavior since the engagement. He was involved in every single decision, took an interest in the rituals and even helped in making up the guest list. The family was happy that he'd finally seen the light and accepted his marriage. Dadi was still worried that he'd compromised, and was now seeing no way out, and hence showing an interest.

After dinner, when everyone retired for the night, Dadi made her way to Arnav's room, hoping to catch him alone, so she could find out his feelings about the impending marriage.

He was checking his phone, while walking near the pool.

"Chote", Dadi called out.

Arnav turned and smiled as soon as he saw his grandma.

"Dadi, is everything ok? Why are you still awake?"

"Everything is fine, Chote. Don't worry. Why are you still awake?"

"oh, nothing... just expecting a phone call"

"Chote, I wanted to talk to you about something"

Arnav just looked at her and waited.

"Chote... are you... I mean..., I know we almost railroaded you into this wedding, but... are you ok with it?"

Arnav's brows furrowed at the question, "yeah Dadi, I'm.... I'm fine. Why are you asking me this?"

"No... just... the family is so excited about you and Khushi, we never asked you"

"Asked me? About what?"

"About whether you are ok with this marriage. Marrying Khushi, I mean!"

"I'm perfectly ok with it, Dadi. Stop worrying!"

"Its still not too late if you want to back off. I will explain to the rest of the family"

"Back off? What? Why? No, I don't want to back off. We're engaged now, Dadi"

"Yes, I know. But you're not married yet. And if you are uncomfortable with this marriage, then you don't have to go through with it"

"Uncomfortable? I'm not uncomfortable. Well yes, the rituals and everything are not really my cup of tea, but everyone else is so happy about them, I can live with that", Arnav shrugged, "Its not a big deal"

"But a marriage is a big deal, Chote. If you are not looking forward to marrying Khushi, if you are feeling even a bit of doubt, we'd understand"

"I don't have any doubt, Dadi. Thank you for asking. I would like to marry Khushi. We get along very well, the family likes her too.... Are you having doubts about her Dadi?", Arnav asked, looking worried.

"No, no. I didn't mean that. I actually like her a lot. She's exactly the kind of girl I had hoped you would marry. And I like the family too. But I was interested in knowing what you thought of her. Everybody in the family has made their opinion about Khushi and the Guptas clear at one point or the other, but I have never heard you say anything other than you're ok with the marriage"

"Dadi, you are worrying for no reason. I am perfectly happy with marrying Khushi. I like her and her family too. Don't worry about it", Arnav told her in a gentle voice, smiling at her. Then he pulled her into a hug, grateful for her consideration of his feelings.