HEARTS ARRANGED, LOVE DISCOVERED

CHAPTER 4: AN UNSPOKEN DECISION

The evening had unfolded with graceful conversations, laughter, and an unspoken connection that seemed to tie Aarohi and Abhimanyu's hearts in delicate knots. As the night wore on, the families decided it was time to bring their first meeting to a close.

Aarohi gently took her badi mama, Swarna, aside, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. She wanted to convey her decision but also wished to know Abhimanyu's thoughts.

Aarohi: (whispering to Swarna) Badi mama, I... I think it's a yes from my side. But, please, ask him what he thinks first.

Swarna, with a knowing smile, nodded and said, "Of course, dear. We'll talk to him."

Meanwhile, in another corner of the room, Abhimanyu was having a similar conversation with his mother, Manjari. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, and Abhimanyu was eager to convey his feelings.

Abhimanyu: (whispering to Manjari) Ma, I believe I want to move forward with this. But, please, find out what she thinks before we confirm anything.

Manjari, her eyes brimming with maternal pride, replied, "Absolutely, my dear. We'll speak to her."

As the two mothers prepared to approach their respective children with the good news, they exchanged knowing glances, their silent communication speaking volumes. It was clear that they both saw the budding connection between Aarohi and Abhimanyu.

And then, as fate would have it, both mothers decided to speak at the same time.

Swarna and Manjari (in unison): "It's a yes from Aarohi's/Abhimanyu's side, but they would like to know what the other thinks first."

A hushed pause enveloped the room, and all eyes turned toward Aarohi and Abhimanyu. Caught in the spotlight, they exchanged shy glances, their cheeks flushed like ripe tomatoes. Their eyes locked for a brief, heart-pounding moment before they looked away, sharing a beautiful unspoken understanding.

The room erupted into joyous clapping and animated chatter. Sweets were exchanged, and congratulations flowed freely. It was a moment of shared happiness, and the room buzzed with the promise of a new beginning.

Amid the celebratory chaos, Aarohi and Abhimanyu couldn't help but exchange more shy glances, their hearts dancing to a silent tune of budding affection. 

With each stolen look, their connection deepened, and the unspoken promise of something beautiful hung in the air.

As the night drew to a close, the families decided to meet again the following week to discuss the timeline of the marriage. Farewells were exchanged with warm hugs and promises of the future. Everyone was saying their goodbyes and chatting animatedly.

When the time came for Abhimanyu to leave with his family, he couldn't resist stealing more than one shy smile in Aarohi's direction.

 Aarohi, her cheeks flushed furiously, waved him goodbye, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and newfound emotions.

The evening had brought them together in a way they couldn't have anticipated. It was a beginning, a delicate step toward a future they were both beginning to embrace with open hearts.