HEARTS ARRANGED, LOVE DISCOVERED

CHAPTER 8: ROKA PREPARATIONS

The day for the families to meet and discuss the dates for the engagement ceremony had arrived. 

Aarohi and Abhimanyu had anticipated this day with both excitement and nervousness. As they sat in their respective homes, dressed in traditional attire, their hearts raced with the thought of officially marking the beginning of their journey together.

The two families gathered in the spacious living room of the Goenka household. Bade Papa, the patriarch of the family, took the lead in initiating the discussion.

**Bade Papa**: (thoughtful) I think we should have the engagement ceremony next month.

**Harshvardhan (Harsh)**: (considering) Well, Manish ji, I think the one after six months would give us ample time for preparations, but maybe it's too far off.

Abhimanyu couldn't help but chime in, blushing slightly.

**Abhimanyu**: (nervous) Papa, I mean... there's no need to wait so long.

Aarohi, sitting beside him, looked at Abhimanyu and felt her cheeks flush. She was happy that he seemed eager.

**Aarohi**: (whispering) Yes, Papa, I agree with Abhimanyu.

**Akshara (Akshu)**: (teasing) Well, well, it seems someone is quite impatient to call you his fiancée, Aarohi.

**Kairav**: (grinning) Yes, Aarohi, it looks like Abhi can't wait to take you home.

Aarohi blushed, but a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes.

**Aarohi**: (playfully) Stop it, both of you! Behave yourselves, or I'll have to remind your spouses that you forgot your anniversary last year!

Shefali, Abhimanyu's sister-in-law, couldn't help but join in the teasing.

**Shefali**: (teasingly) You seem very excited for your roka, don't you, Abhi? Can't wait to have Aarohi as your wifey?

Abhimanyu blushed furiously.

**Abhimanyu**: (stammering) Bhabhi, it's not like that... I just meant, why delay unnecessarily?

Laughter filled the room as everyone realized that Abhimanyu was, indeed, eagerly looking forward to the engagement.
After some more discussion and friendly banter, the families reached a decision. The engagement ceremony would take place in a month's time. The room filled with congratulatory messages and smiles.

**Manish Goenka**: (extending his hand) Congratulations, Abhimanyu. Welcome to the family.

**Abhimanyu**: (grinning) Thank you, Bade Papa.

**Manjari**: (hugging Aarohi) Aarohi, you're going to be a beautiful bride.

**Aarohi**: (hugging back) Thank you, Manjari Maa.

Sweets were exchanged, symbolizing the sweet beginning of this new chapter in their lives.
As Abhimanyu and his family prepared to leave, Abhimanyu couldn't resist winking at Aarohi. Aarohi, feeling a mix of happiness and shyness, looked away, her cheeks flushed.The room was filled with the promise of a beautiful future, and the countdown to the engagement ceremony had officially begun.