He likes her sister.
She has a crush on him.
What will happen, when a Rishta meant for her sister is sent to her? How will he react? How will the family react? What's their story?
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December
"Sab ready hai?"
(Everything's ready?)
"Yep."
Everyone's luggage was in the van's trunk with all of them seated in the vans. Parth drove the first van, while I planned on driving the second one. I got in the van turned the ignition on and followed Parth.
We drove to the airport. Unloading our luggage, we sat on the flight, and a few hours later, we landed in Manali.
After checking out, we got into the booked cabs and drove to the hotel. Throughout the drive, I peered out the window, mesmerized by the view. The snow-capped pine cone trees, the bushes, it was pazazz. We all wore sweaters and sneakers, our heads covered with beanies to protect us from the chilly weather.
We arrived at the hotel, got all our luggage out and went into the lobby. The receptionist greeted us and we checked in and the bellboy took our luggage into the rooms.
Neil and I were sharing a room. I entered the room and told the bell boy to leave, not before thanking him.
"Dibs on the shower," I stated.
"Okay," Neil said nonchalantly.
I quickly showered and stepped out of the washroom wearing a grey t-shirt and black sweatpants, on top of it a sweater to keep it warm.
I took the dirty clothes and put them in a bag, and Neil went to the bathroom.
I looked around the room. It was set up with twin beds, a small coffee table with maroon sofas, and a large window showcasing the snowy landscape with the room heater on providing warmth from the cold.
Neil emerged from the bathroom wearing a white t-shirt and grey track pants. We both sat on our beds, taking in the view.
Soon, the whole family was in the hotel's dining hall having dinner. We discussed what our plan was and slept after a tiring day.
The next morning, I woke up to Manali's cold weather. I put on my slippers and strode to the balcony. Opening the sliding glass door, I entered the winter wonderland. The view from the balcony was breathtaking. The snow-capped mountains, the crisp air. I was taking in the view when I noticed a girl standing on the balcony beside mine.
"Hey!" I greeted the lady. She turned and it was...
"Aarohi, tum yahan. What a surprise?"
(You here?)
She looked at me with widened eyes and lips ajar. "Hi! Aap yahan?"
(You here?)
"I've come with my family for vacation. You?"
"Same."
"Aaru." A familiar voice interrupted us. A smile made its way on my face.
Akshara came to the balcony wearing a yellow jumpsuit, looking ethereal. My heartbeat accelerated as my eyes met hers.
"Tum? Yahan?" Akshara said.
(You? Here?)
"He also came to Manali for a family trip." Aarohi updated her.
"Oh. Aaru, Badi Maa is calling you. Unki glasses nahi mil rahe."
(She can't find her glasses.)
"Okay." Aarohi goes back to her room.
"You look good, Akshara," I said. My gaze, not leaving hers.
"Thank you, you're not bad-looking yourself."
Was that a compliment?
"Thank you. Kahan ka plan hai aaj tum logon ka."
(What is your plan for today?)
"Skiing, we booked our spot."
"We plan on going to Manali Mall Road. There are many things I can buy." She squealed and stopped, looking at me, she went inside making me laugh to my heart's content.
I went back into my room and got ready. Neil and I headed to the dining hall to have breakfast. We all went to the breakfast stall and picked up a plate, I stacked up Cheela's and Vada's and looked around for a seat. Almost all of them were taken.
"Abhimanyu!"
I turned, and Aarohi was waving at me with a smile. I walked up to her. "Hey. again"
"You and your family can sit here." She pointed at empty chairs on her side of the table. It was her and a chubby guy seated next to her, The table next to her was full.
I nodded my head to no one and sat next to her. My whole family joined in as well. I pulled out the handkerchief and placed it on my lap, indulging in the food.
Throughout breakfast, both my and Akshara's families talked. About the weather, about the culture, where they are, etcetera.
After breakfast, we went to Solang Valley. We all were covered up in goggles, ski pants and a winter jacket with our skiing equipment in hand as we all we ready for the adventure ride. The instructor guided us with enthusiasm, explaining the basics and the precautions for skiing. Neil was the first one to go down the hill, Mumma was next though she was a bit skeptical. "Main girun ge toh nahi na?" She asked.
(I won't fall right?)
"Jaldi kro. Darpok kahin ke."
(Hurry up. Scardy cat?)
"Papa!" I snapped, he was taken back a bit and said nothing.
Mumma went for it, I went after her. We all had the times of our lives.
.
.
.
The following morning, Akshara and my family went to Manikaran, a small town to visit the Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib. We went to the gurdwara and had Baba Ji's darshan. And took a dip in the hot springs feeling energetic and therapeutic. Spiritual places always lift people's mood. I smiled.
Later that night both the families had a bonfire. They were sharing memories and having a healthy conversation.
January
"Mumma." I knocked on the door, "Come in." I entered and Mumma was chumping Neil's hair. I sauntered there and sat on the carpet and I lightly pushed Neil away. "Bhai." And took his place.
Mumma's head massages are the best. I put my head on her lap as she sat on the bed. "Mumma, I like this girl..."
"Aur uska surname Goenka hai na." How did she know? My ears turned red. "Hmm... please aap uske ghar walon se rishte ki baat kare na. I know that she's the one for me." And she is single as well.
(And her surname is Goenka, right?)
(Please ask her family for her hand in marriage.)
"Okay," Mumma said. I stood up hugged her and kissed her forehead. "Badmash," Mumma muttered and I walked out of the room and turned back to see Neil back with his head massage.
(Badmash can translate to wicked/rouge. I'm not sure of its translation in English.)
