Healing CEO 's Heart

"Shagun: A Bond Begins"

Advika sat alone on the terrace, her mind swirling with thoughts and emotions. She replayed the events of the day in her head, from the frantic call from her mother to the unexpected marriage proposal. Everything felt like a whirlwind, and she struggled to make sense of it all.

As she gazed up at the night sky, a sense of calm washed over her. She took a deep breath, trying to quiet the chaos within her mind. It was then that she made a decision. She couldn't ignore the fact that her parents seemed genuinely convinced that this proposal was worth considering. Despite her initial reservations, Advika felt a glimmer of hope and trust in their judgment.

After what felt like hours of contemplation, Advika finally made up her mind. She would say yes to her parents' request to consider the marriage proposal. It was a leap of faith, but she felt a sense of peace settle over her as she embraced the decision.

The next morning, Advika approached her parents with newfound resolve. She found them in the living room, discussing something in hushed tones. As she entered, their eyes lit up with anticipation.

"Mom, Dad, I've thought about it," Advika began, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach. "I'm willing to consider the marriage proposal."

Her parents exchanged a look of joy and relief, their faces breaking into wide smiles. "Oh, Advika, you've made us so happy!" her mother exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace.

Advika's father placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression filled with pride. "We knew you'd make the right decision, beta. We're so proud of you."

As they sat together, basking in the warmth of their family bond, Advika felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She knew that this journey wouldn't be easy, but she was ready to face it with courage and determination.

Just then, her elder brother Abhimanyu entered the room, a smile playing on his lips. "I heard the good news, sis. I'm proud of you," he said, giving her a reassuring nod.
Advika's heart swelled with gratitude as she felt the warmth of her family's embrace. Yet, amidst the joy and excitement, a voice of doubt nagged at the back of her mind.

It was her elder brother Abhimanyu who voiced the concern that lingered in her thoughts. "Sis, are you sure about this?" Abhimanyu asked, his tone gentle yet probing. "It's a big decision, and I want to make sure you're doing what's right for you."
Advika met her brother's gaze, seeing the sincerity and care reflected in his eyes. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. "I know it's a big decision, Bhai," Advika replied, her voice steady. "But I've thought long and hard about it, and I believe it's the right choice for me, for us as a family." Abhimanyu nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Just remember, I'm here for you every step of the way. Whatever you decide, I've got your back." Advika felt a swell of emotion as she embraced her brother, grateful for his unwavering support. With Abhimanyu by her side, she felt reassured in her decision to embrace the path that lay before her. She knew she could always count on him.

With the decision made, Advika's father wasted no time in reaching out to Abhiraj's grandfather to inform him of their acceptance. The Rathores, a family known for their regal stature and traditional values, were delighted by the news. They expressed their eagerness to meet Advika and her family at their home that very day to formalize the engagement.

Nita said Advika take a leave from the hospital as the Rathores are coming for shagun. Advika nodded and went to call her hospital, informing them about the emergency leave and also called her best friends to invite them.

While at the Rathore house, everyone was at the breakfast table having their breakfast while slow talks here and there. When a servant came to Ranjit Rathore with a phone in his hand and said, "Bade Hukum Omkar Saheb ko aapse baat karni hai." He furrowed his brows and nodded at him while taking the phone from his hand and dismissing him.

"Hello," he said.
"Namaste Hukum," said Omkar.
"Namaste Omkar," he replied.
"Hukum mujhe aapko yeh batana tha ki Advika ne shaadi ke liye haan keh di hai."
"Kya?" he said in a very loud voice. Everyone got startled.
"Sach Mubarak ho! Mubarak ho!" Dadu exclaimed. "Dadu, kya hua?" Rohit asked his grandfather, who was so happy as a kid whose parents agreed for an outing.

"Arre Advika ne shaadi ke liye haan kardi," he said.
"Waah! Wow!" there was a chorus of this.
"Padmavati, toh aap unhe keh dein ki hum aaj hi shagun ke liye aa rhe hai unke ghar," he informed Omkar about this who obliged happily.
"Maya hugged Meera excitedly. After all, uske bete ki shaadi pakki hui hai."

As news of Advika's acceptance of the marriage proposal spread through the Rathore household, preparations for the shagun ceremony began in earnest. Nita, Advika's mother, oversaw the arrangements with precision, ensuring that every detail was perfect for the occasion.

Meanwhile, Abhiraj's siblings, Rohit, Rhea, and Atharv, each had their own reactions to the news. Rohit and Rhea, the extroverted twins, were ecstatic at the prospect of their brother's wedding, already brainstorming ideas for the festivities. On the other hand, Atharv, the introverted youngest sibling, observed quietly, his thoughts hidden behind a mask of indifference.

As the evening approached, the Rathores arrived at the Shekawat house with the shagun. The Shekawat family welcomed them warmly, and everyone got settled. Padmavati called Advika over, saying, "Bache, yaha par aao." Advika nervously approached her and sat down as Padmavati patted the spot beside her. "Yaha par betho," she said, caressing Advika's cheek. "Bohot pyari lag Rahi ho." Advika, clad in a beautiful white anarkali dress, blushed profusely as Maya and Meera joined in, showering her with compliments.

After some time, Maya positioned Advika next to Abhiraj, adorning her with a red chunari, applying tika on her forehead, and showering her with gifts. Meera followed suit. Padmavati then presented Advika with a necklace that had been passed down through generations.

As everyone gathered for tea and snacks, Advika found herself seated next to Rohit and Rhea. Their lively conversation and infectious energy helped ease her nerves, and she soon found herself laughing along with them as they shared stories and jokes.

Meanwhile, Atharv sat quietly beside Advika, his demeanor calm and collected. Sensing his reserved nature, Advika initiated a conversation, asking him about his interests and hobbies. Though initially hesitant, Atharv gradually opened up, revealing his passion for literature and art. Advika listened attentively, genuinely interested in learning more about him.

As the evening progressed, Advika couldn't help but admire the bond between Abhiraj and his siblings, each one unique yet united in their love for each other. Despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, she felt reassured knowing that she would have their support every step of the way.

Elders started to discuss which date to fix, and finally, they concluded to set the wedding for the date after one month, as waiting for eight months seemed too long.

Amidst hugs, congratulations, and the exchange of sweets, Nita brought out a tray of sweets to celebrate. Ranjit hugged Abhiraj tightly and playfully shoved a whole laddoo into his mouth, eliciting laughter from everyone.

Omkar, filled with emotion, hugged Advika tightly, expressing his joy and blessings for her future.

As the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming wedding filled the air, Advika couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for her family's love and support. With their blessings, she felt more confident about the path she had chosen. Yet, amidst the celebrations, a sense of nervousness lingered in the back of her mind, reminding her of the weight of the decision she had made.

Abhiraj, though overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, couldn't deny the warmth and acceptance he felt from Advika's family. Deep down, however, he harbored doubts and reluctance about the marriage. Despite his initial reservations, he found himself reluctantly going along with the arrangements, putting on a facade of enthusiasm and acceptance.

As the day drew to a close and the guests bid their farewells, Advika and Abhiraj exchanged a glance filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. While Advika's heart was full of hope and anticipation, Abhiraj's eyes betrayed a hint of unease, knowing that he was embarking on a path he wasn't entirely sure about. Yet, he knew he couldn't reveal his true feelings, not wanting to disappoint or hurt Advika or her family.

With the date set and preparations underway, Advika and Abhiraj braced themselves for the journey ahead, unsure of what the future held but determined to face it together.