Kismet Ki Kahani

**Chapter 9: Ghar Ka Pressure**

**Chapter 9: Ghar Ka Pressure**

The following weeks are a whirlwind for Ayesha and Raj as they continue to explore their new relationship. However, the bliss is soon overshadowed by the increasing pressure Raj faces from his family to settle down and get married.

One Sunday morning, Raj's family gathers for breakfast. The Malhotra household is bustling with activity, the aroma of parathas and chai filling the air. Raj's mother, Sunita, looks at him with a mixture of concern and determination.

"Raj, beta, tumhare papa aur main bahut din se soch rahe hain. Tumhari shaadi ki baat karni hai," Sunita begins, her tone serious.

Raj sighs, already anticipating the conversation. "Maa, abhi toh mera career start hua hai. Shaadi ka abhi time nahi hai."

Sunita shakes her head, her expression firm. "Beta, tumhare bhai ka bhi toh career tha. Phir bhi usne shaadi kar li. Ab tumhari bhi age ho gayi hai, aur hum chahte hain ki tumhare papa ke retire hone se pehle tumhari shaadi ho jaye."

Raj looks at his father, who nods in agreement. "Raj, tumhari maa sahi keh rahi hai. Humare parivaar ki izzat aur traditions bhi toh hain."

Raj's younger sister, Riya, chimes in, "Bhai, main toh yeh kehti hoon ki aapko Ayesha se shaadi kar leni chahiye. Woh kitni achi hai, aur aap dono ek dusre ko pasand bhi karte ho."

Sunita's eyes narrow at the mention of Ayesha. "Woh modern ladki hamare sanskaar mein fit nahi hoti. Raj, tumhe apni community mein hi shaadi karni hogi."

Raj feels a surge of frustration. "Maa, Ayesha meri zindagi ka hissa hai. Hum dono ek dusre ko pasand karte hain. Please, aap samajhne ki koshish karo."

Sunita's expression hardens. "Raj, tumhe humari marzi ke bina kuch nahi karna chahiye. Humne tumhare liye ek acchi ladki dekhi hai. Agle hafte unse milne chalte hain."

Raj stands up abruptly, his chair scraping the floor. "Maa, main kisi aur se nahi milna chahta. Main Ayesha se baat karunga aur phir aapko batata hoon."

With that, Raj leaves the table, his mind in turmoil. He knows he needs to talk to Ayesha about his family's expectations and find a way to navigate this situation.

---

Later that evening, Raj and Ayesha meet at their favorite café. Ayesha immediately senses that something is bothering Raj.

"Raj, tum itne pareshan kyun lag rahe ho?" she asks, her voice filled with concern.

Raj takes a deep breath and explains the morning's events. "Ayesha, gharwale mujhpe bahut pressure daal rahe hain shaadi ke liye. Woh chahte hain ki main unki pasand ki ladki se milun."

Ayesha's heart sinks. She had anticipated this, knowing the traditional values Raj's family holds. "Raj, main samajh sakti hoon. Tumhare parivaar ke liye kitna mushkil hoga mujhe accept karna."

Raj reaches across the table, taking her hand in his. "Ayesha, main tumhe apne life mein chahta hoon. Par mujhe samajh nahi aa raha ki main yeh sab kaise handle karoon."

Ayesha squeezes his hand reassuringly. "Raj, hum dono milke is problem ka solution dhundhenge. Parivaar important hai, aur unhe samjhana bhi utna hi zaroori hai."

Over the next few days, Raj and Ayesha devise a plan. They decide to slowly introduce Ayesha to Raj's family, hoping that over time, they will see the qualities in her that Raj loves.

The first step is to invite Raj's family to Ayesha's fashion show. Raj hopes that seeing Ayesha's professional success and her dedication will help his family understand her better.

---

On the day of the fashion show, Ayesha is a bundle of nerves. She has meticulously planned every detail, from the outfits to the lighting, ensuring that everything is perfect. Raj arrives early, offering his support and calming her jitters.

"Ayesha, tumhara show zaroor hit hoga. Tumne kitni mehnat ki hai," Raj says, giving her an encouraging smile.

Ayesha nods, her heart pounding. "Raj, mujhe bas tumhari family ko impress karna hai. Baaki sab theek ho jayega."

As the show begins, Raj's family arrives and takes their seats in the front row. Sunita looks around, slightly skeptical, while Raj's father and Riya appear more open-minded.

The lights dim, and the first model steps onto the runway, showcasing Ayesha's latest collection. The audience is captivated by the vibrant colors and intricate designs. Raj watches his family's reactions closely, hoping for a positive outcome.

As the show progresses, Sunita's expression softens. She seems impressed by the professionalism and elegance of Ayesha's work. By the end of the show, there is a standing ovation, and Raj's family joins in the applause.

Backstage, Raj finds Ayesha beaming with pride. "Ayesha, tumne kamaal kar diya! Tumhari collection ne sabko impress kar diya."

Ayesha smiles, her eyes sparkling. "Raj, tumhari family ko pasand aaya?"

Raj nods. "Haan, mujhe lagta hai ki woh tumhe aur achhe se jaanne ke liye ready hain."

Later, they join Raj's family for dinner. Sunita looks at Ayesha with a newfound respect. "Ayesha, tumhara fashion show bahut acha tha. Tumne bohot mehnat ki hai."

Ayesha smiles warmly. "Thank you, aunty. Aapka support bahut important hai mere liye."

The evening goes smoothly, and Ayesha's charm and sincerity win over Raj's family. They are not fully convinced yet, but the ice has been broken, and a path towards acceptance has been paved.

As Raj and Ayesha leave, he takes her hand, squeezing it gently. "Ayesha, tumhare efforts se sab kuch theek ho raha hai. Mujhe tumpe naaz hai."

Ayesha looks at Raj, her heart swelling with love. "Raj, hum saath hain, toh sab kuch theek hoga. Hamesha."

They walk away, hand in hand, ready to face whatever challenges come their way, confident in their love and the strength of their bond.