Kismet Ki Kahani

**Chapter 10: Shaadi Ka Proposal**

**Chapter 10: Shaadi Ka Proposal**

After the success of the fashion show, Ayesha and Raj start feeling more confident about their future together. The initial acceptance by Raj's family has given them hope, but they know there's still a long way to go.

A few days later, Raj receives a call from his mother while he is at work. "Raj, shaam ko ghar jaldi aa jana. Humare ghar mehmaan aa rahe hain," Sunita says with an unusual excitement in her voice.

Raj senses something is off. "Mehmaan? Kaun aa raha hai, Maa?"

"Arre, tum aao toh sahi. Tumhare liye surprise hai," Sunita responds before hanging up.

Raj returns home that evening, curious and a bit anxious. As he steps into the living room, he sees a family sitting with his parents. The girl sitting next to her parents looks demure, dressed in a traditional saree. Raj's heart sinks as he realizes what this 'surprise' might be.

Sunita stands up with a broad smile. "Raj, yeh Mr. and Mrs. Mehra hain. Aur yeh unki beti, Priya. Humne Priya ke liye tumhari shaadi ka proposal rakha hai."

Raj is taken aback. "Maa, aapne mujhse bina pooche yeh sab kaise decide kar liya?"

Sunita's smile falters. "Raj, humne socha ki tumhe milne ke baad tumhe pasand aayegi Priya. Tum dono ki jodi bohot achi lagegi."

Raj looks at Priya, who seems equally uncomfortable. He takes a deep breath and tries to remain calm. "Maa, mujhe aapse baat karni hai. Abhi."

Sunita nods, sensing the seriousness in Raj's voice. They move to another room, and Raj shuts the door behind them.

"Maa, yeh sab kya hai? Main Ayesha se pyar karta hoon aur yeh baat aap jaanti hain," Raj says, his frustration evident.

Sunita's eyes well up with tears. "Raj, tumhare papa aur main bas tumhare bhale ke liye kar rahe hain. Ayesha achi ladki hogi, par hamari parivaar ki values alag hain. Priya hamare sanskaar mein fit hoti hai."

Raj softens his tone, trying to make his mother understand. "Maa, pyaar sirf sanskaar se nahi hota. Ayesha bhi achi hai, aur main usse hi apni zindagi mein chahta hoon."

Sunita looks torn, her love for her son conflicting with her traditional beliefs. "Raj, agar tumhe lagta hai ki Ayesha hi sahi hai, toh hum Priya ke parivaar se baat karenge. Par yeh faisla tumhe soch samajh kar lena hoga."

Raj nods, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Thank you, Maa. Main aapki baat samajh sakta hoon, par mujhe bas apne pyaar ko ek mauka dena hai."

---

The next day, Raj meets Ayesha to discuss the situation. They sit in a quiet corner of their favorite café, the gravity of the conversation heavy in the air.

"Ayesha, Maa ne mere liye Priya ka proposal arrange kiya tha," Raj begins, watching Ayesha's reaction.

Ayesha's face pales slightly, but she maintains her composure. "Raj, tumne kya decide kiya?"

Raj reaches out and holds her hand. "Maine Maa ko sab bata diya. Woh ab humare rishte ko samajhne ki koshish kar rahi hain. Par mujhe tumhare saath is situation ka samna karna hai."

Ayesha squeezes his hand, a mix of relief and anxiety in her eyes. "Raj, hum dono milke hi is problem ka solution nikal sakte hain. Tumhari family ko samajhna hoga ki hamara pyaar kitna strong hai."

Raj smiles, feeling reassured by Ayesha's strength. "Haan, Ayesha. Humein sab kuch sath mein hi face karna hoga."

---

Over the following weeks, Raj and Ayesha work together to bridge the gap between Ayesha and Raj's family. They plan small get-togethers, where Ayesha can interact more with Raj's parents and siblings, hoping to build a stronger bond.

One evening, Raj's family is invited to Ayesha's parents' house for dinner. The atmosphere is a blend of nervousness and hope. Ayesha's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Khan, are warm and welcoming, trying their best to make Raj's family feel at home.

During dinner, Mr. Khan raises a toast. "Raj beta, hum khush hain ki Ayesha ko tum jaisa partner mila. Hum dono families ke liye yeh rishta bahut important hai."

Sunita smiles, albeit a bit hesitantly. "Ji, humein bhi aapke ghar ka pyaar aur sanskaar dekhkar acha laga."

As the evening progresses, there are moments of laughter and shared stories, slowly melting the initial awkwardness. Ayesha and Raj exchange hopeful glances, feeling that they are making progress.

---

A few days later, Raj's mother calls Ayesha, inviting her over for a family lunch. Ayesha accepts the invitation, eager to spend more time with Raj's family and continue building their relationship.

At the Malhotra house, Sunita and Ayesha find themselves in the kitchen together, preparing lunch. Sunita watches Ayesha skillfully handle the cooking, impressed by her ease and grace.

"Ayesha, tumhare mummy papa ne tumhe bohot achi tarah se padhaya likhaya hai," Sunita remarks.

Ayesha smiles. "Thank you, aunty. Mummy papa ne hamesha mujhe aur bhai ko independence aur values dono diye hain."

Sunita nods, her respect for Ayesha growing. "Ayesha, main bhi chahungi ki tum humare sanskaar ko samjho aur respect karo."

Ayesha places her hand on Sunita's. "Aunty, main aapki bahut izzat karti hoon aur main hamesha try karungi ki aapke expectations par khadi utaroon."

The lunch is a success, with everyone enjoying the meal and the company. Raj feels a glimmer of hope as he sees his family warming up to Ayesha.

---

Despite the positive strides, the journey is far from over. Raj's family still harbors some reservations, but the foundation of mutual respect and understanding is being laid. Raj and Ayesha know that with patience and perseverance, they can overcome these challenges together.

As they walk hand in hand through the busy streets of Mumbai later that evening, Raj looks at Ayesha, his heart swelling with love and pride. "Ayesha, tumhare saath sab kuch possible lagta hai. Tum mere life ki strength ho."

Ayesha smiles, her eyes reflecting the same love and determination. "Raj, humari love story itni easily khatam nahi hogi. Humein apni kismet khud likhni hai, aur hum sath mein yeh kar sakte hain."

Their journey continues, filled with love, challenges, and unwavering faith in each other. They know that their bond, strengthened by every trial, will ultimately triumph, forging a path towards a future they both dream of.