Kismet Ki Kahani

**Chapter 12: Raj Ki Dilemma**

**Chapter 12: Raj Ki Dilemma**

The days passed by in a blur as Ayesha continued to spend more time with Raj's family. Slowly, she began to feel more at home. Raj's mother, Sunita, warmed up to her, and even Raj's sister, Pooja, started to show a little more acceptance. It seemed like everything was finally falling into place. But life, as it often does, had other plans.

---

One Saturday afternoon, Raj was at a café with his best friend, Arjun. They were catching up on life and work when Arjun brought up a topic that had been weighing heavily on Raj's mind.

"Raj, kya socha tumne? Tumhe pata hai tumhari family ko abhi bhi kuch doubts hain. Are you sure you want to go ahead with this?" Arjun asked, his tone serious.

Raj sighed deeply. "Mujhe pata hai, Arjun. Lekin main Ayesha se pyaar karta hoon. Aur mujhe yakeen hai ki hum sab kuch theek kar lenge."

Arjun leaned back, sipping his coffee thoughtfully. "Mujhe tumhari feelings pe doubt nahi hai, yaar. Lekin tumne apne career ke bare mein socha hai? Filmmaking is not an easy path, and you know your family's expectations."

Raj felt the familiar weight of his family's expectations settling over him. They had always wanted him to take over the family business, and his passion for filmmaking was something they barely tolerated, let alone supported.

---

Meanwhile, Ayesha was at the Malhotra house, helping Sunita with some household chores. As they worked side by side, Sunita shared stories about Raj's childhood, making Ayesha smile.

"Ayesha, tumhe pata hai, Raj ko bachpan se hi stories sunana bohot pasand tha. Woh apne toys ko line mein bitha ke unhe kahaniyan sunata tha," Sunita said, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia.

Ayesha laughed. "Lagta hai tabhi se unhe storytelling ka shauk lag gaya."

Just then, Pooja entered the room, holding a letter. "Maa, yeh letter aaya hai Raj ke naam. Kafi important lagta hai."

Sunita handed the letter to Ayesha. "Ayesha, tum Raj ko yeh de dena jab woh wapas aaye."

Ayesha nodded, tucking the letter into her bag. Little did she know, that letter held the key to a twist that would change everything.

---

Later that evening, Raj returned home, looking more tired than usual. He greeted Ayesha with a hug, and they sat down for dinner with the family. After dinner, as they sat in the living room, Ayesha remembered the letter.

"Raj, tumhare liye ek letter aaya tha. Pooja ne diya tha mujhe," Ayesha said, handing him the envelope.

Raj took the letter, curious. He opened it and began to read. As his eyes scanned the contents, his expression changed from curiosity to shock.

"Raj, kya hua? Kya likha hai?" Ayesha asked, concern evident in her voice.

Raj handed her the letter, unable to speak. Ayesha read it quickly, her eyes widening in disbelief. The letter was from a prestigious film school in New York, offering Raj a scholarship for their advanced filmmaking program. It was an opportunity of a lifetime, one that Raj had dreamed of for years.

Ayesha looked at Raj, her heart sinking. "Raj, yeh toh bohot badi opportunity hai. Tumhe jana chahiye."

Raj shook his head, conflicted. "Lekin Ayesha, main tumhe aur family ko kaise chhod ke jaa sakta hoon? Aur mere gharwale kabhi nahi manenge."

Ayesha took his hands in hers. "Raj, yeh tumhara sapna hai. Tumhe yeh chance miss nahi karna chahiye. Hum sab kuch manage kar lenge."

Raj's mind was in turmoil. On one hand, he had Ayesha, the love of his life, and his family's expectations. On the other hand, he had his dream, something he had worked so hard for. The dilemma tore at him, and he didn't know what to do.

---

The next few days were a whirlwind of emotions. Raj tried to broach the subject with his family, but as expected, they were not supportive.

"Raj, tumhe apne sapne ka peecha karna chahiye. Lekin uske liye apne responsibilities bhoolna galat hai," his father had said firmly.

His mother, Sunita, was more understanding but still hesitant. "Beta, hum tumhare khushi chahte hain, lekin itna door jaake kya fayda? Aur Ayesha ka kya?"

Raj felt trapped, caught between his love for Ayesha, his duty to his family, and his passion for filmmaking. One evening, he met Ayesha at their favorite spot by the sea, hoping to find some clarity.

"Ayesha, main tumhe kuch samjha nahi pa raha. Mere liye yeh decision bohot mushkil hai," Raj confessed, looking out at the horizon.

Ayesha placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Raj, main tumhe support karti hoon. Tumhe jo sahi lage, woh decision lo. Main humesha tumhare saath hoon."

Raj looked at her, gratitude and love filling his heart. "Tum mere liye itna kuch kar rahi ho, Ayesha. Main shayad yeh mauka le lunga. Lekin main tumhe bhi nahi khona chahta."

Ayesha smiled, though her heart ached at the thought of being apart. "Raj, hum door zaroor honge, lekin humara pyaar hume hamesha saath rakhega."

With that, they embraced, knowing that their love would be tested but also believing in its strength. Raj decided to pursue his dream, determined to make the most of the opportunity while keeping his love for Ayesha alive.

---

As Raj prepared to leave for New York, the emotions in the Malhotra and Khan households were mixed. Ayesha's parents supported her decision to stand by Raj, while Raj's family slowly came to terms with his choice, albeit reluctantly.

On the day of his departure, Raj and Ayesha stood at the airport, holding each other close.

"Ayesha, main wapas aake sab kuch theek kar dunga. Tum mera intezar karogi na?" Raj asked, his voice choked with emotion.

Ayesha nodded, tears in her eyes. "Haan, Raj. Tumhara intezar karungi. Tum apna sapna pura karo, aur main tumhara sapna banungi."

With one last kiss, Raj walked through the gate, leaving behind the life he knew to chase his dreams, while Ayesha stood strong, ready to face whatever came their way.

---

Little did they know, this was just the beginning of a series of twists and turns that would test their love, their resolve, and their fate.