**Chapter 15: Parivaar Ka Rishta**
Raj and Ayesha's engagement brought a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation. The news spread quickly among their friends and family, eliciting congratulatory messages and well-wishes. However, beneath the surface of their happiness lay the looming challenge of gaining acceptance from Raj's conservative family.
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One Sunday afternoon, Raj and Ayesha decided to visit Raj's family to share their engagement news in person. As they drove to his family's home, Raj could sense Ayesha's nervousness.
"Ayesha, don't worry. Hum sab kuch milke sambhalenge," Raj reassured her, squeezing her hand gently.
Ayesha smiled weakly. "I hope so, Raj. Tumhare parivaar ka approval mere liye bohot zaruri hai."
Upon arriving at Raj's family home, they were greeted by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kapoor, and his younger sister, Anjali. The atmosphere was warm but tense, as everyone sensed the importance of the conversation that was about to unfold.
"Beta, itni der se milne aaye ho. Kya baat hai?" Mrs. Kapoor asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Raj took a deep breath and glanced at Ayesha before speaking. "Maa, Papa, hum aap sabse ek zaruri baat karne aaye hain."
Mr. Kapoor's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Kya baat hai, Raj?"
Raj held Ayesha's hand tightly and continued, "Maa, Papa, Ayesha aur maine decide kiya hai ki hum shaadi karna chahte hain. Hum engaged hain."
A stunned silence followed Raj's announcement. Mrs. Kapoor's face hardened, and Mr. Kapoor looked thoughtful. Anjali's eyes widened in surprise but quickly filled with excitement.
"Engaged? Raj, yeh sab itni jaldi kaise?" Mrs. Kapoor finally spoke, her voice tinged with disapproval.
Raj remained calm. "Maa, hum dono ek dusre se bohot pyaar karte hain. Ayesha meri life ka hissa hai, aur main chahta hoon ki aap sab usse apnayein."
Mr. Kapoor leaned forward, his expression serious. "Beta, hum tumhare khushi chahte hain, lekin yeh sab itni jaldi kyun? Aur Ayesha, tumhare background ke baare mein hum jaante hain, lekin kya tum hamare culture aur values ko samajh paogi?"
Ayesha took a deep breath and spoke with determination. "Uncle, mujhe Raj se bohot pyaar hai, aur main aap sabka respect karti hoon. Main aapke culture aur values ko samajhne aur apnane ki poori koshish karungi. Raj aur main milke sab kuch sambhalenge."
Anjali, sensing the tension, chimed in with a smile. "Maa, Papa, Ayesha kitni achhi hai. Mujhe toh yeh decision bohot accha laga. Hum sab milke inse support kar sakte hain."
Mrs. Kapoor sighed, her expression softening slightly. "Raj, hum sirf tumhari khushi chahte hain. Lekin tumhe samajhna hoga ki Ayesha ko hamare riti-rivazon ko apnana padega."
Raj nodded. "Maa, hum samajhte hain. Humara sirf itna request hai ki aap sab humari khushi mein humare saath ho."
Mr. Kapoor finally smiled, albeit reluctantly. "Theek hai, Raj. Hum tumhare decision ko support karenge. Lekin Ayesha, tumhe humare expectations ko pura karna padega."
Ayesha felt a weight lift off her shoulders. "Ji, Uncle. Main poori koshish karungi."
---
Over the next few weeks, Ayesha made a concerted effort to spend more time with Raj's family. She visited often, helping Mrs. Kapoor with household chores and learning traditional recipes from her. She bonded with Anjali, sharing stories and laughter, and took the time to understand Mr. Kapoor's perspective on various matters.
One evening, while Ayesha was in the kitchen helping Mrs. Kapoor prepare dinner, the older woman turned to her with a thoughtful expression.
"Ayesha, tumhare efforts hum sab dekh rahe hain. Mujhe khushi hai ki tum hamare culture ko samajhne ki koshish kar rahi ho," Mrs. Kapoor said, her tone softer than usual.
Ayesha smiled warmly. "Maa, mujhe aap sabke saath rehne ka bohot mann hai. Main chahti hoon ki aap sab mujhe apnaayein."
Mrs. Kapoor placed a hand on Ayesha's shoulder. "Beta, hum tumhare honesty aur dedication ko appreciate karte hain. Mujhe lagta hai ki tum aur Raj ek dusre ke liye perfect ho."
Ayesha's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Maa. Aapka support mere liye bohot zaruri hai."
---
That weekend, the Kapoor family decided to host a traditional dinner to formally welcome Ayesha into their family. The evening was filled with laughter, music, and delicious food. Ayesha wore a beautiful saree that Mrs. Kapoor had gifted her, and she felt a sense of belonging as she mingled with Raj's relatives and friends.
During the dinner, Mr. Kapoor stood up to make an announcement. "Aaj ka din hamare liye bohot khaas hai. Raj aur Ayesha ne hum sabko apni khushi mein shaamil kiya hai. Hum sab milke unhe aashirwad dete hain, aur yeh prarthna karte hain ki unki life hamesha khushiyon se bhari rahe."
The room erupted in applause, and Raj and Ayesha felt overwhelmed with emotion. They knew that the journey ahead would have its challenges, but with their families' support and their unwavering love for each other, they were ready to face anything that came their way.
As the night drew to a close, Raj and Ayesha found a quiet moment on the balcony, away from the celebrations. Raj wrapped his arm around Ayesha and pulled her close.
"Ayesha, tumne sab kuch itni beautifully handle kiya. Mujhe tumpar garv hai," Raj whispered, his voice filled with love.
Ayesha looked up at him, her eyes shining. "Raj, yeh sab tumhare bina possible nahi tha. Tumhara pyaar aur support hi meri strength hai."
Raj smiled and kissed her forehead. "Humesha saath rahenge, Ayesha. Yeh promise hai."
And as they stood there, under the starlit sky, they knew that their love story was just beginning, and they were ready to embrace every moment of it together.
YOU ARE READING
Kismet Ki Kahani
RomanceIn the heart of Mumbai, where dreams are as vivid as the city lights, "Kismet Ki Kahani" unfolds the love story of Ayesha Mehra and Raj Malhotra.Ayesha, a spirited fashion editor with a past heartache, thrives in the fast-paced world of fashion. Raj...