Yours Arranged

3.

Chapter 3: The First Meeting

Priya and Aryan stood on the balcony, the city of Mumbai stretching out before them. The sound of distant traffic and the occasional chirping of birds filled the silence between them. Priya glanced at Aryan, trying to gauge his thoughts, but his expression was unreadable.

"Do you like teaching?" Aryan asked, breaking the silence.

Priya nodded, surprised by the softness in his voice. "Yes, I do. The children bring a lot of joy to my life."

Aryan nodded, his gaze still fixed on the cityscape. "That's good. It's important to do something you love."

There was another pause, and Priya felt the weight of her insecurities pressing down on her. "I know this is a lot to take in," she said quietly. "An arranged marriage, I mean. It's... overwhelming."

Aryan turned to look at her, his eyes meeting hers. "It is," he agreed. "But sometimes, we have to trust our families to know what's best for us."

Priya was struck by the sincerity in his voice. She had expected arrogance and indifference, but there was a depth to Aryan that she hadn't anticipated. "I suppose you're right," she said softly.

They continued to talk, their initial awkwardness slowly melting away. Aryan found himself drawn to Priya's honesty and warmth, while Priya began to see glimpses of vulnerability beneath Aryan's confident exterior. By the time they returned to their families, both felt a flicker of hope that perhaps this arranged marriage could be the start of something meaningful.