Arranged

14.

Mrs. Mehta was in the kitchen, preparing a delicious meal for the guests, while Ishita was in her room, getting ready. Meanwhile, the two men of the family were handling other pending tasks.

The Vermas were visiting today for a marriage alliance, and it was almost time for their arrival.

Soon, the doorbell rang, and Mrs. Mehta hurried to welcome them. After warm greetings at the door, she invited them inside.

"I hope you didn’t face any issues during the journey," Mr. Mehta said with a welcoming smile.

"We had a smooth journey, thanks to Vishal and Aryan—both already knew the address," Mr. Verma replied, returning the smile.

Soon, they were served tea.

"We really wanted to attend Neeti’s wedding, but Ishu’s father's work was a bit urgent," Mrs. Mehta said apologetically.

"I understand, Bhabhi ji. But I must say, Ayush and Ishu filled your absence beautifully," Sunita Verma replied warmly.

"By the way, where is Ishita?" Siya asked, glancing around and noticing Aryan’s restlessness.

From the moment he stepped inside, Aryan’s eyes had been subtly searching for her. He thought he’d get to see her after the greetings and tea, but his parents had quickly gotten involved in conversations. A flicker of happiness appeared on his face when he heard her name—but he composed himself instantly.

"I’ll bring her," said Ayush and Mrs. Mehta at the same time.

"Mom, I’ll go," Ayush repeated firmly.

Upstairs, Ishita was feeling nervous. Ever since the topic of marriage came up, she hadn’t truly felt butterflies—until today. The reality of them coming to see her changed everything.

She had wanted her friend Meera by her side today, but Meera had pending work, so Ishita was left alone with her thoughts.

She heard a knock at the door. Taking a deep breath, she opened it to find her brother.

"Let’s go," he said, offering his hand. She nodded and clutched his palm tightly.

"Don’t be nervous. I’m right here," he assured her.

Together, they walked downstairs.

The moment Ishita entered the living room, Aryan’s gaze found her and stayed fixed. It had been a while since he last saw her, and now—her presence completely captivated him. She looked stunning in a plain bottle green Anarkali suit, her hair tied in a neat low ponytail.

"My God, you look very pretty," Sunita complimented as she guided her to sit beside her.

"Thanks, Aunty," Ishita replied shyly, her cheeks blushing.

She wasn’t someone who liked attention, but today, she was the center of it.

"Come sit with me, Ishu," Mrs. Verma said warmly.

After some casual conversation, Aryan and Ishita were excused for a private talk.

As they walked into her room, silence wrapped around them. Ishita led him to the balcony—her safe corner—hoping the open air would calm her nerves. She didn’t speak, and neither did he.

The quiet stretched for almost five minutes.

"Nice room," Aryan finally said, trying to ease the tension.

"Thank you," she replied softly, still avoiding eye contact.

"So... is there anything you’d like to ask about me?" he asked.

She shook her head gently, indicating no.

"I want to marry you, Ishita... only if you’re ready," he said earnestly.

Her eyes widened. His words hit her like a wave—her cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink, and her heart began racing.

"Why?" she finally managed to ask, almost in a whisper.

With a soft smile, he replied, "I won’t lie to you—I’ve been thinking about you ever since I saw you. And honestly... I like you. But no pressure—whatever you decide, I’ll respect it."

Her gaze shifted to him briefly, then dropped again, overwhelmed.

He, on the other hand, was silently enjoying the sight of her blushing. A part of him wished to witness this face every day.

Just then, Ayush appeared at the door.

"Done?" he asked casually.

Startled, Ishita immediately turned her eyes down and hurried out of the room.

"Kya kiya tune, saale?" Ayush asked, raising an eyebrow.

Aryan rolled his eyes. "That’s between me and my wife."

"She said yes?" Ayush asked, surprised.

"I wish," Aryan sighed.

"Don’t call her that until it’s final," Ayush replied with a tight-lipped smile, and walked off.

Aryan chuckled and followed him.

---

Back in the living room

"Where’s Ishita?" Mr. Mehta asked.

"She went to her room, Dad," Ayush responded.

"It’s okay, Bhaisaab. She must be overwhelmed," Aryan’s mother said kindly.

Lunch followed soon after. Mrs. Mehta insisted they stay for tea as well.

After casual conversations and light laughter, it was time for them to leave.

"Chaliye Gita ji... Bhaisaab, ab hum chalte hain," said Mr. and Mrs. Verma as they stood up.

"Time flew by so quickly! We barely got to chat," Gita Mehta said warmly.

"Chat or gossip?" Mr. Mehta teased, earning a playful glare from his wife, and everyone laughed.

"So Mr. Mehta, it’s a ‘yes’ from my son and our family. We would love to have Ishita as our daughter. Please let us know what Ishita and you decide," Mr. Verma said before they left.

As Aryan stepped out, his eyes instinctively went to the staircase—hoping for one last glimpse of her. But she wasn’t there.

Disappointed, he turned to the car. Just as he was about to get in, his eyes caught a movement at her room window. She was peeking out. Their eyes met for a fleeting second before she quickly pulled the curtain shut.

A soft smile curved his lips.

“She’s so adorably shy,” he thought.

And with that, he got into the car, still smiling.

............................................................................

First of all Thanks to shivanisaumya for the comment on my last update.... atleast someone is  willing to read this book...also this  whole chapter is dedicated to you my dear❤️🤗.

Also, I know I always say I’ll post regularly and then vanish for weeks 😅... But seriously guys, I’m sticking to it this time. I’ll be more consistent, and I promise the next parts will bring more character depth and a little less cliché 😛

Let me know what you thought of this chapter—your feedback genuinely motivates me.

Until next time... wait for me 🌸