Be mine SONEYA

10. CELEBRATIONS

After proposing to her at the café, Aryansh held Adhriti's hand and smiled. "There's one more place I want to take you," he said.

Adhriti looked at him curiously, her heart still fluttering from the proposal. "Kahan jaa rahein hain?" she asked.

Aryansh chuckled. "You'll see. Just trust me."

As they drove, Adhriti couldn't contain her curiosity. "Kab pahunchege?" she asked again, her tone playful but impatient.

"Jaana, bus we are about to reach," Aryansh replied, a mysterious smile on his lips. His affectionate use of "jaana" sent a warm shiver down her spine, and she couldn't help but smile.

After what felt like an eternity to Adhriti, they finally arrived at a place that was quiet and all dark. Aryansh parked the car and got out, quickly moving to open Adhriti's door. She stepped out, looking around with a mix of curiosity and slight apprehension.

"Kahan aagye hum?" she asked, her eyes trying to adjust to the darkness. She moved back slightly, searching for Aryansh but not finding him. Panic started to rise in her chest.

Just then, a loud sound broke the silence. "Happy Birthday!"

The area lit up with twinkling fairy lights, revealing a beautifully decorated space. There stood her family—her mom, dad, and her brother Kavya. Next to them were Aryansh's family—his mom, dad, and his sister Surbhi. And there, with beaming smiles, were Shanaya, Dhruv, and Rita aunty.

Tears of joy filled Adhriti's eyes as she realized what Aryansh had done. He had planned this beautiful surprise, bringing together everyone she loved to celebrate her special day. She turned to find Aryansh, who stepped forward with a loving smile, taking her hand.

"Happy Birthday, Adhriti," he said softly, pulling her into a warm embrace.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Adhriti hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Aryansh. This is the best birthday ever," she whispered, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude.

As Aryansh and Adhriti were lost in their own world, they suddenly heard a throat-clearing sound. They looked up to see Dhruv standing there with a teasing smile, and Shanaya beside him, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Adhriti blushed and pulled away slightly, suddenly aware of their audience. She saw her parents and his parents watching with smiles and knowing looks. She started to justify herself, stammering, "Mom, Dad, um, we were just—"

But Aryansh gently interrupted her. "It's okay, Adhriti. They all know about us." He turned to their families, who were watching expectantly. "I told them first and took their permission before proposing to you." He smiled reassuringly at her and then slipped into a flashback.

Flashback

After getting his job, Aryansh visited his parents with his first salary. He bought them gifts, trying to convey his love and gratitude. After they unwrapped their presents, Aryansh took a deep breath and said, "Mom, Dad, there's something important I need to tell you."

His parents looked at him, curiosity and concern in their eyes. Aryansh continued, "I love Adhriti, and I want to marry her."

His mother gasped in delight, and his father's eyes twinkled with pride. His sister, Surbhi, couldn't resist teasing, "Finally, Bhai! I knew it all along."

Gathering his courage, Aryansh asked his parents to come with him to speak to Adhriti's parents. The next day, they went to her house. Being old tuition friends, their families were already familiar with each other.

As they entered, Aryansh felt his heart race. He took a deep breath, then nervously but clearly, he expressed his love for Adhriti to her parents. Her father listened intently, asking many questions, each one feeling like an exam to Aryansh. But Aryansh answered with sincerity and conviction.

After a thorough grilling, Adhriti's father finally smiled and said, "Yes, you have my blessing."

Surbhi then suggested the idea of the birthday surprise, leading to the beautiful moment they were now experiencing.

flashback ends

Aryansh looked at Adhriti, who had tears of joy in her eyes. Her father stepped forward, his voice thick with emotion. "Adhriti, you have always been our pride. Seeing you happy is all we ever wanted. Aryansh is a good man, and we trust him with your happiness."

Sensing the atmosphere getting emotional, Shanaya and Dhruv started teasing the new couple. "So, when's the wedding, bhai?" Dhruv grinned.

"Yeah, we're already planning our outfits," Shanaya chimed in, winking at Adhriti.

Aryansh's parents assured Adhriti, "You'll be like our own daughter, just like Surbhi. Welcome to the family."

Amid laughter and happy tears, they cut Adhriti's birthday cake and celebrated this new chapter in their lives. Since they were at the Gupta's house, Aryansh's parents invited everyone to stay the night and suggested meeting with the priest in the morning to set a date for the wedding.

After bidding goodnight to everyone, they retired to their rooms. Adhriti and Shanaya, sharing a room, lay down on the bed, the excitement still palpable.

"I can't believe all this is happening," Adhriti said, her eyes sparkling.

Shanaya grinned. "You're getting married, Adhriti! This is so amazing. And that proposal was just perfect."

Adhriti blushed, "I know, right? I still can't believe it. Aryansh is so thoughtful."

They talked about the upcoming wedding, shared their dreams and plans, and laughed about little details. Shanaya teased Adhriti about her nervousness, and they exchanged playful banter and heartfelt confessions. The night was filled with giggles and gossip until, finally, they drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the beautiful future ahead.