"Yayyyy."
A loud cheering could be heard throughout the entire house as a girl in her mid-twenties jumped in glee.
"Kitni baar ek hi match dekhe ke chillaegi! (How many times would this girl scream watching the same match?)" An older woman walked towards the living room and switched off the TV, making the girl whine at her mother.
"Mumma!!" Priya pouted; her eyes still glued to the now blank TV screen. "It was the best match ever! Virat and Rohit's partnership was legendary."
Her mother, Mrs. Mehta, shook her head with a smile. "Priya, you've seen that match at least a dozen times. Come help me in the kitchen. We have guests coming over."
Priya sighed but got up, her mind still replaying the thrilling moments of the match. She was a 24-year-old investment banker with a passion for cricket, especially for her idols, Virat Kohli and Rohit Mehta. Her room was a shrine to cricket, with posters, memorabilia, and even a signed bat from a local match she had attended.
Priya reluctantly made her way to the kitchen, where the aroma of spices filled the air. She started chopping vegetables, her thoughts still lingering on the match.
"Who's coming over, Mumma?" Priya asked, trying to distract herself from the mundane task.
"Your father's old friend and his family. They have a son a little older than you," Mrs. Mehta replied with a knowing smile.
Priya rolled her eyes. "Is this another one of your matchmaking attempts?"
Mrs. Mehta chuckled. "Just be polite and see where it goes. You never know."
"But I don't want to marry now! I am just 24, Mumma!" She gave her mother puppy eyes but Mrs. Mehta was a typical Indian mother and Indian mothers were too stubborn.
"24 is a good age to marry!" Mrs. Mehta glared at her daughter. "Have you not seen your cousin, Shruti? She is 25 and married with a baby on the way!"
Priya sighed, continuing to chop the vegetables with a bit more force than necessary. "I know, Mumma. But I have so much I want to do right now. I'm not ready to settle down."
Mrs. Mehta's expression softened, though her resolve remained. "I understand, beta. But life has a way of surprising us. Sometimes, the right person comes along when we least expect it."
"So, you won't budge, right?" She pouted.
"No." Mrs. Mehta grinned at her daughter. "Now, help me fast. You have to get ready too."
"Why did you give leave to Nita aunty when you knew we were going to have guests?" Priya huffed.
"You do realise Nita's daughter in pregnant right?" Mrs. Mehta narrowed her eyes at her daughter. "And the poor girl is in her last month. She needs her mother more than us. Now, keep quiet and help me."
Priya grumbled but continued her work, the rhythm of chopping vegetables becoming almost meditative as her mind wandered to the upcoming dinner. She couldn't help but wonder what the son of her father's friend would be like. Would he be like the guys she'd seen in college or work—people with a distinct blend of ambition and nonchalance? Or would he be completely different, like someone from a cricket match—focused and competitive? The latter thought made her smile despite herself.
As the evening progressed, Priya and her mother finished preparing the meal. Priya slipped into a simple yet elegant dress, a compromise between her own style and her mother's wishes for something a bit more formal. As she stepped into the living room, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of their guests.
Mr. and Mrs. Sharma entered first, followed by their son, Arjun. Priya's eyes widened as she recognized the young boy. Her father was friends with the father of Arjun Sharma? The famous Indian Cricketer? The same one who was her favorite after Rohirat?
Priya's heart raced as she tried to maintain her composure. Arjun Sharma, the cricketer she had admired from afar, was standing in her living room. She exchanged polite greetings with the Sharmas, her mind buzzing with a mix of excitement and disbelief.
The families settled into the living room, engaging in light conversation. Priya's father, Mr. Mehta, and Mr. Sharma reminisced about their college days, while Mrs. Mehta and Mrs. Sharma discussed family matters. Priya and Arjun sat quietly, stealing glances at each other.
After a while, Mrs. Mehta suggested that Priya and Arjun take a walk in the garden to get to know each other better. Priya's nerves were on edge, but she agreed, leading Arjun outside.
The garden was beautifully lit with fairy lights, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere. Priya and Arjun walked side by side, the silence between them comfortable yet charged with anticipation.
"So, I heard you're a big fan of Virat and Rohit?" Arjun broke the silence with a smile.
Priya blushed, nodding. "Yes, I am. I've followed their careers closely. But I must say, you're not far behind on my list of favorites."
Arjun chuckled. "That's good to know. I hope I can live up to your expectations."
They continued to talk, sharing stories about their lives, their families, and their love for cricket. Priya found herself relaxing, enjoying Arjun's company. He was down-to-earth and easy to talk to, despite his fame.
After their walk, they returned to the living room, where the families were waiting. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as the elders began discussing the possibility of a match.
"Arjun and Priya seem to get along well," Mrs. Sharma said, smiling warmly at Priya. "What do you think, Arjun?"
Arjun glanced at Priya, his eyes twinkling. "I think Priya is wonderful. I'd be honored to get to know her better."
Priya's cheeks flushed with a mix of shyness and happiness. She looked at her parents, who were beaming with pride.
"We are very happy with this proposal," Mr. Mehta said, his voice filled with emotion. "Priya, what do you think?"
Priya took a deep breath, her heart pounding. "I... I think Arjun is a great person. I'd like to get to know him better too."
The room erupted in smiles and congratulations. The families began discussing the details of the engagement and wedding, while Priya and Arjun exchanged shy glances, both feeling a sense of excitement and hope for the future.
As the evening came to a close, Priya felt a mix of emotions. She was nervous about the future but also excited about the possibilities. Arjun had made a positive impression on her, and she looked forward to getting to know him better.
The families parted ways with promises to meet again soon to finalize the engagement details. Priya watched as Arjun and his family drove away, her heart fluttering with anticipation.
