Ethereal: Eternal Echoes

12

Aparjita Shah and Bhumija Dave, two women from different worlds yet bound by a shared vision for their children's happiness, met in a discreet corner of a luxurious Surat hotel. Their children, Ishan and Smriti, were far away, their lives consumed by the relentless pace of their respective business empires.

"I've been thinking, Bhumija," Aparjita began, her voice low and filled with purpose. "It's time for Ishan to settle down. It seems like he is so much into his business that he has forgot to live with happiness. Right now, he is in California for some work it is keeping him busy!"

Bhumija nodded, her eyes reflecting a similar thought. "Smriti too. She's successful, but there's an emptiness in her life. She never shares her mental battles with anyone but I somehow saw it in her eyes. Ya, she loves to make memories. Right now, she's in London for a trip and a break from daily chores. Vardhan, his best friend stays there as well."

A mischievous glint appeared in Aparjita's eyes. "Perhaps it's time we changed that."

Bhumija's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You're not suggesting...?"

"An arranged marriage, of course!" Aparjita declared, a determined set to her jaw. "Both our children are at a perfect age, successful in their own right, but alone. It's time they settled down."

Bhumija's initial hesitation melted into a thoughtful silence. The idea was unconventional, especially for their modern children, but they actually needed a companion now. It was a perfect age.

"It's a bold plan," Bhumija finally admitted, a flicker of hope lighting her eyes. "But one I wouldn't mind seeing through. Imagine..."

They exchanged a knowing glance. Neither woman knew the depth of the connection their children once shared. For them, it was simply a matter of finding suitable partners who could bring joy and stability to their children's lives.

The decision to proceed with the match was made with cautious optimism. Both families agreed to keep the arrangement a secret until they could gauge their children's reactions. It was a risky gamble, but they believed it was worth the risk.

Their conversation flowed, weaving dreams of a united future for their children. Meanwhile, across continents, Ishan and Smriti were oblivious to the plans brewing back home.

The Shah Residence

A month later, Ishan returned to Surat, his penthouse echoing with a lonely silence. His parents greeted him with warm embraces.

*the next day*

(Ishan was playing guitar in his bedroom when his parents come to him and point a question-)

"Ishan, beta," Aparjita began gently, "you're not getting any younger. Have you thought about settling down?"

Ishan scoffed. "Marriage? Now, Mom? Business is booming, I barely have time to breathe."

Keshav, his father, interjected. "There's more to life than work, Ishan. We've found a suitable match for you. A wonderful girl from a good family."

Ishan's eyes narrowed. "A match? Without even consulting me? You know I don't believe in such things."

Ishan was grappling with a sense of unease. His mother's persistent hints about finding a suitable match had begun to irritate him. He had built an empire from scratch, and he was proud of his accomplishments. Marriage felt like a distraction, a potential hindrance to his ambitions.

"Trust us," Aparjita pleaded. "She's perfect. We'll tell you all about her soon. Just have some patience."

Ishan, exhausted from his travels, didn't argue further. He agreed, mostly to appease his parents, but his heart remained stubbornly uninterested.

The Dave Residence

Meanwhile, Smriti returned to Surat a few days later. Welcomed by her parents' loving embrace, the conversation soon turned familiar.

"Smriti," Raghav, her father, started, "You're getting older. It's time you considered marriage."

"But Papa," Smriti countered, "I can't just leave everything here and settle down with someone I don't know. And besides, isn't it a little too early?"

Bhumija took her hand, her voice firm. "There's no right age for happiness, Smriti. We've found a perfect match for you, a successful young man. Just meet him, that's all we ask."

Smriti felt a knot twist in her stomach. Arranged marriage felt alien to her modern sensibilities, but a part of her resonated with the possibility of a fresh start. Smriti was conflicted. The idea of marriage was not entirely foreign to her. The specter of her past relationship had always cast a long shadow, making her hesitant to take the plunge. She never thought of marrying or loving anyone after that betrayal she faced at her teenage. The wounds were yet unhealed. She had built a successful career, surrounded herself with supportive friends, and found solace in her spirituality. Yet, there was a void, a longing for something more. She always wanted to move on from her past. She thought it could be an opportunity and she could move on after someone else will be in her life. Perhaps, she thought, marriage could be the answer.

"Can't I at least know who he is?" she sarcastically pleaded.

Her parents exchanged a knowing glance. "There will be time for that, beta," Bhumija said cryptically. "Just trust us."

---

Both Ishan and Smriti were curious to know about their potential partners. There was a spark of interest, a flicker of curiosity.

The stage was set for a fateful encounter. The families agreed to arrange a meeting the next weekend.

The wheels of fate were in motion, and neither Ishan nor Smriti had any idea of the whirlwind that was about to engulf them.

***

author: A short chapter ik but previous few chapters were long enough from my side. Btw yaar vote bhi kiya karo!! Comment karo!! Meri book pasand aa bhi rahi hai k nahi guyss?!! And follow me to get the updates as well.
Anyways, you may follow me on Instagram for sure. (my id- authorr_mishwaa)
Kya lagta hai? Smriti aur Ishan ke reactions kese honge jab unhe pata chalega ki unki shadi hone wali hai ek dusre k sath? I am superr dupperr excited for what I am going to write next. And trust me guys, at the end of the book, you won't regret reading it!!
Your appreciations really matter.
aapki apni author
Mishwa

[word count: 1050]