My Safe Haven

Chapter : 5: Fated Mates

Warning:- Mature themes, same-sex relationships, arranged marriage, emotional distress, cultural and societal expectations. Reader discretion is advised. ⚠

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Thoughts are in italic...

Bhavneet's POV

Bhavneet and Gauri were making their way to the examination room where Saras was currently resting. Gauri was looking at Saras's blood report, and Bhavneet was deep in thought. "I'm afraid things aren't as simple as they look," he sighed.

"What's wrong?" his daughter asked, glancing at him briefly before returning to the report.

"This is messed up," he said, rubbing his forehead.

Gauri nodded in agreement. "Wait!" he suddenly yelled out.

Gauri was startled and turned to look at him. "What?"

"I...this...oh god," he stared ahead in utter dismay. "Dad, you're scaring me," Gauri said worriedly, seeing her father at a loss for words, which was a rare occurrence.

Dammit, Bhavneet thought in frustration. "He was engaged," he muttered through clenched teeth.

"What?" Gauri asked, not understanding his words.

He composed himself and elaborated, "Saras was engaged."

"What?! How?! And why didn't I know about this?" Gauri asked, her eyes narrowing in accusation.

Bhavneet took a deep breath. "You remember Aviraj, Raj's son?" Bhavneet asked, and Gauri nodded.

"Well, one day he saw Saras in the park and lost his heart to him. I know it sounds cliché, but it was love at first sight. But before he could talk to him, Saras was nowhere to be seen. Then he went to his father and told him about Saras. Raj was really happy and took the initiative to look for Saras."

He said, "So did he find him?"

"Yes, he did, but in a very unexpected way."

Rajat's POV (Flashback)

Rajat's elder son came to him and told him about this boy he saw in the park. His boy was in love; he could tell, so he took it upon himself to look for the mysterious boy, but all in vain. He was starting to get a bit worried, as Aviraj was falling in love more and more with each passing day, but the culprit was nowhere to be found.

But today he was in a good mood, as it was his best friend's marriage anniversary. He was getting ready for the party, thinking about how he could introduce Aviraj to his friend, as he was abroad studying and had just recently come back. Aviraj was very small when they saw him last. Shashin would be very happy to meet him again.

He was fixing his tie when his wife, Maya, came to him. "You're looking happy today," she commented, smiling.

Rajat nodded. "I am," he confirmed.

Suddenly, there was a knock on their bedroom door. "Come in," both of them said at the same time.

Aarsh, their younger son, poked his head in. "Are you guys ready, or do you need some extra time for your romance?"

He said expressionlessly, but his tone had a playful tint to it. The couple laughed at their son's antics.

"You'll understand after getting married to the very person you fell in love with, young man," said Rajat.

Aarsh only shrugged. "Whatever, I'm going to look for Bhai. Come fast."

With that, he left. The couple shook their head and made their way downstairs.