Bound by Fate: A Love Unforseen

A Storm of Emotions

The days following the decision were a whirlwind of preparations, but beneath the surface, both Khushi and Arnav struggled with their own emotions. The official engagement was fast approaching, and while their families were excited and focused on the details, both Khushi and Arnav felt the weight of what lay ahead.

At the Gupta mansion, the usually lively atmosphere was tinged with a sense of apprehension. Khushi had tried to keep herself busy, throwing herself into the wedding preparations for Payal and Akash, but no matter how hard she worked, she couldn’t escape the thoughts that plagued her mind. She had agreed to this marriage, but the doubts still lingered. What if she wasn’t strong enough to handle Arnav’s aloofness? What if she couldn’t bridge the gap between them?

As she stood in her room, staring at the sari she had selected for the engagement, Khushi felt a wave of uncertainty wash over her. The beautiful red and gold fabric was a reminder of the significance of the upcoming event, but instead of feeling excited, Khushi felt a gnawing fear that she couldn’t quite shake.

"Khushi, beta, are you alright?" Garima’s gentle voice broke through Khushi’s thoughts, and she turned to see her mother standing in the doorway, her expression filled with concern.

Khushi managed a small smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. "I’m fine, Amma. Just… thinking."

Garima walked over to her daughter, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know this isn’t easy for you, Khushi. But I also know that you have the strength to face whatever comes your way. Your father and I are so proud of you for making this decision, and we believe in you."

Khushi looked down, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the intricate patterns on the sari. "What if I’m not strong enough, Amma? What if… what if Arnavji and I are too different?"

Garima sighed softly, pulling Khushi into a gentle embrace. "It’s natural to have doubts, beta. But remember, marriage is a journey, and it’s okay to be scared. What’s important is that you’re willing to try, to take that first step. The rest will come with time."

Khushi leaned into her mother’s embrace, finding comfort in her warmth. "I just want to do what’s right, Amma. For both of us."

Garima smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Khushi’s face. "And you will, Khushi. Just take it one day at a time, and trust that things will work out as they’re meant to."

Khushi nodded, though her heart still felt heavy. As her mother left the room, Khushi returned her gaze to the sari, her thoughts once again consumed by the uncertainty of the future. She wanted to believe that everything would be okay, but the fear of the unknown was hard to ignore.

### **Raizada Mansion: A Decision Made**

At the Raizada mansion, the mood was similarly tense. While Nani, Anjali, and the rest of the family were busy with the engagement preparations, Arnav was in his study, struggling to focus on his work. The decision to move forward with the engagement had been made, but Arnav couldn’t shake the feeling that he was walking into uncharted territory.

Arnav had always prided himself on his ability to control every aspect of his life, but this—this was different. The idea of marrying Khushi, of letting someone into his life in such an intimate way, was something he had never anticipated. He had spent years building walls around himself, walls that kept everyone at a safe distance, and the thought of letting those walls come down, even for someone as kind-hearted as Khushi, was terrifying.

As he stared at the documents on his desk, Arnav’s thoughts drifted back to the night of the dinner, to the way Khushi had looked at him with a mixture of fear and determination. There was something about her that intrigued him, something that made him want to understand her better. But that curiosity was overshadowed by the fear of what it would mean to let her in.