Fated Ties

Chapter 39

**Scene: Poddar House, One Week After Armaan's Discharge**

*It’s been a week since Armaan was discharged from the hospital, and the atmosphere in the Poddar House has gradually shifted from one of worry and anxiety to one of excitement and anticipation. Armaan is now fully recovered, his strength returned, and his eyes sparkling with the joy of knowing that his and Ruhi’s wedding is on the horizon. The house is bustling with activity, with family members discussing wedding details, preparations, and logistics.*

*In the spacious living room, the family has gathered around a large screen, where they’re on a video call with members of the Goenka and Birla families. Manish, Harshvardhan, Manjari, and Swarna’s faces fill the screen, their expressions a mix of happiness and curiosity as they discuss the upcoming wedding.*

**Vidya:** (smiling) So, we’ve been thinking about the wedding date, and we’ve narrowed it down to two auspicious days. We just need everyone’s input to finalize it.

**Manish:** (nodding) That sounds great, Vidya ji. We’re all so excited for this wedding. I can’t wait to see Ruhi as a bride.

*Ruhi, who is sitting on the sofa next to Dadi, blushes at her grandfather’s words, sneaking a glance at Armaan. Their eyes meet across the room, and a silent conversation begins between them. There’s a warmth in their gaze, a shared joy that no words could capture.*

**Manjari:** (laughing softly) Ruhi, you’re going to look so beautiful. We need to start planning the bridal outfits soon. Swarna, what do you think?

**Swarna:** (smiling warmly) Oh, absolutely! We should start looking at designs. And we’ll need to coordinate with the groom’s side as well. Armaan, you have any preferences?

*Armaan, who’s been subtly stealing glances at Ruhi throughout the call, realizes he’s being addressed. He snaps out of his daze, grinning sheepishly as he quickly responds.*

**Armaan:** (nervously) Uh, no… I mean, whatever Ruhi likes is fine with me.

*The family members on the call exchange amused looks, noticing the unspoken connection between Armaan and Ruhi. Ruhi lowers her eyes shyly, but there’s a smile playing on her lips. The conversation continues, moving on to other details like the guest list, venue, and ceremony specifics. But through it all, Armaan and Ruhi keep exchanging glances, trying to communicate in their own silent language.*

*Ruhi lightly taps her fingers on the armrest of the sofa, her eyes flickering towards Armaan every few seconds. Armaan, seated on the other side of the room, does the same, his fingers drumming lightly on his thigh as he tries to catch her eye. The rest of the family is too engrossed in the wedding discussion to notice the silent exchange between the soon-to-be-married couple.*

**Dadisa:** (suddenly, her voice firm) Remember, Armaan and Ruhi, you two are not allowed to meet in person before the wedding.

*Ruhi’s eyes widen slightly in surprise, while Armaan shifts uncomfortably in his seat. They both knew about Dadisa’s traditional mindset, but hearing it so sternly stated makes them both a little anxious.*

**Vidya:** (smiling gently) Don’t worry, Ma. We’ll make sure they keep their distance. We’ve even come up with a two-feet rule to ensure they don’t get too close!

*The family members chuckle at Vidya’s light-hearted comment, but Ruhi and Armaan exchange another glance, this one filled with amusement. Despite the restriction, the situation seems more funny than frustrating. Ruhi can’t help but smile, and Armaan winks at her playfully, causing her to quickly look away to hide her blush.*

*As the conversation on the video call continues, Armaan and Ruhi keep sneaking glances at each other, their eyes communicating all the things they can’t say aloud. The soft background hum of family voices fades away as they get lost in their own world, the connection between them growing stronger with every stolen glance.*