Prem Kahaniyaan

3.

As the engagement preparations continued, both families were deeply invested in making the union a success. The Kapoor and Mehta families had grand plans, from elaborate wedding ceremonies to high-profile parties. The pressure to conform to tradition and maintain social status was overwhelming.

One afternoon, the Kapoor family hosted a lunch to discuss the final details of the wedding. The gathering was a blend of formality and excitement, with Rohan’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kapoor, and his younger sister, Ananya, present. They were joined by Saanvi’s parents and a few close family members.

Mr. Kapoor, a robust man with a commanding presence, addressed the gathering. “We’re excited about the upcoming wedding. It’s a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our family’s ties and secure our position in society.”

Saanvi’s father, Mr. Mehta, nodded in agreement. “Indeed. We’ve always believed in the importance of family bonds and traditions. This marriage will bring our families closer.”

Throughout the meeting, Saanvi and Rohan were expected to remain silent, their opinions irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Their parents’ excitement contrasted sharply with the couple’s silent frustration.

Later, Saanvi and Rohan found themselves alone in a quiet corner of the house. The weight of their families’ expectations hung heavily in the air.

“This is ridiculous,” Saanvi said, her voice low and strained. “We’re nothing more than pawns in their game.”

Rohan sighed. “I know. But what can we do? They’re so focused on their social standing that they don’t see how unhappy this is making us.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Rohan’s mother, who had come to discuss the final details of the wedding attire. The tension between Saanvi and Rohan was palpable, but they managed to maintain a facade of politeness as they listened to Mrs. Kapoor’s suggestions.

As the days passed, the demands of wedding planning became increasingly burdensome. Saanvi and Rohan were required to participate in numerous rituals and ceremonies, each one designed to showcase their compliance with traditional values.

Despite their best efforts to appear agreeable, the strain was evident. Saanvi struggled to balance her work commitments with the constant demands of the wedding preparations, while Rohan faced mounting pressure from his family to conform to their expectations.

One evening, Saanvi’s frustration boiled over. She had been working late on a crucial project, only to be interrupted by a call from her mother, who insisted that she attend yet another family function.

“This is too much,” Saanvi said, her voice trembling with emotion. “I can’t keep up with all of this. I feel like I’m losing myself.”

Her mother’s response was firm but sympathetic. “I understand that this is difficult, Saanvi. But remember, this marriage is important to our family. It’s a chance to strengthen our position and uphold our values.”

Saanvi’s eyes were filled with tears as she hung up the phone. The weight of her family’s expectations was suffocating, and she felt trapped between her own desires and the demands placed upon her.

Rohan’s frustration was palpable as he stood on the balcony of his family’s mansion, overlooking the city lights of Mumbai. His father, Mr. Kapoor, had been relentless in his insistence that Rohan embrace the traditional values and social norms associated with the engagement. Rohan, who had always prided himself on his independent thinking, found it increasingly difficult to reconcile these expectations with his personal beliefs.

As he contemplated his predicament, his younger sister, Ananya, approached. She was the only member of his family who seemed to understand his struggles.

“Rohan, you look like you’re about to snap,” Ananya said softly. “What’s going on?”

He sighed deeply. “I don’t think I can keep up with all this. It’s like everyone’s forgotten who I am. They just see me as a tool to achieve their goals.”

Ananya placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I know it’s hard. But remember, this is just a phase. Once the wedding is over, things might calm down a bit. Maybe then we can talk about what you really want.”

Rohan appreciated her support but knew that the road ahead was still fraught with challenges. Meanwhile, Saanvi faced her own set of obstacles. Her work, once her primary source of joy and fulfillment, was being overshadowed by the endless cycle of wedding-related tasks.

In a quiet moment in her office, Saanvi received a call from her best friend Meera. “Saanvi, I can’t believe how much you’re juggling. You need to take a break. It’s not healthy to work yourself into the ground.”

Saanvi ran a hand through her hair, her exhaustion evident. “I wish I could. But it feels like everything is falling apart. I’m not sure how to balance everything.”

Meera’s voice was reassuring. “Just remember, it’s okay to set boundaries. You’re allowed to say no sometimes. And don’t forget that this wedding is supposed to be about celebrating your future. It shouldn’t be a burden.”

Saanvi took a deep breath and tried to let Meera’s words sink in. It was a small comfort, but it reminded her that she needed to find a way to manage her stress and prioritize her own well-being amidst the chaos.

As the days passed, the engagement preparations intensified. The Kapoor and Mehta families hosted a series of extravagant parties and ceremonies, each one more elaborate than the last. Saanvi and Rohan were expected to attend each event, maintain a facade of unity, and participate in numerous rituals.

At one of these events, an engagement party held at the Kapoor’s grand estate, Saanvi and Rohan were the center of attention. The guests, all prominent figures in Mumbai’s social scene, observed the couple with a mixture of curiosity and approval.

During the party, Saanvi and Rohan were forced to endure endless rounds of congratulations and well-wishes. The superficial nature of the interactions only added to their frustration.

In a rare moment of privacy, they found themselves alone in a quiet corner of the garden. The night air was cool, and the distant hum of the party created a surreal backdrop to their conversation.

“This is ridiculous,” Saanvi said, her voice filled with exasperation. “We’re just putting on a show for everyone.”

Rohan nodded in agreement. “I know. But there’s nothing we can do about it. We have to play the part.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Saanvi’s mother, who wanted to discuss some last-minute details about the wedding. Saanvi’s frustration was evident, but she managed to maintain a polite facade as she spoke with her mother.

As the night progressed, Saanvi and Rohan’s interactions became increasingly strained. They were caught in a web of family expectations and societal pressures, and their once-clear sense of self seemed to blur.

The constant strain began to take a toll on their relationship. The initial spark of animosity was now overshadowed by the weight of their circumstances. Despite their best efforts to maintain a semblance of civility, the underlying tension remained.

In private moments, both Saanvi and Rohan questioned their decisions and their future. Their interactions were a mix of frustration, sarcasm, and reluctant understanding. They both knew that their feelings for each other were complex and evolving, but they struggled to navigate the shifting dynamics of their relationship.

The mounting pressure from their families and the constant public scrutiny left them both feeling isolated and disillusioned. As they approached the final stretch of the engagement preparations, they were forced to confront their own emotions and the reality of their situation.

Amid the chaos, Saanvi and Rohan found themselves grappling with their own personal dilemmas. Their journey from animosity to understanding was fraught with challenges, and they were each forced to confront their own vulnerabilities and insecurities.