Threads of Tradition: Tales Of Indian Arranged Marriages

9.

Spring had arrived in London, and with it came a sense of renewal and hope. Devansh and I had finally settled into a rhythm after the tumultuous months with my father’s health crisis. Our days were filled with the usual busyness of work and life, but we were starting to find our balance again.

One evening, as we were cooking dinner together, Devansh’s phone buzzed with a new message. He glanced at it and his expression shifted to one of concern.

“Everything alright?” I asked, noticing his change in demeanor.

“It’s work,” Devansh said, his brow furrowing. “There’s a crucial client meeting next week in Dubai. It’s important for a new project, and I can’t afford to miss it.”

A wave of disappointment washed over me. We had been looking forward to our anniversary weekend getaway—a much-needed escape for both of us. The timing of Devansh’s business trip couldn’t have been worse.

“I get that work is important,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “But we’ve been planning this trip for months. After everything that’s happened, we could really use some time to reconnect.”

Devansh sighed, clearly torn. “I know, Paridhi. I wish I could be in two places at once. I’ll do everything I can to make it up to you.”

We spent the rest of the evening in reflective silence, both struggling to come to terms with the situation. The tension between us was palpable, underscoring the difficulty of balancing our personal and professional lives.

The following days were a whirlwind. Devansh prepared for his trip while I threw myself into work, trying to distract myself from the disappointment of our canceled plans. The strain on our relationship was evident, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of frustration and sadness.

On the day of his departure, I drove Devansh to the airport. Our goodbye was subdued, filled with a mix of sadness and resignation.

“I’ll miss you,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I hope everything goes well.”

Devansh took my hand, his eyes reflecting his regret. “I’ll miss you too. I promise I’ll make it up to you when I get back.”

With a final hug, we parted ways, each of us grappling with our own thoughts and feelings. I spent the next few days immersed in work and spending time with friends, trying to keep myself occupied.

Despite the distance, Devansh and I stayed connected through frequent calls and messages. Our conversations were short but frequent, and I appreciated his efforts to stay in touch.

One evening, as I was wrapping up a project at the office, Devansh called with a cheerful tone. “Hey, Paridhi. The meeting went really well. I’m coming back earlier than planned and I have a surprise for you.”

My curiosity was piqued. “A surprise? What is it?”

“You’ll find out when I get home,” he said, sounding excited. “I’ll be back in a few days.”

The thought of his early return and the mystery of the surprise lifted my spirits. I eagerly anticipated his return, hoping that the time apart would bring us closer.

When Devansh finally arrived, our reunion was filled with warmth and relief. The tension of the past few weeks seemed to melt away as we embraced.

“I’ve missed you,” I said, my eyes brimming with happiness.

Devansh smiled, taking my hand. “I’ve missed you too. I’m sorry for everything. But I have something special planned for us.”

He led me to the living room, where he had set up a beautiful picnic, complete with candles, flowers, and a spread of my favorite dishes. The room was softly lit by candlelight, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

“This is amazing,” I said, my heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you for this.”

Devansh smiled warmly. “I wanted to make it up to you. We’ve been through a lot, and I wanted to remind you how much you mean to me.”

We spent the evening enjoying the meal and each other’s company. The thoughtful gesture and the quality time together helped bridge the gap that had formed between us. We talked openly about our feelings and frustrations, finding comfort in each other’s understanding.

As the night drew to a close, Devansh took my hand. “I know we have our challenges, but we’re stronger together. We’ll navigate this journey, and we’ll keep finding ways to support and love each other.”

I nodded, my heart full of hope. “We will. And I’m grateful for everything we have, especially the way we handle things together.”

With our connection renewed and our bond strengthened, we looked forward to the future with optimism. Despite the challenges we faced, our love was the anchor that kept us steady. Together, we would continue to bridge the divide between our individual desires and our shared goals, forging a path forward with determination and affection.

As we shared a final, tender kiss under the soft glow of the candles, I knew that we were ready to face whatever came next, side by side.