Author's POV :
Praneeksha took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm suggesting that we find a way to balance love and duty," she said, her voice clear and steady. "That we honor both our hearts and our responsibilities."
Aatish's parents exchanged a look, the unspoken conversation between them a silent dance of power and tradition. Praneeksha's heart was in her throat, waiting for their verdict. The room felt like it was closing in on her, the weight of their expectations heavy on her shoulders.
"We need time to consider this," Shekhar said finally, his voice still laced with tension. "This is not a decision to be made lightly."
Aatish nodded, his hand still tightly holding Praneeksha's. He knew the gravity of what he was asking of his parents, the ripples it would send through their lives. But he also knew he couldn't live a life of duty without love. "I understand, Baba," he said, his voice strong. "But I hope you can see that Praneeksha isn't just anyone. She's special."
The silence grew heavier, the air thick with anticipation. Then, Mrs. Rajvansh spoke, her voice filled with a mix of love and resignation. "We do see how special she is, Aatish," she said, her eyes never leaving Praneeksha's. "But we also see the life that lies ahead of you. We can't ignore the future of our family."
Now Aatish spoke, his voice strong and clear. "But what kind of future is it if it's not built on love and respect?" He turned to Praneeksha, his gaze filled with determination. "I choose love," he said, his voice unwavering. "I choose you."
The words hung in the air, a declaration that seemed to resonate through the very fabric of the room. Praneeksha's heart swelled with hope, her eyes never leaving Aatish's. His words were a beacon in the storm of doubt and expectation that surrounded them.
Shriya and Shekhar exchanged a long, heavy look, the unspoken conversation between them a silent battle of tradition and love. Then, finally, Shriya spoke. "We have always wanted your happiness, Aatish," she said, her voice soft. "If Praneeksha truly is the one who brings you joy, then we must find a way to welcome her into our lives."
The room seemed to exhale in relief, the tension dissipating like mist in the early morning sun. Praneeksha felt a tear slip down her cheek, her heart swelling with gratitude and hope. She had never imagined that she would stand in this grand palace, her hand in the hand of a prince, her future uncertain yet filled with the promise of love.
"Praneeksha," Mrs. Rajvansh began, her voice gentle, "tell us about your parents. Who are they? What are their dreams for you?"
Praneeksha took a deep breath, her eyes misting over as she thought of Mr. and Mrs. Bhat. "My parents," she said, "are simple, loving people from Bengaluru. My father, Mr. Keshav Bhat, is a musician, and my mother, Mrs. Sulochana Bhat, is a homemaker. They've always encouraged me to pursue my passions, even when it meant defying societal norms. They've sacrificed so much for me, my education, my dance." Her voice grew stronger with each word, her love for her parents a beacon in the grand, unfamiliar room. "They've never cared about wealth or status, only about my happiness."
Aatish's grip on her hand tightened, his own heart swelling with admiration for her strength and conviction. He knew then that he had chosen right. Love was not just a feeling but a choice, a commitment to fight for what truly mattered. He looked at his parents, his gaze filled with determination. "Then let us honor their sacrifices by choosing happiness," he said. "Let us find a way to bring our two worlds together, not tear them apart."
The rest of the evening was spent in a flurry of discussions, plans, and explanations. Mrs. Rajvansh listened attentively as Praneeksha shared stories of her life in Bengaluru, her voice filled with the warmth of her mother's kitchen and the rhythm of her father's music. Aatish watched his mother's face, looking for signs of acceptance, hope blossoming in his chest as she nodded and smiled.
