When Fate Finds Love

Chapter 8

Shubman and Sara reached Manali with his parents, the cool mountain air a refreshing change from the drive. They had barely spoken since they arrived at the hotel. It wasn't an awkward silence between them, but there was a quiet understanding that this trip was supposed to help them adjust to the idea of their impending marriage—a marriage neither of them had fully embraced yet.

After checking in, Shubman and Sara were shown to their room. It was a spacious suite with large windows that overlooked the misty hills of Manali. The room was cozy and warm, with a large bed placed against the wall and a small seating area near the window.

Shubman walked in first, tossing his bag onto the armchair before glancing at Sara. "I can sleep on the couch if that makes you more comfortable," he offered.

Sara, who had been standing by the door, gave a small smile. "It's fine, Shubman. It's just one night. We're adults."

He nodded, though he still felt the tension between them. Neither of them had openly expressed their thoughts about the marriage that had been arranged by their families. Both were quietly navigating through it, unsure of how to proceed. They liked each other well enough, but feelings—real, deep feelings—hadn't had a chance to develop yet.

After unpacking, Shubman suggested they go for a walk.

"You want to head out? Maybe get some fresh air, stretch our legs after the drive?" Shubman asked, standing by the door.

Sara hesitated but nodded. "Yeah, that sounds nice."

The two stepped outside, the chilly mountain breeze hitting their faces as they made their way down the narrow streets of Manali. The evening had a soft glow, the sun slowly setting behind the hills, casting a golden hue over everything. They walked side by side, neither rushing to speak, just taking in the quiet beauty of the town.

After a few moments, Shubman broke the silence. "It's peaceful here. Makes you forget everything for a bit, doesn't it?"

Sara nodded. "It does. Everything back home feels so fast-paced. Here... I don't know, I feel like I can breathe."

Shubman glanced at her. "Yeah, I get that."

They continued walking, the sound of their footsteps mingling with the distant hum of the town. Sara could feel the weight of the conversation they weren't having pressing down on her, and after a few minutes, she decided to address it.

"Shubman," she began, her voice soft but steady, "I think we need to talk about...us. About the wedding."

Shubman stopped walking and turned to face her, his expression serious. "Yeah. We should."

Sara paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "I don't want to rush into this just because our families think it's the right thing. I mean, I like you. You're a good person, but..."

"But we don't love each other," Shubman finished for her, his tone understanding.

Sara looked relieved that he'd said it. "Exactly. I don't know if we can just...force something like that. I don't want to go through with this marriage if it's only based on expectations."

Shubman sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he thought. "I've been thinking the same thing. I care about you, Sara. But like you said, it's not enough for marriage. Not yet."

They stood there for a moment, both lost in their thoughts. The weight of the situation felt lighter now that they had voiced their concerns. The expectations of their families had been looming over them, but here, in this quiet mountain town, they could finally be honest.

"But," Shubman added after a beat, "maybe we don't have to decide everything right now. We have time. We could just...get to know each other better, see where things go. No pressure."