Bound by Fate: A Journey of Hearts

CHAPTER 14

After witnessing Niam's antics with Ananya's dupatta and Ishaan's watch, Kriti Didi exchanged a knowing smile with her husband, Siddharth. The atmosphere had lightened considerably, and the laughter and warmth provided a perfect backdrop for a more serious conversation.

“Ananya,” Kriti Didi began, her tone shifting to one of gentle seriousness, “have you ever considered Ishaan as someone you could marry? He’s a great guy, and we know his family well.” Siddharth nodded in agreement, adding, “They’re wonderful people. You’d be in good hands.”

The suggestion hung in the air, met with shocked silence from Ananya and her parents. Ananya’s heart raced, the weight of their words settling uncomfortably on her. Was this really happening?

“But... so suddenly?” she stammered, her mind racing. The idea felt foreign, and yet, as she looked at her family’s eager faces, a small part of her began to contemplate the possibility.

After some deliberation, her parents exchanged glances, nodding thoughtfully. “It might be worth considering,” her father said finally. “Ishaan seems like a good match.”

Kriti Didi and Siddharth took it upon themselves to approach Ishaan and his parents, who were still lingering nearby. There was an air of hesitation, but they broached the topic carefully.

“Ishaan, we think you and Ananya would make a great couple,” Kriti Didi said, her enthusiasm evident. “What do you think?”

Ishaan, caught off guard by the suggestion, felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. “I’d need to talk to her first. I don’t want to impose,” he replied, his eyes darting towards Ananya, who was still processing the idea.

Siddharth chimed in, “We know you two don’t know each other well yet, but our families are close. Trust me, it could work.”

Ishaan’s parents decided to have a word with Ishaan before coming to any conclusions. As they talked, Ishaan felt compelled to share something important. “You know,” he said, his voice steady, “it was Ananya who saved my life during that attack a few months ago. It was Ananya who had pressed her hands on that device which prevented the device from exploding and killing everyone including me. I’ve been trying to find a way to thank her ever since.”

This revelation shifted the conversation entirely. Ishaan’s parents exchanged glances of surprise, their expressions softening as they realized the depth of the connection between Ishaan and Ananya.

“That’s incredible,” Ishaan’s mother said, her tone shifting to one of admiration. “She sounds like a remarkable girl. I was always grateful to that girl for saving you.”

After discussing among themselves, Ishaan’s parents agreed to the idea, recognizing the potential of a union that held such a significant backstory.

Meanwhile, Ananya was growing increasingly restless. The suggestion to marry Ishaan churned in her mind, each turn of thought filled with anxiety. Who was this man she barely knew? Was she ready to jump into something new so soon after her heartbreak?

She could hear snippets of conversation, her relatives’ voices blending into a hum as they rallied behind the idea. Yet, amidst the noise, her heart felt heavy with uncertainty. What if she was moving too fast? What if she couldn’t let go of her past?

As her family’s hopes swirled around her, Ananya felt a mixture of fear and curiosity—maybe, just maybe, there was a path forward worth exploring. But for now, she needed to take a moment to breathe and reflect on what she truly wanted.