Arranged Marriage

Fulfilling her dreams

Ishan cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he smiled, closing his eyes, thinking about Arvi.

Both Ishan and Arvi soon drifted off to sleep, lost in thoughts of each other.

The next morning, sunlight streaming through the window woke Ishan. He hastily opened his eyes, and his first thought was of Arvi. Not finding her beside him, he quickly got up and checked the bathroom, but she wasn't there either. He wondered, "Where did Arvi go so early?" and headed downstairs to search for her.

In the hall, Virendra Ji was reading the newspaper. Seeing Ishan, he greeted, "Good morning, Ishu."

Ishan smiled slightly, replying, "Good morning, Papa." He sat beside Virendra Ji, wondering where Arvi had gone, feeling a bit embarrassed to ask.

Virendra Ji noticed Ishan's distant gaze and teased, "Are you looking for someone?"

Ishan snapped back to reality, "No, Papa, I was just taking in some fresh air."

Virendra Ji chuckled, "Fresh air, eh? I used to do that often at your age."

Ishan's face turned red with embarrassment as Virendra Ji laughed. He quickly escaped to his room.

Virendra Ji's laughter grew louder, and Aarti Ji, emerging from the kitchen, asked, "What's so funny?"

Virendra Ji shared the story, making Aarti Ji smile. She pretended to scold, "You always tease our son. He's so innocent and never shares his feelings with anyone."

Virendra Ji countered, "He shares everything with you; you're his best friend. Did you forget that?"

Aarti Ji smiled, "That's true." She sat beside Virendra Ji and confessed, "I always worried if I'd be a good mother. Seeing how children treat their parents these days, I feared Ishan might do the same... But as he grew, his kindness and humility reassured me. Unlike his peers, he didn't forget us after getting a job. Instead, he sent us on trips, understanding that we never had time for each other due to household responsibilities."

Aarti Ji's eyes welled up, "Ishan took care of all our responsibilities, anticipated our needs, and spent time with us. I'm proud of our Ishan."

Aarti Ji's words brought a smile to Virendra Ji's face. "You're right, and I'm proud of how Ishan has taken care of this family and home."

Aarti Ji smiled, and Arvi, who had been listening from the hallway, quietly approached her. Arvi's respect for Ishan grew as she overheard their conversation.

Meanwhile, Ishan freshened up and joined the family downstairs, wondering where Arvi was. He thought, "She'll come for breakfast, anyway."

As Ishan entered the dining area, Virendra Ji teased, "Fresh air, eh?" Ishan looked away, embarrassed.

Aarti Ji arrived with breakfast, followed by Arvi, who placed a bowl of halwa on the table. Ishan's eyes lit up, and he smiled at Arvi.

Virendra Ji noticed the halwa and asked, "What's special today?" Aarti Ji replied, "Arvi asked about Ishan's favorite dessert, and I told her. She made it."

Everyone looked at Arvi, who became nervous and said, "Nothing special, just like that..." Virendra Ji nodded and began eating the halwa.

Ishan understood why Arvi made his favorite dessert and smiled at her. Their eyes met, but Arvi quickly looked away, increasing Ishan's smile.

Ishan addressed his parents, "I need to discuss something with you both."

Virendra Ji and Aarti Ji turned to him, curious. Ishan continued, "Actually, Arvi Ji's dream is to become a famous singer, and I want her to fulfill it. I'm thinking of getting her admitted to a music academy... but I won't make any decisions without your approval."