Dil ki Dilli

Expectations and Doubts

Rohan's parents' expectations hung heavily in the air, stirring a whirlwind of doubts within me. Were we truly on the same page about our future, or was I merely a chapter in a book they had already written?

That evening, as we strolled through the serene pathways of Lodi Gardens, the warm hues of dusk painting the sky, I decided it was time to voice my concerns. The tranquillity of the setting felt both comforting and poignant, the perfect backdrop for our conversation.

“Rohan, what do you think about your parents’ expectations?” I asked, my voice laced with a mixture of anxiety and hope.

Rohan's brow furrowed in thought as he glanced at me, the warmth of the fading sun reflecting in his eyes. “I know they want me to focus on the business, but I want us to build a life together, Avni,” he replied, his tone firm yet gentle.

I nodded, seeking reassurance in his words. “And what about marriage? Have you thought about that?”

His gaze locked onto mine, intensity radiating from him. “Avni, I want to spend my life with you. Marriage, kids—everything.”

My heart swelled with emotion, a rush of warmth enveloping me. “I want that too,” I confessed, the truth spilling from my lips.

But the lingering doubts clung to the edges of my thoughts like shadows. “Rohan, what if your parents don’t approve?” I asked, my voice trembling as I voiced my fears.

His jaw clenched, determination shining in his eyes. “I’ll handle them. We’ll make our own decisions. It’s our life, Avni.”

As we continued to walk hand in hand, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft glow over us. A sense of resolve blossomed in my chest; I realized that no matter the challenges ahead, we would face them together.

The next day, as I was enjoying a leisurely afternoon, Rohan's younger sister, Riya, called me. Her bubbly voice was a bright spot in my day. “Avni, I’m so glad you’re in Rohan’s life,” she said, her enthusiasm infectious. “He’s happier than ever.”

I smiled, feeling warmth at Riya’s words. “Thanks, Riya. I’m really happy too.”

But then Riya’s tone shifted, becoming more serious. “Avni, Mom and Dad can be stubborn about things. But Rohan will do what makes him happy. He’s not one to back down.”

Her words wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, reinforcing my hope.

Later that evening, Rohan and I met at his café, the air thick with anticipation. He looked particularly radiant, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Avni, I have a surprise for you,” he said, excitement bubbling in his voice as he took my hand, leading me into a beautifully decorated room within the café.

As we entered, my breath caught in my throat. The walls were adorned with photographs chronicling our journey—our first meeting, our culinary adventures, candid moments filled with laughter, and the blossoming romance that had entwined our lives.

“Rohan, this is incredible!” I exclaimed, my heart racing at the sight of our love story laid bare before us.

He smiled, his eyes shining with pride. “Our story deserves to be told, Avni. I want the world to see what we have.”

As we stood there, enveloped in the warmth of each other’s presence and the beauty of our shared memories, I felt an unshakeable bond form between us. This was more than just a collaboration; it was a declaration of our love.

But little did we know, challenges were just around the corner, lurking in the shadows of our happiness, ready to test the strength of our connection.