Threads of Tradition: Tales Of Indian Arranged Marriages

9.

Just as the delicate equilibrium Kaira and Ahaan had cultivated began to flourish, a familiar name sent ripples through Kaira’s carefully built world. One Friday afternoon, as she returned home from a meeting with a local charity, she spotted a figure standing by the entrance of her building, a shadow from her past that had haunted her for months. It was Arjun, her ex-fiancé.

Her heart sank as she recognized him, a mix of anger and confusion swirling within her. Arjun had broken off their engagement suddenly, leaving her heart in tatters and a gaping hole in her self-worth. The memories of their relationship, both beautiful and painful, crashed over her like waves threatening to pull her under.

“Ahaan!” she called, turning to see him emerging from their apartment. His brows furrowed as he caught sight of her expression, immediately sensing that something was wrong.

“Kaira? What’s going on?” he asked, his tone shifting to concern as he approached her.

Before she could answer, Arjun stepped forward. “Kaira, can we talk?” he asked, his voice smooth but insistent.

Kaira froze, torn between the instinct to flee and the necessity of confronting her past. Ahaan, sensing her discomfort, positioned himself protectively beside her. “Is there a problem?” he asked, his voice calm yet firm, his gaze locked on Arjun.

Arjun met Ahaan’s eyes, his demeanour slightly faltering. “I just want to speak with Kaira. It’s important.”

Ahaan’s posture stiffened, his protective instincts flaring up. “If it’s important, then you can say it in front of me,” he replied, his tone resolute. Kaira could see a flash of something fierce in Ahaan’s expression—a need to shield her from whatever turmoil Arjun represented.

Kaira took a deep breath, grateful for Ahaan’s presence. She sensed the tension hanging in the air, but this was her moment to take control. “Fine. Let’s talk,” she said, looking Arjun in the eye. “But not here. Let’s go to the café down the street.”

As they walked, Ahaan’s presence felt like an anchor, steadying her as the anxiety of the impending conversation tightened around her. When they reached the café, they found a quiet corner, the chatter of other patrons fading into the background.

Arjun sat across from her, his demeanour shifting from assertive to remorseful. “I know this is unexpected, but I needed to see you. I’ve been thinking a lot about us,” he began, his voice laced with regret.

Kaira’s heart raced, but she maintained her composure. “Why now, Arjun? After all this time?”

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration. “I messed up, Kaira. I didn’t realize what I had until it was gone. I want to make things right.”

A whirlwind of emotions swirled within Kaira, memories of their relationship flooding her mind—the laughter, the dreams, the heartbreak. But she had worked hard to rebuild her life since then. “You can’t just come back into my life and expect everything to be the way it was,” she said, her voice steady but laced with hurt. “You hurt me, Arjun. You left without a word, and that pain doesn’t just disappear.”

As Arjun began to speak, Kaira felt a surge of emotions she had tried to bury. “I know, and I’m sorry. I was young and scared. I didn’t handle it well. But I’ve changed. I’ve been trying to change,” he insisted, looking her in the eyes.

But as she listened, Kaira felt her thoughts drifting to Ahaan, who was outside waiting, providing the comfort of his unwavering support. A thought tugged at her—this was a pivotal moment, one that could shape her future.

“I don’t want to be that person anymore,” Kaira said, her voice softening. “I’ve worked hard to heal, to let go of the past. And right now, I’m trying to build something new.” She hesitated, the weight of her next words pressing down on her. “With Ahaan.”

Arjun’s expression shifted, the realization hitting him. “You’re with him now?” he asked an edge of disbelief in his tone.

“Yes,” Kaira replied firmly. “We’re building a life together. It’s not perfect, but it’s real. Ahaan has shown me kindness and support in ways I never expected.”

A flicker of something akin to jealousy crossed Arjun’s face, but he quickly masked it. “I didn’t realize… I came here hoping to rekindle what we had, but now I see it’s not as simple as that.”

Kaira felt a weight lift off her shoulders, the act of standing her ground bringing her a sense of empowerment. “It’s not. I wish you well, Arjun, but I need to move forward. We both do.”

As Arjun left, Kaira felt a mixture of relief and sadness wash over her. She had finally confronted the spectre of her past, allowing herself to reclaim the narrative of her life. When she stepped outside, Ahaan was leaning against the café wall, his expression a blend of concern and curiosity.

“How did it go?” he asked, his voice gentle.

Kaira took a deep breath, her heart racing. “I stood up for myself, Ahaan. I told him I’m moving on.”

Aahan’s eyes softened with admiration. “I’m proud of you, Kaira. That takes a lot of strength.”

A sense of warmth surged within her at his words. “Thank you for being here. I don’t think I could have faced him without your support.”

“I’ll always be here for you,” he promised, his voice low and sincere.

At that moment, Kaira realized that the barriers she had built around her heart were beginning to crack. Ahaan’s unwavering presence during her struggle had shown her the strength of their growing bond. Together, they were facing the ghosts of their pasts, and it felt liberating.

As they walked home, hand in hand, Kaira felt the warmth of Ahaan’s grip—a promise that she wasn’t alone anymore. The journey ahead might still be fraught with challenges, but with each step, the emotional walls that had once separated them were crumbling, paving the way for something new, something real. Together, they were beginning to rewrite their stories, one page at a time.