Threads of Tradition: Tales Of Indian Arranged Marriages

9.

The evening air was filled with laughter and soft music as Kavya and Arjun arrived at the lavish rooftop gathering hosted by one of Arjun’s business partners. The city skyline twinkled in the background, creating a picturesque setting that should have felt magical. Yet, beneath the festive atmosphere, Kavya sensed a lingering tension, an undercurrent of uncertainty that tugged at her heart.

As they mingled among friends and colleagues, Arjun introduced her to various people, his demeanour confident and charming. Kavya felt a sense of pride swell within her as she watched him navigate the crowd with ease. It was a far cry from the man who had once overlooked her, and it filled her with hope for their future.

However, as the night unfolded, an unexpected face emerged from the crowd—Maya, an old college friend of Arjun’s. Her striking beauty and magnetic personality instantly drew the attention of those around her. Kavya felt a slight knot tighten in her stomach, but she brushed it aside, reminding herself of the strength she had cultivated in recent months.

“Arjun! It’s been ages!” Maya exclaimed, her voice warm and inviting as she approached them, a bright smile illuminating her face.

Arjun’s expression shifted, a hint of surprise and nostalgia dancing in his eyes as he embraced her. “Maya! Wow, it’s good to see you. How have you been?”

Kavya stood to the side, forcing herself to remain calm as she observed the two. Their shared laughter echoed in her ears, and she felt a familiar sense of unease creep in. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of her own worth and the progress they had made together.

“Maya, this is my wife, Kavya,” Arjun said, finally acknowledging her presence.

“Nice to meet you, Kavya! I’ve heard so much about you,” Maya replied, extending her hand. Her tone was sincere, but Kavya couldn’t shake the feeling of being overshadowed.

As the evening wore on, the three of them fell into conversation. Maya recounted stories from their college days, bringing up memories that elicited laughter and nostalgia from Arjun. Kavya couldn’t help but feel like an outsider in their shared history. The warmth of their connection only served to amplify her insecurities, and she struggled to maintain her composure.

Arjun seemed blissfully unaware of the silent battle raging within her until Kavya felt her grip on her wine glass tighten. Her heart raced, and she fought to hold onto the confidence she had worked so hard to cultivate.

“Tell me, Kavya, what do you do?” Maya asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“I’m an artist,” Kavya replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. “I’ve been working on my painting and recently had an exhibition.”

“Oh, that sounds wonderful! I’d love to see your work. Arjun has told me so much about your talent,” Maya responded, genuine interest in her tone.

“Thank you,” Kavya said, a flicker of gratitude sparking within her. It was a reminder of how far she had come, yet doubts still lingered.

As they continued chatting, Maya’s gaze drifted towards Arjun, her smile lingering a moment too long. Kavya felt a pang of jealousy rise in her chest, and she steeled herself against the whirlwind of emotions threatening to engulf her.

“Arjun, you’ve always had a knack for surrounding yourself with talented women,” Maya teased, playfully nudging him.

The remark hung in the air, and Kavya’s breath caught in her throat. She was surprised by the flash of defensiveness that sparked in Arjun’s eyes. “That’s not fair, Maya,” he replied, a protective edge creeping into his voice. “Kavya is more than just talented; she’s incredible, and I’m lucky to have her.”

Kavya felt a rush of warmth at his words; the way he stood up for her ignited a flicker of confidence within her. But Maya didn’t seem deterred, her playful demeanour unwavering.

“Of course! I’m just teasing,” she laughed lightly, but Kavya could sense the tension beneath the surface.

“Why don’t we step outside for some fresh air?” Arjun suggested, his protective instincts flaring. He took Kavya’s hand, guiding her away from the gathering, the bustling atmosphere fading into the background as they found a quiet corner overlooking the city.

As they stood there, the night air wrapped around them, and a sense of tranquillity began to wash over Kavya. “Are you okay?” Arjun asked concern etched on his face.

“I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I thought I was stronger, but seeing you with Maya… it just made me question if I fit into your world.”

“Kavya,” he said, taking a step closer, “you are my world. I’m sorry if I made you feel otherwise. Maya was part of my past, but you’re my present and future. I don’t want to lose you.”

His words, filled with sincerity, ignited a spark of reassurance within her. “I know you’re trying to change, and I want to believe in us, but it’s hard sometimes.”

“I get it,” he replied, his voice steady and honest. “I can’t change the past, but I can promise you that I’m committed to making our relationship stronger. You deserve to feel secure with me.”

Kavya looked up at him, her heart racing as she searched his gaze for truth. “I do believe in you, Arjun. It’s just… moments like these remind me of how fragile things can be.”

“I won’t let you down again,” he vowed, cupping her face gently. “You’re not just my wife; you’re my partner. I want to build a life with you, one where we both feel seen and valued.”

With those words, the knot in Kavya’s stomach began to unravel, replaced by a warmth that blossomed in her chest. “I want that too,” she admitted, feeling the weight of her insecurities start to lift.

Their eyes locked a silent promise forming between them as the noise of the gathering faded away. In that moment, she knew they had faced a test, and while challenges would always be a part of their journey, the bond they shared was stronger than any external threat.

As they returned to the gathering, hand in hand, Kavya felt a renewed sense of confidence. She was ready to face whatever came next, empowered by the knowledge that together, they could overcome anything. And as Arjun’s hand tightened around hers, she knew their love was worth fighting for, one challenge at a time.