shadow of the heart

Chapter 5: The Celebration

That evening, Nisha felt a rush of excitement as she prepared for dinner with Aarav. She chose a vibrant red dress, one that made her feel confident and beautiful. Standing in front of the mirror, she practiced the smile she would wear when she told him about her day. After a final glance, she grabbed her purse and headed out, the thrill of independence still fresh in her heart.

Aarav had chosen a quaint little restaurant on the outskirts of the city, a cozy spot known for its delicious *North Indian cuisine*. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with soft music playing in the background, flickering candlelight, and wooden decor that gave the place a homely feel.

As she entered, she spotted Aarav sitting at a corner table, a grin stretching across his face when he saw her. He stood up, his eyes bright with admiration. "Wow, you look stunning!" he exclaimed, genuinely impressed.

"Thanks! You don't look too bad yourself," Nisha replied, her cheeks flushing with warmth. Aarav wore a casual yet stylish outfit—a navy blue shirt that accentuated his tall frame and a pair of well-fitted jeans.

As they settled into their seats, Nisha felt a sense of comfort wash over her. The familiar banter between them resumed, punctuated by laughter and playful teasing. They shared stories of their week, the atmosphere buoyant with excitement and camaraderie.

"I can't believe you stood up to your parents! That takes real courage," Aarav said, leaning back in his chair, his expression one of admiration. "I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, Aarav. It wasn't easy, but I felt like it was time to speak my truth," Nisha replied, her voice tinged with pride. "I just hope they can understand and support my decision moving forward."

"I have no doubt they'll come around," Aarav reassured her. "They love you, and at the end of the day, that matters most."

Their conversation flowed easily, filled with personal anecdotes and aspirations. Nisha shared her vision for her future in journalism, her dreams of traveling and reporting on social issues. Aarav listened intently, his eyes reflecting genuine interest.

"I've always wanted to cover stories that matter, you know? The ones that can bring about real change," Nisha explained, her passion igniting as she spoke. "There's so much happening in our world that deserves attention, and I want to be the one to tell those stories."

Aarav nodded, clearly captivated. "You have a voice that deserves to be heard. Your determination is inspiring," he said, leaning forward. "I can see you making a real difference."

Nisha felt a rush of gratitude for Aarav's encouragement. "Thanks for believing in me. Sometimes, I doubt myself, but your support gives me strength," she confessed, her eyes meeting his.

As they enjoyed their meal, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. They joked about their college days, reminiscing about the quirky professors and late-night study sessions. Each shared memory strengthened their bond, and laughter filled the air around them.

"Remember that time we both fell asleep during the lecture on *Indian History*?" Aarav said, chuckling. "I thought the professor was going to throw chalk at us!"

Nisha burst into laughter, the memory flooding back. "Yes! And when we woke up, everyone was staring at us. I felt so embarrassed!"

Their laughter echoed, but as the evening wore on, the conversation took a more serious turn. Aarav leaned in, his expression shifting to one of concern. "Nisha, can I ask you something?"

"Of course," she replied, curious.

"Do you think your parents will really support your decision? I mean, they seemed pretty set on the idea of you marrying Rohan," he said cautiously, gauging her reaction.