Where Dreams Meet The Sea

5

It was days later when they both started talking and enjoyed  talking to eachother

In their cozy living room, Padmapriya and Digraj sat down with Akshita, their faces serious yet loving. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, but a tension hung in the air as Padmapriya gently broached the subject.

"Akshita, we've been thinking about your future," her mother started, her voice calm but deliberate. "The Oberoi family has shown interest in a marriage alliance with our family, and they are well respected. It's a good match."

Akshita's face tightened as she heard this. "A marriage alliance?" she repeated, disbelief in her voice. "But I don't even know them... I'm not ready for this." Her hands trembled slightly as she looked at her parents, confusion and frustration swirling inside her.

Digraj, sitting across from her, sighed, his voice deep with reason. "We know, beta, but they are a kind family, and we wouldn't ask this of you if we didn't think it was the right thing. At least meet them before making up your mind."

Akshita's heart sank. The thought of being pushed into a marriage with a stranger, even from a respected family like the Oberois, seemed impossible. She shook her head in defiance. "No, I don't want this. I... I can't marry someone I don't know."

Her mother's eyes softened, reaching out to hold her hand. "Just meet them once, Akshita. You don't have to decide anything now."

Reluctantly, Akshita agreed to meet them, her mind filled with uncertainty.

A few days later, the Oberoi family arrived at their home, bringing with them an air of warmth and elegance. Akshita stood at the entrance, her heart pounding as her parents welcomed the guests. She could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her, nervousness tightening her chest.

But as soon as the Oberois stepped in, Akshita froze in her spot. Her breath caught in her throat when her eyes landed on one familiar face—Vedant. He stood there, dressed sharply, but it wasn't just his appearance that left her stunned. It was the realization that the boy her parents were talking about, the boy from the Oberoi family, was none other than Vedant, her love.

For a moment, everything stopped. The whirlwind of emotions from earlier faded as she locked eyes with him. His own surprise was evident, but a smile slowly formed on his lips, as if fate had played its hand perfectly.

Akshita's heart raced, but now for an entirely different reason. She couldn't believe what was happening—the very thing she had resisted was turning out to be her greatest wish coming true

As the Oberoi family settled into the living room, Padmapriya smiled graciously, gesturing toward the sofas. "Please, make yourselves comfortable," she said warmly. "Akshita, bring the tea."

Akshita, still reeling from the shock of seeing Vedant, moved toward the tea tray with trembling hands. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—surprise, disbelief, excitement, and nervousness all wrapped into one. As she poured the tea into delicate cups, she couldn't help but steal glances at Vedant, who sat there with that familiar warm smile, his eyes never leaving her.

But in her distraction, her hand slipped slightly as she reached to hand Vedant his cup. The next thing she knew, the cup tipped, and a stream of tea spilled onto his shirt. "Oh no!" she gasped, her heart pounding, embarrassment flooding her cheeks.

Vedant jumped slightly, brushing at the stain on his shirt with a chuckle. "It's okay, Akshita," he said, clearly trying to ease her embarrassment, though the tea had soaked through the fabric.

Padmapriya quickly stepped in, her voice calm but firm. "Akshita, lead Vedant to the washroom. Help him clean up, beta."

Akshita's pulse quickened. She nodded silently, still flustered, and led Vedant down the hallway. The air between them was charged with unspoken tension. Once they reached the washroom, she handed him a towel, avoiding his gaze as best she could.