Where Dreams Meet The Sea

6

As the door closed behind the Oberois, Akshita felt a mixture of excitement and calm. Her parents, Digraj and Padmapriya, sat back down, their expressions warm but curious. Padmapriya, with her maternal instinct sharper than ever, couldn't help but give Akshita a knowing look.

"So," Padmapriya started gently, her tone probing yet soft, "you seemed a little more comfortable by the end of the evening. Something on your mind, beta?"

Akshita sat down next to her mother, her hands resting on her lap, still feeling the lingering emotions of the day. She smiled softly, glancing between her parents. "I guess... I was just surprised at how things turned out. I didn't expect Vedant to be the one you had in mind," she admitted, her voice carrying the weight of her thoughts.

Digraj leaned forward slightly, his brow furrowed in thought. "You know him well, then?"

Akshita hesitated, feeling her cheeks warm as she thought about all the moments she had shared with Vedant—the unspoken connection, the gentle words they had exchanged earlier, the surprise of seeing him with his family. "Yes, Papa," she said quietly. "Vedant and I... we've known each other for some time now. And I care about him."

Her words hung in the air for a moment, a confession that both surprised and reassured her parents. Padmapriya's expression softened as she reached for her daughter's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I see," Padmapriya said, her voice full of understanding. "It must've been quite the shock to see him walk in today."

Akshita nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "It was, but it was also... kind of perfect. I was so worried about being forced into something, but then it turned out to be him. And somehow, that changed everything."

Digraj exchanged a glance with Padmapriya before turning back to Akshita. "Beta, we want you to know that this is your decision. We wouldn't push you into anything, especially now that we know you and Vedant have feelings for each other. But if this is something you want, we will stand by you."

Akshita felt a deep sense of relief hearing her father's words. "Thank you, Papa. I do care about Vedant, and... I think this is something I want."

Padmapriya smiled, her eyes brimming with affection for her daughter. "That's all we need to hear, Akshita. The most important thing is that you're happy."

As the night grew darker and the house quieted, Akshita felt a sense of peace settle over her. She had always feared the idea of an arranged marriage, worried that it would strip her of control over her own life and choices. But now, fate had worked in her favor, bringing her and Vedant together in the most unexpected way. It was as if everything had aligned perfectly.

Later that night, Akshita lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, her thoughts drifting to Vedant. She couldn't help but replay the events of the day in her mind—how his smile had reassured her, how his presence had calmed her nerves, and how, even in the most awkward moments, there had been a sense of ease between them. He had always been there for her, and now, he was even more a part of her life than she had ever imagined.

Her phone buzzed on the bedside table, and she reached for it, her heart skipping a beat when she saw Vedant's name on the screen.

Vedant: Are you okay? Today was... unexpected, to say the least.

Akshita smiled, her fingers quickly tapping out a reply.

Akshita: Yeah, it was. I'm still processing everything, but I'm okay. You?

A few moments later, his response came.

Vedant: Better now that I know you're not freaking out.

She laughed softly to herself.

Akshita: I think I freaked out enough for both of us earlier.

Vedant: You handled it perfectly. I know it's a lot, but I'm glad it's happening this way... with us.

Akshita paused, her heart swelling as she read his words. She had always hoped for something real with Vedant, something deeper than friendship. Now, it was unfolding right in front of her.

Akshita: Me too. I never expected things to happen like this, but I'm happy it's you.

There was a pause before his reply came.

Vedant: I'll do everything I can to make sure you stay happy, Akshita. I mean that.

Her heart fluttered as she read his message, feeling the sincerity behind it. For the first time in a long while, she felt certain about the path ahead. Whatever challenges might come, she knew they would face them together.

Akshita: I know you will. And we'll figure this out—together.

As she set her phone down and closed her eyes, a sense of calm washed over her. Today had changed everything, but for the better. And with Vedant by her side, the future didn't seem so uncertain anymore—it felt bright, promising, and full of love.