whispers in DARK

Chapater 8

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and purple, Keerthi sat in her favorite coffee shop, nervously twirling her hair. She had invited Krish to join her, knowing that tonight would be the night she would finally introduce him to her family. The weight of her decision pressed heavily on her shoulders. Would they accept him? Would they see the same qualities in him that she cherished?

When Krish arrived, his warm smile instantly put her at ease. He slid into the chair across from her, leaning in slightly. “Hey, you look deep in thought. Everything okay?”

Keerthi nodded, but she felt a swirl of anxiety. “I’ve been thinking about tonight. Are you ready to meet my parents?”

Krish smiled reassuringly. “I’ve been ready since the day we started dating. They’re going to love me,” he joked, but his eyes held a seriousness that matched Keerthi’s.

“I hope so,” she said, biting her lip. “I just really want them to see how wonderful you are.”

“Then let’s show them,” he replied, his voice steady and confident. “I’m excited.”

The drive to Keerthi’s family home was filled with light conversation, but the tension in the air was palpable. Keerthi could feel her heart racing as they approached the familiar neighborhood. Memories flooded back—family dinners, laughter, and the nagging sense of pressure that always loomed over her when it came to relationships.

As they parked and walked up to the door, Krish reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Remember, just be yourself. They’ll see how happy you are, and that’s what matters.”

Taking a deep breath, Keerthi nodded. “You’re right. Let’s do this.”

Her parents greeted them at the door, and Keerthi felt a wave of warmth wash over her as she stepped inside. The familiar smell of her mother’s cooking wafted through the air, wrapping her in a comforting embrace.

“Keerthi! It’s so good to see you!” her mother exclaimed, pulling her into a hug. “And you must be Krish! Welcome!”

Krish’s easy smile and confident demeanor immediately put her parents at ease. They settled into the living room, engaging in small talk as her mother brought out snacks. Keerthi watched as Krish charmed her parents with his stories and genuine interest in their lives.

However, as dinner began, the conversation took a turn toward more serious topics. “So, Krish,” her father began, “what are your intentions with our daughter? It’s important to us that she finds someone who can provide stability.”

Keerthi’s heart sank at the directness of her father’s question. She shot Krish a nervous glance, but he maintained his composure.

“Mr. Iyer, I truly care for Keerthi,” he said, his voice steady. “I want to support her dreams and aspirations, and I believe that together we can build a strong future.”

Her mother smiled, clearly impressed, but Keerthi could see her father’s cautious demeanor. “It’s good to hear that, but we also hope you understand the importance of commitment in relationships.”

Keerthi felt a surge of protectiveness for Krish. “Dad, we’re taking our time to understand each other. Rushing into commitment isn’t the right approach for us,” she said, hoping to ease the tension.

The rest of the dinner passed with more questions about Krish’s job and future plans, but Keerthi felt a sense of relief as they wrapped up the evening. Krish had handled her parents’ scrutiny with grace, and Keerthi was proud of how they had presented themselves.

As they drove home, Keerthi couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that lingered. “Do you think they liked you?” she asked, glancing at Krish.

“They seemed open-minded. Your dad is just protective,” Krish replied. “You handled it well. I think they see how happy you are.”