whispers in DARK

Chapter 10

"I showed them the ring, and they seemed to understand how much you mean to me," Keerthi continued, her heart swelling with happiness.

Krish reached across the table, grasping her hands tightly. "I knew you could do it. You were brave, and it just shows how strong you are. This is a big step for us."

"I really think they're starting to see how serious we are about each other," Keerthi said, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "I'm so glad I was honest with them."

They spent the rest of the evening discussing their future plans, dreams, and the possibilities that lay ahead. Krish spoke passionately about his ambitions, and Keerthi shared her aspirations, the two of them weaving their dreams together like threads in a tapestry.

A few weeks later, Keerthi and Krish decided to take another step in their relationship. They agreed it was time for Krish to meet her extended family. With a family gathering approaching, Keerthi felt both excited and anxious about how her relatives would react to her relationship with Krish.

As they drove to the venue, a lovely park filled with laughter and the smell of grilled food, Keerthi turned to Krish, her palms sweating. "Are you ready for this? My relatives can be a bit... intense."

Krish chuckled, trying to ease her nerves. "I'm ready. I'm excited to meet everyone. Plus, I've seen you handle your parents; I can handle your aunts and uncles."

"Just remember, they're very opinionated," Keerthi warned, but she smiled, feeling reassured by his confidence.

They arrived at the gathering, greeted by the warmth of family and the lively atmosphere. Keerthi's heart raced as she introduced Krish to her relatives, watching carefully for their reactions.

"Keerthi, who's this?" her aunt Shalini asked, eyeing Krish with a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny.

"This is Krish. He's my boyfriend," Keerthi replied, her voice steady despite the tension bubbling beneath the surface.

"Nice to meet you, Krish. So, what do you do?" Aunt Shalini interrogated, a discerning look on her face.

"I work in marketing. I'm passionate about helping brands connect with their audience," Krish said confidently, maintaining eye contact.

"Marketing, huh? Do you think you could do something with that for Keerthi's career? She's interested in design," Aunt Shalini pressed, clearly trying to gauge Krish's suitability.

"Absolutely! I believe in supporting each other's dreams," Krish replied, his tone warm and genuine. "I think Keerthi's talent is incredible, and I would love to help her shine."

Keerthi felt a swell of pride at his words. As the day continued, Krish navigated the conversations with ease, charming her family with his wit and kindness. Keerthi found herself relaxing, reassured by how well he was handling the scrutiny.

Later in the afternoon, as they all gathered around for a group game, Keerthi watched Krish laughing with her cousins, sharing jokes, and effortlessly fitting into her family dynamics. It warmed her heart to see him so comfortable and engaging.

However, amidst the laughter, she overheard snippets of conversation from a couple of her relatives. "I hope this isn't just a fling," one of her cousins whispered to another. "They look happy now, but relationships can change."

Keerthi's heart sank at their words. She felt a twinge of fear and insecurity creeping in. What if they were right? What if this was just a phase?

Later that evening, after the gathering began to wind down, Keerthi found a quiet moment alone with Krish, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside her. "Can we talk for a second?" she asked, leading him away from the bustling crowd.