Fated by Love

Chapter 8

Vihaan heads out with Rachit.

“Yeah, Dad? What’s up?” Vihaan asks, stepping closer.

Rachit gives a gentle smile, pausing for a moment before speaking. “Son, there’s something I need you to do. I know you might refuse, but…if you can…”

“Dad, please don’t be so formal! Just tell me what needs to be done, and I’ll handle it,” Vihaan responds, his tone reassuring.

Rachit seems relieved. “Really?”

“Of course, Dad.”

Rachit explains, “Could you head over to the engagement venue with the driver and check that everything’s running smoothly? It’s important for Varun and me to be here for the ‘roka’ rituals.”

Vihaan smiles, understanding. “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll take care of it. You just focus on the ceremony.”

“Just be back in an hour, okay?” Rachit reminds him.

“Will do!” Vihaan reassures and heads out with the driver.

As Rachit stands there, smiling thoughtfully, Sahil walks over.

“Hey, Sahil, can I tell you something?” Rachit says, looking pensive.

Sahil nods, “Of course, what’s on your mind?”

Rachit’s face softens. “I can’t believe how much Vihaan has changed… Your daughter’s presence has given me back the Vihaan I thought I’d lost.”

Sahil claps Rachit on the shoulder, “Don’t worry about it, Rachit. Vihaan’s still your son at heart. Now, come on, we’ve got a lot to take care of!”

They head back to the house, where everyone’s bustling with excitement.

At the Ahuja residence, the atmosphere is electric, filled with family, friends, and endless chatter. Guests pour in, congratulating Vidhi and Gaurav as the traditional rituals go on.

Meanwhile, in a quieter corner, Aranya, Niti, and Saumya are standing together, watching the celebrations.

Niti sighs, “It’s getting a little boring. How about a dance?”

Saumya grins, “Good idea! Aranya, you in?”

Aranya shakes her head, “No, you two go ahead. I’m fine here.”

“Alright, suit yourself!” Niti laughs, pulling Saumya to the dance floor.

Aranya watches them, a warm smile spreading across her face as everyone joins in, caught up in the festive spirit.

Vihaan arrives at the party, making his way over to Gaurav. Just then, Aku notices Aranya standing alone and walks over to her.

“Come on, Aranya, don’t just stand there! Join us on the dance floor!” she says, tugging Aranya along.

Aranya finally gives in, joining everyone on the floor. But soon, two kids—a boy and a girl, both around eight years old—start squabbling.

“You’re a monkey!” the little boy shouts.

“No, you’re the monkey!” the little girl retorts.

Aku steps in, trying to calm them down. “Hey, what’s going on here? Why are you two fighting?”

The little boy huffs, “She called me a monkey!”

Aku asks, “And why did you call him that?”

The little girl replies, “Because he was jumping around like one! And I said all boys dance like monkeys!”