When We Met

Ye jo halka halka suroor hai

Everyone on the table had their eyes set on Vivek. Miraya was looking expectantly at her father, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of a tissue.

Looking back at his daughter, he saw the happiness and eagerness in her eyes; then he looked at the young man sitting beside her. Vivek cleared his throat, "I've always believed," he began, his voice steady yet filled with emotion, "that a father's greatest joy is to see his daughter truly happy. And if her happiness means advancing the date of her wedding, then who am I to deny her that?"

He reached out, gently taking her hand, "From the moment you were born, I've held your hand, guiding you through life. But now, you have someone who will walk beside you, who will love and cherish you as much as I do." His voice softened, "Why wait for happiness when it's already at our door?"

Miraya's eyes welled up as she got up to embrace her father, and the room erupted in cheerful approval. Her sisters giggled with excitement, while Kiran nodded, wiping a tear. Ruhaan gazed his eyes at her family around and the only thought in his mind was how much they loved her!

But his thoughts drifted to a different direction - how difficult it would be for her to leave everyone behind, for him! His chest tightened as he realized she'll be stepping away from this close-knit family life into a new chapter, one with him.

As she sat back in her seat and everyone continued with their plans about the wedding, unintentionally, he let out a small sigh, drawing her attention.

"Are you okay?", she asked, concerned.

She could see a hint of melancholy in his eyes, even as he attempted to brush if off. With a reassuring smile, he said, "I'll tell you later". She simply smiled and brushed her fingers on the back of his hand.

.

As the evening drew to a close, everyone started rising from the table, stretching and yawning with full hearts and fuller stomachs. One by one, they made their way over to Ruhaan. Vivek was first, grasping his hand firmly, his eyes warm with an unspoken acceptance and respect. "Goodnight beta," he said, a gentle smile playing on his face. Kiran followed, wrapping him in a soft, fragrant hug, lingering just a moment longer than usual, as if he's already a part of the family. "Take care beta!," she murmured, patting his shoulder affectionately. Her siblings waved and teased, grinning and making faces, their laughter filling the air as they said their playful goodbyes.

Soon, the house was quiet, the lights dimmed, and everyone had retired to their rooms, leaving only him and her standing by the doorway. A warm glow from the nearby lamp casts a soft light over her face, catching the shimmer in her eyes and the flush on her cheeks. They lingered there, just inches apart.

For a moment, Ruhaan was quiet, taking in her expression, her familiar scent, the feeling of her hand still resting in his. A gentle smile touched his lips, and he hesitated, heart pounding just a little louder, before he finally spoke.

"I was just thinking..." he began softly, his gaze dropping to where their hands were intertwined, "...before we get swept up in all that's coming—would you... would you go on a date with me?" His voice was quiet but filled with a tender kind of hope, a touch of vulnerability. "Just us before we are married. Something we can keep in our hearts."

Miraya looked up, her eyes sparkling as if he had just offered her the world. A slow, radiant smile lit her face, "I'd love that", she whispered, her hand squeezing his gently, as if sealing a promise.

She looked up at him, her gaze lingering on his face, her expression tender, as if she was memorizing every detail. Her fingers trailed up to his collar, brushing the fabric gently, and he felt a soft shiver run through him at her touch.