Blueprints of Love

6. Parallel Love

The vibrant energy of Savi's office was palpable as the team dove into another busy day. Phones buzzed, laptops clacked, and voices filled the air with discussions about the eco-friendly project. Savi moved through the space with purpose, her mind balancing the intricacies of the project and her burgeoning partnership with Rajat.

"Hey, Savi!" Meera, her diligent project manager, waved her over from the conference table. "Can we talk about the marketing strategy for the community gardens?"

"Of course, what's on your mind?" Savi replied, her mind momentarily shifting from her thoughts of Rajat.

But before Meera could respond, Raghav walked into the room, looking troubled. The way he ran a hand through his hair told Savi that something was bothering him.

"Raghav, everything alright?" she asked, concerned.

He offered a tight smile. "Yeah, just... some family stuff."

"Raghav, you've been saying that for weeks. If something's bothering you, you can talk about it," Meera urged, her voice softening.

Raghav glanced between Savi and Meera, hesitating. "It's just... my parents aren't exactly thrilled about me being with you, Meera," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Savi's heart sank. She knew that Raghav came from a wealthy family, and while they had been supportive of his career, they were less than enthusiastic about his relationship with Meera, who came from a modest background, an orphan.

Meera reached for Raghav's hand, squeezing it gently. "We've been through this. Your parents can't dictate who you love. You know that, right?"

Raghav sighed, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "It's not that simple, Meera. They want me to marry someone 'suitable'—someone from the same background. They're not even willing to meet you!"

"Then maybe they need to understand that love isn't about status or money," Savi interjected, trying to bolster Meera's confidence.

"Easier said than done," Raghav replied, his eyes clouding with worry. "I just don't want to disappoint them."

Savi crossed her arms, her expression softening as she considered Raghav's turmoil. "I understand the pressure you're under, but you deserve to be happy. And you deserve to be with someone who makes you feel good about yourself, not someone who fits a mold."

Meera nodded fervently. "Savi's right, Raghav. You and I are in this together. We can figure it out."

Raghav's gaze dropped to the floor, his shoulders slumping slightly. "But what if they never accept you? What if they make things difficult for us?"

Savi's heart ached for them. "I can't promise that everything will be perfect. But I can promise you that I'll support you both. You have a right to choose who you love, regardless of what others think."

Raghav looked up, meeting Savi's eyes. "Thank you, Savi. It means a lot to have your support."

"Always," she said with a reassuring smile. "Just remember, love is worth fighting for."

As Raghav and Meera shared a quiet moment of understanding, Savi couldn't help but feel a wave of helplessness wash over her. While she believed in love, it was hard to ignore the reality of the world they lived in—where societal expectations and familial pressures often overshadowed personal happiness.

After Raghav left, Meera turned to Savi, her eyes filled with concern. "Savi, do you really think they'll come around?"

"I hope so. But it's their journey too, Meera. You can't force them to accept something they aren't ready for," Savi replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty.