Short Stories collection

When hearts collide(last part)

Rajesh Kapoor Visits Meet's Home – Afternoon

It was an ordinary afternoon when Rajesh Kapoor, Akash's father, arrived at Meet's small but cozy home. The warm smell of fresh tea filled the air, and the afternoon sun cast a gentle light through the curtains. Meet had been in the middle of sorting through some old family albums, but when the doorbell rang, she set them aside and went to answer it.

Her heart skipped a beat when she saw who stood at the door.

"Mr. Kapoor?" she said, surprised but quickly masking her surprise with a polite smile.

"Good afternoon, Meet," Rajesh replied, his voice steady and authoritative. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"No, of course not. Please, come in," she gestured, stepping aside to let him enter. "Would you like some tea?"

Rajesh waved his hand dismissively, his eyes scanning the small home. "Thank you, but no need. I won't stay long. There's something important we need to discuss."

Meet's brow furrowed slightly, unsure of what this sudden visit was about. She invited him to sit, her curiosity piqued.

"Mr. Kapoor, what's this about?"

Rajesh settled into the armchair, his expression serious, but his tone was gentle. "It's about Akash... and you."

Meet's eyes widened in surprise. "Akash? What about him?"

"I know this may seem unexpected, but I've spoken with Akash about you," Rajesh continued, his voice firm but kind. "And I believe it's time for you both to move forward. Akash is a good man, Meet. I know you've known him since childhood, but things have changed now. I think it's time we—myself, Sunita, and Akash—take the next step."

Meet's heart raced. The words were so direct, so final, but also confusing. She blinked a few times, trying to process what Rajesh was suggesting.

"Next step?" she repeated slowly. "What do you mean?"

Rajesh leaned forward, his gaze softening. "I'm talking about a marriage proposal. I believe you and Akash are a good match. He's been through a lot, and I know he's... hesitant about certain things. But you, Meet, you understand him. You've both been through similar losses, similar pain. I think you could bring each other peace."

Meet's mouth went dry. Marriage? The thought was overwhelming. She had never even considered the idea. Yes, there had always been a quiet pull toward Akash, but she had never allowed herself to imagine a life with him. The age gap between them, the differences in their worlds—it all seemed like an impossible dream.

Rajesh gave her a moment to process, then added, "I know it's a lot to take in, but I want you to know I would never ask you to do anything against your will. I just thought it was time for both of you to start healing, to move forward. What do you say, Meet? Will you consider this proposal?"

Meet was speechless for a long moment, her mind spinning with confusion and surprise. Finally, she managed to whisper, "I... I need time to think."

Rajesh nodded kindly, understanding. "Take all the time you need. I will leave you to think things over. But know that my offer stands."

With a few more polite words, Rajesh left her home, leaving her alone with the weight of his words. She felt her heart pound in her chest. *Marriage?* It was so sudden. She had never imagined such a thing—especially not with Akash.

Kapoor Mansion – Dinner Time

That evening, after Akash returned from work, he entered Kapoor Mansion to the familiar, comforting scents of dinner being prepared. But there was an odd tension in the air as soon as he stepped into the house. Sunita, ever perceptive, looked up from the dinner table, her eyes sharp with intent.