Blueprints of Love

27. An Unlikely Ally

Savi sat at the dining table, sipping chai, lost in thought. The early morning light filtered through the curtains, but the warmth did nothing to ease the storm inside her. A part of her knew she needed to act soon, but every time she thought about it, fear reared its head again. What if it ends the way it did before?

The sound of Shantanu''s footsteps broke Savi's reverie. Her dad entered the room, sharp-eyed as always, and placed a plate of poha in front of her.

"You haven't touched your food," Shantanu said, sitting across from her. "What's going on with you, Savi? You've been... different since Konkan."

Savi gave her father a small, noncommittal shrug. "I'm fine, Baba. Just... a lot on my mind."

Shantanu tilted his head, studying his daughter with the precision of someone who knew her too well. "It's more than that. You can tell me, bada."

Savi's defences threatened to rise, but something about her father's calmness chipped away at them. For the first time, she felt like this wasn't a lecture coming. It felt like an invitation.

"I met Rajat again," Savi admitted, her voice quiet. "We ran into each other in Mumbai. And then... he joined us in Konkan for Meera and Raghav's wedding."

Shantanu's brow lifted slightly, though she said nothing, waiting for Savi to continue.

Savi hesitated, fiddling with the edge of her cup. "I loved him once. Back in college. But he never knew. Or if he did, he didn't care." She paused, the words feeling strange after being locked away for so long. "Seeing him again has brought everything back. And it's confusing because... I thought I moved on. I really did."

Shantanu leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "And how do you feel about him now?"

Savi bit her lip. "I don't know. He's... different. I mean, he's the same Rajat in some ways, but also... not. And that makes it harder. Because now he's trying. He said he loves me, Baba."

For a moment, the weight of those words hung in the air. Savi felt the sting of vulnerability, laying her emotions bare.

"But I'm scared," Savi confessed softly. "What if he changes his mind again? What if I let him back in and it breaks me?"

Shantanu reached across the table, placing his hand over his daughter's. "Bada, love isn't about being certain. It's not about knowing how everything will turn out."

Savi looked at her father, confusion flickering in her eyes. "But... what if it's not worth the risk?"

Shantanu smiled gently, his eyes filled with a rare softness. "Love isn't about always being right. It's about being brave enough to try again."

Savi frowned, sceptical. "But Aai always told me to play it safe. To marry someone sensible."

Shantanu chuckled softly. "I've lived a long time, Savi. And if there's one thing I've learned, it's that love doesn't come wrapped in perfect, logical decisions. It's messy. It's scary. But if you're lucky enough to feel it, even once, you owe it to yourself to try."

Savi swallowed hard. "But what if it goes wrong?"

Shantanu gave her hand a squeeze. "Then you get hurt. And you heal. But at least you won't live your life wondering what if."

Savi blinked, the tears stinging her eyes before she could stop them. "I don't want to get hurt again, Baba. It was hard enough the first time."

"I know, bada." Shantanu's voice was warm and steady. "But love isn't about avoiding pain. It's about finding someone who makes the risk worthwhile."

For the first time in days, Savi felt a strange lightness wash over her, as if a knot deep within her chest had finally loosened. She looked at her father, surprised. "I didn't expect you to say this."

Shantanu smiled knowingly. "I may want the best for you, but I also know that love can't be forced. You've grown into a strong, independent woman, Savi. But even the strongest of us need to take risks sometimes."

Savi wiped at her eyes, laughing softly. "When did you get so romantic, Baba?"

Shantanu chuckled. "Maybe I've been romantic all along, just waiting for you to realise it."

Savi exhaled deeply, a sense of clarity settling over her. "So... you think I should give Rajat a chance?"

"I think you already know the answer, bada." Shantanu 's eyes sparkled. "The question is—are you brave enough to follow your heart?"

Later that evening, Savi stood on her balcony, the cool breeze brushing against her skin as she looked out at the Mumbai skyline. The conversation with her father echoed in her mind, stirring emotions she had tried so hard to suppress.

Brave enough to try again.

Her phone buzzed, and she glanced down at the message from the groom's family, confirming the meeting time for tomorrow. Savi stared at the screen for a long moment, her heart heavy with indecision. Cancelling the meeting would be easy. It would be the first step toward Rajat. But... What if giving Rajat a chance meant losing herself again?

She clenched her jaw, emotions swirling inside her like a storm. This isn't just about Rajat—it's about me. About making the right choice for myself.

With trembling fingers, Savi responded:

Savi: "I'll be there at the scheduled time."

She pressed send, her chest tightening. But instead of relief, a strange ache spread through her. For a moment, she wondered if she was doing the right thing—or just running from her feelings.

She knew that meeting the groom would be a way to protect herself, to restore some sense of control over her chaotic emotions. But deep down, a small voice whispered: What are you really trying to avoid? Him—or your own heart?

As Savi stared out into the night, she made a silent promise to herself: I'll meet the groom. But if my heart still pulls me toward Rajat... I won't ignore it.

The thought of facing Rajat afterward left her breathless. Whatever happened next, she had to follow through—with the meeting, with her emotions, and with the truth she had been avoiding for far too long.

For now, though, she had to take one step at a time.

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