Blueprints of Love

31. Starting Anew

The once-bustling engagement hall has fallen into an awkward silence. Guests sit frozen in their seats, processing the sudden turn of events. The weight of Savi's decision lingers in the air as she stands between two worlds—the life she almost committed to and the one she is now choosing. Her pulse races, but her hand remains firmly in Rajat's. There's no turning back.

Arjun, the groom, steps forward, his calm demeanour soothing the tension in the room. His composed expression doesn't falter, though there's a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. Yet, he meets Savi's gaze with an understanding smile.

"I had a feeling this might happen," Arjun says softly. His words are gentle, not accusatory, as if he knew all along that her heart belonged elsewhere. "To be honest, Savi, I could sense that something was holding you back from the very beginning."

Savi lowers her gaze, guilt tugging at her. "I'm so sorry, Arjun," she whispers. "You didn't deserve this."

But Arjun lifts a hand, silencing her apology with a kind smile. "No need to apologise. I think, in the end, we all deserve someone who loves us with their whole heart." He glances meaningfully at Rajat. "And I think you already found that person."

Savi's chest tightens with gratitude and relief, the kindness in Arjun's response disarming her. Rajat, standing beside her, gives Arjun a respectful nod. "Thank you," Rajat says earnestly. "Not many people would have this understanding."

Arjun shrugs, a good-natured smile curling at his lips. "Hey, love is complicated. Sometimes the right thing to do is let people go so they can find their happiness." He then turns to Savi's parents, bowing slightly. "Mr. and Mrs. Bhosale, I hope there are no hard feelings. I wish Savi all the happiness in the world."

Isha, who has been watching silently with a mix of emotions, steps forward and places a hand on Arjun's arm. "Thank you," she says warmly. "I hope you find someone who makes you truly happy."

Arjun gives her a small, gracious smile and turns to leave, a quiet dignity in his stride. The tension in the hall slowly begins to dissolve as murmurs ripple through the guests. The unexpected kindness from the groom leaves everyone in a lighter mood, despite the disruption of the engagement.

With the formalities behind them, Savi and Rajat retreat from the main hall to a quieter corner of the house. Her mind is still reeling from everything that just happened. As they step out onto the balcony overlooking the city, the cool breeze brushes against their skin, offering a much-needed moment of calm.

Savi leans against the railing, wrapping her arms around herself. "I can't believe I just did that," she says, half-laughing, half-disbelieving.

Rajat stands beside her, a gentle smile on his face. "Neither can I, to be honest. But I'm really glad you did."

She glances sideways at him, a hesitant smile playing on her lips. "What if I made the wrong decision?"

Rajat shifts closer, his voice soft but firm. "You didn't." He takes her hand again, intertwining their fingers. "Savi, life isn't about having everything figured out. It's about figuring it out together. And I'm here—for as long as you'll let me be."

For a moment, they stand in silence, the sounds of Mumbai buzzing faintly in the background. It feels surreal to be here with him, with the future wide open before them.

Later that evening, the two families gather in the living room, sipping tea and chatting as if the day's dramatic events were a distant memory. Rajat, still holding Savi's hand, sits comfortably with her parents, blending seamlessly into the family dynamic.

Isha, noticing the subtle glances and shared smiles between Savi and Rajat, can't help but smile at herself. "You two always made a good team," she remarks fondly. "It's about time you figured it out."

Rajat chuckles, glancing at Savi. "Took us a while, didn't it?"

Shantanu, who has been quiet for most of the evening, clears his throat. "Rajat," he begins, his tone serious but not harsh. "If you're serious about being in my daughter's life, you need to understand that relationships take work. It's not just about grand gestures."

Rajat nods solemnly. "I understand, sir. I'm not perfect, but I'll give this relationship everything I have. I'll take care of Savi—always."

Savi feels her heart swell with emotion, hearing the sincerity in Rajat's words.

Shantanu nods approvingly, his stern expression softening. "Good," he says. "That's all I wanted to hear."

The next day, Savi wakes up to the soft sounds of Mumbai stirring awake. For the first time in a long while, she feels a strange sense of peace. The fear and confusion that had gripped her heart for so long seem to have lifted, replaced by a cautious but hopeful sense of clarity.

As she steps into the kitchen, she finds Rajat already there, chatting with her parents as if he's always belonged. He looks up as she walks in, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Morning Kitty," he greets, his voice laced with affection.

Savi rolls her eyes, though a smile tugs at her lips. "You're making yourself pretty comfortable, huh?"

Rajat shrugs playfully. "I figured I should start practising."

Isha chuckles from the dining table. "You better get used to it, Savi. I have a feeling he's not going anywhere."

Savi laughs softly, the sound light and genuine. For the first time, she feels excited about the future—about figuring things out with Rajat, step by step.

That afternoon, they walk along the beach, the waves crashing gently against the shore. The air smells of salt and possibility. Savi glances at Rajat, her heart swelling with a mix of affection and anticipation.

"So," she begins with a teasing smile, "what's next, Mr. Architect?"

Rajat grins, his eyes sparkling. "Well, I was thinking we could build something together."

Savi arches an eyebrow. "A house?"

He shakes his head, chuckling. "Something even better—a life."

Savi feels a warmth spread through her chest as she takes his hand. "That sounds like a plan."

And with that, they walk toward the horizon, ready to face whatever the future holds—together.

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