"Four Paths, One Journey to Love"
Mirelli's Call
Mirelli tries calling Sofi. She doesn't pick up. A few seconds later, a text message pops up on Mirelli's screen:
Sofi's Text: "Sorry, it is not convenient for me to answer your call right now."
Mire...
Janiya stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dupatta for what felt like the millionth time. Her mom, watching like a hawk, clicked her tongue in disapproval.
"Janiya, stand straight. You look like you're attending a funeral, not a family meeting. Smile! A girl's charm is in her smile," her mom instructed.
"Right, because my career as a CA isn't charming enough," Janiya muttered.
"Don't test me today," her mom warned, her eyes narrowing.
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll be the picture of grace and obedience," Janiya replied with a sarcastic bow. Inside, though, her stomach churned. Her family had been suspiciously chirpy all morning, and the way they'd been hyping this Aaron guy? Red flags everywhere.
As they arrived at the Dsouza's home, Janiya took a deep breath, mentally bracing herself for the awkward conversations ahead. The door opened, and Mrs. Dsouza greeted them with the enthusiasm of someone hosting a royal wedding.
"Welcome, welcome! Please, come in!" she said, her voice bright and cheery.
Inside, Janiya spotted the younger son sprawled on the couch, glued to his phone. He gave her a lazy wave, barely looking up.
"Ah, Janiya," Mr. Dsouza said, as they all settled in. "Your father tells me you're a Chartered Accountant in the UK? That's very impressive."
"Oh yes!" her mom interrupted, as if Janiya couldn't speak for herself. "She's very hardworking. She juggles everything so well-job, studies, family."
Janiya forced a smile. If only they knew her "juggling skills" involved collapsing into bed with Netflix and snacks every weekend.
"And Aaron?" her dad asked, cutting to the chase.
"Oh, Aaron will be home any minute," Mrs. Dsouza replied, practically glowing. "He's always so busy with work. Such a dedicated boy."
Before Janiya could roll her eyes, the doorbell rang.
"That must be him!" Mrs. Dsouza said, hurrying to open the door.
What walked in wasn't a man-it was a daydream in a three-piece suit. Aaron strolled inside like he'd just stepped off the cover of GQ. Tall, broad-shouldered, with sharp features and eyes that seemed to sparkle even in the dull living room light.
Janiya froze. Her heart did an unexpected somersault.
He greeted everyone with a warm, "Good evening," his voice smooth as melted chocolate. Then his gaze landed on her, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause.
"Hi," he said, extending a hand, his smile laced with just the right amount of charm.
"Hi," she managed to squeak out, shaking his hand. It was firm, warm, and probably belonged to someone who knew exactly how good-looking he was.
"I'll just freshen up," Aaron said, excusing himself.
As he walked away, Mrs. Dsouza leaned toward Janiya's mom, whispering loud enough for everyone to hear, "Isn't he handsome? And so humble!"
Janiya's mom gave a knowing smile. "Oh, absolutely. Perfect son-in-law material."
"Mom!" Janiya hissed, her face heating up.
Her younger brother, seated next to her, muttered under his breath, "Bollywood heroine vibes, huh? Your life's a rom-com now."
"Shut up," Janiya shot back, glaring at him.
Aaron returned a few minutes later, dressed more casually, but somehow looking even better. He sat across from Janiya, his focus entirely on her.
"So, Janiya," he began, "your parents tell me you're a CA too. How's life in the UK?"
"Oh, it's great," Janiya said, trying not to stammer. "Busy, but fulfilling. You know...numbers, spreadsheets...every accountant's dream life."
Aaron chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Sounds familiar. People think we're living some high-profile, glamorous life, but it's mostly late nights and Excel crashing at the worst times."
"Exactly!" Janiya laughed, her nerves easing slightly. "Excel's the real villain in our story."
Aaron grinned. "I like that. Mind if I borrow it for my next presentation?"
"Only if you give me credit," she quipped, surprising even herself with the ease in her tone.
The conversation flowed naturally after that. Aaron was witty, attentive, and surprisingly down-to-earth. For the first time in a long time, Janiya felt like she wasn't just the girl her family was trying to marry off-she was herself.
The parents, meanwhile, exchanged subtle glances, their satisfaction almost palpable.
As the evening wound down, Aaron walked them to the door.
"Nice meeting you, Janiya," he said, his smile soft and genuine.
"Likewise," she replied, her heart doing that silly somersault again.
As they drove home, her mom couldn't contain herself. "See? I told you he's perfect! What did you think?"
Janiya stared out the window, trying to keep her goofy grin in check. "He's...nice," she said nonchalantly.
But deep down, she couldn't stop replaying that moment-their shared laughter, the way his eyes lit up when he talked, and the unexpected spark that made her feel like maybe, just maybe, fate had a sense of humor after all.
Chapter asthetic: Janiya's outfit
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Aaron's outfit
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