He likes her sister.
She has a crush on him.
What will happen, when a Rishta meant for her sister is sent to her? How will he react? How will the family react? What's their story?
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"We should leave," Abhimanyu said.
"Yeah." Anisha got up to leave, with everyone else standing as well.
"Bye," I whispered, waving at Abhimanyu.
"Bye."
After going home, Kairav decided to talk to Bade Papa and Bade Maa.
They were perched on the sofa, sipping their chai. We took a seat on the sofa adjacent to them. The clock ticked as the hum of the fridge echoed through the hall.
"Bade Maa, Bade Papa, I want to talk to you about Anisha. Please listen to me first, and then make your judgement," he said.
"Okay. Go on."
"When I first met Anisha, when the Birlas came for Aarohi's rishta (marriage proposal) and Abhimanyu cleared that the mistake was made by them and we did Akshara and Abhimanyu's tilak (engagement ceremony), I didn't think much of her. She was just an unknown person to me. But then we met again at a business conference after Akshara broke off the engagement. We instantly hit it off. We had a lot in common — both of us are good painters. Bade Papa, she understood me like no one else."
"Well, Beta (son), it's the honeymoon phase. It'll wear off in no time," Bade Papa interjected.
Bhai rubbed his temples. "It's been four years. It's far past the honeymoon phase. We've discussed how we want our future to be. She understands me, I understand her. We're compatible. How can someone else's relationship dictate how we'll live ours?" He paused for a couple of seconds and continued, "I've rested my case. Now it's up to you. But haan, agar Anisha nahi toh koi aur bhi nahi (yes, but if not Anisha, then no one else)." He got up and marched upstairs.
"Bade Papa, you know he never talked about marriage. And now he's ready. They both love each other. Please, ek baar aur mil lo (please meet her once more)," I pleaded.
"Theek hai (okay). But they should also respect us. Respect goes both ways," Bade Papa said.
"Yes! And thank you!" I quickly strode up the stairs to his room after hugging my best grandparents.
"Woh maan gaye! (They agreed!)" I grinned as Bhai opened the door.
"Really?" His eyes gleamed with delight. I could see how happy he was.
"Yup."
"I'll talk to them." He left his room, and I went to mine. I closed the door and called Abhimanyu.
"Hello," he said over the phone.
"Man! Bade Papa and Bade Mumma maan gaye ek baar phir baat karne ke liye! (They agreed to talk again!)" I told him.
"That's great! Does Anisha know yet?"
"I dunno. But it's Bhai who should tell her. Please don't share the news with her in excitement."
"I won't. Don't worry."
"How did things go with Anisha trying to talk to her parents?" I asked out of curiosity and hope that things would work out.
"Well, they're not happy about it. But my sister is adamant. She said she'll leave the house if they don't agree." I could hear a lot of background chatter.
"How did that go?"
"Not well. Gayu ji doubled down and said that if that's her wish, so be it — but he won't agree."
"I hope things work out."
"Can you do me a favour?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"Bring your family over to my house tomorrow morning. At seven. I'm sure they'll talk it out."
"That's a good idea. I'll let everyone know."
"Bye. I love you."
I was about to cut the call when I heard him say, "Um, Rooh, can we go on another date or meet somewhere after our families meet? I need to discuss something with you."
"Sure. Text me the time, and I'll let you know when I'm available."
"Bye. I love you!"
I hung up and went downstairs. Vansh Bhai, Vatsal Bhai, and Massi had come home. They were all discussing something with Kairav Bhai.
I walked into the living room and overheard their conversation.
"What shagun should we take?" (What auspicious gifts should we bring?) "When would the tilak ceremony be?"
"Hello."
Everyone greeted back.
"Abhimanyu suggested we go to their house tomorrow at seven because they're still not agreeing to the alliance. We need to convince them. Is everyone free?"
"I have a meeting at nine, but I'll come along," Vansh Bhai said.
"Okay."
. . .
"Kamma ghani," Anand Uncle greeted us. (A traditional Rajasthani greeting meaning "hello" or "long life to you.")
We all took a seat.
The rest of the Birla family also joined and sat down. Everyone looked confused.
Abhimanyu walked down the staircase, and as his foot touched the floor, he said, "I invited them over."
Uncle made an "O" face and nodded.
The house helpers brought snacks and placed them on the coffee table.
As we ate, Bade Papa brought up the topic.
"We want Anisha to be our bahu (daughter-in-law). Our children love and care for each other, and I don't think we should be fighting. Let's agree to disagree and tie the alliance. Let bygones be bygones. I admit Akshara was the one who broke her and Abhimanyu's rishta (engagement), but I'm sure it was for their betterment. I'm sure Abhimanyu will find a good life partner. Agar aap kahen toh main baat chalun (If you say so, I can start looking). My friend's granddaughter would be a great fit."
"No, thanks, Uncle ji. I'll get married when I wish to. Thank you for the offer, though."
"You're right, Manish ji. I shouldn't have brought up the past. Our children's happiness should matter the most."
"So rishta pakka samjhein hum? (So shall we consider the alliance confirmed?)" I said, my voice a decibel higher than normal.
"Yes."
Soon, sweets were brought to us, and we all started eating them.
