Broken From Birth | ✓

Chapter 3

"In the arithmetic of love, one plus one equals everything, and two minus one equals nothing."

Ayushi fidgeted nervously with the edge of her scarf as she stood outside the upscale restaurant, her heart pounding with anticipation. This was her first arranged marriage meeting, and she couldn't shake off the jitters that had settled deep within her.

Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Ayushi glanced at the address her stepmother had sent her earlier. She was about to meet Aryan, the prospective groom, at this very posh restaurant. Her mind raced with a flurry of thoughts - Would they hit it off? Would Aryan like her? Would she like him? 

Summoning her courage, Ayushi stepped inside the restaurant, her eyes darting around as she tried to appear composed. The ambience was elegant, with soft lighting and plush furnishings, adding to her apprehension.

Approaching the receptionist, Ayushi cleared her throat before speaking, "Excuse me, I'm here to meet someone. The table should be booked under Aryan's name."

The receptionist smiled warmly, noting Ayushi's nervous demeanour. "Of course, ma'am. Right this way, please," she said, gesturing for Ayushi to follow her.

Ayushi offered a grateful nod and followed the receptionist as she led the way through the restaurant's chic interior. Each step felt like an eternity as Ayushi's heart raced with anticipation.

Finally, they arrived at a secluded table tucked away in a cosy corner of the restaurant. Ayushi thanked the receptionist with a polite smile as she took her seat, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation swirling within her.

As she sat there, she glanced at her reflection in the polished silverware on the table, adjusting her hair and smoothing down her outfit nervously. She had worn a simple magenta-coloured salwar suit, the very same apparel her stepmother had ordered her to. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the meeting that was about to unfold, her heart fluttering with anticipation as she waited for Aryan to arrive. 

As Ayushi anxiously awaited Aryan's arrival, she couldn't help but steal glances at the entrance, her heart pounding in her chest. Suddenly, amidst the chatter of the restaurant, a tall figure caught her eye, making his grand entrance with a confident stride.

Aryan stood tall and sturdy, exuding a charismatic aura that commanded attention. His rugged features bore a striking resemblance to the famous YouTuber, Elvish Yadav, with his sharp jawline and piercing eyes.

As he approached her table, Ayushi couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves mixed with curiosity. She rose to her feet, offering a polite smile as she prepared to greet him.

But before she could utter a word, Aryan surprised her by extending his hand for a handshake. Ayushi hesitated for a moment, taken aback by his bold gesture, but quickly composed herself and shook his hand firmly.

Their eyes met, and Ayushi couldn't help but notice the intensity in Aryan's gaze. There was something different about the way he looked at her, a glimmer of intrigue mingled with admiration that sent a shiver down her spine.

As they exchanged pleasantries and settled into conversation, the initial tension gradually melted away, replaced by a sense of ease and familiarity. They delved into conversation, discussing their respective backgrounds, interests, and aspirations, like any normal arranged marriage date.

However, as the conversation flowed, Aryan's revelation brought a sudden twist to the meeting. With a warm smile, he confessed, "You know, Ayushi, I actually remember seeing you before. It was at a wedding of one of my friends a while back."