On the Brink of falling in Love (On Hold)

"As long as your answer is a yes, I can wait"

~ Wo Achanak Aa Gayi, Yun Nazar Ke Saamne

Jaise Nikal Aaya Ghata Se Chaand

Chehre Pe Zulfen, Bikhri Hui Thi

Yun Din Mein Raat Ho Gayi

Ek Ajnabi Hasina Se Yun mulakat ho gayi

Phir Kya Hua Yeh Na Puchho Kuch Aisi Baat Ho Gayi ~

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Nervous was a very small word. Srishti was profusely sweating in spite of sitting in the air-conditioned room. Her brain was messed up with bizarre thoughts as she sat on the bed, having no clue of when and how things had accelerated. She was dolled up in a pretty yellow and pink contrast designer saree, her hair neatly braided on the side, with minimal light jewellery adorning her ears, neck and hands. Why? Because she was told that a prospective family was on their way to "see" her. Now, when had all that happened? She had no clue. Last night her dad had told her that she had to be ready to meet a "guy" the next morning. She never got an opportunity to talk to her mom, aunt or Vivek about it. Did Vivek talk to her the other day genuinely or were her doubts right? She was too numb to react to her own thoughts when her mother walked into the room.

Looking at her daughter's blank face, Shanti smiled warmly as she sat beside her. She had decided to talk to Srishti before the guy's family could arrive, for she was sure Srishti would panic otherwise. Realizing that her daughter had gone into a mute mode, Shanti started, "God Srishti, look at you! You're sweating as if you've run a marathon!" Srishti didn't speak a word in response. She just turned to look at her mother closely and without realising, tears filled her eyes. She had no idea why she was crying, but she just felt miserable. It was too difficult to take in. Something bothered her from deep within, like something pricked. Her mother only smiled further and gently wiped her tears as she spoke, "Look Srishti, I am sure you trust your dad and me enough to make the right decision for you, don't you? Don't you trust us, baby?" She waited for some response and when Srishti slightly nodded her head, she continued, " I know it's too fast and unexpected for you. Honestly, it's unexpected for all of us. I know about your beach conversation with Vivek. He told me about it last night. Trust me Srishti. I agree, we have always been thinking of your marriage. In fact, your aunt and uncle have also been a part of the discussions. But never did we expect things to form up this soon."

"Then why have you arranged for all this? Why ma?" Srishti cried further. Her nervousness was taking a toll on her. All she ever wanted at that moment was to disappear from the house and never be found. Sighing, Shanti continued, " First answer my question Srishti. I know you completely, but still, let's follow the procedure. Do you like or love somebody else? Feel free to share anything, beta." Srishti gasped and stared at her mother, wide-eyed. A guy was coming to see her in a few hours and her mom was asking her such a question. Nevertheless, she responded immediately, furiously shaking her head, "No ma, there's no such thing. I have never really focused on love and relationships." Shanti smiled and spoke, "Then what's the problem Srishti? It's not like we're getting you married off today. You just have to meet the guy."

"I don't know ma. I just don't feel good" Srishti still voiced her thoughts. Shanti this time, laughed as she spoke, " You're scared baby. Scared if you'll be able to meet their expectations. Scared if the guy will not like you. Scared if you'll be able to take up all these responsibilities with grace. And trust me, it's okay to be scared. Remember, the fear will always keep you grounded. If you're still not convinced, I can let your dad know and we can cancel this meeting. You don't have to go through all this."

Srishti stared in awe at the woman in front of her, her mother, who always managed to understand her inner turmoil and pull her out of it effortlessly. However, she was hit by a wave of guilt on hearing to her mother's last suggestion. She mentally calmed herself before speaking up, looking into her mother's eyes this time, "No ma, don't call it off. I have to do this someday. So, why not today? I'll meet the guy." Her face seemed a bit confident now, the little confidence hiding her anxiety successfully. Shanti's face broke into a huge smile as she cupped her daughter's face and gave a small kiss on her forehead. She then spoke, "They're a very reputed family, Srishti. We have gathered all the details possible before we fixed the meeting last evening. The boy's mother and your aunt are old acquaintances, I believe. Your aunt and I happened to meet her yesterday morning at the temple. She at once discussed of proposing a match of her son with you. Though your aunt doesn't remember, the lady claims that Di had given your photo once to her. She also has shown your photo to her son. He has agreed to meet you once before you both can make a decision. And most importantly, your dad is happy with the boy, his family and this proposal. Give it a shot and whatever is your decision, that will be the final call, I promise."