My arranged wedding

The proposal

"Greetings brother." Ria Garodia greets her brother Aniket as she walks into his house which is their ancestral home, Aniket had inherited it for his dad who got it from his forefathers.

"Hey look who's here, aunt Ria." Asha calls out and runs to embrace Ria whobrushes her coal hair back.

"How are Shekhar and uncle Surgeet?" Asha asks.

"They're both fine and they send their regards too. Where is Shalini?"

"She should be at the temple? I haven't seen her around this morning."

"Alright go call your mother quickly, I've brought some good news for all of you." Ria claps her hands in child like excitement.

"Tell me first aunt." Asha pleads

"No dear call you have to call your mother first."

Asha runs upstairs and returns with Tanya, her mum. After exchange of greetings and taking a seat, Tanya curiously asks "What good news could there be for us?"

"Take a seat first Tanya, you too brother." Ria demands.

"We've sat down so what is it?" Aniket asks as he ignores his ringing phone.

"It's a marriage proposal for Shalini, it came in last night."

"What? Are you sure about this Ria?" Tanya asks with a look of sheer disbelief on her face.

"I'm very sure Tanya, such good news don't come around easily. He is a very good boy or should we decline it?" Ria teases knowing her older brother's family couldn't refuse such a proposal.

"No, tell me about the boy first." Tanya requests.

Ria is about to dive into the suitor's life when Shalini returns home, Asha immediately runs to her and starts "Guess what?"

"Stop it, you know I'm not good at guessing so what is it Asha?"

"Fine... aunt is here with a marriage proposal for you!!" Shalini pales at the news "Aren't you excited?" Asha continues not taking note of her sister's countenance.

Shalini only gives a small smile and leaves.

Tanya takes note this and sighs "Ria, you know Shalini is no longer excited when she hears about these proposals. You are aware she's been rejected so many times because of her past, do you think this boy will be any different?"

"I'm Shalini's aunt. Tanya, I just want what's best for her. The boy is from Chandigarh and his family is extremely rich. His parents founded one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies there and he is an executive in it, he has other businesses too. Our Shalini will instantly win him over with her beauty and good manners." Ria insists.

"In that case we've accepted the proposal, we shouldn't give up so easily Tanya ." Aniket concludes with a pat on his wife's hand, Tanya gives a curt nod in agreement.

***

Ruchi walks past Vedant's room when Shagird calls her attention and she looks away from her phone.

"Aunt ... I and Vedant really want to know something." He plays with his black skinny braid bracelet.

"What is it?"

"Vedant wants to know if you've found a bride for him."

Ruchi's lips break into a smile and she answers proudly "If he's so interested then he should come ask me himself but since you also want to know I'll tell you anyways." She looks around as if avoiding someone and says quietly "I have found someone really beautiful and I though  wanted to show him her pictures, I have  decided not to. I want him to see her beauty firsthand and be blown away."

"Wow." He thinks for a short while "aunt that's a wonderful idea but can I see her?."

"Not a chance Shagird." She shakes her head with a laugh "The only people who have seen her face other than me is your mum. You all will be blown away on our first meeting."

"Does she at least have a beautiful name to go with her face?"

Ruchi's brows go up with suspicion

"You and Vedant want to know a lot of things but of course dear, why wouldn't she. I'll just tell you her name for the fun of it she's Shalini Maheshwari from Lucknow."

"But that's a bit far from here, don't you think so?"

"I know but she's worth traveling for, just wait and see."

"That's amazing to hear, we can't wait."

"We?"

"Yes , I and Vedant." He shrugs

"You don't need to fool me. I know my son is not excited."

"But he will eventually."

"I hope so."

"Maybe then you'll find a bride for me and you'll be the most sought after matchmaker in Chandigarh."

Shagird praises Ruchi who happily accepts the amazing compliments he has to offer.

"The introduction is next week."

"And we will be ready by then."

1 week later

Shalini watches from the stairs as everyone in the Maheshwari household hurry to get ready for the Rajputs' arrival.

"The boy's family will be here soon. Is Shalini ready?" Tanya anxiously asks.

"Yes Tanya she is, with the yellow abaya suit she's wearing she'll surely win Vedant's heart. Now stop fidgeting."

"I really hope this works out." Tanya replies. "I'm so worried."

"I'm sure it will, I visited the temple before coming and I know god has answered our prayers. I have a good feeling about it." Ria says.

2 hours later

The Rajputs arrive at the Maheshwari's home and are welcomed by Tanya, Aniket and Ria at the door.

"You've come a long way from Chandigarh and for that we're really grateful." Tanya starts with appreciation and leads them into the house with Aniket by her side, they take some seats and are served with tea.

"No need to be, we're ready to do this anytime especially for that beauty you have in here." Ruchi answers with a huge smile on her face as she settles on the couch close to the Rajputs.

"Ria please get Shalini." Aniket tells Ria who calls Shalini while she gets some snacks for her to take to the guests.

Shalini walks down the stairs, takes the tray of snacks from Ria and approaches the guests with a small smile on her face.

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