Amit felt his collar becoming tighter. 

"Uncle, I am very grateful that you agreed to talk to me."

Bijoy Banerjee didn't smile. He adjusted his position in his armchair.

"Amit. Let's skip the formalities. Puja has told me her side. Now, I want to hear yours. And remember, I value honesty more than politeness."

"Bilkul, Uncle. Please ask whatever you want."

(Sure, Uncle.)

Amit replied, leaning forward. Bijoy cleared his throat.

"Puja tells me you lost your parents young. I am sorry for that. But tell me, who raised you? What kind of values did you grow up with?"

Amit took a deep breath. 

"Uncle, my parents passed away when I was quite young. My elder brother, Rahul, and my sister, Preeti, became my world. Rahul Bhai gave up his own dreams to run our family business so I could finish my education. Preeti Di became the mother of the house. Humare ghar mein rishte sabse upar hain. We were taught that money can come and go, but your word and your family's honour stay forever. Everything I am today is because of their sacrifices."

(In your house, relationships are everyone’s priority.)

Bijoy nodded slowly.

"Sacrifice is a heavy word, young man. It's easy to say. Now, tell me about your work. You are in logistics, she says. Is that stable? Can you provide for my daughter the way I have?"

Amit didn't take offense. He understood a father's fear.

"Uncle, my business involves transporting goods across North India. It's hard work, and yes, it's stable. We have our own fleet of trucks and a warehouse. I don't claim to be a billionaire, but I can promise you this. Puja will never have to worry about her needs. In fact, her dreams are my priority. If she wants to stay in Kolkata, I will move my office here. My business can be managed from anywhere, but my life is where she is."

Puja, who was sitting just out of the camera's frame, wiped a stray tear. She could see her father's grip on the armrest loosening slightly. But Bijoy wasn't done. He leaned in closer to the camera, his eyes narrowing.

"Let's talk about your past, Amit. You met my daughter on a dating app. I am an old man, I find these things...questionable. How many girls have you met before her? How many have you promised this forever to?"

This was the hardest question. Amit felt his brother and Bhabhi tense up behind him.

"Uncle, I won't lie to you. Before Puja, I did talk to a few people. I was lonely, and I was looking for a partner. But none of those conversations lasted more than a few days. They felt empty. When I matched with Puja, something changed. I stopped looking. For a whole year, even when we weren't talking, I didn't look at another woman. My family tried to show me rishtas , but I denied every single one. Dil mein jagah hi nahi thi, Uncle. Puja is the first and only person I have ever wanted to bring home to my family."

(There was no space in my heart.)

The silence that followed was agonizing. Bijoy Banerjee looked away from the screen and stared at the wall for what felt like an hour. Finally, he looked back.

"Amit, you speak well. You seem like a man of character. But words are like air, they are easy to blow away. I am a father. I cannot give my daughter's hand to just anyone."

Amit's heart sank.

"I understand, Uncle."

"However..."

Bijoy continued, his voice softening just a fraction.

"I see how she has changed since you returned. I see the light in her eyes. So, I am giving you a chance. But here is my condition. I will not say yes today. I, along with Puja and her mother, will come to Punjab next month. I want to see your home. I want to meet your brother and sister. I want to see the soil you grew up on. If I feel that my daughter will be safe, respected, and happy in your world, only then will I give my final word."

The room in Punjab erupted in silent cheers. Rahul gave Amit a thumbs-up, and Simran was beaming.

"Uncle, it would be my greatest honour to host you."

Amit said, his voice thick with emotion.

"Hum aapka intezar karenge."

(We will wait for you.)

Bijoy turned his head slightly.

"Puja? Where are you? Come here."

Puja stepped into the frame, her face flushed with joy.

"Baba?"

Bijoy looked at his daughter, the pride and love he usually hid behind his strictness finally showing.

"Go on, then. Stop crying. But remember, the final decision is still pending."

"I know, Baba! Thank you!"

Puja squealed, throwing her arms around her father's neck and hugging him tight. For a moment, the strict Mr. Banerjee disappeared, and he was just a father holding his little girl.

A few minutes later, after the call with the parents ended, Amit and Puja reconnected on a private call.

Amit was sitting on his bed, his heart finally slowing down. Puja was back in her room, leaning against her door, breathless.

"Amit! Oh my god, you did it! Tumne Baba ko handle kar liya!"

(You handled baba!)

"Haaye, Puja! Mere toh pasine chhoot gaye the. Your father is a very scary man! Jab unhone dating app ke baare mein pucha, mujhe laga bas... ab game khatam."

(I was sweating….When he asked about the dating app, I thought that’s it…game over.)

Puja laughed, her eyes shining.

"He liked you, Amit. I can tell. He never lets anyone talk that much. The fact that he's ready to travel all the way to Punjab means he's already accepted you in his heart. He's just being a typical Bengali Baba."

"I can't believe it's actually happening, Puja."

Amit said, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"Ek saal pehle humne umeed chhod di thi. Look at us now."

(We lost hope an year back.)

"I am so happy. I keep pinching myself to check if I'm dreaming."

"Save some energy. Because when you come to Punjab, my Bhabhi and sister are going to feed you so much that you won't be able to move. And Rahul Bhai is already planning which car will pick you up from the airport."

"Amit... I'm a little nervous about meeting your family too."

Puja said softly.

"Don't be. They already love you. They've seen how I was this past year without you. They know you are the one who brings the rounak back to my face. Bas tum aa jao."

(You just come.)

"I'm coming, Amit. Very soon."

"I love you, Puja."

"I love you too, Amit. More than words."

The distance was still there, the cultural gap was still there, and the final yes was still a month away. But for the first time, they weren't fighting the world. They were walking into it together.

Amit's family began cleaning the house, deciding on the menu, and practicing their best hospitality. Puja began looking at her wardrobe, wondering if she should buy a phulkari dupatta to match her favourite white suit.