Raunak's POV

Today I am finally going to see her. Abhishree! God! Her name itself had gotten me smitten. What will happen when I see her in reality.

I along with mumma and papa are driving to her home.

I park the car and we get out.

We ring the doorbell and a woman of around my mother's age opens the door. She greets up with a smile and welcomes us in.

Mumma addresses her as bhabhiji so I assume that she is Abhishree's mother and my potential would be mother-in-law.

I greet her in a namaste and then bend down to touch her feet.

I greet her father also.

We all then sit down on the sofa. Aunty brings water and then refreshment drinks. Mumma asks her to sit down with us and she did so smiling.

I was looking around observing the surrounding.

The house was simple yet very beautiful.

We then engrossed in our discussions. Uncle asked about me and my work and we began discussing about my work.

"Ab hum toh apas mai pehle bhi mil chuke hai. Aap log Abhishree ko bula dete toh dono bache bhi mil lete."

(We have already met. If you call Abhishree both the kids can meet too.)

Mumma intervened at the end when she felt that out discussion would never end.

Uncle and aunty smiled and aunty got up and went to a room, Abhishree's.

Abhishree's POV

I was sitting in my room wearing a simple suit with a heavy dupatta. This is the second time I am wearing traditional. It might be a shock but I never wear traditional.

I just wore it once in a distant relatives wedding that too on mumma's continuous insistence and God! It was so uncomfortable.

Everyone was looking at me and I felt like I was on a display for them. All the relatives asked about my marriage. They would be so happy today.

I was lost in my thoughts when mumma entered the room. 

She looked at me and caressed my face. She put kala teeka behind my ear and said.

"Kitni sundar lag rhi hai. Aaj lag rha hai ki maine beti paida ki thi aur beta nhi."

(You look so beautiful. Today it seems like I gave birth to a daughter and not a son.)

She joked. I tried smiling. She cupped my face and said.

"Wo log aa gaye. Bahar chale?"

(They are here. Shall we go out?)

I took a deep breath and nodded.

She held my hand and we moved out. I was looking down all the while. 

Mumma had specifically told me not to look directly into anyone's eyes because it gives a sense of rudeness and intimidation. Also, I had to look shy and happy.

I sat between my parents and continued to look down. Then my would be mother-in-law asked me about my likes and interests.

I looked a little up. Not directly into her eyes but her face and politely answered her question.

Some more questions were asked from both the sides and his mother finally said.

"I think ab bachon ko thoda akele mai baat krne dete hai. Agar aaplogo ko koi problem na ho toh?"

(I think we should let the kids talk now. If you people have no issues?)

Papa nodded smiling and motioned me. I nodded and got up. He too got up but I still haven't looked up at him.

I move towards the terrace which is the only place we would be able to talk in peace.

We stand against the railing facing the front.

Raunak's POV

We are alone afterall. There are so many things that I want to talk about and ask her.

But now that there is a chance all I want to do is look at her.

She looks so cute and beautiful in the dress. I don't know why I feel like she is not comfortable though. Maybe because it is new for her too and she is nervous.

Not liking the silence between us I finally say.

"Umm-I think we should start with the introductions. Raunak!"

I introduce myself and she turns to me. She slowly looks up at me and finally her eyes settle on mine. 

She looks away the next moment and clears her throat. 

"Umm-Abhihree."

She mumbles and I smile.

"Kuch puchhna chahti ho?"

(Do you want to ask something?)

She shook her head still not looking at me. 

"Tum iss shaadi ke liye ready ho Abhishree?"

(Are you ready for this marriage Abhishree?)

She closes her eyes and then slowly says.

"Thoda darr lagta hai but I trust my parents. Agar unhone mere liye kuch decide kia hai toh sahi hi kia hoga."

(I am a little scared. If they decided something then it must be for my good.)

She then looks at me but not in my eyes and then smile. I smile and ask her again.

"Umm-tumhe-mai i mean-mai pasand hu tumhe?"

(Umm-you-I I mean-do you like me?)

I asked nervously. She looked into my eyes again and then again looked away.

"Mere parents ko aap pasand hai. Aur mujhe unki pasand pasand hai. Baaki jaise jaise aapko jaane lagungi I will come to love you."

(My parents like you. And I like my parents' choice. I will come to love you once I get to know you.)

I smile and tell her honestly.

"Thank you so much. Iss relationship ko ek chance dene ke liye. Honestly jab se I have seen your picture I have started to imagine our lives together. I promise Abhishree mai puri koshish karunga to never disappoint you and always try to understand you. Mai bas itna chahta hu ki tum apne dil ki baat mujhse khul ke kr sko."

(For giving this relationship a chance. I will try my best to never disappoint you. I just want that you share your feelings with me openly.)

She smiled and nodded.

We then talked for some time. Well, more like I did and she answered. 

Then her mother came to ask for us. We went down and everyone looked on at us for our answers. 

I looked at mumma and smiled sheepishly nodding my head.

I then turned to Abhishree for her answer and she nodded while looking down. 

Everyone got up and congratulated and hugged each other.

The atmosphere was suddenly filled with excited chirps.

I looked at Abhishree. She was looking at her parents with a smile. Atleast she looked happy.

Abhishree's POV

Finally! I signed my doom with that answer. I was looking at papa. He looks so happy talking to my would be in laws.

I can sacrifice my happiness for his smile. It was worth everything. 

Raunak ji is a very nice man. He is polite and respectful, he belongs to a decent family, earns well, doesn't have any bad habits. I think I can manage. Well, I will have to.

Right now, our elders are discussing about when to meet next for the wedding dates. 

After some discussion they finally decided on to day after tomorrow's date for the day when they were going to finalise wedding dates.

Raunak has been looking at me and I am looking down because my mother is sitting beside me.

This is so awkward! I don't know why but his gaze is creating a strange sensation in my body.
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