Vansh saw her looking at his brother and his fears surfaced.

What if she likes Veer instead of him? What if she doesn't find him handsome enough or smart enough?

His thoughts were broken by her voice.

"Aap Veer Gupta hai na?"

(You are Veer Gupta right?)

She asked and everyone looked at her. Veer was a little surprised but answered controlling his expressions.

"Ji. Aap jaanti hai mujhe?"

(Yes. You know me?)

She nodded with a soft smile and answered.

"Ji. Aap ek baar hamare office mai aaye the to deliver a lecture. SPL Ltd."

(Yes. You came to our office to deliver a lecture once.)

She said and he nodded remembering the event.

Her eyes fell on the other man who she assumed was her potential husband. He was looking downward while fidgeting with his fingers.

Was he nervous? Or he seemed like he was scared? But of what?

She thought. Their parents started talking about things and asking them questions in between which they both answered politely and finally came the time when they were asked to talk in private.

Mansi asked him to follow her which he did without a word. He was scared about talking to her alone.

What if she denies saying that she doesn't like him or that he is not deserving of her?

They went towards the common balcony and stood beside each other facing the railing.

"Aap thik hai?"

(Are you ok?)

He heard her concerned voice and looked at her with his hands in his pocket.

"Y-yes! Yes I am fine."

He replied forcing a smile and she looked at him still not convinced.

"You sure? Aap bhut chup chup hai jabse aaye hai."

(You are very quiet since you came here.)

He nodded still forcing the smile and turned back to look at front.

There was silence for some time which he broke asking her.

"Kuch puchhna chahti ho toh puchh skti ho."

(You can ask if you want to ask anything.)

She looked at him and started nervously.

"Puchhna nhi hai. Kuch batana tha."

(I don't want to ask. I want to tell.)

His heart raced in fear. Was she going to confess her feelings for someone else?

"Maine honestly abhi shaadi ke liye ready nhi hu."

( I am not ready for marriage right now.)

He visibly relaxed. Atleast it wasn't someone else. He didn't say anything and waited for her to continue.

"Mumma papa ke paas sirf mai hu. Aur agar mai bhi abhi unhe chhod kr chalo gyi toh who will look after them? Bas yahi cheez mujhe pareshan kr rhi hai. But unhe tension hai ki age badhne ke baad achha rishte nhi aayenge."

(Papa mumma have only me. And if I also leave them who will look after them? This thing is constantly disturbing me. But they are worried that after  certain age I won't get good alliances.)

She chuckled sadly and he smiled slightly. He turned to her and said.

"Toh who is asking you to. Jab tumhara mann kre tab krna. Aur rahi baat achhe rishton ki toh agar tum haan krti ho toh I am ready to wait forever for you."

(Marry whenever you want to. And about not getting good alliances then if you say yes I'll wait for you forever.)

He said looking into her eyes and her heartbeat fastened. She gulped and tried to say something but no words came out of her mouth.

"Tumne honestly apni feelings mujhse share ki. Can I do the same Mansi?"

(You shared your feelings honestly.)

He asked and she nodded in a daze. His eyes and words seemed to have captivated her mind and heart.

He smiled softly. He wanted to tuck her hair behind her ear but controlled his hands because he didn't have the right to right now.

"It may sound cheesy and cringe but the moment I saw you I felt a strange connection Mansi. Aisa pehle kabhi kisi ke liye nhi feel kia maine. Aaj se pehle I have rejected thousands of alliances lekin tumhari picture dekhte hi pata nhi kyu mai mana nhi kr paaya. As if my heart and soul were waiting for you. And now that I have found you mai tumhe khona nhi chahta. So agar tum shaadi ke liye ready nhi ho toh it's fine. We can wait. Tumhe jitna time lena hai le lo. 1 saal, 2 saal, 10 saal even 20 saal baad bhi tum kahogi ki now you are ready mai ussi waqt tumse shaadi kr lunga. But I want to marry only you."

(I have never felt such with anyone. Seeing your picture I couldn't deny. I don't want to lose you. If you are not ready for marriage then its fine. Take as much time you want. 1 year, 2 years, 10 years even 20 years later if you will say that you are ready I'll marry you then and there.)

He said and Mansi felt her throat clog with emotions.

She looked away and closed her eyes.

"I-mai-I don't know what to say. Aapne itni badi baat boldi Vansh mai- thank you."

(I-I don't know what to say. You said such a big thing-)

She said and he smiled.

Mansi knew what her answer would be. She wants to get married to him only but after some time.

At night she talked to her parents and they said.

"Beta kab tak wait krenge wo bhi. Aise thodi na hota hai. Ki rishta pakka krde lekin shaadi nhi kre."

(Till when they will wait. It is not like this. We final the alliance but not marriage.)

Her mother said and Mansi quietened.

Her father held her hands and said.

"Gudiya! Tere iss budhe baap ki ek iccha hai. Wo puri nhi kregi. Mai jaane se pehle tujhe dulhan bante dekhna chahta hu."

(Princess! You old father has one wish. Won't you filfill that. I want yo see you as a bride before going.)

"Papa!"

She whispered teary eyed and hugged him.

"Aap jo kahenge mujhe manzoor hai. Par aap please aisi baatein mat kia kro. Mai kr lungi shaadi. Vansh is a nice man. Mujhe pasand hai wo. Aaj nhi toh kal shaadi toh krni thi mujhe. Sigh Aap chahte ho toh abhi sahi. Mai taiyar hu."

(I accept whatever you say. Please don't say things like this. I will get married. I like him. I have to marry today or tomorrow. If you want then now only. I am ready.)

She said reluctantly because she was still not convinced about her parents living without her.

The next day when her parents informed Vansh's parents about their decision the two families rejoiced with happiness.

Vansh couldn't believe his ears when he heard that she said yes.

He wanted to talk to her and confirm that it was with her wish and asked his mother to arrange another date with her. Only her where they can talk properly. This earned a lot of teasing smiles and remarks.

He was waiting for her in a cafe. He had reached half an hour early and was sitting there impatiently.

She reached and sat in front of him with a smile.

His heart calmed down and he smiled seeing her smile.

"Kaisi ho?"

(How are you?)

He asked and she smiled warmly.

"Thik hu. Aap?"

(Good. You?)

He too replied in positive and the two got silent for some time.

"Umm let's order something?"

He asked breaking the silence and she nodded.
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