Chapter 13

                                    

                                          
The next day, as the morning sun filtered through the windows, filling the dining room with a soft glow, the Dutta Villa was alive with the usual chatter over breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed tea and the clinking of utensils filled the air, but for Saana, the moment felt heavier than usual.
She sat at the table, her mind racing as she replayed the events of the previous night. Mohana’s reassuring words, Sahil’s steadfast support—they had given her the strength to make a decision she never thought she’d be ready for. 
With a deep breath, Saana glanced around the table. Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked at Gautam Ji, who was reading the newspaper, his face calm and composed. She knew that this decision would change her life, and there was no turning back now.
Gathering her courage, she swallowed hard and spoke up, her voice slightly trembling but resolute. 
"Uncle...," 
she began, catching the attention of everyone at the table. 
"Aap Kushal Uncle ko bol dijiye... I'm ready for the marriage."
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of her words sinking in. Gautam Ji slowly lowered the newspaper, his eyes meeting Saana's. A mixture of surprise and concern flashed across his face before it softened into something gentler, a fatherly pride and understanding.
"Saana... beta," 
Gautam Ji said, his voice tender and full of warmth. 
"Are you sure? This is a big decision, and I don't want you to feel pressured."
Saana nodded, her eyes steady even though her heart was still racing. 
"Yes, Uncle. I’ve thought about it, and I’m ready to take this step. I trust your decision, and I believe that this is the right thing to do."
Chetna Ji, who had been silently observing, reached out and placed a comforting hand on Saana's. 
"We’re here for you, Saana. This family will always support you, no matter what."
Gautam Ji smiled, a mixture of relief and happiness crossing his face. 
"I’m so proud of you, beta. I’ll let Kushal know right away. He’ll be thrilled."
As the news settled in, there was a sense of quiet joy at the table. Even though the decision had been made, everyone understood the significance of this moment for Saana. She had come a long way, and today marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
The rest of the breakfast continued with a lighter mood, as if a weight had been lifted. Saana still felt the nervousness in the pit of her stomach, but it was now accompanied by a sense of purpose. She was stepping into an unknown future, but she wasn’t doing it alone. She had her family, and soon, she would have Sidharth by her side.
As the meal came to an end, Gautam Ji patted Saana on the shoulder. 
"You’ve made a brave decision, beta. We’ll start making the arrangements, and we’ll make sure everything is just the way you want it."
Saana offered a small, grateful smile. 
"Thank you, Uncle. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me."
The day had just begun, but for Saana, it felt like a new beginning—a step toward healing, toward love, and perhaps, toward happiness.
The moment Saana gathered the courage to voice her decision at the breakfast table, Gautam Ji wasted no time. He knew how significant this choice was for her and understood the emotional journey that had led her here. As soon as the meal concluded, he excused himself and retreated to his study, dialing Kushal Ji's number with a sense of urgency and excitement.