Shivay smirked. “Honestly, I didn’t. My friends kind of kidnapped me. What about you?”
Arohi grinned. “They insisted so much that I couldn’t say no.”
Shivay looked at her with curiosity. “I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”
Arohi nodded. “Same here. I didn’t think you’d be the type for these things either.”
Shivay said, “I thought you were a quiet person.”
“That’s why we never talked,” Arohi replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
They reached a park, only to find there were no cabs available. With nowhere else to go, they decided to sit on a swing.
As they swung gently, their conversation flowed effortlessly. The initial awkwardness faded away, replaced by a comfortable ease. They laughed about the evening’s events, shared stories, and discovered common interests. Shivay was genuinely enjoying Arohi’s company, finding her more engaging and fun than he had anticipated.
“I never thought I’d have such a good time on a blind date,” Shivay admitted, smiling.
Arohi, her cheeks flushed with happiness, said, “Me neither. This turned out to be a lot of fun.”
Shivay looked at her with a warm expression. “You know, you’re quite different from what I imagined.”
Arohi’s eyes sparkled. “And you’re not what I expected either. I’m glad we met tonight.”
They continued to talk and laugh, losing track of time as they enjoyed each other’s company. The night felt magical, and the park became their little haven of connection. For Arohi, it was a dream come true, and for Shivay, it was a pleasant surprise. The simple moments of shared laughter and genuine conversation made the night unforgettable for both of them.
-----
Shivay was in a good mood as he made his way downstairs. The sun was shining through the windows, casting a warm glow on the dining table where his parents were already seated, waiting for him to join them for breakfast.
“Good morning, Dad. Good morning, Mom,” Shivay greeted them with a smile, taking his seat.
His mother smiled back warmly, but his father had a serious expression on his face. “Good morning, Shivay. I don’t want to spoil your mood, but we need to talk about the marriage again.”
Shivay’s smile faded slightly as he picked up a piece of toast. “Dad, we’ve been over this already…”
His father held up a hand to stop him. “I know, I know. But Sneha is a good girl, from a good family. We may never find another match like her. Just think about it, son. Say yes, and we can get everything arranged quickly.”
Shivay paused, the toast halfway to his mouth. He set it down, his face tightening with frustration. “Dad, I’ve made it clear before—I don’t want to marry Sneha. I don’t have any feelings for her, and I don’t think I could ever live with her.”
His mother, sensing the tension, tried to intervene. “Shivay, we just want what’s best for you. We thought Sneha might be a good match because she’s kind and respectful. But if you really don’t feel it, we understand. We just want you to be happy.”
Shivay nodded, appreciating his mother’s attempt to soothe things over. “I know, Mom, and I appreciate that. But I need you both to trust me on this. I want to find my own path, make my own decisions.”
Shivay's father, sensing his son’s resistance, didn’t back down. “Shivay, this isn’t just about you. It’s about the family, our reputation, and the future. We’re not asking you to marry a stranger. Sneha is someone we all know well. She’s a good girl. Why are you being so stubborn?”