🌸 Ananya’s POV
The next day, after waking up, Ananya got ready to go to the hospital. She came downstairs to the hall and wished her parents good morning.
Just then, Ritvik came downstairs after freshening up. After saying good morning, he sat at the dining table to have breakfast with everyone. Pallavi served breakfast and then sat down to eat with them.
Later, Arun said, “Ananya, I need to talk to you about something important.”
Ananya, while eating, said, “Yes, Papa, tell me.”
Then Arun asked, “Have you thought about marriage?”
Ananya replied, “Yes, Papa, I will get married, but now this question…” After saying this, she started drinking water.
Arun continued, “I was thinking of getting you married to Yuvan, my best friend Ajay’s son, that’s why I asked you this question.”
Ananya froze for a moment — her father’s words echoed in her mind.
Then Arun said gently, “Your mother and I have no problem, but it’s your life. We can’t make such a big decision for you alone. So, you think about it and tell us. Whatever your decision is, we will be with you.”
Just then, Pallavi said, “Yes, beta. And Yuvan is a good boy anyway. It’s your decision, and don’t worry, whatever your choice is, we will accept it.”
After hearing all this, Ananya said softly, “Papa, Mummy, if you both have no problem, then I also have no problem. But please give me time until 4 PM today, and I’ll tell you my decision then.”
Pallavi smiled. “Okay, beta, as you wish.”
Ritvik finished his breakfast and said, “Okay, Mummy, Papa, and Di, I’m leaving for college now, bye!”
After he left, Ananya said, “Okay Mummy, I’m also leaving for the hospital now. Bye, Mummy, bye, Papa!” and headed out.
✦ ✦ ✦
💼 Yuvan’s POV
At the Singhania house, Yuvan came downstairs, fully ready, and wished everyone good morning in the hall.
He sat for breakfast with his family. “What’s up, Ritika? You woke up early and got ready on time today!” he teased.
Ritika immediately replied, “What do you mean? Are you saying I don’t wake up early?”
Yuvan chuckled. “Oh, calm down, Ritika, I just asked.”
Sheetal interrupted with a smile, “Enough, both of you! Ritika, finish your breakfast quickly or you’ll be late for college.”
Ritika and Yuvan resumed eating.
Just then, Ajay said, “Yuvan, I’ve been thinking of getting you married to my best friend’s daughter, Ananya.”
Upon hearing this, Yuvan looked at his father. “Dad, I need some time to think about it.”
Ajay nodded. “Yes, take your time. Let me know by this evening. Whatever your decision is, your mother and I will agree.”
Sheetal added warmly, “Son, your father is right. Ananya is a good girl and would be perfect for you. But whatever your decision is, we’re with you.”
Yuvan nodded. “Okay, Dad. I’ll tell you by evening. My breakfast is done; I’m leaving for the office now. Bye, Mom, bye, Dad.”
After saying goodbye, Yuvan left for work.
✦ ✦ ✦
🎓 At College
Today, Ritika and Diya’s first lecture was canceled.
Ritika sighed. “Now what? The first lecture is canceled.”
Diya grinned. “Let’s go watch a basketball match.”
Ritika agreed. “Okay, let’s go.”
They both headed to the court.
Ritika’s eyes fell on Ritvik. This arrogant guy also plays basketball? I just found out today, she thought.
Diya smiled. “Do you know, Ritvik is a champion in basketball and a topper in studies?”
Ritika raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so he plays sports too. That’s good.”
Diya teased, “Seems like you two haven’t become friends yet.”
Ritika huffed. “Me? Be friends with him? Seriously? He doesn’t even talk to me properly, and you want me to be friends with him?”
Diya chuckled. “He’s not as bad as you think. He’s actually nice.”
Ritika replied, “You know his friend Dhruv? I like him. At least he talks nicely.”
Diya said, “Forget these things, let’s watch the match.”
The whistle blew. The game began.
Ritvik played brilliantly and won the match. As the crowd cheered, his eyes met Ritika’s.
For a brief moment, the world around them faded — just his steady gaze and her startled one remained.
Then Ritika turned away quickly and left. Diya followed her.
Later, Ritvik changed and went to his class, where Dhruv joined him.
“Why are you late today?” Ritvik asked.
Dhruv laughed. “I slept late, bro. Anyway, I heard you won. Congrats!”
“Thanks,” Ritvik said, smiling faintly.
Meanwhile, Diya asked Ritika, “Why did you leave suddenly?”
Ritika replied quickly, “Oh, no, nothing. Just wanted to drink water, that’s all.”
The lecture began. After it ended, Diya said, “Break time! Let’s go to the canteen.”
They sat down. Just then, Ritvik and Dhruv entered.
“Congrats, Ritvik,” Diya said. “The match was really good.”
“Thank you,” Ritvik replied.
Dhruv joined in, “So, what’s the plan for the weekend? Diya, it’s your birthday, right? Party?”
Diya smiled. “Yes, of course!”
Ritika stood up. “Diya, I’m going to class. Need to revise for the next lecture.”
Diya frowned. “You barely ate anything.”
“I’m not hungry,” Ritika said softly, walking away.
Ritvik watched her leave — that same strange pull from earlier brushed past him again.
He turned to Dhruv. “Come on, class will start soon.”
Later, in the corridor, Ritika tripped. Before she could fall, Ritvik caught her in his arms.
Their eyes met again — startled, close, silent.
“You—” she began, flustered.
“What’s your problem?” Ritvik said calmly. “First you bump into me, then when I help you, you shout?”
She shot back, “Can’t you talk properly?”
“So you want me to talk nicely?”
“Yes— I mean no— I mean…” she stammered.
He smirked faintly and let go once she was steady. Without another word, he walked away.
Ritika stood there, half-annoyed, half-confused. “What a strange guy,” she muttered, heading to class.
✦ ✦ ✦
🌸 Ananya’s POV
After completing all her appointments at the hospital, Ananya called Siya.
“What was that text you sent yesterday?” she asked.
Siya laughed. “Which text? Oh, that one!”
“Yes, that one! Do you know Yuvan accidentally read it? It was so awkward facing him. And now Dad wants me to marry him. Even Mom agrees.”
“What? When did this happen?” Siya asked, shocked.
“This morning at breakfast,” Ananya said quietly.
“So, what have you decided?”
Ananya took a breath. “I’m going to say yes.”
“Seriously?” Siya asked.
“Yes. Okay, I’ll call you later. I need to tell Dad.”
“Alright, take care,” Siya said.
Ananya smiled softly. “You too.”
Then she called her dad. “Dad, it’s a yes from my side. You can tell them.”
Arun’s voice was proud. “Okay, beta. I’ll let them know.”
✦ ✦ ✦
💼 Yuvan’s POV
In his office, Yuvan was working on his laptop when he remembered his father’s words. He picked up his phone and called Ajay.
“So, what have you decided, son?” Ajay asked.
Yuvan replied calmly, “Okay, Dad. I agree.”
Ajay smiled. “Alright, I’ll inform them.”
Just then, Aarav entered, overhearing part of the conversation. “You’re getting married and didn’t tell me?” he teased.
Yuvan sighed. “Dad just told me today. He needed my answer by evening.”
Aarav laughed. “And you said yes? The guy who doesn’t believe in love?”
Yuvan smiled faintly. “My happiness lies in my family’s happiness. They like her — that’s enough for me.”
Aarav nodded. “Fair enough. Oh, by the way, we made a good profit this month.”
Yuvan smiled. “That’s good news.”
Aarav left, and Yuvan returned to his work — but a faint memory of Ananya’s eyes still lingered.That evening, Ajay called Arun. “Yuvan said yes! Did you ask Ananya?”
“She agreed too,” Arun said.
Ajay grinned. “Perfect! Come for lunch tomorrow; we’ll discuss everything.”
Arun replied, “As you wish.”
✦ ✦ ✦
At the Sharma house, Arun told Pallavi, “Both sides have agreed.”
Pallavi’s eyes sparkled. “That’s such happy news!”
Ritvik entered, curious. “What’s the good news?”
“Your sister is getting married,” Pallavi announced.
“What? Didi is getting married?” Ritvik said, surprised.
Arun chuckled. “You’re acting like we didn’t tell you this morning.”
“I’m just processing it, Dad,” Ritvik said.
Later, Pallavi told him, “We’re going to Singhania House tomorrow for lunch. We’ll be back by evening. I’ll leave your food ready.”
“Okay, Mom,” Ritvik said and went to his room.
✦ ✦ ✦
💼 Yuvan’s POV (ending)
That night, at the Singhania mansion, Ajay and Sheetal discussed the visit.
Sheetal asked, “Did you tell Yuvan they’re coming tomorrow?”
“Not yet,” Ajay replied. “I will after he’s home.”
When Yuvan returned, Ritika rushed to greet him.
Later at dinner, Ajay told Yuvan, “Tomorrow the Sharma family is coming for lunch to discuss the marriage.”
Yuvan nodded. “Okay, Dad, I’ll be home.”
After dinner, Ritika knocked on his door.
“How did you know it was me?” she asked playfully.
“Because no one else would knock this late,” he replied with a small smile.
They talked briefly. When she mentioned water, Yuvan froze — a fleeting memory of Ananya flashed across his mind.
Ritika noticed. “What happened, Bhai?”
“Nothing,” he said softly. “Just thinking.”
Before leaving, Ritika teased, “You’re getting married! That means I’ll have a sister-in-law now!”
“Enough, Ritika,” Yuvan said, half-smiling. “Go to sleep.”
She laughed. “Good night, Bhai.”
Yuvan switched off the light. For the first time in a long while, his thoughts didn’t stay in the office — they drifted toward her.
✦ ✦ ✦
🌸 Ananya’s POV
After everyone at the Sharma house finished dinner, Ananya went to her room. Then she called Siya and asked, "Are you free tomorrow?"
Siya replied, "Why, what happened?"
Ananya said, "I'll tell you everything when we meet tomorrow. Will it work for you to meet after tomorrow evening?"
Siya responded, "Yeah, okay, that works. But where should we meet?"
Ananya suggested, "There's a cafe in front of your office, right? Let's meet there."
Siya said, "Okay, tell me the time too now that you've told me so much."
Ananya said, "7:30 p.m."
Siya replied, "Alright, fine."
Then Ananya said, "Okay, fine. I'll tell you tomorrow when we meet. Bye, take care of yourself."
Siya said, "You too," and after hanging up, Ananya went to sleep.
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