While driving back, I got a call from Nikhil. I told him that I had finally met the girl I had been searching for the past two days. His excitement was palpable.
"What did she say? Did she say yes to you?" he asked eagerly.

I let out a heavy sigh, disappointment creeping into my voice. "I don't know... what will she say... yes or no..."

Nikhil's curiosity sharpened. "But why...? Didn't you ask her anything...?"

"Before I could ask anything... she got an emergency call from the hospital... so I dropped her there... and I'm going back now..." I replied, my thoughts still lingering on her.

Nikhil asked, "Next what... sir...?"

I clenched the steering wheel lightly. "I liked her... if she says yes to me... then Shivansh will be Kavyashree's for the rest of his life..." I can't stop thinking about her... every detail, every word, every glance.

Nikhil's tone turned teasing, but serious. "Woah!! Hold on your emotions, sir ji!! If she says no... then what will you do... have you thought that...?"

I shook my head slightly, uncertainty tightening my chest. "I don't know... what I'll do... but I hope she says yes..."

"Yeah... hope for the best..." Nikhil replied, though I could hear the smile in his voice.

By that time, I had reached the Singhania Mansion. "I've reached home... I'll call you later..." I said.

Nikhil teased back, "Ahhh... yes, yes... everyone must be waiting for you, hero..."

I laughed softly, rolling my eyes. "Stop it now... I'm hanging up."

I hung up the call, parked my car, and walked inside the house. Everyone seemed to be waiting for someone. Curious, I asked,
"Is some guest coming home today...?"

Ritu smirked mischievously. "Oho bhai!! We are waiting for you...!!"

I narrowed my eyes. "Why!? What did I do!?"

Maa chimed in softly, "Beta... you didn't do anything..."

I raised my brows. "Then why are you people waiting for me...?"

Dad's tone was calm but knowing. "That is because... we want to know your decision..."

I smirked lightly, teasing them back. "What decision...?"

Maa's expression turned a little serious. "Shivu... stop behaving as if you don't know anything..."

I smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry, maa... for troubling you..."

Maa's tone softened. "It's okay... leave it. Now tell us what you have decided..."

I took a deep breath and said honestly, "Maa... I have no objection to getting married to her... but before taking any decision... please ask Kavyashree's consent..."

Ritu seized the perfect moment to tease me further. "Ohhh!! Wow, Bhai!! Just one meet and you ask her consent and all, han...!!"

Heat rose to my cheeks as I stammered slightly. Ritu grinned and pushed the teasing further. "Oh... look, you're blushing also..."

Chachi came to my rescue, her voice calm and gentle. "Ritu... stop teasing him! He's right... when your time comes, you'll understand it..."

I couldn't help but feel a strange warmth in my chest... a mixture of nervousness, hope, and something I couldn't yet name...

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After three intense hours in the operation theatre, I finally stepped out, exhausted but relieved. The operation had been successful. I let out a deep breath, wiping the sweat off my forehead, and instinctively reached for my phone. Over five missed calls from Mummy blinked on the screen. My heart skipped a beat.

I dialed back, trying to keep my voice calm. "Why had you called so many times... Mummy?? Any emergency?"

Her voice was sharp, tinged with anger. "This is home... not your hospital..."

I frowned slightly. "You never call this many times... that's why I asked..."

Mummy's tone grew impatient. "Where are you? You had told me you took leave from duty today...!"

I hesitated for a moment before replying softly, "Yeah... but an emergency came up... so I came to the hospital..."

"Leave that... did you meet Shivansh...?" she asked, voice softer now.

I swallowed and replied in a low voice, "Yes..."

Mummy's next words made my stomach twist. "Hope you have not put your stupid condition of working after marriage..."

I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation. "Yes... I have put that condition... now what...?"

The call was on speaker, and Papa had overheard everything. He snatched the phone from Mummy, his voice sharp and commanding. "Come home... I'll tell you... what now...?"

My heart raced. I didn't argue. I simply nodded and left for home, my mind a storm of thoughts. Half an hour later, I reached home. Papa's furious expression met me at the door. Stay calm... don't let him see you break... I told myself, summoning every ounce of courage.

As I entered, he snapped irritably, "Wait... where are you going... Ms. Sharma...?"

I trembled slightly but spoke, my voice steadying. "I... I'm... going to get freshened up... pa... papa..."

His eyes blazed with anger. "Why did you... put up that condition...?"

I took a deep breath, standing my ground. "Be... because I want to be financially independent even after marriage..."

Mummy's voice cut in, disbelief tinged with concern. "Financially independent... do you even know that he's an IAS officer?"

I met her gaze firmly. "Yes... I know that..."

Papa's anger flared even more. "Then why did you put such a condition...?"

My voice was calm but resolute. "Because... I'm a doctor..."

Mummy's tone turned reproachful. "So what? He will take good care of you... even I left teaching when my marriage got fixed with your dad..."

I shook my head, my voice firm. "But... Mummy, that was your own decision... of becoming a homemaker... nobody forced you to do that..."

Papa's expression darkened further. Without a word, he slapped me. Pain shot through my cheek, but I didn't flinch.

"Shut up... just shut up... I don't understand why you are being so stubborn... to continue working...?" he bellowed.

Tears pricked my eyes, but I stood my ground. "That's because I've worked day and night to become what I am..."

"Kavyashree... stop being stubborn..." Papa said, voice heavy with frustration.

I wiped my tears and spoke, my voice steady, though my heart raced. "I'm sorry, Papa... but I will never quit my job... to become someone's wife... whom I don't even know..."

Papa froze, shock replacing anger for a moment. "What... what do you mean...?!"

"I mean... I don't want to get married... stop pressuring me... please... please..." I said firmly, unwavering.

Papa's face hardened. "Then leave this house..."

I took a deep, steadying breath. "Okay... I'll leave this house... once I receive my stipend next month..."

Mummy and Papa were speechless, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. I was exhausted, mentally and emotionally drained. I walked silently to my room, closed the door behind me, and let myself breathe. Enough... I can't let anyone control my life. Not now. Not ever...

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Author's Note

Oh dewdrops... tonight's chapter was intense, wasn't it? 💔 Shivansh is ready to take the world by storm for the girl he's been searching for... but Kavyashree's heart and mind are fighting battles of their own. ⚡

Sometimes, love isn't just about two hearts meeting—it's about standing firm in your own truth, even when the world pushes back. 💪💞

Who do you think will bend first—the hearts that have finally found each other, or the walls around them? 🕊️ Drop your thoughts, share your emotions, and let me know if you felt your heart race along with Kavyashree's. ✨

With love and suspense,
– Your Author 🌷