I was very excited to meet Kavyashree, so I got ready as quickly as possible. I left the office early, knowing I was going to escort her from the metro station. Today I was wearing a dusty pink formal shirt with cream formal pants and a black belt. While I was setting my hair, Ritu and Nikhil entered my room.

Nikhil teasingly said, "Are waah... kya baat hai... abhi to teri shaadi thei bhi nahi huyi hai... aur tu aisa saj raha hai... jaise ki aaj hi shaadi ho... (Wow... your marriage hasn't even been fixed yet... and you're all dressed up as if it's today!)"

Ritu added, "No... no... Nikhil bhaiyya... bhai is going to escort bhabhi from the metro station..."

I narrowed my eyebrows and said, "Yes... I'm going to escort Kavyashree from the metro station... now what? And how do I look?"

Nikhil, wanting to annoy me more, said, "Han... han... vo to dikh hi raha hai... aur tu to thik hi lag raha hai... (Yes... yes, I can see that... anyways, you're looking okay...)"

I felt my cheeks heat up and said, "Why is your needle still stuck there??"

Nikhil smirked and said, "Why are you blushing...? You're just going to escort her from the metro station... not going to marry her..."

I looked at myself in the mirror, touching my cheeks, and said, "No... when did I blush...? Get your eyes checked, Mr. Deshpande..."

Maa, who had overheard everything, asked, "Shivu... why are you addressing Nikhil like that?"

I cocked my eyebrows and said, "Maa... that's because... this guy is teasing me a lot nowadays..."

Nikhil wasn't done yet. He made a puppy face and said, "Did you see that aunty... he's become so rude lately..."

I started chasing Nikhil around the room. Maa caught both of us by the ears, twisting them as she said, "None of you is innocent... I've seen you from childhood... so don't try to fool me..."

I yelped in pain, "Aah... maa... it's hurting... please leave..."

Nikhil groaned, "Aah... aah... aunty... I'm sorry... please leave... it's hurting... please..."

Finally, Maa let go of our ears and said, "Shivu, you should leave now... Kavyashree might reach anytime... Rekha ji had called..."

Rubbing my ears, I nodded and said to Nikhil, "I'll take care of you later... I don't want Kavyashree to wait..."

And with that, I left for the metro station, my heart racing with excitement.

💞💞💞💞💞💞

While going, I was still thinking about the conversation I had with Shivansh. I remembered how he had asked something about me, and I had behaved so rudely in response because of the argument at home. I mentally scolded myself—why had I been so harsh to someone I had just met? I knew I should apologize for that behavior.

My thoughts were interrupted when my phone started buzzing. It was Shivansh calling. I picked up and said, "Hello, Mr. Singhania!!"

He replied with a warm tone, "Hello, Ms. Sharma!!"

Shivansh asked, "You know the metro station, right?"

I nodded, "Yes... yes... Rajiv Chowk metro station... right?"

"Exactly," he said. "I've come to escort you to the Singhania mansion."

I smiled nervously and said, "That wasn't necessary... Mr. Singhania. Why trouble yourself?"

Shivansh's smile reached his eyes. "It's not a trouble for me, Ms. Sharma. Just come out... I'll be there."

"Okay...!!" I replied, and after ending the call, I found myself thinking, Why are they all so supportive... Shivansh... his family... and they didn't even hesitate to accept my condition? And here I am, having behaved rudely with him, yet he didn't seem offended at all... he even came to escort me...

The announcements on the metro pulled me back to reality. Rajiv Chowk station... train arriving... I got down from the metro and stepped out. There he was—Shivansh—waiting patiently. I walked to the car, and he waved at me warmly.

Sliding into the seat, I said softly, "I'm sorry, Mr. Singhania... I made you wait for so long."

He smiled reassuringly. "It's nothing like that, Ms. Sharma. I reached just two minutes ago. Shall we start?"

"Oh... yes! Sorry!" I replied, fastening my seatbelt.

Shivansh smiled again, and soon the car glided smoothly towards the Singhania mansion. Within fifteen minutes, we arrived, the grandeur of the mansion looming ahead—but my mind was only on the meeting, on him, and the unexpected warmth I already felt in his presence.

💞💞💞💞💞💞

Everyone was waiting for Kavyashree and Shivansh. As Kavyashree entered the mansion, she respectfully touched the elders' feet. She hadn't met Nikhil before, so Shivansh quickly introduced them.

"Ms. Sharma, this is Nikhil," Shivansh said.

Kavyashree smiled politely and said, "Hello, Mr. Deshpande! It's nice meeting you."

Nikhil returned the gesture warmly, "Hello, Ms. Sharma! It's nice meeting you too."

After Kavyashree greeted everyone, Sucheta ji said, "Come, Kavyashree... let's sit and talk."

They all moved into the living room and settled on the sofas. Sucheta ji sat beside Kavyashree, holding her hands gently, and asked, "Beta... please don't mind me asking this, but... why did you feel the need to seek anyone's permission for working?"

Kavyashree's lips curved into a faint smile as she replied, "I... I'm sorry, Aunty... but even before this alliance, I had three other proposals. All of them rejected me because I said I want to work even after marriage..."

Rajesh ji leaned forward, interrupting softly, "So... you thought we'd do the same?"

Kavyashree lowered her gaze, embarrassed. Rajesh ji noticed and continued gently, "I understand, child... but you don't need to worry. We don't want you to sit at home and get bored."

Kavyashree hesitated and said, "B... but... my parents... they also don't want me to work..."

Ramesh ji asked kindly, "But... you want to work, right?"

Kavyashree nodded, "Yes... but..."

Sucheta ji smiled warmly and cut in, "When it's a yes for you, there's no room for buts, okay?"

Lata ji added, "Beta... in this era, girls must be financially independent. You're right to think this way. No need to worry."

A maid appeared and informed Sucheta ji, "Madam, the food is ready to be served."

"Okay, go ahead. We'll come shortly," Sucheta ji replied.

"Let's go have dinner... come, Kavyashree," Lata ji said, gently guiding her.

As everyone gathered around the dining table, Kavyashree's mind kept swirling. Why were they supporting her so much? Was it because Shivansh liked her, and she was their only son's choice? She decided to ask, wanting clarity. Hesitantly, she spoke up, "I'm sorry... Rajesh uncle... but... may I ask something?"

"Of course, beta... ask away," Rajesh ji replied warmly.

Kavyashree took a steadying breath. "Uncle... are you all really okay with me continuing to work... even after I become your daughter-in-law?"

Rajesh ji smiled reassuringly, "I understand why you're asking, bete... but trust me. We'll be happy if you live your dream life, even after you marry our son."

Kavyashree was amazed by their words. A part of her still felt a flicker of doubt, but she decided it was best to remain quiet for now. Soon after, the dinner concluded, leaving a warm, supportive atmosphere lingering in the room.

💞💞💞💞💞💞

I had been noticing Kavyashree's hesitant behavior since she arrived, and I wanted to comfort her. Leaning slightly closer, I whispered, "Ms. Sharma... would you like to go for a walk on the terrace?"

Maa, overhearing, smiled and encouraged, "Go ahead, beta..."

Kavyashree returned a small smile. "Okay."

We stepped onto the terrace. The night air was cool, and the city lights shimmered in the distance. As we strolled, I gently asked, "What's on your mind, Ms. Sharma? What thoughts are keeping you so lost?"

Kavyashree looked startled. "N... nothing like that, Mr. Singhania..."

I smiled warmly. "Are you still thinking that... since your parents don't support your dreams, why would we?"

Her eyes widened in surprise, and she stammered, "W... what are you saying, Mr. Singhania...?!"

I took a deep breath and said softly, "You know, Ms. Sharma... in our family, we've always trusted the women. We stand by them in every situation. Even my father never finalizes a business deal without my mother's consent. I promise you, whatever you choose to do, I'll always stand by your side."

I hoped my words conveyed enough—that we never wanted a girl in our family to depend on anyone for her dreams.

The night was growing late. Kavyashree glanced at the time. "Mr. Singhania... I think I should leave now..."

I nodded, noticing it was already 9 P.M. "Yes..."

We came downstairs. Kavyashree touched the elders' feet and said, "Thank you all for such a lovely dinner."

She then shook hands with Nikhil, hugged Ritu, and bid everyone farewell. I accompanied her to the metro station and said, "Ms. Sharma... I'll always be there for you. And please text me once you reach home."

She smiled softly. "Thank you very much, Mr. Singhania... and... I'm sorry."

My brow furrowed slightly. "Sorry? Why are you saying sorry?"

Kavyashree looked down and said, "Because... I behaved very coldly during our first meeting."

I smiled, easing the tension. "It's okay, Ms. Sharma. I didn't feel bad at all. If I were in your place, I would have done the same."

She smiled, a mixture of relief and gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you for understanding, Mr. Singhania... I'll text you once I reach home. Bye...!!"

I returned her smile warmly. "Bye...!!"

Author's Note

Ah... readers, tonight was one of those moments where hearts speak louder than words. 💛
Kavyashree's courage, Shivansh's patience, and that quiet, unspoken understanding... can you feel it too?
Sometimes, the right people don't just enter your life—they wait, they support, they make you believe in yourself. 🌸
Did your heart skip a beat when Shivansh whispered for a terrace walk? Or when Kavyashree realized that support can come from unexpected places? 🌙✨
Let me ask you—have you ever met someone who made you feel seen, truly seen, without asking anything in return? 💭💌