Slow Steps

5

Captain Rajveer's heart drummed a rapid beat against his chest as he stood at the threshold of Lft. Naina Singh Ahluwaliya's home, adorned with flowers and guarded by towering oak trees. Naina's revelation to her family about their relationship had led to this pivotal moment, leaving both Rajveer and Naina engulfed in a whirlwind of nerves and anticipation.

As they entered the cozy living room, adorned with Naveen's huge portrait along with the family portraits and the faint aroma of home-cooked meals, Rajveer's palms grew moist with apprehension. Naina's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ahluwaliya, greeted him with warmth, yet an air of curiosity lingered in their expressions.

The initial conversation was a delicate dance of getting to know each other, punctuated with anecdotes from Rajveer's childhood amidst the alleys of bustling Delhi and Naina's adventurous spirit that had blossomed in the quaint town of Nainital.

"Khair who last time tha jab maine tree climb kiya, aur shayad aakhri bhi. Kyunki jo sling mujhe pehna padaa tha who bhi itne high temperature mei, wo uss torturing potion sekam nahi tha jo humne test mei consume kiya tha," Rajveer completed one of his childhood tales.

"Tum tension mat lo beta, yahaan Nainital mei bohot trees hai" Mrs. Ahluwaliya assured, in turn getting a worried look from Rajveer. The room was again filled with laughter, and a shy crimson Rajveer.

"Aur aapko yaad hai ma, bhaiya apni ek Rajjo Rani ki kitni baatein karte thhe" Naina asked with a serious look giving a side eye to Rajveer. As he heard the comment, his eyes grew wider and he sprang at his place. Her parents were confused as to why she raised this question all of a sudden. 

"Naina !" Rajveer fake cried. Causing everyone to share a good share of laughter again.

"Waise Rajveer, is baar tumhara local driver aur dost nahi aaye ? Aur kundli laaye ho ya nahi ?"

Rajveer was amused at the comment and looked around in confusion. "Kyu  Mr. NRI Harvy ji"

Amidst sips of tea and intermittent laughter, Mr. Ahluwaliya's gentle smile shone with paternal pride, while Mrs. Ahluwaliya's warm gaze embraced Rajveer like a reassuring embrace. It was during the lull after a hearty meal that Mr. Ahluwaliya, with a twinkle in his eye, broached the topic that had been lingering in the air like a silent promise.

"Rajveer,, meri beti apani viraasat ko dil se sanjokar rakhati hai, aur hamaare parivaar mein aane vaale har member se hamein kuchh ummeeden hoti hain," he began, his tone gentle yet unwavering. Rajveer's pulse quickened as he awaited the condition that could shape the trajectory of their shared future.

Mrs. Ahluwaliya, her voice a soothing melody, added, "Hum aasha karte hai ki tum humare culture ko samjhoge, aur humare traditions ka maan karoge in your shared journey with Naina." Rajveer's gaze shifted between Naina's parents, his resolve solidifying as he absorbed the significance of their words.

"Mai aapke heritage ki importance aur usko saath lekrr chalne ki importance samjhta hu, aur waada karta hu ki Naina ke saath mere zindagi ke safar ke harr step prr mai aapki values ko saath lekrr chalunga." he declared, his voice carrying the weight of a heartfelt commitment. A commitment he had made long back, but voicing it out now.

Amidst the flickering candlelight and the warmth of familial acceptance, Rajveer and Naina embraced the weight of the condition as a testament to their commitment, a pledge to weave their individual stories into a shared narrative that would honor both their love and the rich tapestry of their cultural legacy. 

"We have a condition Rajveer, before we go ahead with anything." her mother declared.

"Maa, kaise condition ?" Naina asked with a confused expression.

"Humari family ka tradition Gudiya" her father iterated. 

And suddenly the happy and joyful moment turned full of suspence. Unknown of what was waiting for them, Rajveer and Naina shared a look with each other, of worry and of assurance. They have come so far, after so much, they cannot halt here, Naveen was with them afterall.

I am forced to end this story in the next update as something urgent has come up which needs my attention, though I had planned this in another way but I am afraid, that plot is not possible now. @strawberrychip I am extremely sorry for changing the story line abruptly. Also, the series is going on hold, but I will be publishing a book of One Shots which I have pre-written. Details will be shared.

I hope you liked it. Next update on Wednesday ! Thanks for reading, voting and commenting. I'll reply to all texts soon.

Signing off
Kikaberry