Born to Love You

17- Congratulations

The day I was scared of... finally happened. I mentally laughed at myself

He got out of the car and I numbly sat there looking at him. What were his intentions while marrying me? And why did he marry me? What would I answer inside? Think.. think.. think.. he signed me to get out and I did.

Aryan intertwined his fingers with mine as we stealthily entered the house. His fingers so soft and hold so rough. The eerie calm suggested that everyone was either preoccupied or on the verge of sleep. As I pondered the situation, Naina's startled gaze met ours in the living room, causing her to fumble and drop the sweet boxes she was carrying. In a panic, she summoned the entire family to descend downstairs, shattering the tranquility with an ominous urgency

With trembling hands, I glanced at Aryan, who squeezed my hand in a supposed gesture of reassurance. His gaze, although fixed elsewhere, appeared marginally softer. I followed his line of sight to his mother descending the staircase. As the rest of the family hastily joined her, still clad in their ceremonial attire, Naina's panicked gesture singled us out. The air filled with gasps and bewildered expressions as all eyes turned towards us, brimming with suspicion..

"What is this you both?" Disha speaks up in disbelief and we both decided to stay quiet

"Can someone elaborate this to us?" His mom continues to question

"Am I believing my eyes? My son, Aryan Adani Chauhan has married a girl and bought her home?!" His dad was quite surprised but he didn't seem angry or frustrated like other family members. How is it possible? There's no way that he's happy with this. The most hurt looked was Disha

"I love her.. and I don't want to spend.. the rest of the life with anyone else.." Aryan Adani Chauhan actually shuddered? Wow. My jaw dropped and I mentally laughed hearing his words. And he calls me an actor. The irony.

"But couldn't you have said a single word to us before taking such step, Aryan? Am I not even worthy of that?" Disha's voice broke as tears streamed down her face. A fleeting glimpse of pain flickered across Aryan's expression, swiftly masked by a veneer of cold detachment

"Even after what she did, you wanted to marry her Aryan? We wanted to find a girl for you that would have the same moral values and implement them your future generations. And didn't you oppose this marriage so much? What happened all of a sudden Aryan?!" His mom continues and I felt terribly guilty and sorry

"Love" he whispers slowly with a stern voice.

Last time when I heard him my jaw just dropped but this time it fell on the ground. I'm impressed

"I'm sorry Ma'm—" I was told to stop by his mom with her hand gesture

"I don't want to talk to someone like you Aradhya. I'm talking to my son." Her voice came out serious and it hurt me a little but I know her concern regarding her son and this entire situation

After a moment of silence, Grandma stepped forward, her touch gentle as she bestowed her blessings upon us, tenderly placing her hand on our heads. As we leaned down to receive her blessings, our eyes met in a moment of connection. Afterwards, she embraced us both warmly, a soft smile lighting up her face

Aryan's dad followed the same, graciously welcoming us into their embrace. However, I noticed his mother subtly avoiding us

"Congratulations!" His dad greets us softly. What's wrong with him? Didn't I just heard that he wants to break this marriage?