A Gathering That Feels Different
Days had passed since their meeting at Tanya's office, yet the conversation lingered in her mind longer than she had thought. Avinash had a way of commanding attention, not with words, but with presence. And though she wouldn't admit it out loud, she found herself thinking about him more often than she liked.
Their families were meeting again.
This time, it wasn't just a formal dinner. This was about finalizing their relationship.
Tanya adjusted her saree as she stepped into the Malhotra estate with her parents and Disha - who has somehow managed to be invited. Tanya's attention was drawn elsewhere.
To him.
Avinash stood near the large windows, his posture relaxed but his mind occupied with business matters as he spoke to his father. The conversation should have held his full attention it usually did but tonight, something shifted.
The moment she stepped in, he noticed.
Tanya.
He had seen her before, had met her before. Yet tonight, under the soft chandelier glow, something felt different. His gaze flickered over her, noting things he hadn't paid attention to before the delicate drape of her saree, the way a loose strand of hair framed her face. Had she always carried herself with such quiet grace, or was he only now allowing himself to see it?
Why now?
He didn't like questions without answers, and yet, this question settled in his mind, refusing to leave.
His father's voice brought him back. "Avinash, beta?"
He blinked, shifting his focus. "Yes, Papa?"
"Let's go to Tanya's father. They arrived." His father said and turned to walk towards Tanya's father. Avinash exhaled quietly following his father, But the thoughts lingered.
Tanya had moved toward Avinash's Dadi, bending slightly to touch her feet. "It's lovely to see you again, Dadi."
"Bless you, my dear." dadi said, smiling warmly. "You look radiant tonight. You don't need to touch our feet again and again, beta. Our blessings are always with you. Come sit here."
Tanya took a seat beside her.
Dadaji turned to her."How are you, beta? And how's your work going?"
Avinash watched as Tanya smiled softly, answering, "I am fine, Dadaji, and work is going well for now."
His grandfather nodded approvingly. "Hmm, it's okay, just don't stress yourself too much. You handle everything very nicely."
Veer , Dilip and Harsh soon got caught up in business discussions, while the women in the family started their own conversations.
Avinash settled into his seat, Aarav and Darsh had some plans. His younger brothers exchanged glances before smirking.
"So, bhai," Aarav spoke, leaning forward, "noticing something new tonight?"
Darsh added. "Or should we say... someone?"
Avinash shot them a sharp look, but their grins only widened.
"She does look stunning, doesn't she?"Aarav mused dramatically. "I mean, it's just an observation."
Darsh nodded. "Nothing personal."
Avinash sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Don't you both have better things to do?"
Aarav chuckled. "Not really."
Before Avinash could respond, a staff member approached. "Dinner is ready, sir."
Avinash's father stood, adjusting his shirt. "Let's go. We should continue over dinner."
The family moved towards the dining table, the air still carrying the weight of unspoken words.
Tanya's mother glanced at her daughter before speaking. "Before we move forward, I think it's important to hear from them." She then turned toward Avinash and Tanya. "This decision should be yours."
Avinash father nodded. "There is no pressure from either side. If you have any hesitation, speak now."
Tanya had expected this, yet the weight of their gazes made her heart flutter. Not because of doubt but due to the reality of the moment.
She met her mother's eyes. "I have no hesitation, Mumma."
Avinash's Dadi smiled warmly and patted Tanya's head softly.
Avinash watched her carefully. He knew she would agree as they talked about it when they meet at her office, yet something about the quiet belief in her voice caught him off guard.
His reply was quick. "Neither do I."
There was something in his tone firm, determined that made Tanya's heart skip a beat.
Her mother smiled at Avinash's mother and Chachi, while her father hugged his father and chacha. "Now our family is becoming one." he said warmly.
Dadaji smiled looking at Tanya and Avinash. He placed his hand on Avinash's "I always knew this day would come, but seeing it happen makes me very happy, beta."
Across the table Aarav, and Darsh exchanged knowing smirks.
Disha nudged Tanya, her eyes gleaming with mischief. Tanya glared at her.
And just like that, the decision was sealed.
---
A Date Is Set
"With that settled, our family priest suggested an auspicious date two weeks from now." Avinash's mother announced. "Would that be suitable for everyone?"
Tanya's parents exchanged glances before nodding. "That works perfectly."
Two weeks.
In fourteen days, she would be engaged.
She inhaled quietly, making herself composed. But she could feel his gaze lingering.
---
Late at Night - A Thought That Lingers
Avinash rarely allowed himself distractions. His world was structured, built on logic and purpose.
But tonight, as he leaned against the window, his mind was elsewhere.Why did he notice her today like that and why hadn't he before? The way she carried herself, the way she fit so effortlessly into his world.
Two weeks. That was all it would take before she belonged to him.
It wasn't just an arrangement anymore.
It was unavoidable. It was fascinating.
On the other side of the city, Tanya lay in bed, Coco nestled beside her. Sleep refused to come.
Because tonight, for the first time the thought of being Avinash Malhotra's fiance didn't feel distant.
It felt real.
Her phone buzzed.
Disha: Still awake?
Tanya sighed and texted back. Yes.
A second later, Disha called.
"So," Disha's voice was laced with amusement. "Should I start calling you Mrs. Malhotra already?"
Tanya groaned. "Disha, stop."
The teasing faded. "okay okay, fine. Tell me are you okay?"
Tanya stared at the ceiling while roaming her finger through coco's fur as he slept. "I don't know. Everything is happening so fast. Two weeks, and my life changes forever."
Disha's voice softened. "And does that scare you?"
Tanya closed her eyes. "A little."
Disha paused. "You don't have to figure everything out tonight. Just take it one step at a time, okay?"
Tanya exhaled. "Yeah."
Disha spoke again , softer this time. "Alright Tanu, try to get some rest, okay? And if you need anything, call me."
Tanya hummed in response.
And after the talk Tanya felt sleep didn't seem so far away.
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Hey, lovely readers!
Things just got real Tanya and Avinash have officially said yes, and in just two weeks, they'll be engaged! But while Tanya looks composed, is she truly ready? And Avinash is he as unaffected as he seems? (Hint: Absolutely not.)
Also, let's take a moment to appreciate Disha always there with the teasing at the perfect moment.
Drop your thoughts below! Can't wait to hear from you.
Until next chapter
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