"True love is not about perfection, but about seeing the beauty in each other's flaws and growing together through them."

The warm aroma of freshly brewed chai filled the Ahuja residence as the two families gathered in the living room. The room was abuzz with soft laughter and polite conversation, but there was an undeniable undertone of excitement in the air.

Roohi sat beside her mother, her hands resting nervously in her lap. Across from her, Vivaan sat quietly, his posture composed but his gaze often lingering on the edge of the table rather than meeting anyone’s eyes directly. His dadi, Nirmala Devi, and his sister, Meera, were doing most of the talking, shielding him from the spotlight as they always did.

Mr. Ahuja broke the gentle hum of voices, his tone kind and genuine. “Vivaan beta,” he began, leaning forward slightly, “I’ve always admired people who can express so much through their art. When I learned about you and saw your work, I knew I had to meet you in person. Your art speaks volumes about your heart.”

Vivaan glanced up briefly, his face softening into a shy smile. “Thank you, uncle,” he said quietly, his voice carrying a sincerity that struck a chord. “I… I never imagined my work would lead me here. Art has always been a way to process my thoughts, my feelings. I didn’t think it would resonate so deeply with others.”

Nirmala Devi, noticing his hesitance, placed a reassuring hand on his knee. “Vivaan may not say it outright, but his art carries his soul. Every piece is a reflection of the emotions he often keeps to himself.”

Roohi’s mother smiled warmly. “That’s a beautiful quality, one that not everyone has. Roohi, too, has always appreciated depth and meaning in the things she chooses to do.”

Roohi looked at her mother with surprise, then at Vivaan. She caught the faintest curve of his lips, as though he was silently thanking her mother for the kind words.

Meera, ever the lively spirit, chimed in. “And Bhaiya is not just about serious stuff! You should see the sketches he makes for fun,quirky cartoons of me when I’m pestering him. He’s got a good sense of humor hidden somewhere in all that introversion.”

Vivaan shook his head with a soft laugh, his ears tinged pink. “Meera has a way of exaggerating things,” he murmured, his eyes briefly meeting Roohi’s.

Roohi found herself smiling, sensing the warmth beneath his reserved demeanor.

After some more light-hearted exchanges, Nirmala Devi gently steered the conversation. “We’re here today because we all hope this is the beginning of something special. Vivaan has shared his thoughts with me, and I know he feels comfortable with this alliance.”

All eyes turned to Vivaan. He took a deep breath, his fingers brushing against the edge of his cup as he gathered his thoughts. Finally, he spoke, his voice steady but soft. “Yes, Dadi. I feel… I feel that Roohi is someone I could share my life with. She’s kind and genuine, and I think we could build something meaningful together.”

Roohi’s heart skipped a beat. His words weren’t grand or elaborate, but they held an honesty that moved her deeply. She glanced at her parents, her cheeks warm, before mustering her own courage. “I feel the same,” she said softly. “I’ve never felt this comfortable talking to someone so soon. I think this is the right match for us.”

Mr. Ahuja beamed, his pride and joy evident. His voice softened, carrying the weight of a father’s love and hope. “Hearing both of you speak like this fills my heart with joy. Marriage isn’t just about sharing a home; it’s about sharing dreams, challenges, and building a life where both can thrive. I truly believe that together, you two can create something beautiful,   something that will grow stronger with time.”

Nirmala Devi nodded, her eyes glistening with happiness. “Let’s begin the arrangements, then. We’ll consult the pandit for an auspicious date and get started on the preparations. This deserves to be celebrated with all the love and blessings we can gather.”

As the families dove into discussions about the wedding arrangements, Roohi caught a fleeting glance from Vivaan. His gaze, though brief, held a quiet reassurance that calmed the swirl of emotions inside her.

As the time progressed, Roohi found herself stealing glances at Vivaan, who seemed equally at ease. There was still so much to learn about him, but tonight, amidst the laughter and excitement, she felt a sense of hope,a hope that this journey they were about to embark on would be one of mutual respect, understanding, and perhaps, love.

For the first time, Roohi felt that this wasn’t just an arrangement - it was the beginning of a partnership filled with quiet understanding, respect, and a promise of something more.