Chapter 1: First Impressions
Adi, a police officer, was invited to Vani’s house for lunch with his family. Vani returned home to celebrate Diwali with her family, and as soon as she stepped inside, she was surprised to see some unfamiliar faces smiling and staring at her. She entered hesitantly, while her father called her.
Vani’s father looked at her.
“Vani, come here, dear.”
Vani quietly came and sat near her father while adjusting her hair.
Vani asked hesitantly.
“Papa, who are they?”
Vani’s father introduced Vani to Adi and his family. Vani greeted them.
Vani’s father responded with a smile,
“You asked me to find a guy for you to marry. So…”
Vani understood that Adi was the guy whom her father thought was perfect for her. The conversation continued, while Vani sat quietly, a little surprised and shy. Later, Adi’s mother started talking to Vani.
Adi’s mom asked Vani while getting comfortable.
“Vani, I’ve heard that you sing and write songs. Tell me something about your career.”
Vani replied with a calm smile.
“I’m a lyricist and a singer. I’ve released a few songs of my own, and thankfully, people liked them.”
As she was talking, suddenly someone’s voice distracted her. It was Adi’s brother (Gautam).
Gautam called Vani with excitement and innocence.
“Sister-in-law! Can I call you sister-in-law?”
Vani was shocked to hear that.
“Sorry?”
Gautam said playfully.
“My brother already likes you. So, I thought I could call you that.”
The room suddenly went quiet while Adi stared at Gautam and warned him through eye contact.
Adi said with a little awkwardness.
“Sorry, uncle. He is…”
Vani’s father replied with a smile.
“It’s okay.”
Vani whispered something to her father.
Vani’s father looked at her with a calm smile.
“Adi, would you like to talk to Vani, as we are done talking?”
Adi made eye contact with his mom.
“Mom, can I?”
Everyone smiled at Adi’s question, and his mother nodded. Adi and Vani headed to the terrace. Both were too shy to start the conversation, so Adi decided to break the ice and started the conversation.
Adi asked Vani while adjusting his ring.
“If you don’t mind me asking, do you want to get married?”
Vani looked at him for a second before replying softly,
“Yes, but…”
Adi asked with a soft smile,
“But scared of making the wrong choice?”
Vani smiled while asking.
“How did you know?”
Adi replied gently.
“Marriage is a lifetime decision. It’s normal to feel unsure.”
Vani answered with a soft smile.
“You are right. I’m scared of making the wrong choice.”
As they got a little comfortable, they chatted for a while, and later Adi asked Vani something that left her shocked.
“Have you ever dated someone?”
Vani made eye contact with Adi.
“Are you serious?”
Adi immediately tried to ease the awkwardness.
“It’s a general question, please don’t misunderstand. I just wanted to know if…”
Vani looked seriously towards Adi.
“No, I haven’t. I believe in long-lasting relationships and wasn’t interested in dating. What about you?”
Adi smirked and responded.
“I spent my whole life in boys’ schools and an all-boys university. So, there was no chance of it.”
Vani smiled lightly and asked Adi.
“Why did your brother say that you liked me?”
Adi looked away for a while and replied.
“The thing is…”
While he was replying, someone called for Vani.
Priti called Vani.
“Vani, Vani…”
Vani was unable to guess the voice and responded.
“We are here.”
Vani looked at Priti in surprise. Priti hugged Vani tightly and started questioning her for not telling Priti about her marriage.
“How dare you? Why didn’t you tell me about this?”
Vani looked around awkwardly while smiling softly.
“I didn’t know about this. Even I was shocked to know.”
Priti replied with excitement and a teasing tone.
“Anyways, at least introduce me to my future brother-in-law.”
Vani quickly looked away and stared at Priti as if asking her to stop teasing her.
“Come on…,” said Priti.
Vani introduced Adi and Priti to each other, telling Adi that Priti was her closest friend.
Priti greeted Adi with a smile.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Adi.”
Adi replied quietly.
“Hi. Same here.”
Suddenly, Priti remembered that she was there to take them down.
Priti grabbed Vani’s hand.
“Baby, let’s go downstairs. Uncle asked me to get you down.”
“Okay, baby,” Vani responded to Priti.
Vani asked Adi to go downstairs with them. As they reached, everyone looked at Vani expectantly. She looked at them in confusion, while lowering her gaze quietly, and went to the kitchen.
Priti followed Vani, and she whispered to her.
“Baby, did you like him? What are your thoughts?”
Vani looked away nervously.
“I…”
Priti smiled excitedly.
“You don’t need to say anything. Your expressions clearly tell that you like him. Just say, is it a yes or no?”
Vani was hesitant and was playing with her fingers nervously.
“Hmm…”
Priti screamed in excitement and ran to tell this news to Vani’s dad.
Vani’s dad went towards Vani.
“Are you sure? Did you ask him your doubts? Would you like to meet one more time?”
Vani lowered her head.
“Papa, he is quite similar to you. I don’t have any doubt.”
Vani’s dad asked with a wide smile.
“So, can we proceed with further rituals?”
Vani nodded.
“Yes, papa.”
