As Disha stepped out of the building, she quickly hailed a cab to head home. Along the way, she made a detour to pick up her lehenga, following her mother's instructions. The cab journey was a moment of solace for Disha, allowing her some time to collect her thoughts amid the whirlwind of emotions.
Upon reaching home, Disha headed straight to her room. Tomorrow marked a significant change in her life, as she would officially resign from her job and become engaged to Aryan. These impending events weighed heavily on her mind. Instead of wasting any time, she chose to spend precious moments with her family, creating memories in the final days before her life took a different turn.
As Aryan entered the mansion, the warm ambiance of the living room welcomed him. Vidyut, along with his parents, was present there. The room buzzed with the chatter of family members, discussing and finalizing the arrangements for the upcoming engagement. Aryan, observing the scene, could feel the excitement and anticipation in the air as everyone worked together to ensure everything was perfect for the occasion.
Aryan, with a steely resolve, proceeded directly to his room, his emotions stirred by the presence of Vidyut in the living room.
Aryan closed the door behind him, creating a barrier between himself and the unfolding family gathering. He couldn't shake off the unease that Vidyut's presence had triggered. In the solitude of his room, Aryan tried to find a moment of respite from the building tension within the mansion.
After freshening up and changing into his sweatshirt and sweatpants, Aryan headed towards the balcony, seeking solace in the cool evening breeze.
Aryan stood on the balcony, his gaze locked on the distant skyline. The strain in his eyes was evident, a result of the emotional turmoil he was suppressing. The battle within him was so intense that he found himself forcefully holding back tears, causing a sharp, persistent ache in his eyes. Despite the pain, he remained stoic, a solitary figure against the backdrop of the darkening evening.
As he gazed into the distance, Aryan whispered to himself, "I'm getting engaged tomorrow, even though I don't love her. Things could have been different if you had shown some trust in me, in our relationship, and believed that I could have trusted you."
Haunted by past memories, the mere thought of engagement and a lifetime commitment filled Aryan with unknown apprehension. Adding to the turmoil was the realization that the person he was marrying held only resentment towards him. He pondered over how his life would unfold starting from tomorrow.
As the night deepened, Aryan fell asleep with tears lingering on the corners of his eyes.
After freshening up in the morning, Disha found herself unable to shake off the restlessness that lingered from the previous night. Determined to face the day, she dressed in a grey kurta and leggings, applying a subtle layer of makeup to mask any signs of sleeplessness. Without indulging in breakfast, she left her house, ready to confront the challenges that lay ahead.
Walking to her office in the early morning, Disha chose the path of solitude, hoping the rhythmic steps and the quiet streets would provide a space for her to collect her thoughts.
Aryan, clad in his usual formal attire, prepared to leave the mansion after freshening up in the morning.
Nita, insistent on Aryan taking the day off for his engagement in the evening, tried to convince him. However, he didn't heed her advice and assured her that he would be home on time despite going to work.
Nita, with a concerned look: "Aryan, please, take a day off. This is a significant moment for you, and you should be with the family, not caught up in work stress."
Aryan, determined: "Mom, I appreciate your concern, but I can't leave everything hanging. I promise I'll be back in time for the engagement. Let me handle this."
Nita, insisting: "Aryan, sometimes you need to prioritize personal moments. Work can wait. Just be here and enjoy the day without any worries."
Aryan, assuring: "I hear you, Mom. I'll make it work. You'll see, everything will be perfect tonight."
As Aryan entered his office, he immersed himself in work, instructing his PA not to disturb him. The weight of impending engagement and the complexities of his personal life lingered in the back of his mind, but he chose to channel his focus into professional responsibilities.
Disha, after greeting everyone at the office, headed straight to the HR department to submit her resignation letter. Although the company policy required a one-month notice period, Disha expressed her urgency and asked the manager for assistance in completing the process sooner. The weight of her impending engagement added to the challenges she faced in managing both personal and professional aspects of her life.
As Disha completed the resignation process, gathered her belongings, and bid farewell to her colleagues, Aditi and Vishal accompanied her to the office gate.
Aditi: Disha, what happened? why you decided to resign?
Disha: Yeah, I... I'm getting married.
Vishal: Wow, that's big news! Congratulations!
Disha: Thanks, but honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about it.
Aditi: Why? Is there any problem? Are you being forced into this?
Disha: No, It's not like that, It's complicated. There are so many things going on, and I can't shake off this feeling of unease.
Vishal: Marriage is a big step, but it's also a beautiful journey. You'll be fine, Disha.
Disha: I appreciate your optimism, but sometimes, things are not as simple as they seem.
Aditi and Vishal exchanged confused glances, respecting Disha's privacy but still concerned about the unspoken turmoil in her life.
As Disha entered the house, Nita, greeted her with a warm smile. Disha, with a forced smile that barely reached her eyes, greeted Nita. Sensing the tension, Nita wanted to inquire Disha if there is something bothering her, but she swiftly headed straight to her room, leaving Nita in a state of confusion and concern.
Nita noticed the box in Disha's hand, containing her office belongings. The realization dawned upon Nita that Disha had resigned from her job.
Nita, feeling a mix of confusion and concern, went straight into the kitchen. She asked Aarti about Disha's resignation, hoping to understand the reason behind such a sudden decision. Aarti, in her usual straightforward manner, shared that Disha had resigned from her job today, emphasizing Disha's focus on her future with the new family. This revelation left Nita with a swirl of emotions, questioning the motives behind Disha's actions.
Nita with concern asked Aarti if she could talk to Disha, saying, "Aarti, can I have a word with Disha?"
Aarti replied, "Of course, Nita. I'll inform Disha that you'd like to talk to her."
Nita stopped Aarti from leaving the kitchen, reassuring her, "I'll talk to Disha in her room. You can continue with your work; no need to stress about it."
Aarti nodded in understanding, focusing on her task of preparing tea and snacks for Nita. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of brewing tea, creating a sense of warmth in the air as Nita proceeded towards Disha's room.
Nita walked towards Disha's room, her mind filled with curiosity and concern. As she reached the door, she hesitated for a moment before knocking gently.
Disha stood up and opened the door. Seeing Nita standing there, Disha was momentarily shocked before composing herself with a smile. She welcomed Nita into her room.
Nita sat on Disha's bed, She gently patted the bed gesturing Disha to take a seat beside her.
After settling beside her, Disha awaited Nita's words. Breaking the initial silence, Nita inquired about Disha's well-being.
Nita: How have you been, Disha?
Disha: Yes, I'm fine Aunty Thank you for asking.
Nita: "Disha, I noticed you've resigned from your job. Is everything okay? Is there something you want to talk about?"
Disha: "Oh, it's just that my parents feel it's best for me to focus on my upcoming marriage, so I resigned.
Nita, with a thoughtful expression, asked, "But did you want to resign, Disha?"
Nita, expressing concern, further added, "Disha, it's not just about what your parents want. What about your own desires and aspirations?"
Disha, with a faint smile, said, "Sometimes, sacrifices are necessary for the happiness of our loved ones, even if it means putting aside our own dreams."
Nita, concerned, asked Disha, "But what about your own happiness, Disha?
Disha, looking at Nita with a thoughtful expression, responded, "I believe my happiness is intertwined with the happiness of my family. If they find joy in this decision, it will bring me contentment too."
Nita, her eyes reflecting maternal concern and love, gently responded to Disha's explanation. "Disha, my dear, you're still so young, and it warms my heart to see the maturity in your decisions. Sacrifices for the happiness of our loved ones are part of life, but it's essential to ensure that your own dreams and happiness aren't overlooked. Marriage is a significant step, and I want to be sure that you find fulfillment and joy in this journey. Your well-being matters to me, and I hope that you're making this choice not just for others but also for your own happiness."
Disha, overwhelmed by Nita's heartfelt words, responded with a genuine smile, appreciating the warmth and care reflected in Nita's sentiments.
Nita then stood up, forgetting momentarily the purpose of her visit, and warmly invited Disha to accompany her to the living room. She had a few gifts for Disha in celebration of the upcoming engagement.
Once Nita and Disha reached the living room, the air was filled with the inviting aroma of snacks and tea. Aarti warmly invited both of them to sit down and enjoy the treats. However, Nita, realizing she was getting late, apologized, explaining that she couldn't stay longer as there were preparations to oversee at home.
Nita then presented the necklace set and a few other gifts to Disha. Although Disha hesitated to accept, she glanced at her mom, who gestured for her to take the gifts.
Nita assured Disha that she didn't need to worry about her makeup and other preparations, as she had already arranged for a makeup artist and other staff. They would be arriving by 4 to get her ready for the engagement.
Disha secluded herself in her room until the makeup artist arrived, signaling the beginning of her transformation for the upcoming engagement.
The makeup artist, hairstylist, and their staff efficiently organized everything in preparation for Disha's makeover.
Disha, after a refreshing shower, adorned herself in the designer lehenga neatly placed on her bed by her mother.
With each passing moment, Disha moved towards the living room, readying herself for the event. Her heartbeat quickened, and in the midst of preparation, a glimmer of hope lingered, secretly wishing for a miracle to intervene and halt the impending engagement.
The makeup artist inquired, "Mam, what type of look are you aiming for? Is there any specific style or look you have in mind?"
Disha replied, "Please keep it as minimal as possible."
The makeup artist responded, "No worries, ma'am. You have such beautiful features that you will look elegant and radiant with very little makeup."
After her makeup was complete, the hairstylist took over and began styling her hair.
Disha, adorned in her engagement attire, looked breathtakingly beautiful. Her mother, entering the room, couldn't help but be taken aback by the transformation. The intricate details of the lehenga, the carefully done makeup, and beautifully styled hair left her mother in awe. She stood there, momentarily speechless, witnessing her daughter's stunning transformation for the engagement.
Disha's mother, overwhelmed with emotion, couldn't contain the tears that welled up in her eyes. She stood there, a proud and emotional witness to the radiant beauty of her daughter, smiling with all the love and pride that a mother's heart could hold.
Witnessing her mother's emotional reaction, Disha walked toward her, enveloping her in a warm hug, and gently planted a kiss on her cheek.
As the makeup artist and hairstylist departed, Disha settled onto the sofa, finding relief from the weight of the lehenga. Meanwhile, her parents began loading the gifts into the car, preparing for their departure in a short while.
With everything loaded into the car, Dishas parents went inside to prepare, leaving Disha seated on the sofa. She began scrolling through her phone, perhaps seeking a moment of distraction before the engagement.
As the doorbell rang, Disha opened it to find herself overwhelmed by the scene before her. Standing there was Kajal, Disha's best friend.
Without uttering a word, Disha enveloped her in a tight hug, expressing the emotions that words couldn't convey.
As tears welled up in Disha's eyes, she gently disengaged from the hug, finding herself enveloped by her dearest friends – Kajal, Vikram, Aditi, and Vishal – all adorned in traditional attire, creating a warm and comforting embrace amidst the emotional ambiance.
Before Disha could utter a word or fully comprehend the unfolding events, her gaze shifted towards the main gate. There he stood Kunal, devoid of visible emotions on his face, yet radiating an unmistakable aura of love and concern for Disha.
Disha's eyes remained fixed on him as he approached, and when he stood before her, he playfully asked, "Aren't you going to invite us inside?"
Disha felt a wave of shock and confusion. Just moments ago, his face seemed stoic, devoid of any emotion, and now he was playfully interacting in front of everyone. The sudden shift left her wondering why he was doing this and what was really going on.
Disha's mother, seeing the group at the door, happily invited them inside, breaking the momentary silence.
Disha's mother, offering snacks and refreshments, questioned why Disha hadn't informed her that her friends were coming for the engagement.
Kajal, embracing Disha's mother, explained, "Aunty, Disha wasn't aware that we were coming. Kunal had planned all this to surprise Disha."
Disha's mother smiled happily and thanked Kunal for always being a good friend to Disha.
Disha's father emerged from the room, exchanging pleasantries with everyone. He then conveyed that it was time to depart to ensure they reached their destination on schedule.
In the car, Disha and Kajal settled in the back seat, while Disha's parents occupied the front seats. In the second car, Kunal took the driver's seat, with Vishal beside him in the passenger seat, and Aditi and Vikram in the back seat. The convoy moved forward, each occupant lost in their own thoughts, anticipating the significant event that awaited them.