The week passed swiftly, with both the Singh and Chauhan families busy preparing for their upcoming meeting. Though life continued as usual, there was an undercurrent of anticipation that touched everything. Devansh, despite his stoic exterior, felt a quiet excitement building within him. He went about his work with the same efficiency and precision, but thoughts of Ananya kept creeping into his mind. He couldn't wait to see her again.
On the day of the meeting, the Chauhan family gathered early in the morning. Maharaja Rajveer Chauhan, Maharani Malini Devi, Maharaja Veer Chauhan, Maharani Shanta Devi, Aman, Priya, and Devansh all boarded their private jet, bound for Raigarh. The mood was upbeat, with everyone dressed in their finest attire and discussing the upcoming day.
As the jet soared through the sky, Devansh gazed out the window, his thoughts fixed on Ananya. He was eager to see her again, though he kept his emotions hidden behind a calm facade. His mother, Malini Devi, noticed the subtle tension in his posture and gave him a reassuring smile.
"Yuvraj, today is an important day for us all," she said softly. "Just be yourself. Everything will be fine."
Devansh nodded, appreciating his mother's support. "Thank you, Ma. I will."
Meanwhile, at the Singh palace, Ananya was a bundle of nerves. She had spent the morning trying to calm herself, but the thought of meeting Devansh's family, and Devansh himself, made her heart race. She wanted to make a good impression, yet she felt uncertain about what to say or how to act.
Sarika, her sister-in-law, entered her room just as Ananya was putting the final touches on her outfit.
"Ananya, you look beautiful," Sarika said warmly. "Don't worry too much. Just be yourself, and everything will go smoothly."
Ananya gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you, bhabhi. I just... I'm so nervous, may kaisa unkai samne behave kru. Agar mujhse koi galti hi ho gayi toh. Agar unhen Main Pasand Na Aaye To."
Sarika hugged her gently. "It's natural to feel that way. But remember, they are coming here to get to know you. Just be your kind, sweet self, and they'll love you."
A servant knocked on the door, informing them that the Chauhan family had arrived. Taking a deep breath, Ananya followed Sarika downstairs, her heart pounding with every step.
In the grand hall, the two families stood facing each other, introductions flowing smoothly. Vikram Singh and Rajveer Chauhan greeted each other with warm handshakes and respectful bows. Malini Devi and Rajeshwari Devi exchanged smiles and hugs, setting a friendly tone.
Ananya stood slightly behind her Bhabhi, her eyes darting nervously around the room. When she finally saw Devansh, her breath caught in her throat. He looked every bit the prince he was, his presence commanding yet subtly warm. She felt her cheeks flush as their eyes met briefly before she looked away shyly.
Rajeshwari Devi guided Ananya to sit beside Malini Devi. "This is Ananya," she introduced her daughter softly. "Ananya, this is Malini Devi, Devansh's mother."
Malini Devi smiled warmly at Ananya. "It's a pleasure to meet you, beta. Come, sit beside me."
As Ananya took her seat, Devansh couldn't take his eyes off her. She was becoming more and more beautiful day by day, and her shy demeanor only added to her charm. He watched as she interacted with his family, noting the grace and kindness she exuded.
Despite her initial nerves, Ananya found comfort in Malini Devi's presence. They chatted about light topics, and Ananya gradually felt her anxiety easing. She noticed Devansh glancing at her often, and each time their eyes met, she quickly looked away, her cheeks burning.
After some time, Malini Devi suggested that Devansh and Ananya spend some time together in private. "Humai lagta hai ki ab hum baccho ko ek dusrai sai baat Karna dai," she said with a smile.
Vikram Singh agreed. "Of course. They can talk in the garden. Ananya beta Devyansh ko garden mai la jao."
Devansh stood up and stare at Ananya. "Chale?"
Ananya hesitated for a moment before standing ul walking in front of him. They walked to the garden in silence, the air filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of birds chirping. Once they reached a secluded spot, Devansh turned to her, his expression softening.
"You look beautiful today, Ananya," he said quietly, his voice carrying a warmth that took her by surprise.
"Thank you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "You look handsome too."
They stood in awkward silence for a moment before Devansh broke the ice with a gentle question. "How have you been? I hope the past week wasn't too stressful."
Ananya smiled shyly. "It was a bit overwhelming, but I'm okay. And you?"
Devansh nodded. "The same. But I'm glad we have this opportunity to get to know each other better."
Ananya felt a surge of courage. "Yuvraj, can I ask you something?"
"Of course," he replied, intrigued but he didn't like the name she said. He want her to say his name but didn't say anything.
"I've heard... things about you," she began hesitantly. "About your temper and how strict you are. It worries me a little."
Devansh's expression grew serious. "I understand, Ananya. Yes, I can be strict, especially when it comes to business and have anger issue. But with you, I promise to be different. I want to build a relationship based on trust and understanding."
Ananya looked into his eyes, searching for sincerity. She found it there, in the depths of his gaze. "Thank you, Devansh. That means a lot to me."
They continued talking, finding common ground in their interests and values. Slowly, Ananya's initial shyness began to fade, and she felt more at ease in his presence. Devansh, too, found himself opening up in ways he hadn't expected.
At one point, as they walked along a path lined with fragrant jasmine, Devansh reached out and gently took Ananya's hand. She looked up at him, surprised by the intimate gesture.
"I want you to feel comfortable with me, Ananya," he said softly. "I know this is all happening fast, but I promise to be patient with you."
Ananya felt her heart flutter at his words. She squeezed his hand lightly, feeling a connection forming between them. "Thank you, Devansh. I appreciate that."
They continued their walk, hand in hand, sharing stories and laughing softly. Devansh found himself enchanted by her sweetness and sincerity, while Ananya discovered a tender side to the man she had heard so much about.
After a while, they returned to the house, where the family pandit was waiting to match their horoscopes. Everyone gathered around as the pandit examined the charts, his brow furrowing in concentration.
Finally, the pandit looked up with a broad smile. "The match is very auspicious," he announced. "Their horoscopes align perfectly, indicating a harmonious and prosperous union."
There was a collective sigh of relief and happiness from both families. Rajveer Chauhan addressed the pandit. "When would be the best dates for the engagement and wedding?"
The pandit considered for a moment. "The engagement can be held in one week or another one in two months. As for the wedding, it can be in six months or next year."
Rajveer turned to Devansh and Ananya. "What do you both think?"
Devansh looked at Ananya, his gaze steady and reassuring. "I think the sooner, the better. Aapka kya khana hai, Ananya?"
Ananya nodded, feeling a sense of certainty. "I agree."
With the decision made, the pandit smiled and noted the dates. "Very well. The engagement will be in one week, and the wedding in six months."
Both families cheered and congratulated each other. The day had been a resounding success, and as they celebrated, Devansh and Ananya exchanged a private smile, each feeling a growing connection that promised a bright future.
As the evening drew to a close, the Chauhan family bid their farewells, promising to return soon for the engagement. Devansh and Ananya shared one last, lingering glance before he left. when everyone was busy with something. Seizing the moment, Devansh slipped a small piece of paper into Ananya's hand. She looked down to see his phone number written on it, her heart skipping a beat. He leaned in slightly, his voice low and intimate.
"Call me if you need anything or just want to talk," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear.
Ananya felt a rush of warmth spread through her. "I will. Thank you, Yuvraj."
With a final, meaningful look, Devansh turned and joined his family. Ananya watched him leave, her fingers clutching the piece of paper tightly. She felt a mix of excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead.
That night, in their respective rooms, Devansh and Ananya found themselves thinking about each other. Ananya lay in bed, her thoughts filled with Devansh's kind words and warm smile. She felt a sense of hope and curiosity about what their future together would hold.
In Jodhpur, Devansh sat by his window, glass in his hand, looking out at the moonlit sky. He couldn't stop thinking about Ananya, her gentle presence, and the way she had made him feel. For the first time in a long while, he felt genuinely excited about the future.
As they drifted off to sleep, both Ananya and Devansh knew that their journey together was just beginning. And despite the challenges they might face, they were ready to embrace it.