𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐫 - Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Shubman POV
I sat by the large window in my room, gazing out at the sprawling fields of garden. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow across the horizon. I felt the quiet hum of the evening settle around me, but inside, my thoughts were anything but quiet. My mind kept circling back to the meeting with Akshara—how awkward it had been, how strange it felt to be in this position again, thinking about marriage when only a short while ago, the very thought made me feel restless.
The door of the room creaked open, and maa walked in. She had a soft, expectant look on her face as she approached me, her usual calm demeanor hiding the anxiousness she clearly felt.
"So," she began gently, sitting on the edge of my bed. "It’s been a day. I thought you might have some thoughts about the meeting with Akshara and her family."
I shifted in my chair, rubbing my temples as I tried to gather my thoughts. Maa waited patiently, her eyes never leaving my face.
"I don’t know, Ma," I started, my voice a little hesitant. "It’s all happened so fast. I barely know her, and I’m still... I’m still getting over things from the past."
Maa gave me a sympathetic look, understanding what I meant. She knew how hurt I had been after my last relationship—the betrayal, the public scrutiny. She didn’t push, not at first.
"I know you’ve been hurt, Shubman. But Akshara is different. She’s not like those other girls. Her family has strong values, and her mother is my best friend. You know that. We can trust them. We can trust her."
I thought back to my brief conversation with Akshara in the garden. She had been calm, composed, and seemed mature for her age. She wasn’t overly friendly, nor did she come across as someone desperate for this arrangement. In fact, she had seemed as unsure as I was. There was something about that quiet maturity that struck me. I didn’t know her well, but she didn’t seem like someone who was out for fame or attention, unlike my ex.
"I just..." I hesitated. "If I say no, you’ll just bring me more proposals, right?"
Maa gave me a small smile. "You know me too well. I want to see you settled, happy. And I believe Akshara is a good match for you."
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. I wasn’t sure if it was the idea of marriage itself that was overwhelming me or the fear of making another mistake. But I also knew mom wouldn’t push me into something unless she truly believed it was for the best.
"Alright," I said finally, my voice steady but resigned. "I’ll say yes. Lekin mujhse yeh ummid mat rakhna ki mein baat par turant maan jau. I just need time to process all of this."
Maa’s face lit up with relief and happiness. She placed a hand on my shoulder. "You’ll have time, Shub yeh koi yasi cheez nhi hai jo raato raat ho jaye. Likin mein bohot kush hun, tum iss ek mauka de rahe ho. You won’t regret it."
As maa left the room, I leaned back on my chair, staring up at the ceiling. My mind was still a jumble of thoughts, but one thing was clear: my life was about to change.
🍂
Meanwhile, back in Mumbai,
Akshara POV
I was sitting with bhabhi, in my bedroom. Bhabhi had been my confidante, the one person I could share all my worries with. And right now, I had plenty of worries to unload.
"I just don’t know if this will work out," I said, staring down at my hands as I fidgeted with my dupatta. "It all feels so rushed. I barely know Shubman, and now we’re talking about getting engaged?"
Bhabhi, sitting beside me on the bed, gave me a reassuring smile. "It’s normal to feel uncertain, Akshara. You’ve been so focused on your cafe and your career; it’s hard to suddenly shift gears and think about marriage. But from what I saw of Shubman, he seems like a decent guy."
I nodded, but my mind was still clouded with doubts. "But what if he’s not? What if this is just like any other arranged marriage where two strangers are forced together, and it doesn’t work out?"
Bhabhi placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "You’re not being forced into anything. If you really don’t want this, you can say no. But from what I saw, your families have a lot of trust between them. And Shubman... well, he didn’t seem like someone who’s rushing into this either. Maybe you two could find some common ground."
I sighed. "It’s just... I don’t know. Maa seems so determined to make this happen. And I don’t want to disappoint her or her best friend. But at the same time, I’m not sure I’m ready for this."
Bhabhi smiled softly. "I understand, Akshara. But sometimes, the best things in life happen when you’re not ready for them. Take your time, talk to Shubman if you need to, but don’t let fear be the only thing stopping you."
I was silent for a few moments, thinking over bhabhi’s words. I don't want to rush into anything, but I also don't want to close the door on something that could potentially be good for me. I just wished I had more time to figure it all out.
Later that evening,
Maa, who had been eagerly waiting for my decision, finally approached me.
"Beta, what are your thoughts?" Maa asked, her tone soft but carrying a weight of expectation. "I know this is sudden, but I trust Keart’s family. And I trust you to make the right decision. If you’re not ready, we won’t push, but... I believe this is a good match for you."
I looked into maa's hopeful eyes, feeling the pressure of the decision weigh on me. I don't want to let maa down, and deep down, I know maa wouldn’t push me unless she believed in the alliance.
With a deep breath, I nodded. "Okay, Maa. I’ll say yes."
Maa's face broke into a relieved smile. "Thank you, beta. You’re making the right choice. I can trust your future with their family without a second thought."
I smiled faintly, my heart still heavy with uncertainty. I don't know if this was the right decision, but for now, it felt like the best one I could make.
🍂
A week later,
Both families gathered again in Mumbai, this time for the formal engagement—rokha—ceremony. The Gills had traveled to Sharma's home, where the house was filled with excitement and joy. The traditional engagement was a small, intimate affair with only close family members present.
Akshara, dressed in a soft pink and gold lehenga, stood beside her bhabhi Meera as her mother fussed over her jewelry. "You look beautiful, beta," her mother said with pride, adjusting Akshara’s necklace.
Akshara smiled nervously, feeling a flutter of anxiety in her chest. This was it. The moment was real now. She glanced in the mirror, barely recognizing the girl who stared back at her, adorned in bridal colors and ready to take a major step in her life.
Downstairs, Shubman waited with his family, feeling a similar sense of apprehension. He had put on a brave face, but inside, he was still struggling to accept the reality of what was happening. His parents and Shahneel stood beside him, talking casually with Akshara’s family.
When Akshara finally descended the stairs, all eyes turned to her. Shubman stood up as she approached, his expression unreadable. He looked at her carefully, noticing the quiet strength she seemed to carry despite her nerves.
The priest began the ceremony, and the atmosphere turned solemn. The families exchanged blessings, and soon, it was time for Shubman and Akshara to exchange rings.
As they stood facing each other, Akshara’s hand trembled slightly as she held out the ring. Shubman noticed, giving her a small, reassuring smile as he slipped the ring onto her finger. She did the same, sliding the ring onto his finger, her heart pounding in her chest.
And just like that, they were engaged.
The ceremony ended with blessings from the elders, and as the families celebrated, Shubman and Akshara stood side by side, both feeling the weight of what had just happened. They exchanged polite smiles, but neither of them could shake the feeling of uncertainty that still lingered in the air.
This was the beginning of a new chapter, and neither of them knew what the future would hold. But for now, they had taken the first step together, bound by the hope of something more.