Abhimanyu's POV

I'm waiting at a rooftop cafe for her. She mentioned in her text that she'll be here in ten minutes. I won't lie; I'm hella nervous. It's not every day I feel this jittery, especially considering my usual calm demeanor even when dealing with enemies. Yet, here I am, all worked up to meet a woman—a woman I'll get married to!

Lost in these thoughts, I suddenly noticed her entering through the large glass door. She arrived after finishing her OPD shift, dressed in her formals. As usual, she looked stunning.

She approached me, and I stood up to shake her hand. Surprisingly, she extended her right hand to shake mine. It almost felt like a business meeting.

Before I could pull her chair for her, she swiftly took her seat. I resumed my place, a bit amused by the unexpected formality.

"Shall we order first?" I suggested, keeping my tone soft and polite.

"Sure." She replied.

I signaled the waiter, and we placed our order. She ordered an affogato, while I opted for a simple espresso.

"So, you're also fond of espresso?" She initiated the conversation smiling.

"Yes, you too seem to like it," I replied.

"Yes, I'm tired of having iced Americano during my rough duty hours, so when I'm not working, I enjoy an affogato."

"Hmm... What else do you like?"

"Well, I like to dance...,read fiction...and cook."

"I cook too."

"Oh, that's great! What else do you like to do?"

"I like to spend time in the gym."

"Yeah, you look like one," she complimented.

"Hmm... it helps me release all of my frustration and stress."

"Yes, it definitely does. I suggested Suyash to do some cardio in your gym. Does he do that?"

"Yes, he has been coming to the gym every morning now. He runs on the treadmill."

"Nice."

"You handled him really well. He seems okay now."

"I know what he was going through since I also walked the same path."

"Hmm... My family adores you very much."

"They really do. I love spending time with them."

"Yes, that's why everyone is excited for you to become their daughter-in-law." I said with a little chuckle to mask my shyness.

"What about you?" she asked this time while maintaining eye contact.

"See, Samyukta, let me get straight to the point since we're talking already. I like how you are, your nature, and how you mingle with my family. But at the same time, I can't keep you in the dark. I do something that is not normal, and that can cause trouble for you. My job is not that safe, and it can affect people near to me. You really need to think before taking this step."

"Abhimanyu, my grandfather, father, uncles, and now Samrat bhaiyaa are also into the job you're talking about. In fact, your grandfather and father were also involved in it. Didn't they have a family? Were they not able to protect them? See, having this feeling is normal. I'm sure our elders who are involved in this felt the same initially, but letting this feeling consume you is not good."

"Are you willing to understand and stand by my side during tough times?" I asked maintaining the eye contact.

"I've seen the men in my family go through the tough times you're talking about. So I guess I'll be able to understand the situation and support you. Even though I don't know exactly what you all are involved in, I'm sure I'll be able to help whenever you need me," she replied.

"Okay... Well, Samyukta, how did you agree to get married to me without even knowing me properly? We had met when we were kids. That time too, we didn't spend much time..."

"I believe in my family. They'll always do something that is good for me. Plus, I love your family members. What can be better than being very comfortable with your in-laws? Also, no matter how little we interacted, I've not failed to notice the gentleman in you," she explained and she kept her eyes down while saying the last line. I am flattered. Another compliment.

"Okay..."

"Why did you agree to the marriage?" This time she asked me.

"I think nobody would understand the family better than you. You are a smart and intelligent woman who'll understand my work, and you've a good nature," I explained.

"Okay..."

We sipped on to our coffee and indulged in more talking.

"I guess we'll get to know a little more about each other before the marriage," she said.

"Yes, we can meet like this," I suggested.

"Yeah..."

When the waiter came with the bill, I was about to pay it, but she lightly held onto my wrist. I felt a current run through me, and before I could realize, she quickly removed her soft palms from my rough ones and said, "I think we should dutch."

"No. I'll pay," I argued.

"No, you can pay next time," she said. I agreed.

We left after paying. When I came home, Mom asked me how the meeting went. I gave her a thumbs-up, and she gleamed with happiness.

Later that evening, Father informed us at the dinner table that the Chauhans have invited us for dinner this Wednesday to finalize the marriage.

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WEDNESDAY- DINNER AT CHAUHAN'S MANSION

We visited the Chauhan's mansion with numerous gifts for everyone, and the atmosphere was brimming with joy and excitement for the marriage.

Samyukta looked stunning in a beautiful pink salwar suit, adorned with light makeup and earrings.

Her gaze initially evaded mine, her cheeks adorned with a blush. When our eyes finally locked, she greeted me with a shy 'hi', and I reciprocated with a warm smile. As we proceeded to the dinner table, I couldn't help but be enchanted by her presence. 

During dinner, she sat in front of me but avoided making eye contact. It was evident that she was blushing throughout the meal, and I noticed she hardly ate anything. I couldn't help but wonder why she didn't eat much.

The Chauhan's panditji discussed the potential marriage date. The panditji proposed December 5th for the wedding, and everyone agreed.

Amidst various discussions, my focus remained steadfast on Samyukta. The realization that I am destined to be united with such an beautiful soul, both inwardly and outwardly, left me in awe.

By ten o'clock, we returned to our mansion, and as I drifted off to sleep, my thoughts were consumed by her.

Samyukta's POV

Today, Abhimanyu is coming to our place with his family for wedding discussions, and dinner preparations are in full swing.

I opted for a pink salwar suit and kept my look simple. Shree helped me with my hair. I went downstairs and settled on the living room couch. As the Rathores arrived, my heart started pounding rapidly.

My uncles welcomed them to the mansion, and they brought many shagun ka tohfa. I touched the elders' feet, seeking their blessings. Nandini ma kissed my left cheek, and I responded with a wide smile. Then, he entered the hall. His hair was perfectly set back and he wore a beige-colored two-piece suit, looking incredibly handsome and hot.

Stop thinking like this, Samyukta!

He touched the elders' feet and settled on the couch. I avoided direct eye contact, feeling his gaze on me, making me blush harder until my cheeks started to ache. Finally, after evading multiple times, I made eye contact and greeted him with a 'hi.' He responded with a warm smile, and for a moment, I got lost in his dark brown eyes. To distract myself, I engaged in conversations with Khushi and Suyash.

After some time, we went to have dinner, and I found myself sitting in front of him. I didn't look at him once, finding it difficult to eat as a zoo roared in my stomach. By now, I'm sure my cheeks have turned as red as a tomato.

After dinner, we gathered in the lawn with our panditji. He suggested the wedding in the first week of December this year, with the engagement a week prior. After numerous discussions, everything was finalized, and the Rathores left for their home.

As they left, I touched my cheeks, which were warm from endless blushing. He looked exceptionally good today, and I couldn't believe I'm going to marry someone like him.

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