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The morning light streamed through Aryan's window as he scrolled through his phone, half-listening to the conversation happening at the breakfast table. His parents were talking about visiting a well-known temple just outside Oxford—a peaceful getaway for the day.

"We haven't been there in so long," Meeta said, sipping her chai. "It'll be nice to go together."

Rajeev nodded in agreement. "Yes, and after that, we can stop somewhere for lunch."

Aryan was about to nod along when Meeta turned to him with a knowing smile. "Do you want to ask Tara to come with us?"

Aryan, mid-bite, almost choked on his toast. "Huh?"

Meeta raised an eyebrow. "Beta, she should come. She'll like it. And it's a good chance for her to spend time with us."

Aryan hesitated. He knew Tara was still navigating her feelings around his family—comfortable one moment, hesitant the next. But he also knew she'd love the temple visit. Finally, he exhaled. "I'll ask her."

Meeta smiled approvingly, and Rajeev gave a nod of encouragement.

A few minutes later, Aryan stood outside Tara's door, knocking lightly. After a few seconds, she opened it, dressed in an oversized T-shirt and pajama shorts, her hair tied up in a messy bun.

Aryan? She thought. Her cheeks suddenly flushed, as she recalled their kiss. But, she calmed herself and blinked at him. "What are you doing here this early?"

Aryan leaned against the doorframe. "We're going to the temple today. Mom and Dad thought it'd be nice if you came along."

Tara's expression faltered for a second, her instinctive hesitation showing. "Aryan, I don't—"

"Come on, Star," he said softly, stepping a little closer. "It's just a peaceful day out. No pressure."

She bit her lip, considering. The idea of being around his parents still made her nervous, but something about Aryan's quiet insistence made her nod. "Okay."

Aryan grinned. "Great. Wear something comfy."

After he left, Tara stared at her wardrobe, feeling nervous all over again. She finally picked a simple light blue kurta with delicate white embroidery, pairing it with jeans. She left her hair open, adding small silver earrings and a tiny bindi.

At the reception of their accommodation, Aryan was already waiting with Rajeev and Meeta. When Tara stepped out, Meeta gave her an approving glance, and Rajeev smiled warmly.

"You look lovely, beta," Meeta said.

Tara gave a small smile. "Thank you, aunty."

Aryan watched the exchange, pleased that Tara was already slightly more at ease.

Rajeev gestured toward the waiting Uber. "Shall we?"

As they slid into the car, Tara found herself between Aryan and Meeta, her hands folded neatly in her lap. But when Rajeev started chatting about the temple's history, she found herself listening intently, slowly relaxing into the moment.

Aryan, noticing her shoulders loosening, gave her a small nudge. "See? Not so bad, right?"

Tara glanced at him and, for once, didn't fight the small smile that tugged at her lips.

The Uber ride was peaceful, the roads lined with lush greenery as they drove out of the city towards the temple. As they approached, the sound of bells and faint chants filled the air, blending seamlessly with the rustling of the trees. The temple stood tall, its intricately carved stone structure glowing under the soft morning sun. A large courtyard led to the entrance, where devotees moved around, some lighting diyas, others offering flowers at different shrines.

Tara stepped out of the car and took in the serene atmosphere, a faint smile appearing on her face. She had always loved places like this—the quiet, the devotion, the sense of peace that wrapped around her like a warm embrace.

They walked towards the entrance, where a priest welcomed them with a gentle nod. Tara instinctively removed her shoes, washing her hands at the small tap near the entrance before stepping inside. Aryan followed her lead, watching as she folded her hands in a namaste before crossing the threshold.

Inside, the temple was even more breathtaking. The main deity, adorned with fresh garlands, sat under a golden canopy, the dim lighting casting a divine glow on the idol. The air smelled of incense and camphor, and the rhythmic chants of mantras created a calming energy.

As they moved forward, Meeta watched as Tara effortlessly performed every ritual with ease. She took a brass thali with kumkum, haldi, and flowers, offering them to the deity before ringing the temple bell with confidence. She lit a diya and placed it carefully in front of the idol, murmuring a quiet prayer. When the priest approached with aarti, she stretched her palms forward, touching the flame briefly before bringing her hands to her eyes.

Meeta observed her with quiet admiration. She had expected Tara to be hesitant or unsure, but instead, she carried herself with reverence, knowing exactly what to do. Even as she bowed down in front of the idol, her forehead touching the cool stone floor, there was a sincerity in her actions that struck Meeta deeply.

Aryan stood beside her, watching silently. He had always known Tara's connection to faith, but seeing her here, completely in her element, made his heart swell. As she stood up, adjusting her kurta slightly, he smiled to himself, feeling proud in a way he couldn't quite explain.

Aryan then turned to Tara and gestured toward the diya stand. "Come, let's light one."

Tara's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "You'll light a diya?"

Aryan wasn't the most religious person, but he nodded, taking a small diya and placing it beside hers. Together, they prayed, standing side by side, eyes closed in silent wishes.

A few feet away, Meeta nudged Rajeev gently. "I was so foolish to think she would distract him," she murmured, watching as Aryan and Tara stood together, lost in their prayers.

Rajeev, who had also been observing them, gave a small smile. "They balance each other," he said simply. "She might even push him to being more religious."

Meeta sighed, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "Now that we're in this temple, I'm making a wish of my own."

Rajeev raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"

Meeta folded her hands, whispering, "That these two find their way back to each other."

~•~

At lunch, they found a quiet restaurant near the temple that served simple yet delicious vegetarian food. The ambiance was peaceful, with soft devotional music playing in the background and the aroma of fresh rotis and tadka dal filling the air. They settled at a corner table, ordering a mix of sabzis, dal, rice, and some fresh buttermilk.

As they waited for the food, Meeta turned to Tara, her expression curious yet warm. "So, beta, how is your studying going?" she asked.

Tara, slightly taken aback but pleasantly surprised, smiled. "It's going well, aunty. I have a few months left before I complete my course. It's been hectic, but I enjoy it."

Meeta nodded, genuinely interested. "And after that? Any plans?"

Tara hesitated for a second but then answered honestly, "I'm thinking of working here in UK itself for a while, maybe gain experience before deciding my next steps."

Rajeev, who had been listening, nodded approvingly. "That's a good plan. You're smart, and you've got a good head for business. The work you and Aryan are doing with the restaurant local business idea is great."

Tara blushed slightly at the praise and murmured, "Thank you, uncle."

Meeta then asked, "And your parents? Do they visit often?"

Tara shook her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Not as often. They're busy back home, but we talk everyday. They're supportive of whatever I choose to do."

Just then, the waiter arrived with their food, and as everyone began serving themselves, Meeta, without thinking, responded in Marathi, "Ho, te changla ahe. Tujha abhyas important ahe, pan tu majja suddha karaila hava." (Yes, that's good. Your studies are important, but you should also enjoy yourself.)

The table fell silent for a second. Tara looked at Meeta, slightly surprised, while Aryan and Rajeev exchanged glances.

Meeta continued in Marathi, her voice softer now, "Mi pan school madhe asatana khup abhyas kela hota, pan chhoti chhoti goṣṭīncha anand ghyayla shikla pahije." (When I was younger, I studied a lot too, but you have to learn to enjoy the little things in life.)

Tara blinked, momentarily caught off guard, but then a genuine smile formed on her lips. She hadn't expected Meeta to switch to Marathi so naturally, and it felt... nice. Comforting, even.

Aryan, who had been quietly watching the exchange, smiled to himself. He knew his mother was warming up to Tara, but this was the first real moment of connection between them. Rajeev, too, seemed pleased, watching Meeta and Tara interact with a knowing look in his eyes.

Tara responded in Marathi, a little more confidently now. "Ho, mala pan asach vattay ki kadi kadi sagra sodun fakta enjoy karayla hava." (Yes, I also feel that sometimes you just have to let go and enjoy life.)

Aryan froze. He hadn't heard her speak Marathi to him for ages. He smiled to himself.

Meeta's face softened even more. "Barobar! Aani he varan changla distay, lavkar kha." (Exactly! And this daal looks delicious, eat quickly.)

Tara chuckled, and Aryan and Rajeev exchanged amused glances as the conversation continued.

As they ate, Meeta and Tara found themselves discussing books they both liked—turns out they had a shared love for Marathi movies. Rajeev and Aryan watched as Meeta animatedly spoke about a movie she had loved in her younger days, and Tara, for the first time, truly relaxed around her, engaging in the conversation without hesitation.

Aryan nudged Rajeev under the table, grinning.

For the first time in a long time, it felt like his family and his love were truly merging. And this time, Tara wasn't running away.

~•~

They arrived back at the studio building, the air still carrying the warmth of the afternoon sun. As they reached the entrance, about to go their separate ways, Meeta gently placed a hand on Tara's arm, stopping her.

Tara turned, a little surprised, as Meeta pulled her a few steps away from Aryan and Rajeev. Aryan glanced at them but didn't interfere, watching curiously as his mother faced Tara.

"Beta," Meeta began softly, "I know you're scared of me. And you have every right to be."

Tara looked away for a second, not denying it.

Meeta sighed. "I did you very wrong, Tara. I know that. But trust me, I'm finding my way. And I need you to know something—I assure you, I'm supportive of you two now."

Tara's eyes lifted, surprised.

Meeta smiled gently. "So if I'm the reason you're staying away from Aryan... don't." She exhaled deeply, her voice full of sincerity. "I will never come in your way again. In fact... if anything, I want you two back together—fast."

Tara blinked, taking in her words, and for the first time, the weight she had carried around Meeta lightened. Slowly, a small, genuine smile appeared on her lips.

Seeing that, Meeta reached forward and wrapped Tara in a warm hug.

Tara stiffened for half a second before allowing herself to melt into it. It felt... safe.

When they pulled away, Meeta gave her a reassuring nod before heading inside.

Tara stood there, still processing, when Aryan suddenly appeared beside her.

"See?" His voice was smug yet soft. "I told you Mom wouldn't do anything."

Tara turned to him, her expression unreadable.

Aryan smirked and glanced behind, making sure Meeta and Rajeev had already entered his studio. Then, without warning, he turned back to Tara, stepping in close.

Before she could react, he pinned her gently against the wall.

Her breath hitched. "Aryan—"

"I've been waiting all day." he murmured, his voice low and intense. "Shut up."

And then, without hesitation, he kissed her.

Tara gasped softly but didn't push him away. His hands found her waist, pulling her closer, while hers clutched onto his shirt. The kiss was deep, filled with all the longing, the unspoken words, the months of distance between them.

When they finally broke apart, Aryan rested his forehead against hers, his breath warm against her lips.

"This time," he whispered, "I'm not letting you go."

Tara swallowed, her heart racing. And this time... she didn't want him to.

💛