Chapter 36

Aryan's Pov:-

I stood still, my heart raised with excitement and longing. I felt like my world stopped for a moment.

She said yes? She agreed for this proposal? She agreed to get married with me?

This still feels like a dream, Even though I hurt her, she still agreed to marry me.

I still feel guilty for whatever I did, I don't think she moved on from it, that easily. I freaking did something that hurt her to the core. I always regretted it and will always regret it.

I still remember her eyes which are filled with hope and determination. The years I spent without her carefree laughter, her endless talks, her warm smile that used to lit up my day.

I lost her on that day, the day which is still fresh in my mind.

"Aryan beta, Please have a seat." Says Mahima aunty softly, glancing at me.

"Also, Samaira help me with arranging snacks for them" Says mahima aunty this time glancing at samaira, who stood still, lost in thought.

Samaira quickly nods her head and follows Mahima aunty to kitchen without glancing at me, which left a tightness in my chest.

My gaze lingered on her until she disappears into the kitchen. With that, I settled on the leather couch beside Dhruv.

"Where are you lost, Aryan?" Questions Dhruv, glancing at me.

I shook my head as a no, "Nothing" I breath.

Dhruv's eyes narrowed, even though he didn't believe my words but still nods his head.

"Where's Mahendra and Lalitha behen? They didn't join you?" Questions samaira's grandfather.

"They're with Riya, since she's a bride and she shouldn't meet the groom until the marriage. So, both of them stayed back with Riya." Replied Papa.

Yashodhar, dadaji nods his head making a 'O' face.

Samaira and mahima aunty arrives with some trays in their hands.

"No need for formalities, Mahima. Let's just discuss about Aryan and Samaira's marriage" Says Maa with a excited look.

"Ayo we're going to be in-laws again, So, It's my respect for you! Please kindly accept it Sobitha jii" Says Mahima aunty with a playful glint in her eyes.

Everyone burst into chuckles at her playful actions.

A small smile spread across my face. Everyone's happy with us being together but the person I want to be happy? What about her? She's happy about it? Or she's just forcing herself for this marriage?

Samaira stood beside Mahima aunty after placing the trays on the table. Her gaze lingered on the floor, I just want her to look into my eyes.

"Let's plan the dates for Samaira and Aryan's wedding too. We can have it right after Rajvansh and Riya's wedding, and then their reception can follow." Says Ashok chacha ji.

The room was filled with excitement and nervous anticipation as everyone nods their heads while exchanging glances.

"Before we decide how about we let Aryan and Samaira have a talk about their feelings? It's better to let them discuss right? What do you say?" Says Yashodhar dadaji with a knowing look.

Everyone nods their heads agreeing with him.

"Yeah that's true! Aryan and Samaira beta, you both can a relaxed talk with each other. After knowing your decision we'll decide on dates" Adds papa, glancing at us.

I glance at Samaira and met with the sight of her, looking at me with a blank face.

It's unbearable to look at her like this, I'll clear up everything and will ask about her decision. This is the best chance to confront my emotions and her feelings towards me.

Whatever she says, I'm going to accept that.

I nod my head glancing at Samaira, who stood still glancing at papa, while nodding her head.

"Samaira, Take Aryan to your room. We'll not disturb you guys, until you guys finish your talks. So, go on" Says mahima aunty with a warm smile.

Samaira nods her head once again and with a lingering glimpse on me, she starts to guide me towards her room.

I hesitantly follow her. Samaira walked in front of me, while I silently walk behind her.

The noise of chatter and laughter fades away as we reach Samaira's room in first floor.

She grips the handle and opened the door creak open. Samaira enters the room without saying anything.

Should I follow her? Is it appropriate to enter her room? Is she okay with this?

I stood still, debating if I should enter or not. "You can come inside" Says Samaira, breaking my chain of thoughts.

I nod my head and hesitantly stepped onto her room, which is simple yet elegant. I glance around the room, A queen size bed in the middle while cute blue rugs and some soft plushies and stuffed animal toys adorned her bed.

There are some photo frames of Samaira, and some frames of Rajvansh, Advik and Samaira. She looks really cute in those pics.

The theme of the room is blue and pink which represents her personality.

"You can sit here" Says Samaira, pointing at a couch, which is beside the window.

I nod my head once again and settled on the spring couch.

An Awkward silence enveloped between us, samaira settled on the couch, which is opposite to mine.

I decided to break the disturbing silence, which enveloped between us. I spoke softly, "So? Samaira? Are you fine with this proposal? I meant like you don't need to push yourself for this, You can take your time thinking about this"

Her blank gaze met with my concerned gaze, "Why did you agree to this proposal?" Questions Samaira, her tone felt heavy.

Her question hung heavy in the air, Because I don't know the answer myself.

"Is it because of your family? I just want to know about your answer first" Says Samaira, folding her arms across her chest.

"Samaira-- It's my decision. I agree to this proposal because I-" I trail off, looking into her hopeful eyes. I couldn't bring myself to complete this.

A sigh escaped my lips as I ran a hand through my hair.

"Because? Why? You don't even know why you agreed to marry me. So, Why didn't you simply reject this proposal?You could've easily rejected me just like you did years ago." She says with a small smile, while her eyes glistened lightly.

My heart ached glancing at her, The reason behind her every tear is me. I couldn't bring myself to correct her because it is definitely my fault, she have every right to reject me, taunt me, hurt me, even hit me.

"Samaira, please. I'm sorry for whatever I done. I really regret the foolish act I've done. I really really regret it" I replied honestly looking into her eyes, my tone felt desperate.

I don't care how desperate I sound now, I just want to clean up the damage and hurt I caused to samaira, even if it means kneeling in front of her.

She's the only women, who can make me kneel, feel my sealed emotions and also the reason behind my smiles. She's the only thing I want to worship and cherish forever.

"I know a sorry can't fix anything but I couldn't do anything but to apologize a million times. I truly, sincerely ask your forgiveness" I spoke as I slowly shift beside her, holding her soft palms into my mine.

Samaira didn't pull her hands back like she used to do, yet her eyes stay fixed on the ground.

She sat still without saying anything, making me more restless.

"Samaira, say something. I can't bear your silence" I spoke.

Samaira rose up from her seat, making me stand as well.

"Leave me, Mr. Rathore. Reject this proposal. It won't work for us, I can't really stay in this relationship" Says Samaira softly, while her eyes are fixed on the ground.

A sharp pain pierced my chest, like a knife twisting in my heart, leaving me breathless and shattered. I stood still, processing her words. Do she really wants to stay away from me?

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Samaira's Pov:-

I spoke the words which reculantly slipped from my lips. I don't know why I can't bring myself to say this sentence heartfuly, but still I couldn't help it.

Aryan didn't say anything on this, he stood still, just like me.

"Why? Why should I?" He spoke, looking into my eyes, making me avert my gaze away. I can't really keep up with his intense gaze, it just stirrs something deep in me.

"Why won't you?" I question, folding my arms across my chest, while I stare at him.

"You rejected me years ago right? Just do it how you did it. Why are you after me? Huh? You didn't really cared about me at that time right? So why now?" I snap looking into his eyes. I'm sure the tears which are threatening to spill must have slipped freely.

I continue observing his silence at my reply.

"Y-You said that, you were just tolerating me just because of our families right? So why now? Huh?" I spoke taking a step forward, but still he didn't step back.

"First of all, If you wanted to reject me, you would have directly said it on my face instead of hugging some girl in front me. Why did you do that? Huh? Why?" I spoke, hitting his chest, which felt like a wall to me. I'm sure he felt my hit just like a touch of feather.

I couldn't control myself now cause, I've been holding this since past six years, I never ever wanted to break down in front of him. I'll never do that.

"I hate you, stupid" I breath out a whisper, while wiping the remnants of tears, my voice felt heavy with emotion.

I couldn't hold it, I just damn couldn't hold it. I always wanted confront him about this things and I did.

The whirlwind of emotions in me really felt a weight on my shoulders. As I finish my words, my heart felt light and numb, it feels like a weight from my shoulders have been lifted and I can die peacefully.

"I'm leaving" I spoke glancing at him. He stood still, looking into my eyes. Why he isn't saying anything about this? He regrets his decision to marry me right? Anyways, I know it already, I don't need an explaination from him.

With this, I turned around and started to walk towards the entrance. I will reject this proposal, Even he doesn't like it, then why would I accept this loveless relationship.

A thought crossed my mind, what if he says likes to be in relationship with me and agree for this marriage? What will I do? Maybe i'll agree shamelessly.

I'ma stupid! Actually I know it.

The thing I need do right now is convince our families about this topic, I'll calmly explain this to them. Yeah that's the best option right now.

But Suddenly, A hand clamped down on my wrist, pulling me back. I reliazed it's Aryan pulling me towards him, before I can compose myself, I stumbled and directly fell onto his chest.

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Author's Pov:-

Aryan wraps his arms around samaira waist tightly making her surprised and confused before she could process further, Aryan spoke.

"I love you, Samaira" Spoke Aryan, tightening his grip around her, as if she'll disappear into thin air, if he leaves her.

She stood still, her eyes widened in surprise. She felt her heart skip a beat as she process his words.

"Don't hate me, I can't bear it. I love you, I really really love you so much. Please don't leave me like this. I really can't bear to lose you once again." Spoke Aryan, burying his face deep into samaira's neck.

Samaira felt goosebumps crawl onto her skin as she felt him inhaling her perfume. She found solace in his warm embrace, which she craved for so long.

"I really wanted to say this long back but unexpected events look place and I lost you for freaking six years. I wanted to apologize to you the following day but, you left without a message. I really regretted every single day and blamed myself for hurting you" Says Aryan, his voice sounds muffled as he bury his face more deep onto her neck.

Samaira stood wide eyed, but still listened to his every word attentively.

"I really love you. Alright? Now just agree to this proposal" Says Aryan, planting kisses on her collar bone.

Her breath hitched as she felt his soft lips against her flesh, before Samaira could react, The door burst open, revealing Kiara and Pranav.

Samaira eyes widened while Aryan nonchalantly looks up to them.

Kiara & Pranav stood like statues, their eyes widened as if they'll come out anytime if they won't blink.

Both of them covered their eyes, "Yaar! You should have atleast locked the door before doing anything. Alright! We're leaving, Come down after you both are done" Saying this, kiara dragged Pranav along with her.

"Aryan! I'll kill you if you do anything more than a kiss to my sister" Says Pranav briefly staring at Aryan before getting dragged away by kiara.

Both of them left the place while shutting the door. Samaira came out of her daze and realisation hit her like a wave.

"Oh god! That was embarrassing! It is because of you! Leave me now" Says Samaira, struggling to get out of his grip. Her cheeks became red like tomato.

A sigh escaped Aryan's lips, "Whatever, They left, so it doesn't matter. Let's stay like this for some more time" Replied Aryan playfully, tightening his grip around Samaira.

Samaira scoffed in disbelief, "Everyone are waiting for us, It's not appropriate to make them wait. First leave me" Says samaira, glaring at Aryan.

"Alright, I'll leave you but what's your answer? I want to hear your answer first" Says Aryan, drawing her more close to him.

Samaira paused for moment, looking into his eyes, she replied, "Since everyone are happy, I can't ruin their happiness by rejecting this proposal"

Aryan's face lit up with a broad smile, He questions softly "So will you agree to marry me?

Averting her gaze away, Samaira replied, "Just because of our families happiness. Remember it"

A bright smile adorned Aryan's face as he glances at Samaira. His heart skipped a beat hearing her answer while his eyes sparkled with some profound emotions

"Alright now leave me!" Says Samaira.

With a sigh, Aryan's grip loosened around Samaira. Getting out of his grip, she quickly walks towards exit of the room while fixing her dress, saying, "Follow me"

Aryan nods his head and quickly follows Samaira like a lost puppy.

Both of them reached the living hall and met with the sight of their family members along with Pranav & Kiara's curious gazes.

Everyone fell silent, glancing at both of them. Samaira quietly stood beside kiara, feeling everyone's gaze on them. Aryan settled beside Dhruv, a sense of peace was visible on his face making Dhruv & pranav exchange teasing glances.

"Alright, So kids, Do you guys agree to this proposal? We can continue to decide dates right?" Questions Vijay softly, his eyes sparkled with hope.

Everyone nervously awaits for their answer, Samaira glances at Mahima, who stood with a hope in her eyes. Again she glances at Aryan, who's already looking at her.

"We agree to this proposal" Announced Aryan & Samaira  in unison.

Everyone burst into hoots, exchanging excited glances. Pranav almost sprints towards Aryan and hugged him in excitement, His excitement palpable.

"Alright, Leave me now" Says Aryan, rolling his eyes.

"No mere bachee (my child) I'm glad that my child is finally getting married, I hope you live a happy long life with my sister" Replied pranav while wiping his fake tears.

Everyone burst into chuckles at his antics.

"Alright! Since all are gathered here, Let's call pandit jii (priest) to decide dates." Announced Yashodhar softly.

Evryone nods their heads exchanging glances.

"Let's call the same priest, who decided Riya and Rajvansh's wedding dates. Since he's been our families priest too" Adds Veerendra.

"Yeah! Let's do that" Chims in Rajendra with a warm smile.

Suddenly, a thought crossed Aryan's mind. Aryan interrupts Rajendra just as he's about to step out to call the priest.

"Uhm--I'll call the priest, Chacha jii. You can have chat with them." Says Aryan with reassuring smile.

Rajendra looks confused but nods his head offering a smile in return. "Be quick, beta." Saying this, Rajendra joins his group.

Aryan steps out and pulls his phone out of his pants pocket. He dialled the priest number, after two rings, The priest picks up.

"Namaste pandit jii (Priest) We need you to come to Aggarwal's mansion and set dates for another marriage" Says Aryan, pressing the phone to his ear.

The priest pauses for a moment before answering. "Namaste beta, Alright! I'm on my way. Please wait till I arrive"

Aryan spoke hesitantly, glancing around as if checking no one's present around "Also, I need a favour from you. I'll compensate for it too"

The priest pauses and continues listen Aryan's further words attentively.

Aryan discussed about something and the priest agreed to it without making it a big deal.

"Alright beta, I'm ready to help you. Even though it meant crossing my boundaries" Says the priest on the line.

A smile blossomed on Aryan's face, "Thank you pandit jii (priest) Also, Please be quick" Saying this, Aryan hung up the call with a satisfied look.

"I hope it goes well. This time I'll not going lose Samaira again, I have to be quick to make her mine before she changes her mind again" Thought Aryan with a smirk.

After few moments, Aryan headed inside the mansion and joined his group.

"When is the priest going to arrive?" Questions Advik with a curious look.

"He'll be here in few minutes" Replied Aryan, glancing at Advik.

"Alright! Let's talk about something else" Chims in pranav with a playful smile.

Everyone got engaged in lighthearted conversations.

After few minutes, The priest entered the mansion, making look up in his direction.

"Namaste pandit ji. Please, come in" Says Ashok with a polite smile. Everyone glance in his direction and fell silent.

Settling on the seat, The priest spoke, "Namaste, Whose marriage dates should I help fix?"

Mahima responds, "Aryan & Samaira's marriage. Please look up some suitable dates for them"

Pandit jii nods his head and pulls out a book from his long saffron colored carry-bag.

Everyone exchanged glances and awaits for his answer.

"Dates are available only after one year, there are no suitable dates in this year. I'm sorry" Announced the priest before glancing at Aryan, making everyone exchange concerned glances.

"How is this possible? This month is good for marriages right? pandit jii? I'm confused how dates are available after one year. We really can't proceed with that date" Says Sobitha with a concerned look.

Everyone nods their heads in agreement. "Yeah! What about next month or after six months, pandit jii?" Questions vijay.

The priest again glanced at Aryan and spoke, "No dates are really good for Aryan & Samaira marriage in this year. If you don't believe my words you can consult another priest about it"

Everyone exchanged concerned glances, "That's not the matter, Pandit jii, It's just we want them to get married early." Says Mahima softly.

"Alright! If you are eager to get them married, You can proceed with the same date as Riya and Rajvansh marriage date" Announced the priest.

Everyone exchanged glances and looked hesitant about the date.

"But pandit jii? Isn't it too early? I mean like without doing any ceremonies, is it fine to proceed?" Questions Mahima softly.

"I understood your concern, It's totally alright to held their marriage without any ceremonies but you have to apply haldi to the groom and bride. Since there are two days left, You can still proceed" Replied the priest with assuring look.

Everyone exchanged glances and started to discuss about the dates.

Samaira scoffs, "What? Same date as Rajvansh bhai's wedding? There's only two days left for rajvansh bhai's wedding! How can he fix that?" Whispers samaira, her tone low.

Glancing at Samaira, kiara replied softly, "Dude, I think you're going to get married! That too early" Saying this, A silent chuckle escaped through kiara's lips.

Samaira scoffs in disbelief and glanced around to know about others decision.

She was met with the sight of her family members discussing seriously about the dates.

While Aryan comfortably shifts in his seat with a smirk. Observing his expression, Pranav whispers, leaning close to him, "Don't tell me you did something again"

Rolling his eyes, Aryan replied, "What if I say I did?"

Pranav gasped in disbelief and started to stare at him with wide eyes, but Aryan doesn't seem bothered about it and calmly looks around for the elders decision.

"We discussed about this, Let's held their marriage along with Riya & Rajvansh marriage!" Announced Yashodhar, glancing at the priest.

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement while exchanging glances.

"Alright! That's the best decision. May God bless their marriage. I'm leaving and I'll inform about the rituals, after thoroughly checking their horoscopes" Says the priest raising up from his seat.

Samaira's eyes widened as she hears his words, "Dude? Are they serious right now? How is it possible for a wedding to happen so quickly, in only two days?"

Kiara shakes her head with a chuckle as she observes Samaira's expression.

"Whatever it is. Everyone are just concerned about your marriage dude! Don't worry, I'll be on your side, no matter what." Assures kiara with a soft smile.

"Also? Are you fine with this date right? Or we can convince the elders about it! Whatcha say?" Questions kiara with a concerned look.

A sigh escaped samaira's lips, "Since everyone are excited about it. I'm fine with it too, As long as it goes well" Replied Samaira with a done expression.

Kiara nods her head in response, while placing a reassuring hand on samaira's shoulder.

"Alright! Aryan beta accompany pandit jii upto the entrance" Says Veerendra.

Aryan nods his head and quickly follows the priest.

"Only two days are left for Rajvansh and Riya's marriage, Do you think it's best to held their marriage this early?" Says kavitha softly, with a concerned look.

"It's totally alright kavitha, We can have their haldi ceremony tomorrow since it's an auspicious ceremony to do so." Assured Yashodhar softly.

Kavitha nods her head with a warm smile.

"Yeah! Since only two days are left for their marriage, Let's make it quick, Aryan and Samaira's haldi ceremony can be held tomorrow in our mansion! What do you think about it, Mahima?" Questions Vijay, glancing at Mahima.

Nodding her head, Mahima replied softly, "I'm fine with it. Let's held their haldi in our mansion"

Veerendra & Sobitha nods their head in agreement.

The atmosphere shifted, everyone exchanged excited glances and engaged in conversations.

"We are going to be in-laws again." Says Sobitha with a warm yet playful smile. Mahima nods her head with a chuckle.

"I'm going to get my grandson-in-law along with a granddaughter-in-law. Nobody's luckier than me!" Exclaims Yashodhar with a proud smile, while kavitha chuckles in response.

"And we're going to be father-in-laws!" Exclaims Veerendra, Vijay, Ashok and Rajendra exchanging warm hugs while chuckles freely escape through them.

The air was filled with carefree laughter and chatter making Samaira smile in return.

"Whatever it is. Everyone are happy with our decision, this is what I craved to see. My family's happiness is my first priority" Says samaira glancing around the hall.

Her eyes sparkled with hope and determination.

Kiara placed an assuring hand on samaira's shoulder, saying, "Don't worry! Everything's going to be alright. Let's trust on our elders decision"

Samaira nods her head with a soft smile in response.

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Here's the chapter everyone!!!! Thanks for waiting again👉👈🏃. Also!! I'll try to update another chapter as soon as possible! 😭👀. Tell me if there's any mistakes in this chapter cause I wrote it in a hurry👽Also, Stay tuned for next chapter👀.

Byeee💗

-AuthorDaisy