chapter 14

The day had finally arrived. Aditya's paintings were being displayed in Mrs. Dutta's art gallery. Aditya and Aashi stood in the gallery, taking in the momentous occasion. Aditya's paintings were showcased alongside the works of renowned artists. The gallery was filled with art lovers, all appreciating the beauty of each painting.Aditya: Just take a look Aashi. My paintings are displayed alongside those of many renowned artists. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that this day would ever come (Aditya said emotionally) Hearing Adityas reply, Aashi smiledAashi: So now tell me something Aditya? Months ago, if you had given up on your life, would you have been able to see all these amazing things happening to you? Aditya pondered for a moment then replied Aditya: Your absolutely right Aashi, now I have understood one thing. No matter how big the problems we have in our lives, we should never ever give up. As they were lost in their conversation, Mrs. Dutta approached them with a smile on her face. Mrs Dutta: So love birds, what's going on? and Aditya, how do you feel seeing your paintings displayed in my art gallery? Aditya, overwhelmed with happiness gave a reply to Mrs Dutta. Aditya: I...I really don't have words to express my happiness right now Ma'am. All the people here, admiring my paintings alongside those of renowned artists, it's just unbelievable. Mrs. Dutta: Oh this is nothing Aditya. Right now, these paintings are gracing the walls of my art gallery. But mark my words, soon they will be gracing the walls of people's houses when art lovers will start buying them. Aashi: so true Mrs Dutta, and Trust me, When Aditya's paintings start getting sold out, I will be the most happiest person. Mrs Dutta smiled hearing Aashis reply. Mrs. Dutta: ofcourse Aashi, I know that very well. Now come on, it's already afternoon. I'll take you both out for a lunch at Bangalore's finest restaurant.Aditya: Oh no no, it's ok ma'am, you don't need to worry. Aashi and I can have lunch somewhere nearby (Aditya replied with a bit of hesitation) Mrs. Dutta: oh Come on Aditya. It's your big day today. We need to celebrate it in a big way. I'll take you both to "Spice Terrace", one of the biggest and finest restaurants in Bangalore. (Mrs Dutta insisted) Aditya and Aashi exchanged glances, realizing they were hesitating a bit. Mrs. Dutta understood their hesitation Mrs Dutta: Uff! come on now you two, Don't think too much ha. now Come, let's go. Reluctantly, Aditya and Aashi followed Mrs. Dutta to the restaurant. later After finishing their lunch, Mrs. Dutta asked...Mrs Dutta: So guys, how was the food? Aashi: Oh, the food was just amazing Mrs. Dutta. Thank you so much. After hearing Aashis reply, Mrs. Dutta turned to Aditya Mrs Dutta: And what about you Aditya? Didn't you enjoy the food? Aditya: Oh Yes, it was lovely ma'am, amazing. (Aditya replied with a smile) Mrs. Dutta: Well This time I brought you guys here, but next time, you two can come alone for a date. (Mrs Dutta teased them by saying that) Aditya and Aashi blushed and replied, "Of course, we will. Mrs Dutta: so shall we leave now? Aashi: ah...give me 2 minutes Mrs Dutta...I'll go to the washroom and come back. Mrs Dutta: Ya sure as Aashi went to the washroom, Aditya couldn't help but smile as he watched her. Mrs. Dutta noticed it. Mrs Dutta: Come on Aditya. At least for a while, take your eyes away from her. She's not going anywhere. Aditya smiled back hearing Mrs Dutta's reply Aditya: What should I do ma'am? No matter how much I look at her, it just feels like it's not enough. that girl has changed my life completely, she added colours into it. She taught me to live. even with a lamp If I try to search a better life partner then her, I wouldn't be able to find anyone. She is the one and only. Mrs Dutta could clearly see true love in Adityas eyes towards Aashi. Mrs. Dutta: Well, this is exactly what I wanted to hear from you about Aashi. You are absolutely right Aditya. People like Aashi who live for others are very few in this world. And when such people choose a life partner, those who are chosen are the luckiest one. and you my boy, You are the luckiest, as Aashi has chosen you as her life partner. Never ever leave her Aditya, no matter what. Aditya: Don't worry, ma'am. I have held Aashi's hand for a lifetime. I shall never leave it (Aditya assured Mrs Dutta) As Aashi returned from the washroom, the three of them walked out of the restaurant. Mrs. Dutta received a call from the gallery. after a brief conversation, she turned to Aditya and Aashi with a smile. Mrs Dutta: guys you need to come back with me to the art gallery. someone has come specially to meet you both. hearing Mrs Dutta's reply, Aditya and Aashi exchange glances of curosity. Aashi: who is it Mrs Dutta? Mrs Dutta: well come along with me and you'll find out And so Aditya and Aashi went back to the gallery with anticipation builded in their hearts. However, as they entered the hall, their excitement turned into shock when they saw a familiar face waiting for them. It was none other than Aashi's father, Mr. Triparty.Their eyes met, and they were all taken aback by the unexpected encounter. Mrs. Dutta, unaware of the situation, asked cheerfully...Mrs Dutta: So, how's the surprise, guys? Aashi, still in shock, questioned her father's presence Aashi: Mrs. Dutta, how...how come my dad came up here? Mrs. Dutta: Well, your dad had called me after you and Aditya left Chawanpur to come here to Bangalore. He told me that he would also be coming here, but requested me not to tell you both since he wanted to surprise you. Meanwhile, Mr. Triparty walked closer and approached them, greeting Mrs. Dutta with a handshake. Mr Triparty: Hello, Mrs. Dutta it's so great to see you...Mrs. Dutta reciprocated the gesture, Mrs Dutta: Hello Triparty Ji, it's great to see you as well. so tell me, How do you feel seeing your future son-in-law's painting displayed in here? Mr. Triparty: Well, to be very honest... I'm speechless. In fact, there are so many things that I want to discuss with my future son-in-law and my loving daughter. Aditya and Aashi exchanged nervous glances, realizing that Mr. Triparty was unaware of their relationship. They understood what he wanted to discuss exactly. Mrs. Dutta: alright then, so you guys carry on. I'll see you later. As Mrs. Dutta left, Mr. Triparty stared at Aashi sternly. Aditya and Aashi stood there, feeling anxious under his gaze. Mr. Triparty addressed Aashi...Mr Triparty: So Aashi, you told me that you were going to Bangalore to support your friend whose paintings are being displayed in this art gallery. But you didn't reveal to me that the same friend is my future son-in-law. Aashi remained silent, unsure of how to respond. Mr. Triparty then turned his attention to Aditya. Mr Triparty: And you Aditya, that's your name right? Aditya: Yes...yes sir (Aditya replied nervously) Mr. Triparty: so How long have you been dating my daughter? Aditya: Almost 2-3 months sir Hearing Adityas reply, Mr. Triparty raised an eyebrow Mr Triparty: 2-3 months huh? And how did you two meet each other for the first time? Aashi interrupted, realizing that discussing their relationship in this public place was not appropriate. Aashi: Dad, this is not the right place to discuss this. so please...Mr. Triparty considered Aashi's words Mr Triparty: well actually your right Aashi, such discussions should be held privately....(saying this, he turned towards Aditya) Aditya, after two days, I'll be free at my mansion. Why don't you come for a dinner? I want to have some serious discussion with you. Aditya: yes...sure...sure Sir....I'll be there (Aditya nodded, his nerves still evident) With that, Mr. Triparty walked away, leaving Aditya and Aashi standing there, their eyes locked with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.As they continued to gaze at each other, they knew that their love would be tested in the upcoming dinner with Mr. Triparty. to be continued in next chapter