Chapter 2 — A Proposal Unexpected

The evening was slowly coming to an end. Most of the guests were still engaged in conversations when Shabana Qureshi quietly approached Devraj and Rukmini.

Shabana: Devraj ji, Rukmini ji, I wanted to discuss something with you both.

Rukmini looked at her warmly.

Rukmini: Yes, Shabana. Please tell us.

Shabana took a small breath before speaking.

Shabana: I wanted to ask something about your daughter, Ritika.

Devraj and Rukmini exchanged a glance.

Shabana: Would you consider giving your daughter Ritika's hand in marriage to my son, Arnav?

Rukmini was surprised, while Devraj remained silent, listening carefully.

Shabana: I know Arnav is cold, reserved and sometimes has a lot of anger. He doesn't easily express his emotions. But I know my son. He will never cheat on his wife. He will always remain loyal to her.

She paused before continuing.

Shabana: I also know about Ritika. I know she has a son, Rishi. I know she lost her husband at the border. She has gone through a lot, but she is still a beautiful and happy person. I truly believe she deserves a good life.

Devraj listened silently.

Shabana: I believe she can be happy with us, and I believe Arnav can also be happy with Ritika. That is why I wanted to put this proposal before you.

Shabana looked at both of them sincerely.

Shabana: But the decision is completely yours. More importantly, it is Ritika's decision. I don't want her to feel pressured in any way.

Devraj finally spoke.

Devraj: Ritika has already gone through a lot. Rishi is eight years old now. When she was pregnant again, she lost the baby after she received the news of her husband's death. That was a very difficult time for her.

Shabana nodded with understanding.

Shabana: I understand, Devraj ji. And if Ritika agrees to marry Arnav, Rishi will be accepted completely into our family.

She spoke firmly.

Shabana: We will never ask Ritika to choose between Arnav and Rishi. Rishi will be treated as family. Arnav will have to accept both of them with all his heart.

Devraj looked at Shabana for a moment, appreciating the sincerity in her words.

Devraj: We will speak to Ritika first. We cannot make this decision without her.

Shabana: Of course. Take all the time you need.

Rukmini: We will discuss it with her and let you know.

Shabana smiled gently.

Shabana: Sure.

Abhram approached them after noticing that Shabana had finished speaking.

Abhram: Shall we leave?

Shabana nodded.

Shabana: Yes.

After exchanging their goodbyes, Shabana and Abhram left.

Soon, the Singh family also began leaving the business hall.

However, Devraj remained unusually quiet.

As they walked toward the car, his mind kept returning to Arnav.

He knew Arnav's personality. He was reserved, serious and difficult to understand. Yet Shabana's words about his loyalty had made Devraj think deeply.

Veeresh noticed his father's silence.

Veeresh: Dad, what happened?

Arjun: Yes, Dad. You seem lost in thought.

Aravind: Is everything alright?

Devraj looked at his sons.

Devraj: Nothing.

Veeresh narrowed his eyes slightly, knowing his father was hiding something.

Veeresh: Dad...

Devraj simply shook his head.

Devraj: I said nothing.

He walked ahead, leaving his sons wondering what had happened.

But Devraj's mind was already occupied with one question.

Was Arnav Qureshi truly the right man for his daughter, Ritika?