Chapter 6 — His Answer

That night, Arnav remained awake for a long time.

The conversation with his parents kept returning to his mind.

Ritika.

Rishi.

A new family.

A new responsibility.

And a life he had never planned for himself.

Before going to sleep, Arnav performed his prayers. After finishing, he remained seated quietly on the prayer mat, his hands raised in supplication.

Arnav: Ya Allah, You know what is in my heart better than I do.

He lowered his gaze.

Arnav: I have always walked alone. I have made my own decisions, fought my own battles and never asked anyone to choose my path for me.

His voice became softer.

Arnav: But this time, I don't want to make a decision only for myself.

He thought about Ritika.

Then he thought about Rishi.

Arnav: If this woman is meant to come into my life, give me the strength to accept everything that comes with her. Her past, her son, her pain... everything.

He paused.

Arnav: And if I am not the right person for her, then keep me away from her life. I don't want to become another reason for her to suffer.

He closed his eyes.

Arnav: Ya Allah, guide me toward what is right. Give me peace in my heart. Show me the answer.

For a long moment, he remained silent.

Then a strange calm settled over him.

There was no fear.

No resistance.

No anger.

Only peace.

Arnav slowly lowered his hands.

He understood.

Perhaps the answer wasn't going to come as a dramatic sign.

Perhaps the answer was the peace Allah had placed in his heart.

Arnav: I understand.

He finally stood up.

For the first time, he didn't feel like he was being pushed toward a marriage.

He felt like he was choosing it.

The next morning, Arnav came downstairs to find Shabana and Abhram having breakfast.

He walked toward them.

Arnav: Ammi. Abbu.

Both of them looked at him.

Shabana immediately understood from his expression that he had made his decision.

Shabana: Beta?

Arnav took a breath.

Arnav: I agree.

Shabana's eyes softened.

Shabana: Are you sure?

Arnav nodded.

Arnav: Yes. I thought about everything last night. I prayed about it too.

Abhram smiled proudly.

Arnav: But I have one condition.

Shabana: Tell us.

Arnav: I want to meet Rishi. I want to know if he is comfortable with me. If this marriage is going to happen, I don't want him to feel that someone is being forced into his life.

Abhram nodded approvingly.

Abhram: That's the right thing to think about.

Arnav: He is eight years old. His feelings matter.

Shabana smiled.

Shabana: Of course, beta.

Arnav: And if the marriage happens, I want it to be simple. No media. No unnecessary attention. No publicity.

Abhram: Agreed.

Shabana: Whatever you both decide, we will respect it.

Arnav nodded.

Abhram looked at his son with immense pride.

Abhram: You have made your decision with thought, not pressure. That is all we wanted.

Arnav gave a small smile.

Arnav: I hope I am making the right choice.

Shabana reached for his hand.

Shabana: Sometimes, beta, the right choice is simply the one that brings peace to your heart.

Arnav looked at his parents.

Arnav: Then let's meet them.

A few minutes later, Arnav picked up his briefcase.

Shabana: You are leaving already?

Arnav: Qureshi Industries isn't going to run itself, Ammi.

Shabana smiled.

Abhram laughed softly.

Abhram: Even after agreeing to marriage, business comes first.

Arnav smiled faintly.

Arnav: For now.

He touched his parents' feet respectfully before leaving.

As Arnav walked toward his car, his mind was surprisingly calm.

For the first time, the future did not look like something he had to face alone.