Chapter 7 — The First Meeting

The next morning, the Singh family was gathered around the breakfast table.

Devraj, Rukmini, Veeresh, Poornima, Arjun, Aravind and the others were having breakfast together when Veeresh's phone vibrated.

He picked it up and saw a message from Abhram Qureshi.

Veeresh read the message carefully.

Abhram had informed him that Arnav had agreed to the alliance. However, Arnav wanted to meet Ritika and Rishi first. He wanted to know whether Rishi was comfortable with him before the families moved forward.

He had also made it clear that if the marriage happened, he wanted it to be simple, without media attention or unnecessary publicity.

Veeresh looked up from his phone.

Veeresh: Dad.

Devraj looked at him.

Devraj: What happened?

Veeresh: Abhram Uncle messaged me. Arnav has agreed to the alliance.

Everyone at the table became quiet.

Rukmini: He agreed?

Veeresh nodded.

Veeresh: Yes. But he wants to meet Rishi first. He wants to know whether Rishi is comfortable with him. If Rishi is okay with him, they will move forward.

Devraj nodded thoughtfully.

Veeresh: And he doesn't want any media or unnecessary attention if the marriage happens. He wants it to be simple.

Devraj: That's understandable.

He then turned toward Ritika, who was sitting quietly at the table.

Devraj: Beta, what do you feel?

Ritika looked at her father.

Ritika: Okay, Papa.

Devraj: Are you sure?

Ritika nodded.

Ritika: Yes. I think he should meet Rishi. Rishi's comfort is important to me too.

Devraj smiled gently.

Devraj: Then we will let them meet.

He turned toward Veeresh.

Devraj: Veer, tell Arnav he can come this evening. He can meet Ritika and Rishi.

Veeresh: Sure, Dad.

Poornima looked at Ritika and smiled reassuringly.

Poornima: Don't worry, Didu. Everything will be fine.

Ritika gave her a small smile.

Ritika: I hope so.

Veeresh immediately sent a message to Arnav.

Veeresh: Arnav, Dad said you can meet Ritika and Rishi this evening.

A few moments later, his phone vibrated.

Veeresh looked at the reply.

Arnav: Thank you. I'll be there.

Veeresh smiled slightly.

Veeresh: Looks like the meeting is fixed.

Devraj nodded.

Devraj: Now the decision will be theirs.

Ritika remained quiet, thinking about the evening ahead.

For the first time, she was going to meet Arnav not as a businessman, not as Veeresh's rival, but as the man who might become part of her life.

And beside her would be the person whose opinion mattered most to her.

Her son, Rishi.