Chapter 8 — A Daughter's Fear

Later that afternoon, Devraj went to Ritika's room. He found her sitting quietly near the window, lost in her thoughts.

He walked over and sat beside her.

Devraj: Beta, you have been quiet since morning. What are you thinking?

Ritika looked at her father, her eyes filled with uncertainty.

Ritika: Papa...

Devraj: Hmm?

Ritika took a deep breath.

Ritika: Will I really be able to move forward?

Devraj looked at her gently.

Ritika: Will I be able to accept Arnav? His lifestyle, his family, the way they live... everything is so different from what I have known.

Devraj remained silent, allowing her to speak.

Ritika: I have lived one life already, Papa. I know what it feels like to build a home with someone. I don't know if I have the strength to start again.

Her voice trembled slightly.

Ritika: And Rishi...

She looked down.

Ritika: Will he really be loved there?

Devraj immediately held her hand.

Devraj: Beta, that is the most important question you should ask.

Ritika looked at him.

Devraj: You don't have to accept Arnav simply because he has agreed to this marriage. You don't have to change yourself overnight. And you don't have to pretend that everything is easy.

Ritika listened quietly.

Devraj: If you choose Arnav, you are not leaving your old life behind. You are taking your life with you. Rishi is part of that life.

Ritika's eyes became moist.

Devraj: And anyone who wants to be your husband must understand that.

Ritika: But what if I cannot adjust?

Devraj smiled softly.

Devraj: Then you take your time. Marriage is not a race, beta. Two people have to learn each other, understand each other and slowly build a home together.

Ritika: And Rishi?

Devraj: Rishi comes first.

He gently squeezed her hand.

Devraj: If Arnav truly wants to be part of your life, he must accept Rishi wholeheartedly. Not because he is being forced to, but because Rishi is your son and therefore will become part of his life too.

Ritika wiped her tears.

Ritika: Papa, I'm scared.

Devraj: I know.

He pulled her gently into his arms.

Devraj: You have already survived things that many people could never imagine. You don't have to be fearless now. You only have to be honest with yourself.

Ritika rested her head against her father's shoulder.

Devraj: Meet Arnav. Let him meet Rishi. Talk to him. Watch how he treats your son. Don't decide based on his wealth, his family or his position.

He paused.

Devraj: Decide based on how safe and respected you feel around him.

Ritika slowly nodded.

Ritika: Okay, Papa.

Devraj kissed her forehead.

Devraj: Whatever you decide, I will stand beside you.

Ritika gave him a small smile.

For the first time that day, some of the heaviness in her heart began to disappear.

The evening was approaching.

And soon, Ritika would meet the man who might become part of her future.