Chapter 13 — Two Families, One Decision

The next afternoon, Devraj and Rukmini arrived at the Qureshi mansion.

They were welcomed warmly by Abhram, Shabana and Rehnaa. The atmosphere was respectful and cordial as both families sat together in the living room.

After the initial greetings, Devraj spoke.

Devraj: We have discussed everything with Ritika. She has agreed to the alliance.

Shabana smiled with relief.

Shabana: Alhamdulillah. We are very happy to hear that.

Devraj: We would like to conduct the wedding.

Rehnaa smiled.

Rehnaa: Of course. We don't have any problem with that.

Abhram: We only want the children to be happy. The rest can be decided together.

Shabana turned toward Rukmini.

Shabana: Rukmini ji, Ritika is comfortable with this alliance, isn't she?

Rehnaa also looked toward her.

Rehnaa: Yes. We want to make sure she has agreed with her heart.

Devraj smiled proudly.

Devraj: Yes. My daughter is happy with the alliance. We spoke to her first. Only after she agreed did we send her and Rishi to meet Arnav.

Rukmini nodded.

Rukmini: Rishi also likes Arnav. He became comfortable with him very quickly.

A warm smile appeared on Shabana's face.

Shabana: That makes us very happy.

Rukmini then became slightly serious.

Rukmini: There is one more thing I want you all to know about Ritika.

Everyone listened carefully.

Rukmini: Ritika is my first husband's daughter. He passed away in an accident when she was young.

She paused.

Rukmini: Later, my parents arranged my remarriage. But when Ritika came into Devraj's life, he accepted her completely.

Devraj looked at Rukmini and then at the Qureshi family.

Devraj: Ritika is my daughter.

His voice was firm.

Devraj: From the day she entered my life, I accepted her as my own. I have never considered her different from my other children.

Rukmini smiled softly.

Devraj: She has the same place in my heart as Veeresh, Arjun and Aravind. There is no difference between them.

Abhram nodded with understanding.

Abhram: I understand, Devraj ji. And I respect that.

Shabana: Ritika will be treated with the same respect here. Her past will never be used against her.

Rehnaa: And Rishi will be welcomed as well. He is an important part of her life.

Devraj's expression softened.

Devraj: That is all we want.

Abhram smiled.

Abhram: Then let us move forward together.

The two families exchanged warm smiles.

The decision had finally been made.

Ritika would begin a new chapter of her life with Arnav, and this time, she would not be walking into that chapter alone.

She would have Rishi beside her.

And two families ready to welcome them both.