Aarohi couldn't help but feel uneasy as she sat in her room, trying to figure out how to approach her parents with Vihaan's idea. The thought of confronting them again made her stomach churn, but she knew this might be their only chance to regain some control over their lives.
Later that evening, Vihaan called her. His voice was steady, but she could sense a hint of tension.
"Are you ready for this?" he asked.
"No," she admitted, twisting a strand of hair nervously. "But I know it's the only way."
"We'll handle it together," he reassured her. "I'll talk to my parents tonight. You should try to talk to yours tomorrow."
"Alright," she said, exhaling deeply. "Let's hope they listen this time."
---
Vihaan waited until after dinner to bring up the topic with his parents again. Dev Malhotra sat in his usual armchair, reading the newspaper.
"Papa, I need to talk to you about something," Vihaan began, standing in front of him with his arms crossed.
Dev looked up from his paper, his expression already wary. "What is it now, Vihaan?"
"I've been thinking about the engagement," Vihaan said, choosing his words carefully. "I understand why it's important, and I'm willing to go through with it. But Aarohi and I have decided that we need time before the wedding. We want to wait until she graduates."
Dev set the newspaper aside, his expression unreadable. "Vihaan, do you realize how this will look to the Sharma family? If you're already questioning the timeline, it might give them the impression that you're hesitant about the entire arrangement."
"I'm not questioning the arrangement," Vihaan said, his tone calm but resolute. "I'm asking for a timeline that works for both of us. Aarohi and I have talked about this, and we both agree it's the best decision."
Dev leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. After a long pause, he said, "Fine. If this is what you both want, then we'll support you. But you'll need to convince Aarohi's parents. They have the final say."
---
The next morning, Aarohi gathered her courage and approached her parents again. This time, her sister Shweta was present, sitting beside their mother.
"Papa, Maa, I spoke to Vihaan," Aarohi began, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "We've come to a decision. We're okay with the engagement, but we want to wait until after I graduate for the wedding."
Her father frowned deeply. "Aarohi, we've already explained this. Delaying things will only complicate matters."
"I understand your concerns, Papa," Aarohi said, her voice steady despite her nerves. "But Vihaan and I believe this is the best decision for us. We're not saying no to the marriage. We're just asking for time to prepare ourselves."
Her mother's expression softened slightly, but her father remained unconvinced. "This is highly unusual," he said, shaking his head. "What will people say? They'll think something is wrong."
Shweta, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "Papa, isn't it more important that Aarohi feels ready? If she and Vihaan are on the same page, then why not support them? They're not refusing the marriage. They just want to do it at the right time."
Her father looked at Shweta, clearly surprised by her intervention. He let out a deep sigh and rubbed his temples. "Aarohi, you're putting us in a difficult position. This alliance is about more than just you and Vihaan. It's about the trust between our families."
"I know, Papa," Aarohi said, stepping closer to him. "And I respect that. That's why I'm not asking to cancel anything. I'm just asking for a little more time. Please, try to understand."
Her father was silent for a long moment. Finally, he said, "I'll need to discuss this with Vihaan's family."
Later that evening, the Malhotras and Sharmas met at the Malhotra residence. Aarohi and Vihaan sat quietly while their parents discussed the proposal.
"This is highly unconventional," Dev said, addressing Aarohi's father. "But Vihaan has made it clear that this is what he and Aarohi want. We're willing to support it if you are."
Aarohi's father looked uncertain, but after a long pause, he nodded. "If both of them are in agreement, then we won't stand in their way. The engagement will happen as planned, but the wedding can wait until Aarohi graduates."
Relief flooded Aarohi as she exchanged a glance with Vihaan. He gave her a small nod, a silent promise that they would navigate this together.