Chapter 3

Next day Aditya woke up early and decided to go for a jog as sleep was far away from him since he saw Arpita's picture. After the jog, he straight away went to his room and took a long hot water bath to calm his nerves and relax his muscles. Getting dressed in his black suit, he went downstairs and saw his entire family had already gathered at the dinning table for breakfast. He took his seat greeting everyone.

Paridhi and Akshara noticed the tiredness in his eyes and smiled mischievously.

Pari : Didn't slept well last night bhai?

Aditya who was in his own thoughts replied : Hmm

Akshara : Arpita's photo didn't let you sleep Adi?

Aditya again hummed lost in his own thoughts. A gush of laughter brought him back from his dream world and he started eating his breakfast silently embarrassed by his family's teasings.

Madhu : Girls enough of your teasing. Now spare my son.

Turning towards Aditya, she asked : Adi did you read the biodata and saw Arpita's picture?

Aditya slowly nodded his head with a small smile adorning his lips.

Nitin : Did you like it?

He again nodded his head making the ladies squeal in joy.

Adi : But dad I want to meet her somewhere outside first. If everything goes right then we can again meet with full family. What do you all think about this?

Vikas : Well that won't be a problem. Her brother is my close friend and we work together so I will talk to him and I am sure we can arrange a casual meeting first.

Aditya asked hopefully : Will it be really possible bhaiya?

Vikas : Ofcourse Adi. Mom first you talk with Awantika aunty and ask her to talk to Arpita's family. If they also agree with this alliance then I will talk with Rajveer and arrange a meeting for Adi and Arpita ASAP.

Madhu : Sure Vikas. I will call Awantikaji right after breakfast.

Nitin : Adi I am also coming to office with you.

Adi : Sure dad. I am finished with my food. Let's go.

One by one everyone left for their respective works leaving Mansi and Madhu behind.

Madhu : Mansi why have you not gone to office today?

Mansi : Didi there was no important work today in office that required my attention so Sameer told me stay at home only. Anyways let's call Awantikaji and inform her about our decision.

Madhu nodded and dailled Awantika

Awantika : Good morning Madhuji. How are you?

Madhu : I'm fine. What about you. How is Ruchi and everyone at home?

Awantika : All are fine. So decided anything about the alliance I suggested?

Madhu : Umm yeah actually I called regarding that only. Adi and we all are interested in Arpita so when can you talk to her parents in context to this?

Awantika : Oh that's a good news. I will right away call Mohini and talk to her. As soon as they let me know their opinion I will inform you.

Madhu : Sure we will wait for their decision.

Awantika : Ok then will talk later. Take care bye

Madhu : You too. Bye.....

Mansi : What did Awantikaji said didi?

Madhu : She said that she will talk with Arpita's parents and will let us know their decision ASAP.

Mansi : Great! I just hope Arpita and her parents also agree for this match. Aditya and Arpita are really compatible for each other.

Madhu sighed : I hope so too.

................................................................................

A middle aged couple was sitting and playing with a three month old baby when the lady's phone rang. She handed the baby to her husband who happily took her and continued playing.

Awantika : Hello Mohini! Awantika here. How are you my dear?

Mohini : Mighty fine Awantika. Was playing with my grand daughter Riva. How come you called suddenly and that too in the morning? Your mornings are generally hectic. Is everything alright?

Awantika : Yes yes don't freak out. Everything is great. Infact I have a good news for you..

Mohini asked in confusion : Good news? What?

Awantika : Remember you gave me Arpita's biodata and picture last week?

Mohini : Hmm so....

Awantika : Well I have a perfect match for her.

Mohini gasped and asked after a moment : Really? Who's the boy and how is his family?

Awantika chuckled : He is my daughter-in-law Ruchi's cousin brother. Have you heard Singhania's name? Nitin Singhania and Sameer Singhania?

Mohini : Ofcourse Awantika! Who doesn't know them. They are very reputed family in our society. Infact Arpita works with Sameer Singhania only..

Awantika said in surprise : You mean to say she works in Dreamscape?

Mohini : Yeah it's mentioned in her biodata also. Didn't you read that?

Awantika : Umm no actually I know about your basic details so didn't read the printed biodata. Well my bad.....

Mohini chuckled : It's ok so tell me about this alliance you are suggesting!

Awantika: Oh yes Sameer Singhania has two daughters one of which is my daughter-in-law Ruchi. His elder brother Nitin bhaisaab have two sons. I am talking about his younger son Aditya Singhania.

Mohini stood up and left to balcony so she can hear Awantika's voice more clearly as Vinay was making funny noises to entertain small Riva.

Awantika : He is very well known criminal lawyer. Has his own law firm. His elder brother is also doctor like Rajveer and his sister-in-law is a dentist. Believe me Aditya will compliment Arpita very well. He is tall, handsome, smart and family oriented guy. I had already passed Arpita's details and picture to them and they would like to proceed further with this relation.

Mohini spoke after few minutes : Umm Awantika I am still digesting this new fact. You know that on your insistence Vinay and I made Arpita's biodata and gave you. We have not yet discussed this with our children.....

Awantika : Arey Mohini why are you getting nervous? Arpita is 24, she has completed her studies and now she even have a nice job then what is wrong in thinking of getting her married? And alliance like Singhania's don't come every other day so just think wisely, discuss with Arpita and Rajveer and then let me know your decision. I have to even let Aditya's parents know about your decision ok!!

Mohini sighed : Fine I will talk about it with Arpita today itself and will call you back tomorrow..

Awantika : Sure dear I will be waiting. Bye

Mohini disconnected the call and sat on the swing lost in thoughts. Vinay came and sat besides her in the process startling her.

Vinay : What happened Mohini? Whose call was that?

Mohini : Awantika!! Remember she asked us to make Arpita's biodata last week??

Vinay asked confused : Hmm we made that and gave it to her alongwith Arpita's photo the same week itself.. So what's the problem now???

Mohini : She gave it to a prospective groom's family and now they want to meet Arpita and our family!!

Vinay was surprised : Really?? Who are they?

Mohini narrated her entire conversation with Awantika to her husband.

Vinay : Wow the alliance is so good. We should definitely give it a try. Who knows our daughter will get her prince charming in Aditya!!!!

Mohini : I have to let Awantika know our decision by tomorrow. Singhania's are waiting..

Vinay : Don't worry. We will talk with kids today at dinner.

Mohini : Ok. Where is Riva?

Vinay : She slept. Now come let's have lunch..

Rest of the day passed in jiffy and soon everyone gathered at the dinning table. While having dinner, Vinay and Mohini passed a look at each other and turned towards Arpita who was munching on her food happily as it was all her favourite today.

Mohini : Liked the food Aru?

Arpita : Obviously Mummy. Thanks for this...

Rajveer : What's with all Aru's favourite today?

Mohini : I will make your favourite tomorrow....

Suchita pouted : Mummy mine??

Mohini chuckled : Your's too dear.....

Vinay : How was your first day at hospital Suchi?

Suchita : Very busy Papa. It was like all the patients were waiting for me only that let Suchita come back again after her maternity leave and then attack her with work.

This made all the other four laugh.

Vinay : Actually I and your mother wanted to discuss something important with you children.

Rajveer : What happened Papa? Any problem?

Vinay : No son infact it's a good news..

Suchita : Good news??

Mohini : Yes Suchi good news. You all know Awantika Khuranna, my friend right?

Suchita : Ofcourse Mummy. How can we forget her. She is one masterpiece amongst all your friends..

Mohini laughed : That she surely is. Anyways Aru remember she had visited our house last week?

Arpita : Yes Mummy but I was in a hurry to attend a friend's party so I just left after greeting her....

Mohini : That day after seeing you she made me and your father prepare your biodata. I gave it to her alongwith your photo and today she came up with a very good alliance for you.

Rajveer, Suchita and Arpita were all shocked at this new information.

Rajveer who recovered first from this said : But Mummy, Papa.. Aru's marriage.. I mean all of a sudden??

Vinay : It's not all of a sudden beta. Yeah we all had not yet discussed about this together but then in arranged marriage, alliance come at unexpected time like this only.

Mohini : And the alliance is also very good so what's the harm in giving it a try. I know it's Aru's first time but every thing has to start from somewhere.

Suchita who understood her in-laws perspective supported them : Yeah Mummy and Papa are right Veer. Our Aru is 24, well settled in her professional life. Isn't it time now to get her settled in her personal life as well??

Rajveer nodded after thinking for some time and looked at Arpita who was silent after hearing about all this.

He kept his hand on hers as she was sitting opposite to him and asked lovingly : Do you agree for this Aru? No one from us will force you dear. The decision will entirely be yours..

Vinay : Yes dear and if you like someone else then also you can share it with us. We just want your happiness Aru. Be it with anyone of our choice or your's doesn't matter.

Arpita : No Papa, bhai there is no one in my life. I know you all will decide only the best for me but it's just that all of a sudden this alliance and all. I mean I am confused.....

Mohini : Don't be beta. Awantika was telling that the boy and his family are just like us. Infact you know them..

Arpita frowned : I know them? Who are they?

Mohini grinned : Your boss Sameer Singhania..

Arpita : But Mummy as far as I have heard Sir and Mansi mam have two daughters not any son.

Mohini : Yeah you are right. Sameer and Mansi Singhania have two daughters one of which is Awantika's daughter-in-law Ruchi.

Arpita : Ohh Ruchidi is Sameer sir's daughter? That's quiet surprising. She is so down to earth just like Mansi mam.

Mohini : Yeah Ruchi is a gem. The boy is Ruchi's uncle's son. Aditya Singhania. Very successful criminal lawyer and has his own law firm. His elder brother is doctor like our Veer and his sister in law is a dentist. Awantika was praising them highly. She was saying that Aditya is very smart, humble and good looking.

Hearing about the boy and his family, Rajveer and Suchita felt something familiar. They both looked at each other with same confusion on their faces.

Rajveer : Do we have their biodata Mummy?

Mohini : Umm no Awantika gave me all the details on phone only. She said if we want than she can arrange a formal meeting.

Vinay : And Singhania's are very reputed family in our society so there's no need to find out more information about them Veer.

Mohini : Aru think about this and let me know what you decide tomorrow morning okay?

Arpita meekly nodded and everyone retired to their room soon after dinner thinking of the eventful day. I