Chapter 5

Aditya closed the file frustrated at himself. His work was his worship and he never had a day so far where he was not able to concentrate at his work. But since last two days specifically after seeing Arpita's picture, he was feeling quiet restless. Neither is he able to sleep properly nor is he able to concentrate on anything happening around him. He was anxiously waiting for her answer which he was desparately hoping to be positive.

He heard a knock and asked the person to come in. Seeing his father he sat straight and gave a smile to him.

Adi : Dad you know you can come anytime in my cabin. You don't need to knock

Nitin : I thought you would be busy so knocked. Done with work?

Adi : Yeah everything important is finished for the day.

Nitin : Cool then let's go home. Your mother wants us all to be at home early.

Aditya's heart thumped loudly in anticipation. He somewhere knew why his mother wanted them home soon. He drank a glass of water and wiped his hands on his trouser to calm his nerves. He's never been this nervous in his entire life. Picking up his laptop bag and car keys, he indicated his father to go ahead.

Madhu, Mansi, Paridhi and Akshara were chirping merrily when they reached home.

Nitin sat near Akshara and patted her head lovingly : What a sight to see! All ladies together? What are you guys discussing?

Mansi : Bhaisaab Awantikaji called today...

Aditya looked at his mother and Chachi who were sitting together with hopeful eyes waiting to know the answer..

Nitin : And?????

Madhu : Arpita has also said yes. Awantikaji was asking when can we meet Nanda family?

Nitin grinned whereas Aditya wanted to jump in joy but seeing his family members giving him mischievous smiles, he somehow controlled his feeling and gave a small smile to them.

Paridhi poked his shoulder drawing his attention.

Adi : What?

Pari : Excited??

Aditya rolled his eyes at her but from inside he was HELL EXCITED!! Now he can't wait to meet Arpita.....

Vikas entered the house at the same time.

Pari : Vikasbhai you know Awantika aunty called today.....

Vikas chuckled : I know darling!! Akshu called me in afternoon and told everything.

Nitin : So now kids when can we arrange a meeting with Nanda's?

Vikas : Actually Dad, mom I wanted to say something....

Madhu : Yeah son say what happened??

Vikas : Mom I had a talk about Adi and Arpita with Rajveer this afternoon and we both think that before we officially meet their entire family, both Adi and Arpita can meet somewhere out first. This way they both will be more comfortable in talking with each other and if things go as we want then we can either visit their home or call them here....

Akshara : That's a good idea Vikas. I agree with you....

Mansi : Even I also support Vikas's idea. We elders can meet afterwards...

Madhu : Well I don't have a problem with that. But it would be better if someone accompany Adi.

Vikas : Don't worry mom I and Akshu will go with Adi. Even Veer and his wife Suchita will accompany Arpita.

Akshara : Wow Vikas this way Adi and Arpita can talk on their own and we four can catch up. Anyways it's been long since we all met.....

Vikas : Hmm.... Are you fine with it Adi?

Aditya nodded his head smiling. He himself wanted to meet Arpita somewhere outside for the first time without any family member's presence. It would be perfect that he and she can talk privately whereas his bhaiya bhabhi can spend time with her brother and sister-in-law.

Vikas's phone buzzed with the message and he grinned looking at Aditya : Rajveer messaged me. Tomorrow we are meeting Arpita at 6pm so wrap up your work beforehand and I and Akshu will pick you up from your office at sharp 5:45

Adi : Fine bhaiya!!

Meanwhile Rajveer told everyone about his and Vikas's conversation. Mohini and Vinay were relieved to know that Rajveer and Vikas were good friends. Now they felt more confident for this alliance. Rajveer also informed that since Arpita was feeling nervous he had talked with Vikas and arranged a casual meeting tomorrow for Aditya and Arpita.

Vinay and Mohini were fine with it whereas Arpita silently thanked her brother for this. Rajveer messaged Vikas to confirm tomorrow's meeting as they had planned and assured him that they will reach on time with Arpita.

Next day Arpita was dressed beautifully in white and orange kurti and palazzo pair with sterling silver jewellery and a white belt wrist watch. Mohini and Vinay wished her good luck and Rajveer and Suchita dropped her to her office.

She was working in her cabin when she heard a knock on her door. Mansi came inside and Arpita stood up immediately.

Arpita : Please have a seat mam. You could have called me instead of coming here!!

Mansi pulled her hand and made her sit on the chair besides her : Don't be formal Arpita. Actually I came to wish you luck...

Arpita was momentarily taken aback by Mansi's gesture : Mam....

Mansi : I know dear it's really a difficult phase for any girl but believe me it would be worth it. Aditya is a nice boy and I am not saying this because he is my nephew. Arpita just be yourself when you meet him today and dear whatever you two decide, it won't ever affect your professional life. I assure you that....

Arpita's eyes teared up hearing that : Thank you so much mam. I am so greatful to hear that from you.

Mansi stood up to leave but before going out  she winked at Arpita and said : Arpita if you like my Adi then start practicing for calling me Chachi instead of mam....

Arpita felt herself blushing at Mansi's statement. Her phone rang and she picked it at once seeing her bhabhi's number.

Arpita : Yes bhabhi?

Suchita : Aru we are waiting downstairs. Are you done with your work?

Arpita : Yes bhabhi I will be there in 10 mins..

She quickly freshened up and looking at herself one last time, she hurried towards her brother's car.

Vikas, Akshara and Aditya were waiting in their car only for Nanda's to arrive when Akshara spotted Suchita getting out of car followed by Arpita.

Akshara : Come on boys they are here.

Vikas : Where?

Akshara pointed at the opposite direction to their car and they saw all three approaching. Arpita was walking with her head slightly down and her long hair were flowing freely in air blocking the clear view of her angelic face for Aditya.

Akshara : Adi??

On hearing her voice, Aditya turned his eyes from Arpita and looked at Akshara

Adi : Yes bhabhi??

Akshara : She may be nervous so you start the conversation and ask her whatever you want to know ok?

Aditya nodded smiling at his sister-in-law. She is just like his elder sister and he considers himself lucky to have bhabhi like Akshara.

Vikas : All the best Adi....

Akshara : Best of luck Adi....

Adi : Thanks bhaiya thanks bhabhi....

Vikas : Let's go now!!

Suchita hugged Akshara on seeing her : Hey congratulations dear. How is your health?

Akshara : Good. Congratulations to you too for the baby girl. How is she?

Suchita grinned hearing about her babygirl : She is fine and healthy.

Akshara : Let me introduce my brother-in-law. He is Aditya Singhania and Adi she is Suchita and that is her husband Rajveer.

Aditya gave a smiling nod to them : Hello

Suchita : Hi Aditya this is Arpita.

She said pointing towards Arpita. Arpita lifted her head and looked at Aditya for a second before looking back at her sister-in-law. Aditya was clean bowled when he saw her clear face. She looked more pretty in real.

Suchita : And this is Akshara and Vikas. Aditya's bhaiya and bhabhi....

Arpita whispered quietly but in a sweet voice making Aditya go crazy : Hi...

Rajveer : Let's sit inside and continue chatting!!!!

Vikas : Sure come...

Vikas inquired about their table as he had made reservations in the morning itself.

A waiter guided them towards a center table of four and stood sideways

Vikas turned towards Aditya and said : Adi I have booked a corner table for you and Arpita so you two can talk comfortably. We four are here. Join us after you two are done ok?

He nodded and looked at Arpita who in turn looked at her brother and sister-in-law. Rajveer nodded and Suchita gave her a side hug whispering in her ear

Suchita : Best of luck and don't be nervous alright?

Arpita nodded smiling and turned to Aditya who gestured her to follow him and the waiter guided them to their booked corner table.

Waiter : Sir what would you two like to have?

Aditya looked at Arpita and asked in a gentle tone : What would you like?

Arpita : Umm hot chocolate??

Aditya smiled and turned towards waiter : Hot chocolate for the lady and caffe latte for me.

Waiter left with their orders. They both were looking at each other time to time and were silent thinking how to start the conversation. Finally Aditya decided to break the silence.

Adi : So....

Arpita looked at him and then again looked down at her entwined hands : Ummm....

Adi : Ok so you are an interior designer right?

Arpita nodded glancing at him.

Adi : I am a lawyer, criminal lawyer specifically. I have my own law firm. Do you work in Dreamscape?

Arpita : Yes..

Adi : Dreamscape is my Chacha's company.

Arpita : I know. I mean bhai told about that..

Adi : So from where you did your studies?

Arpita : Schooling from Kashmir and Assam.  Papa's postings were there at that time and college from Delhi itself.

Adi : That's nice. You must have lived at many different places due to your father's job right?

Arpita : Yeah perks of being army man's daughter.

Adi smiled hearing her answer : I did my schooling from Delhi itself and then went to London for getting my law degree.

He sensed her nervousness so decided to continue talking

Adi : What are your hobbies?

Arpita gave a brilliant smile hearing that question : Dancing and sketching. Your's?

Adi : I like to play basketball and do all adventures activities. Here I dont get much chance but I did them a lot when I was in London.

The waiter came back with their order and they both looked at their siblings who were engrossed in their talks meanwhile sipping their drinks silently.

Adi cleared his throat to draw her attention : So you want to ask anything else?

Arpita bit her lips nervously and nodded slowly. Aditya gestured her to ask whatever she wanted to ask.

Arpita : Umm actually I....

Adi : Arpita don't hesitate to ask me anything please..

Arpita gave a small smile to him and asked : What do you expect from your life partner?

Aditya raised his eyebrow hearing her question : I am a very busy lawyer Arpita. I don't give much time to my family. It's not like I don't try but my work keeps me occupied so I expect my wife to look after my family and fill my void just like my bhabhi. Bhaiya is also usually busy with hospital and patients but bhabhi looks after everyone very nicely. I don't want much from my wife. I wish she takes care of my family and in return I will just have to take care of her.

Arpita's face glowed hearing his honest answer : If she wants to continue her work after marriage then?

Adi : Ofcourse she can. My sister Ruchi works after marriage, my bhabhi works then why would I stop my wife from working. Arpita if we get married, I promise it won't be you only making sacrifices and adjustments. It will be half you half me. We both are together in this.

Arpita smiled widely making Aditya's heart flutter with joy. Her smile was stunning.

Adi smirked : Now tell me what are your expectation from your future husband?

Arpita blushed and looked down biting her cheeks to prevent smiling.

Adi : Come on tell me.....

Arpita : I want a man who is like my father and brother. Sweet, caring and loyal.....

Adi : If he has a bit of temper issues will it be ok?

Arpita smirked : Bit of temper issues?

Aditya nervously caressed his nape looking here and there : Umm yeah may be some times.

Arpita chuckled  : Well if other person doesn't get angry so easily then I think it will be ok!!

Aditya grinned : Really!!

Arpita nodded with a smile : Yes. Can we join them now?

Adi : Sure come..