Aanya opened the door… and froze.
Her eyes widened in disbelief. Standing there were none other than Mr. Aravind Raichand and his elegantly dressed wife, Shreya.
"Mr. Raichand? You… here?" she asked, completely shocked.
Aravind gave a warm smile. "Aanya, you can call me Uncle."
Aanya blinked, then smiled politely. "Please… come in."
Just then, Devika's voice called out from the room, "Aanya, who is it?"
Aanya turned around, guiding the guests in. "Uncle Raichand and Shreya aunty are here."
The couple stepped into the living room as Devika emerged and instantly froze in surprise.
"Aravind ji? Shreya ji? Aap?"
"Namaste, Devika ji," Aravind greeted with a gentle nod.
Shreya smiled too. "Namaste."
"Namaste," Devika replied politely, still trying to process their sudden visit.
Prerna peeked out from the hallway, her voice low but respectful. "Namaste, uncle… aunty."
"Hello, beta," both replied, smiling warmly at her.
Shreya stepped forward and handed over a luxurious gift box filled with sweets and fruits to Prerna. "This is for you, dear."
Prerna looked at her mother uncertainly. Devika smiled gently and said, "There's no need for all this…"
But Shreya insisted with a kind tone. "Please, Devika ji. It's our small token."
Devika nodded. "Prerna, take it."
Prerna obeyed silently and Aanya and Prerna remained standing while the others sat.
Devika, still a little surprised, said, "Aryan isn't home. He will be in office at this time."
Aravind chuckled softly. "I know, Devika ji. That's exactly why we came now—to talk to you."
Devika's brows drew together with slight confusion. "To talk?"
Shreya added, "Yes… we're here to talk about a personal matter."
Aanya and Prerna exchanged puzzled glances while Devika looked curiously at them.
"Personal?"
Aravind leaned forward, speaking warmly. "You know I have one son and one daughter. They're both responsible and hardworking. After me, they handle all our businesses."
Devika smiled. "Yes, Aravind ji. Your son came here the other night, right? Such a polite young man."
Shreya nodded. "As a mother, I always worry about my children's marriage. I think you understand that feeling."
Devika laughed softly. "Absolutely. It's every mother's concern."
Shreya continued, sighing, "We always wanted to get our daughter Ankitha married first."
Aanya tilted her head, confused.
Shreya smiled a little. "But she refuses. Says she won't marry until Dev does."
Devika chuckled. "These kids…"
Shreya shook her head. "I've tried everything to convince her, but she's adamant. Now we're only focusing on Dev's marriage. He's already 27 and ready to take on responsibilities."
Devika nodded. "Even I want Aryan to get married soon. But he keeps saying no."
Aanya looked down nervously at the mention of Aryan, a trace of sadness crossing her face.
Aravind smiled. "When we visited your home that day, it felt like… family. I was truly impressed by Aryan."
Aanya blushed a little, and Devika gave a proud smile.
Aravind added, "So… we came here today with a proposal."
All eyes widened.
Shreya spoke gently, "Devika ji… we would be honored if you consider Prerna for our Dev."
Devika's eyes widened in surprise. Aanya's heart fluttered with excitement. But Prerna? She froze.
"M-marriage?" Devika whispered.
Aravind reassured her. "Of course, take your time. There's no rush. We're not forcing anything. We just wanted to express our thoughts."
Prerna stood silently, her face tense. Devika looked at her carefully, then said, "No no, Aravind ji… not like that. In fact, I'm happy. But… yes, we'll need some time."
Shreya smiled understandingly. "I completely understand. I'm a mother too."
She turned to Prerna with a soft smile. "Come here, dear."
Prerna hesitated, then walked forward slowly.
"Please… just think about it, beta."
Prerna gave a small, polite smile—but it didn't reach her eyes.
Aravind stood up. "We'll leave now, Devika ji. And we'll wait for your reply. No pressure."
Devika said with a polite smile,
"You're leaving so early? Please wait, I'll bring some tea."
Mr. Raichand gently replied,
"No need, Devika ji. I have a meeting now, so I need to go. But next time, tea will definitely happen—
in my house!" he added with a warm smile.
Devika smiled back and nodded.
Shreya joined him as they left, and Devika walked them out. Aanya watched them go with a mix of excitement and curiosity.
But Prerna?
She quietly slipped away to her room, tension written all over her face.
As soon as they left, Aanya turned to Devika.
"Aunty… why didn't you say yes? Mr. Aryan always says Mr. Raichand is a great businessman. And the family is so respected…"
Devika sighed. "Aanya, even I'm happy. But… I have to talk to Prerna's aunt first."
Aanya's brows furrowed slightly. "Prerna's aunt?" she asked, confused.
Devika nodded.
"Yes, actually her aunt once told me that she would take full responsibility for Prerna's marriage. So I need to ask her before making any decision."
Aanya gave a small nod. "Oh... I see."
"And I also want to speak with Aryan."
Aanya grinned. "Come on, aunty! Mr. Aryan won't say no if you say yes!"
Devika laughed. "Hmm… you might be right."
Just then, Aanya glanced around. "Wait… where's Prerna?"
"She was here a minute ago," Devika said.
Aanya smirked. "Aha! Looks like she got shy because of her marriage proposal!"
Devika chuckled. "Could be!"
"I'll go check," Aanya said playfully.
She tiptoed to Prerna's room and called out in a teasing voice, "Preeeernaaa… are you hiding from your future in-laws?"
She pushed the door slightly open and peeked in.
There Prerna was—sitting quietly on the bed, lost in thought.
Aanya's grin faded, sensing something deeper than shyness.
---
End of Chapter 24.