Marry my son

In India~

Saanvi stood still, lost deep in her tangled thoughts, when her mother's voice snapped her back to reality.

"Hey! You're finally here. Go freshen up and come down quickly," her mother said with casual cheer.

Saanvi looked at her mother closely, suspicion flickering in her eyes. Hmm... looks like he hasn't spilled the beans yet.

Her mother waved a hand in front of her face. "Where are you lost? Hurry up now!"

Saanvi hesitated, then cautiously asked, "Did he say anything?"

Her mother met her eyes and simply said, "Yes."

That one word made her heart skip a beat. Her eyes widened in panic.

"You're not... angry?" she asked, testing the waters.

Her mother frowned slightly, confused. "Why would I be?"

Just as Saanvi was about to say something, her mother cut her off sharply.

"Go change before I really lose my temper."

Startled, Saanvi bolted upstairs without another word.

A few minutes later, she walked downstairs-reluctantly. Everyone was already seated.

She froze for a second. Perfect. An entire audience. Aaj hogi samoohik bezati upar se aur daat alag se padegi.

Then her eyes landed on her brother, casually lounging and smirking, wiggling his eyebrows at her like he knew everything.

What on earth is he doing here? she thought in horror. God, now I'll be roasted for life. I've officially dug my own grave.

Before she could retreat, her mother appeared behind her.

"You're here. Good," she said, handing her a tray of tea. "Serve everyone."

Saanvi, still dazed, took the tray and moved forward.

"Ahh, Saanvi beta! You're here," Manish ji greeted warmly upon seeing her.

She forced a polite smile and nodded. "Hello, uncle."

Her father, seated nearby, beamed at her proudly. She returned a faint smile, still uneasy.

"Why are you standing, beta? Sit," Manish ji offered kindly.

Of course, Saanvi thought sarcastically as she took a seat. Now I can sit comfortably and listen to my own trial. Lovely.

Trying to keep the conversation light, she asked, "Uncle, what brings you here today?"

Manish ji smiled and looked at her father. Her father answered calmly, "He's here to discuss your marriage."

At that very moment, Saanvi shot up from her seat, stunned.

"What?!" she blurted, eyes wide in disbelief.

"What?!" Saanvi shot up from her seat, eyes wide, heart racing. She looked between her father and Manish ji, hoping-praying-she misheard.

Her mother cleared her throat behind her. "Saanvi, sit down."

But Saanvi didn't move. "Wait... marriage? Whose marriage are we talking about?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Manish ji let out a light laugh. "Yours, beta. Who else?"

She blinked." Mine ? With ... With whom"?

"With my son, Viyansh" Manish ji said.

"What do you mean my marriage? I'm not marrying anyone!" Saanvi snapped, her voice echoing through the room.

The atmosphere shifted instantly. The lighthearted air vanished, and everyone stood from their seats in stunned silence.

"Saanvi! What is this behaviour?" her father, Mahaveer ji, said sternly.

Before tension could escalate further, Manish ji stepped in calmly. "It's alright, Mahaveer ji. Let me speak to her."

Saanvi turned toward him, her voice trembling with anger and pain. "Uncle, how could you do this to me?"

Manish ji took a step closer. "Listen to me, beta. Maybe I seem selfish right now-but I'm also a father. It's been over a year since I last saw happiness on my son's face. He's changed, Saanvi. He's closed off. I truly believe only you can bring him back. Please... don't reject this marriage so quickly."

Saanvi's eyes filled with tears. Her voice cracked. "And what about me, Uncle? Did you think about me even once? You're only thinking about your son's happiness. What about mine? I can't do this. I won't do this. This is final."

"Saanvi beta," Manish ji said gently, "do you remember what you told me this morning?"

She looked at him, confused. "What?"

"This morning, you promised me that whatever I asked for, you'd give it. You said Saanvi Jain never breaks her word."

Saanvi stared at him, stunned and silent.

He continued softly, "Now it's time to keep that promise."

She took a shaky step back, hurt flashing across her face. "No. That's not fair. You're manipulating me, Uncle."

"I made that promise from a place of love and trust. But you... you're just using it to get what you want. You're using me," she said bitterly.

"I'm sorry for that, beta," he replied, pain in his voice. "But please... think it over. Not for me, not even for him-but for yourself. One last time."

"But please, beta... don't say no to this marriage," his voice trembled with desperation.

"Marry my son, Saanvi... I beg you," he folded his hands, eyes pleading.

Saanvi stared at him, her world spinning. Tears welled up in her eyes, but no words escaped her lips. She was frozen-shocked, betrayed, shattered.

Without uttering a single word, she turned away and walked slowly to her room, her footsteps echoing the silence she left behind.

Mahaveer ji sighed heavily, his heart weighed down. "I'm sorry for her behavior, Manish ji. But don't worry... I'll talk to her. I'll make her understand."

Manish ji placed a hand on Mahveer ji's shoulder. "There's no need to apologize. Saanvi is like a daughter to me. She has every right to voice her pain. Still..." he paused, voice thick with emotion, "I just hope she doesn't shut the door on this relationship forever."

Mahveer ji gave a faint nod, his eyes clouded with guilt. "I have to leave now... my flight to New York can't be delayed."

Mahaveer ji silently walked with him to the gate, the unspoken heaviness of the moment settling between them like a storm about to break.

The door shuts softly. I walks in, slowly, like my feet are carrying the weight of the whole world. I doesn't cry yet- I too shocked to cry. My voice plays in my mind as I moves toward her bed.

I... I don't even know what just happened.

Did he really?

Did he really fold his hands in front of me? Just like that?

Like requesting me for a glass of water.

But this-this was my life... my marriage.

I stood there. Frozen.

I couldn't say a word. Not even one.

And he just kept looking at me with pleading eyes.

Not once... not once did he think about what I want.

All he could think about was his son. His happiness. His future.

And me?

I walked away. Not because I was being rude.

But because... I genuinely didn't know how to react.

My mind couldn't catch up with my heart.

Everything inside me was spinning.

And now... here I am. Sitting on this bed. Alone. Silent.

While outside-

"Saanvi beta, please open the door... listen to me once..."

That's my mother. Her voice shaking. Almost crying.

And now papa too, firmer, a little louder-

"Saanvi, open the door."

I take a deep breath. My hands are still trembling. But I get up.

I open the door.

They come in quickly, as if afraid I'll change my mind and shut it again.

Papa doesn't waste a second.

"What kind of behavior was that downstairs?"

And suddenly-everything boils inside me.

What behavior, papa? Yours or mine?

You stood there, letting him talk about marrying me off like I'm some responsibility he's willing to take.

Papa looks at me with that heavy look in his eyes... the one he uses when he's both hurt and helpless.

Then he says, "Saanvi beta, I know you don't want to get married. I also know the reason why. But that doesn't mean you'll never marry. Aaj nahi toh kal, shaadi toh karni hi padegi, na beta?"

And that's it.

That one sentence.

That one line crushes something in me.

I look at him, stunned.

"Papa, I can live my whole life without marriage. Mujhe koi dikkat nahi hai."

And I mean every word.

He sighs, deep and long.

"Beta, zindagi aise nahi chalti. Just be practical."

Practical.

Yes. Because my emotions aren't practical.

Why does setting down always mean tying yourself to someone.

"Papa-"

But he cuts me off softly, gently-

"Beta, woh log bahut ache hain. Aur shayad main bhi agar tujhe koi ladka dhoondhne jaaun, toh mujhe usse achhi family na mile.

Just think about it once. Don't rush to any decision in anger."

I don't argue anymore.

I just... nod.

"I need time."

He places a kiss on my forehead.

"Take how much time you want. Just think with a calm mind. Hmm? Mera baccha."

He leaves. Slowly.

Ma stays back. She brushes my hair behind my ear, like she used to do when I was little.

"Don't stress too much, beta. They really are good people."

And then, she too walks out.

The door clicks shut again.

And I sit back on the bed.

Still not crying.

Still not breathing fully.

Still trying to understand... how my life was just offered to someone like a token of peace.

And all I said was: I need time.

In New York~

Manish ji sat silently, his eyes blank, as the jet began to taxi. The world outside moved, but inside him, time had frozen.

"Maybe I was wrong... maybe I pushed too hard."

"But what could I do?"

"I'm a father too. And I haven't seen my son truly happy in years. His smile... it vanished. And now, when I finally saw a glimpse of light-Saanvi-you were the reason."

His fists clenched softly in his lap.

"Only you can bring him back. Only you have the strength to melt that bitterness in his heart."

"I know I was selfish. I tried to make decisions for you without thinking of you. I'm sorry, Saanvi beta. I'm sorry for using your silence. Your innocence."

Just then, Aditya's voice pierced the silence.

"Sir, we've arrived."

Manish ji blinked, slowly pulling himself out of his thoughts.

"Hmm?"

"We've landed in New York, sir."

"Oh... okay. Alright," he replied, his voice low.

He stood up and stepped down from the aircraft. A cold breeze greeted him, but it did little to shake off the heaviness in his chest.

Cars were waiting on the tarmac.

From the first car, Rajveer stepped out-his younger brother. Sharp, confident, always calm in a storm. Right behind him, his teenage son Vihaan emerged and quickly walked over.

"How are you, bhaiya?" Rajveer asked, his eyes scanning Manish ji's face with concern.

Vihaan immediately touched Manish ji's feet, respectfully bowing.

"It's so good to see you, bade papa."

Manish ji managed a faint smile. "I'm doing better now."

He patted Vihaan's head with affection. "How are you beta?"

Vihaan grinned, " I am good bade papa"

Manish ji turned back to Rajveer " How are you?

"We are good bhaiya but you looked tired" Rajveer replied

"I'm fine," Manish replied, his smile forced.

They exchanged a few more lines, light words meant to fill the silence. But Rajveer sensed it-his elder brother was troubled, distracted.

As they got into the car heading toward the mansion, Vihaan cheerfully kept chatting, but Rajveer stayed quiet.

Inside the moving car, Rajveer finally asked, "Bhaiya... something happened in India?"

Manish ji exhaled deeply. His eyes looked out at the skyline of the city that never slept.

"I made a decision," he said after a pause.

"And I don't know if it was right... or if it'll break someone."

Rajveer stayed quiet, waiting.

"But I did it... for my son."

.

.

.

As the car pulled into the driveway of the mansion, the house seemed alive with warmth and anticipation. Everyone had gathered to welcome Manish ji back-everyone except Viyansh.

The doors opened, and the moment he stepped inside, Poonam ji rushed toward him and wrapped him in a warm embrace.

"How are you? Are you feeling better now?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with concern.

Manish ji smiled and whispered, "Aera, Poonam ji... I'm alright. The kids are watching."

She let go with a small chuckle, wiping the corner of her eye. Almost immediately, the rest of the family came around him, each one asking about his health, expressing their relief and happiness at seeing him back safe.

After a few minutes of warm greetings, Manish ji's eyes scanned the room. Something was missing-or rather, someone.

"Where is Viyansh? I don't see him anywhere." His voice lowered, tinged with worry.

Everyone fell quiet for a moment, their glances shifting among each other.

Noticing the silence, Manish ji frowned. "What's going on? Something I should know?"

Poonam ji gently placed her hand on his arm and said, "He's been coming home late these days... You know how he is"

Manish ji nodded slowly, a shadow crossing his face. He knew his son well. Too well.

"Go freshen up first," Poonam said, trying to ease the mood. "Dinner's waiting. We'll talk later."

With a quiet nod, Manish ji made his way to his room, still carrying the weight of everything unspoken.

I was sitting quietly in my cabin when my phone rang. It was Aditya.

"Speak," I said.

"Sir, we've landed in New York," he informed me.

I just let out a soft "hmm" and ended the call without saying more.

With all my meetings wrapped up for the day, I decided to head home early.

When I reached, I handed the car keys to the driver and stepped inside.

The moment I walked through the door, my eyes landed on him-my dad.

Seeing him after so long, healthy and smiling, brought a wave of peace over me.

For the first time in weeks, my shoulders relaxed.

He noticed me, and his face lit up with a gentle smile.

He walked over, arms open.

"How are you, my son?" he asked, his voice filled with warmth.

"I'm good, Dad. How about you? Are you really okay?"

"Yes, yes... look at me-I'm perfectly fine," he replied with a reassuring grin.

"Come on now, let's have dinner together," he said, patting my back.

I gave a small nod. "Alright."

After freshening up, I came downstairs and took my seat at the table, where he was already waiting.

The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the dining room as I took my seat across from Dad.

He looked content, almost as if nothing had changed, as if the past weeks of illness and worry had never happened.

The table was already set-simple but comforting.

He served me a little himself, like he used to when I was a kid.

I let him.

Somewhere inside, I was still that same boy who only ever wanted his father to be okay.

"You know," he said as he passed the dal, "when I was in the hospital, I kept thinking about this. Just you and me... sitting together like this. Having dinner. Talking."

I looked at him, my fork frozen midway.

He smiled, but there was a flicker of emotion in his eyes.

"I thought I might not get to see you again," he said softly.

My throat tightened.

"Don't say that, Dad. Please."

"I'm not saying it to scare you. I'm saying it because I want you to know... every moment we get is a blessing. Life doesn't always give us second chances."

I nodded, unable to form words for a moment.

We started eating in silence, but it was a comfortable one-filled with unspoken understanding.

After a few bites, he chuckled.

"You still eat like you're in a board meeting. So serious."

He leaned back in his chair, looking at me thoughtfully.

"I'm proud of the man you've become," he said, voice steady but deep with emotion.

"And I hope you won't forget to live for yourself too... not just for business."

I looked up at him, surprised by his tone.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

He nodded. "It is now".

Everyone was seated at the dinner table, quietly enjoying the meal, when Manish finally brought up the topic he had been holding back.

"Viyansh..."

"Hmm?" he responded casually, still focused on his food.

"If I ask you for something, will you give it to me?"

"You don't need to ask, Dad. Just say the word," Viyansh replied sincerely.

Manish smiled and nodded.

"Alright then... I've decided. It's time for you to get married."

Viyansh's hand froze mid-air. He looked up, startled.

"I've found a girl for you," Manish continued.

Viyansh abruptly stood up from his seat.

"What?!"

All eyes turned toward him, surprised by his reaction.

"Viyansh, at least hear your dad out," Poonam urged.

"What is wrong with all of you?" he snapped.

"First Mom, now you! Why is everyone so obsessed with my marriage?"

His voice trembled with frustration.

"I've already made my decision-I'm not getting married. And that's final."

"Beta, how long will you stay like this?" Manish asked gently.

"My whole life," Viyansh shot back coldly.

"But Saanvi is a very nice girl," Manish added.

Everyone turned to look at him in confusion.

Poonam frowned. "What? Her name is Kritika, not Saanvi."

Manish shook his head. "No, Poonam. I'm talking about Saanvi, not Kritika."

Poonam looked stunned. "But I chose Kritika for Viyansh."

"Listen, both of you," Viyansh interjected firmly.

"I don't care who you're talking about-Saanvi or Kritika. I'm not marrying anyone."

With that, he stormed out of the room.

Poonam turned to Manish, visibly upset. "Who is this Saanvi?"

"She's the girl I met in India-the one who saved me that day," he explained calmly.

"And you've decided to make her the daughter-in-law of this house?"

"Yes. She's perfect for Viyansh," Manish said with conviction.

Poonam raised her voice, frustration building.

"You didn't consider her status, background, or anything! You're ready to bring just anyone into this house as our daughter-in-law?"

"Enough!" Manish snapped.

"First of all, she's not just anyone. She works in our company. And secondly, I don't care about status. I care about character. And she is the best match for Viyansh."

"But I chose Kritika for him!" Poonam argued.

"How could you?" Manish asked, his voice hurt.

"Because she has everything I ever wanted in a daughter-in-law. She's perfect!" Poonam insisted.

"No," Manish said firmly. "Viyansh will marry Saanvi. That's final."

"He won't. And this time, I'm with Viyansh," Poonam declared, and walked away without another word.

Meanwhile, Viyansh stormed into his room, fury written all over his face. Without a second thought, he began throwing things around-pillows, files, anything he could grab.

"What's wrong with everyone?" he shouted in frustration. "Why is everyone so obsessed with my marriage?"

He grabbed his phone and dialed Aditya.

"Get the jet ready. We're leaving for Spain in an hour," he ordered sharply.

"Yes, boss," Aditya replied without question.

Viyansh ended the call abruptly and tossed the phone across the room, letting it land wherever it may.

Still burning with anger, he walked into the bathroom.

A cold shower was the only thing that could possibly cool his head and calm his rising storm.

.

.

After finishing his cold shower, Viyansh stepped out of the bathroom and slipped into a crisp tuxedo. Without wasting a moment, he left his room, his expression unreadable and his movements sharp with purpose.

As he walked down the corridor, he crossed paths with Kritika.

She tried to stop him.

"Viyansh, where are you going this late at night?" she asked.

He didn't even spare her a glance. "It's none of your business," he replied flatly, continuing on.

Kritika followed a few steps behind, trying to keep up.

"Listen, I know you're stressed... but if you just agree to marry me, you won't have to end up with that cheap girl-Saanvi. She doesn't even belong in our world. She's just some ordinary girl with no class or status-"

"Enough!" Viyansh suddenly shouted, his voice echoing through the hall.

Kritika froze in place, startled by the fury in his voice.

"I've already made it clear-I'm not marrying anyone," he growled. "And if you dare talk that nonsense again, you'll see a side of me you won't forget."

His eyes were burning with anger.

"Stay in your limits," he warned coldly before walking away, leaving Kritika standing there-shaken and speechless.