Aarohi

3

"Akash, we are going to meet the girl's family tonight." Said Nandini Mehra to her son Akash who was 30 years old and one of the finest cardiothoracic surgeon in the prestigious hospital of New England. He was the most eligible bachelor in the Indian Society in London but, Mrs Mehra always wished for an Indian daughter in law who would be her shadow in her household.

"Ma, don't you think you are being a bit hasty. I just agreed for an arranged marriage this afternoon and you are already ready with a candidate. Wow, that's quick ma" Akash said with a smug.

Akash had lost his father at a young age and he had shouldered his responsibilities as the only man of the Mehra house. He was an obedient grandson who made his dadi Sumitra Devi proud, an understanding son to Nandini and a father figure to his younger sister Riya.

Sumitra Devi was born and brought up in a small town near Jaipur and had shifted to London when her son had decided to settle there. She was visiting her native after 10 years along with her daughter in law and grandson.

Vishwas entered his house and saw his sister Nandini talking to Akash when he interrupted saying "Nandini, I met the Ajmera's and they are a well cultured simple family. I hope Akash is not expecting something very top notch." 

Nandini smiled and assured her brother "we only want a simple girl who will understand Akash and keep him happy. Nothing else bhai"

Vishwas nodded and left leaving the mother son duo to chat.

"Ma, did you call Riya? How is she?" Akash asked 

"Yes, just spoke to her. Studies are keeping her busy and she misses you" she said with a smile. She knew they shared an amazing bond though they had a good age difference of 10 years.

"I told her we are meeting a girl for you" Nandini said with a smile.

Akash nodded her head and said "Ma, she will make a mountain of a molehill. You shouldn't have said anything as yet."

"My heart says this girl is the one for you. Call it mother's instinct" she said dreamily.

Akash smiled and muttered "please ma"

Akash respected his mom the most as he was aware of her struggles after his dad passed away in a sudden heart attack. He was 18 and had just entered the medical school which was his father's dream. 

He dated a couple of girls in med school but was never serious about anyone. He was honest and hardworking boy whose dedication made him the youngest surgeon to perform the key hole cardiac surgery. He was the most sought after surgeon in London.

After being established he had bought a big house for them and urged his mom to give up her job and enjoy her days. He would accompany his darling dadi to the temple on Sundays. On his dadi's insistence he had taken a two week break and was on a holiday to India after 10 years.

He was reading in the verandah of an old house which belonged to his maternal uncle Vishwas when his phone beeped. He smiled as it was his childhood buddy Vishal. 

"Hey what's up?"

"You tell me, I just had an attack Dr. Mehra. Heard you ready to be hooked?" 

Vishal said with a chuckle

"Well, not hook really but both mom and dadi insisted on meeting up with this girl. So, giving it a try"

"well, well, India's got to you bro, seriously!" Vishal said with a smile.

He was really happy for Akash as he knew he worked too hard and deserved someone who would sparkle up his life.

"Keep me posted."

"I will" answered Akash and smiled.

Akash knew it must have been Riya who must have called Vishal with the news. She was one big mouth. 

Vishal and Akash were neighbors when they lived in Wembley. They attended the same school but opted for different lines when they grew up but were 4a.m friends. Vishal had just done his business management and was working with a bank.

Though it had been just a week they were in Jaipur, Akash missed his life back in London. He thought about tonight's meeting and was apprehensive. He knew he wanted a simple honest girl who would love him and his family but to marry someone without dating was a question he was doubtful about.

He just wanted to go with the flow as he didn't want to disappoint his mom and dadi. He opened the envelope lying on the table which his uncle had left it for him to see. It was the bio data which had all the basic information about the girl he was going to meet tonight.