Part 8: The Storm Begins
507 Words
The day Aarushi dreaded finally arrived—she was going to meet Vivaan’s parents.
She stood outside the grand Mehra mansion, her palms clammy. The house was nothing short of a palace—tall pillars, an iron gate with intricate designs, and a massive fountain in the middle of the driveway. It screamed wealth in every possible way.
Vivaan noticed her hesitation and squeezed her hand.
Vivaan (softly): “Relax. I’m right here.”
Aarushi nodded, but her stomach was in knots.
As they stepped inside, they were greeted by a butler, who led them to the massive living room. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and expensive paintings adorned the walls.
Then, she saw them.
Mr. and Mrs. Mehra.
His father sat on an expensive leather couch, dressed in an immaculate suit, his expression unreadable. His mother, adorned in heavy jewelry, looked Aarushi up and down in a way that made her feel… small.
Mr. Mehra (coldly): “So, this is the girl?”
Aarushi swallowed hard.
Vivaan (firmly): “This is Aarushi. And she’s the woman I love.”
His mother let out a dramatic sigh. “Vivaan, enough of this nonsense. We know how these things go. A middle-class girl catches the eye of a rich boy, and suddenly, she’s in love.”
Aarushi felt her heart sink.
Mrs. Mehra: “Tell me, dear. What exactly do you want from my son?”
Vivaan clenched his fists. “Mom, stop.”
Aarushi (softly): “I don’t want anything from Vivaan, ma’am. I love him.”
His father let out a short, humorless laugh. “Love? Do you really think love is enough? Do you think you can fit into our world?”
Aarushi looked down, their words hitting her harder than she had expected.
Vivaan (angrily): “She doesn’t have to fit into anything! I love her, and that’s all that matters.”
His father stood up, his voice now sharp. “Vivaan, this is a phase. You will not embarrass this family over a girl who has nothing to offer.”
Aarushi’s chest tightened. Every insecurity she had pushed away came rushing back.
She didn’t belong here.
Maybe she never would.
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Breaking Point
That night, as Vivaan dropped her back at her hostel, she remained silent.
Vivaan (worried): “Aarushi, talk to me.”
She looked at him, tears in her eyes. “Vivaan… this won’t work.”
His face fell. “Don’t do this.”
Aarushi took a shaky breath. “Your parents will never accept me. And no matter how much you fight, they matter to you.”
Vivaan (desperate): “I don’t care what they think! I just want you.”
She shook her head. “One day, you will care. And I can’t be the reason you lose your family.”
A tear slipped down her cheek as she whispered, “I love you, Vivaan. But I can’t do this.”
And before he could stop her, she walked away—leaving him shattered.
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End of Part 8.
- Writer
