Mother’s Voice (gently hopeful):
"It’s just a proposal, Ishi. We won’t force you. But they seem like good people. Your father and I just thought… maybe it’s time."
Ishika (after a pause):
"Amma… please give me some time. I… I need to think."
Mother:
"Okay, kanna. But not too long. We can’t make them wait forever, you know…"
Call ends.
🕯️ Back in Hostel Room – Ishi’s Mind Storm
She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the blank ceiling.
Then dialed the only person who could understand her silence.
📞
Ishika: “Narmu…”
Narmada: “Ishi? You okay?”
Ishika (softly):
“A marriage proposal came from home.”
A pause.
Then Narmada sighed deeply — calm but serious.
Narmada:
“Ishi… listen. This is life giving you a real test. You have to ask yourself — what do you want?”
Ishika stayed quiet.
Narmada:
“You’ve always believed in soul connections. Dreams. Signs. Don’t push it all away now. But don’t drag your parents into uncertainty either. Speak to him, Ishi. Ask Shiv Veer directly.”
Ishika:
“But… what if I hurt my parents?”
Narmada:
“You’ll hurt them more by marrying someone without love.”
đź’ Ishika slowly nodded. Her heart agreed. Her fear lingered.
Narmada’s final advice:
“Talk to him. Tell him what you’re feeling. If he truly feels the same… he won’t step back.”
📱 Just as Ishika was about to call Shiv Veer — her phone lit up.
“Shiv Veer calling…”
Her breath caught.
Ishika (thinking):
"How… how are my thoughts reaching you, Shivv garu? Every time…"
She answered, voice soft.
Ishika: “Hi Shiv Veer…”
Shiv Veer (sensing something):
“You sound… low. Are you okay?”
Ishika:
“I’m okay… just… long day.”
He paused, unsure whether to dig deeper.
Then suddenly:
Shiv Veer:
“Ishika… are you free for dinner tonight?”
A pause on both sides.
For her — it was the perfect moment to know his feelings.
For him — it was the perfect moment to confess.
Ishika (after a breath):
“Yes. I’d love to.”
🌌 Both hung up — but didn’t move
Their hearts beat louder than before.
One seeking answers.
The other, ready with a question.