Chapter 11
956 Words
On Saturday, Ishaan picked up his parents from the airport while Arohi stayed behind to prepare a small welcome meal.
When Ishaan entered the house with them, Arohi quickly walked forward, pressing her palms together in a polite namaste.
“Welcome, Mom and Dad,” she greeted with a warm smile.
His mother, a petite woman with kind eyes, pulled her into a hug instead.
“Oh, Arohi, dear, there’s no need for formality! We’re family now,” she said, patting her back.
His father, a man of few words, nodded approvingly. “It’s good to see you both doing well.”
Arohi felt a strange warmth spread in her chest.
Dinner was filled with laughter and conversation, with Ishaan’s mother doing most of the talking. She shared stories about Ishaan’s childhood—how he used to cry if his toy cars weren’t arranged in a straight line and how he once got stuck in a tree trying to rescue a cat.
Arohi couldn’t help but laugh at the mental image.
Ishaan groaned, shaking his head. “Mom, do you have to share all my embarrassing stories?”
His mother winked. “Of course. It’s a mother’s duty.”
Arohi glanced at Ishaan. He looked so… happy.
It was the first time she had seen this side of him—relaxed, playful, and genuinely at ease.
That night, as they prepared for bed, Arohi was fluffing the pillows when Ishaan hesitated.
“Uh… I think we should make it look… real,” he said awkwardly. “Just in case they walk in.”
Arohi raised an eyebrow. “You think your parents will barge into our room?”
“They’re Indian parents. Anything is possible.”
Arohi sighed but agreed. She neatly folded an extra blanket and placed it in the middle of the bed. “Fine. But this is the line. No crossing it.”
Ishaan chuckled. “Understood.”
Just as they got into bed, there was a soft knock on the door.
“Arohi, beta, can I come in?”
Both of them froze.
Ishaan’s eyes widened in panic. Arohi whispered, “Act normal!” before quickly turning off the lamp.
His mother slowly opened the door, peeking in.
Seeing both of them lying side by side, she smiled. “Just wanted to say goodnight, my dears.”
“Goodnight, Mom,” Ishaan said, his voice a little too stiff.
“Goodnight,” Arohi added.
His mother hesitated for a second before softly saying, “I’m so happy to see you two together.”
And then she left, closing the door behind her.
Ishaan let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.
“That was close,” he whispered.
Arohi giggled, shaking her head.
As she turned to the side, Teddy snuggled between them, and for the first time since they started this arrangement, neither of them felt uncomfortable.
Maybe pretending to be married… wasn’t so bad after all.
The next few days passed in a whirlwind of sightseeing, family meals, and unexpected moments of warmth.
Ishaan and Arohi took his parents to all the famous spots in the city—breathtaking parks, historical sites, and even a bustling weekend market where his mother happily haggled over spices while his father quietly observed everything with a pleased expression.
At home, Ishaan’s mother insisted on cooking all his favorite meals. The house was constantly filled with the aroma of rich curries, freshly made rotis, and sweet desserts that made Ishaan nostalgic for his childhood.
One evening, they visited Aman together. Aman greeted Ishaan’s parents warmly, making them feel at home with his usual charm. While the men chatted, Ishaan’s mother took Arohi aside for a private conversation.
Arohi could sense something serious in her expression. She waited as Ishaan’s mother hesitated before speaking.
"Arohi, beta... there’s something I need to tell you."
Arohi’s heart pounded slightly. "Of course, Mom. What is it?"
She sighed, glancing at Ishaan, who was laughing with Aman.
"Aman told us everything. About what happened with Ishaan’s ex… how she broke his heart, how much pain he went through."
Arohi stiffened, unsure how to respond.
Ishaan’s mother gently took her hands. "When I arranged this marriage, I wasn’t sure if I was making the right decision. I just wanted my son to have someone who would stand by him, someone who could help him heal."
Arohi’s breath hitched. She had always assumed this marriage was a practical arrangement, but now, hearing this, it felt… different.
His mother smiled softly. “But after seeing you two together, I think I made the best decision for my son."
Arohi felt an unexpected warmth spread through her chest. Before she could respond, Ishaan’s mother patted her cheek affectionately.
"Just take care of him, beta. He may not say it, but I know he’s starting to find happiness again."
The week flew by too quickly, and soon, it was time for Ishaan’s parents to leave.
At the airport, his mother hugged them both tightly. "I hope to hear good news from you two soon,"she said with a teasing smile. "Give us grandbabies, okay?"
Ishaan choked on his own breath. "Mom!"
Arohi’s cheeks burned, and she looked away, while Aman barely held back his laughter.
His father gave them a nod of approval. "And don’t forget to visit us this Diwali, Arohi. You need to meet your family too."
Arohi nodded, feeling a strange sense of belonging.
As they waved goodbye, Ishaan turned to Arohi.
"So… you ready to visit India for Diwali?"
She glanced at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "I guess we’ll see."
And for the first time, the idea of a future together didn’t feel so impossible.
- Writer
