Chapter 16
675 Words
A Festival of Love
Life had never felt more beautiful.
They had built a world together—filled with laughter, love, family, and fulfilling careers. Ishaan often found himself wondering how his life had turned around so drastically. If someone had told him a year ago that an arranged marriage would bring him happiness, he would have laughed.
But Arohi had changed everything.
She had come into his life like a quiet storm, flipping his world upside down in the best way possible.
And now, as Diwali approached, he wanted to make it special for both of them.
A Journey Home
"Wait, what?!" Arohi’s eyes widened as she stared at Ishaan.
He smirked, holding up their flight tickets. "We're going to India for Diwali."
Her face lit up instantly. "You're serious?"
"Yup."
Arohi nearly tackled him in excitement. "Oh my God! Our first Diwali together—back home!"
She had spoken to her parents often over the phone, but it wasn’t the same. She missed them so much.
In the days leading up to their trip, they went on a crazy shopping spree, picking out gifts for every family member. Ishaan watched with amusement as Arohi meticulously picked out the perfect presents for everyone.
"You realize we might need an extra suitcase for all this, right?" he teased.
Arohi rolled her eyes. "Shush. It's Diwali!"
When the day finally arrived, they boarded their flight together, carrying not just gifts but also the excitement of returning home.
Diwali at Ishaan’s Home
Their first stop was Ishaan’s parents’ house. As soon as they arrived, his mother pulled Arohi into a warm embrace.
"I missed you, beta!" she said, cupping Arohi’s face.
Arohi smiled. "Missed you too, Maa!"
The house was decorated beautifully with diyas, fairy lights, and vibrant rangoli patterns. The air smelled of sweets, incense, and festive joy.
That night, they celebrated Diwali with the whole family—lighting lamps, bursting fireworks, exchanging gifts, and sharing delicious food.
Ishaan stole glances at Arohi throughout the evening, watching how effortlessly she fit into his world.
She belonged here.
Arohi’s Homecoming
A few days later, they drove to Arohi’s parents' house.
The moment they arrived, her mother ran to her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Arohi!"
"Maa!" Arohi buried her face in her mother’s shoulder, the warmth of home washing over her.
Her father stood beside them, smiling warmly. "Welcome home, beta."
Arohi turned to him with misty eyes. "I missed you so much, Papa."
"We missed you too, my child," he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Arohi’s mother then turned to Ishaan, beaming. "And you, my dear son, come inside!"
As they stepped inside, they were showered with gifts and love. Her mother had prepared a feast, filling the table with all of Arohi’s favorite dishes. The house smelled of spices, sweets, and the warmth of home.
"You both must be so tired! Sit, eat!" her mother insisted, piling their plates high with food.
"Ma, this is too much!" Arohi laughed.
"Nothing is ever too much for my daughter and son-in-law," her mother said proudly.
That night, after dinner, Arohi’s father sat beside Ishaan on the veranda.
With a serious yet kind expression, he said, "Ishaan, take good care of my daughter. She has only you in that unknown country. I trust you to give her nothing but happiness."
Ishaan met his gaze, understanding the weight of his words.
"I promise, Papa. She means the world to me."
Arohi’s father smiled, patting his shoulder.
As Ishaan glanced at Arohi, laughing inside with her mother, he knew—he would keep that promise, no matter what.
Since they hadn’t visited in a long time, Arohi and Ishaan decided to stay with her parents for a few days.
The days passed in a blur of warmth, love, and nostalgia. They spent time with family, revisited childhood memories, and soaked in the comfort of home.
For Ishaan, this was more than just a holiday—it was the first time in years that he truly felt at home.
- Writer
