Author’s POV
The Moonlight Hotel was one of the most elegant places in the city. Soft golden lights hung gracefully from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the restaurant, while a gentle piano melody floated through the air.
At exactly 6:58 PM, Avni stepped inside.
She didn’t like being late.
Her eyes instinctively scanned the restaurant.
And then she saw him.
Divyansh was already there.
He was seated near the window, wearing a simple black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His phone rested in his hand, and his slightly messy hair fell casually over his forehead.
And then he looked up.
Their eyes met.
And there it was again.
That stupid smile.
Those dangerous dimples.
Divyansh immediately stood up.
“Good evening, Avni ji.”
Avni offered a polite smile.
“Good evening, Mr. Divyansh.”
He gently pulled the chair for her.
“Please.”
“Thank you.”
They both sat down.
For a moment, there was silence.
Not uncomfortable.
Just… new.
Finally, Avni spoke.
“So, how is Scooby?”
Divyansh sighed dramatically.
“Don’t even ask. That little guy has taken complete possession of my room.”
He paused and shook his head with amusement.
“Actually… not just my room. My whole house.”
Avni smiled slightly.
“Yesterday everyone in my family was saying, ‘Get this dog out of here.’”
He laughed softly.
“And today they’re asking me, ‘Where is Scooby? Did he eat? Did you give him his medicine?’”
He placed his hand over his chest in mock hurt.
“Not a single question about me.”
Avni chuckled softly.
“That’s good. Scooby has found his family.”
Divyansh smiled at her.
“But we are not here to talk about him.”
He leaned slightly forward.
“We are here to talk about us.”
Avni nodded lightly.
“Yes.”
She paused before asking,
“So… what do you expect from a marriage?”
Divyansh thought for a moment before answering.
“Companionship.”
“Friendship.”
“Loyalty.”
“And care.”
His voice carried sincerity.
“In my opinion, these are the things that make a relationship stronger as the years pass.”
He then looked at her.
“And what do you expect from marriage?”
Avni inhaled slowly before answering.
“I want understanding.”
“Truth.”
“Partnership.”
“And acceptance.”
She paused, choosing her words carefully.
“For years, I have been taking care of two things — my company and my brother.”
Her tone softened slightly.
“And those are two things I cannot compromise.”
Divyansh listened quietly.
“It will be difficult for me to adjust in a new family,” she continued honestly. “But I am willing to change many of my habits.”
She looked directly at him.
“But I want my partner to adjust too… slowly.”
“I am not someone who talks a lot.”
“I don’t express myself easily.”
Her voice grew quieter.
“I need someone who understands when I need silence… and when I need to speak.”
Divyansh looked at her with deep respect.
There was admiration in his eyes.
After a moment, he spoke again.
“Let me tell you a secret.”
He leaned slightly closer, as if sharing something extremely confidential.
“I liked you the moment I saw your picture.”
Avni looked at him with mild surprise.
“But after meeting you…”
He smiled softly.
“My entire perception about you changed.”
“I like you even more now.”
He paused briefly before adding,
“And not just like… I respect you.”
“The way you built everything on your own… the way you talk about your responsibilities…”
He shook his head slightly.
“It’s admirable.”
Then he took a breath.
“So, if you don’t mind…”
He looked directly into her eyes.
“Will you marry me?”
Avni froze for a moment.
Divyansh quickly added with a small nervous laugh,
“I know it sounds sudden.”
“But honestly…”
He shrugged lightly.
“I don’t think I can let go of someone like you.”
“Someone who is not only beautiful on the outside, but also incredibly strong on the inside.”
For a moment, Avni said nothing.
She quietly looked at the table.
Then at him.
Divyansh waited patiently.
Finally, Avni spoke.
“You are very straightforward.”
Divyansh chuckled.
“Software engineer hoon… code complicated ho sakta hai, par life simple honi chahiye.”
Avni couldn’t stop the small smile that appeared on her lips.
But she shook her head slightly.
“Marriage is not simple.”
“I know.”
She studied him carefully.
Then she spoke slowly.
“I cannot promise that I will be the perfect wife.”
Divyansh smiled gently.
“That’s alright.”
“Because I’m not the perfect husband either.”
That made her laugh softly.
Then she looked at him seriously again.
“But I can promise honesty.”
“And effort.”
Divyansh nodded.
“That’s more than enough.”
There was a quiet pause between them.
Then Avni finally said,
“Alright.”
Divyansh blinked.
“Alright?”
Avni nodded.
“Yes.”
She looked directly at him.
“I will marry you, Mr. Divyansh.”
For a moment, Divyansh simply stared at her.
Processing her words.
Then a wide smile spread across his face.
Those dimples appeared again.
“Really?”
Avni smiled faintly.
“Yes.”
“But we will take things slowly.”
Divyansh nodded immediately.
“Of course.”
She continued,
“And I want honesty in everything.”
“You’ll have it.”
“And no unnecessary drama.”
Divyansh laughed.
“No promises about that. My family is full of lawyers.”
Avni shook her head with amusement.
After a moment, she spoke again.
“So… what happens next?”
Divyansh thought for a second.
“Well… traditionally the families meet.”
He looked at her carefully.
“Are you comfortable with that?”
Avni nodded slowly.
“Yes.”
“My brother would definitely want to meet you.”
Divyansh smiled.
“I expected that.”
“He’s very protective,” she added.
“Good,” Divyansh said calmly. “Someone should be.”
She studied his expression.
“And your family?”
Divyansh sighed dramatically.
“They will probably start planning the wedding the moment they hear the news.”
Avni laughed.
“That fast?”
“You have no idea.”
Then he added with a teasing smile,
“My mother will definitely want to meet you soon.”
Avni nodded.
“That’s fair.”
“Maybe this weekend?” Divyansh suggested.
“I’ll talk to my brother first,” she replied.
“That works.”
Just then his phone buzzed on the table.
He glanced at the screen and groaned.
“What happened?” Avni asked.
He turned the phone toward her.
A message from his brother.
Vivek:
Your son Scooby has destroyed one pillow.
Avni burst into laughter.
Divyansh sighed dramatically.
“Great.”
He looked at her.
“Looks like Scooby is already celebrating our engagement.”
Avni smiled warmly.
And for the first time that evening—
She didn’t look away from him.
**********************
Thanks for reading
Write a comment ...