"Check the patient's vitals again before shifting him to the ward," I instructed, heading toward my cabin. The weight of the day pressed heavily on my shoulders.

As soon as I entered my cabin, Sanaya followed me, her curiosity impossible to ignore.

"So, finally, you said yes," Sanaya remarked, a mix of surprise and concern in her voice as she closed the door behind her.

I sighed, my back still turned to her. "I really don't want to talk about it, Sanya. Not now. If he didn't care about me, then why should I upset my family because of him?"

Sanaya approached, her expression softening. "But are you sure this is what you want?"

I turned to face her, my eyes betraying the turmoil within. "I don’t know what I want anymore. All I know is that I can’t keep hurting the people who love me for someone who doesn't."

"Okay, fine, if that's what you want," Sanaya replied, her tone shifting to a more understanding one. Then, after a brief pause, she added, "Didn't you say you took the day off because your future in-laws are coming to see you?"

I nodded, trying to mask the unease that settled in the pit of my stomach. "Yeah, they are.I was cooking kheer but because of the sudden emergency call from the hospital i have to come".

"It's all happening so fast, Sanya. One moment I'm trying to forget him, and the next, I'm getting ready to meet someone else."

Sanaya gave me a sympathetic look. "It's a lot to handle, I get it. But just remember, this is your life, your choice. If you're not ready, it's okay to take a step back."

I sighed, glancing at the clock on the wall. "I know. But at this point, I just want to do what's right for my family. They deserve that much from me."

Sanaya nodded, understanding the weight of my words. "Just don't lose yourself in the process, okay?"

"Yeah," I whispered, more to myself than to her. "I'll try not to."

Sanaya placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "No, it doesn't. But remember, you don't have to face all of this alone. I'm here for you, whatever you decide."

I offered her a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Sanya. I just hope I'm making the right choice."

A sudden ringtone broke the moment. I quickly took my phone out from my bag and saw 15 missed calls from Arjun Bhai. My heart skipped a beat as I immediately called him back.

"I'm so sorry, Bhai," I hurriedly said the moment he picked up. "The patient needed an emergency surgery, and that's why I got delayed. Don't worry, I'm coming now—I’ll reach in half an hour."

There was a brief pause before Arjun Bhai responded, his voice calm yet concerned. "I know, Ishi. When you didn't pick up, I called the hospital, and they told me you were in surgery."

I let out a small sigh of relief. "Thanks for understanding, Bhai. Did they come yet?"

"Yes, they arrived about half an hour ago," he said. "But don't worry—we informed them about the emergency. They said it's okay and that they understand."

"Thank you, Bhai," I said, feeling a mix of relief and nerves. "I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Take your time, Ishi," he reassured me. "Drive safe, we'll handle everything here until you arrive."

"I will. See you soon," I replied before hanging up, my mind now focused on the meeting ahead.

"Okay, bye, Sanaya, I have to go," I said hurriedly, stuffing my things into my bag.

"Wait, I'm coming with you," Sanaya called out as she grabbed her things. "My shift has ended too. You head to the parking lot, and I'll meet you there after I grab my bag from my cabin."

Without wasting any more time, I grabbed my car keys and rushed outside. The cool evening air hit me as I made my way to the parking lot. I unlocked my car and slipped into the driver’s seat, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

A few minutes later, Sanaya came running up and quickly slid into the passenger seat beside me. "Alright, let’s go," she said, buckling her seatbelt.

I nodded and started the engine, my mind already on the road ahead and the meeting waiting for me at home.

As soon as we reached home, I noticed a few luxury cars parked outside, each one adorned with a lion symbol on the grille.

"Oh my my... They’re from a royal family, Ishi! You didn’t tell me," Sanaya exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"I only found out yesterday," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, the reality of the situation hitting me hard.

Sanaya stared at me, her excitement barely contained. "Oh my god, you mean you’re going to marry the King of Rajasthan? Oh my god, Ishi, you—"

"Sanaya, please," I interrupted, my nerves on the edge. "I’m still trying to process it all. Can we just get through this meeting first?"

Sanaya nodded, still wide-eyed but understanding. "Of course, Ishi. But you have to know, this is huge!"

"I know," I murmured, taking a deep breath as I stepped out of the car. "Let’s just go inside."

As we entered the house, we were immediately struck by the sight of everyone sitting and gossiping in the living room. The room was filled with an aura that screamed power and royalty. My eyes quickly took in the scene—an elderly man sat at the center, flanked by two men who I guessed were his sons. Beside them sat two elegantly dressed women,must be his daughters-in-law. On another sofa, two young men and a girl were seated, who I assumed were his grandchildren, possibly my future siblings-in-law.

Just as we entered, Chachu spotted us. "Aree, yehi rahi humari Ishi. Beta, meet them—they are your future in-laws. Sanaya, you’re also here; that’s good," he said warmly, drawing everyone’s attention to me.

All eyes turned toward me, making me suddenly aware of my appearance after a long day at the hospital. I managed a polite smile and greeted them, "Namaste... If you all don’t mind, may I change and come back? I came directly from the hospital, and it’s not safe to stay in these clothes."

One of the women, who I guessed might be his mother or aunt, smiled kindly and said, "Of course, beta. Go and freshen up. We’ll wait."

Before I could turn to leave, a young girl and a boy, who looked to be around 17 or 18, called out excitedly, "Hiii, Bhabhiiii!"

Caught off guard, I awkwardly responded, "Hiii..."

Chachi Ma gently placed her hand on my shoulder and added, "Okay, beta, you go and freshen up. We’ll be here when you’re ready."

I nodded gratefully and hurried towards my room, Sanaya following close behind. As we walked away, I could still feel their curious eyes on me.

I hurried to my room and immediately started freshening up, the weight of the upcoming meeting still pressing on my mind. Sanaya followed me, and we both quickly changed into something more presentable. As I washed away the stress of the day, I could feel my nerves slowly calming, but the reality of the situation still loomed large. I changed the previous dress because i went wearing that dress to the hospital as i didn't get time to change.



(Ishita's dress)

Sanaya, now dressed in a fresh outfit, looked at me with an encouraging smile. "You look beautiful, Ishi. They’re going to love you."

I offered her a small, grateful smile in return as I finished getting ready. "Thank you, Sanaya. I’m really glad you’re here with me."

We both took a final look in the mirror, adjusting our outfits and making sure everything was perfect. With a deep breath, I nodded at her, and we made our way back out to the living room, ready to face whatever awaited us.

As soon as I stepped into the living room, the young girl’s voice rang out with excitement, "Ye lo, Bhabhi aa gayi!"

Her words were met with a few chuckles and warm smiles from the others in the room. I couldn’t help but smile back, feeling a mix of nervousness and warmth at the informal and affectionate greeting.

The girl practically bounced over to me, her enthusiasm infectious. "We’ve all been waiting to meet you, Bhabhi!"

I glanced around at the expectant faces, and despite the formality of the situation, the warmth in their eyes made me feel a bit more at ease. I took a deep breath and replied, I am sorry for making you all wait."

“It’s alright, beta. Don’t worry,” the oldest man spoke, his voice kind and reassuring. “It’s not like you were off somewhere else; you went to save a life.”

I nodded, grateful for his understanding.

"Okay, Bhabhi, let me introduce you to our family,” the youngest boy said with a bright smile, eager to ease the tension.

He introduced me to everyone, one by one, each with a warm smile or a friendly nod. As we moved through the introductions, he explained that their elder brother, the groom, wasn’t present because he was in London for an important business meeting.



PrithviRaj smiled and spoke confidently, "Bhaisaab, agar Ishita beti ki haan hai, toh hum chahte hain ki roka abhi kar dein. Waise bhi humare yahan riwaaz hai ki engagement pe ghar ke bade hi ring pehnate hain. Toh agar aap sab raji hain, toh hum roka aur engagement abhi kar lenge."

(Brother, if Ishita has agreed, then we wish to proceed with the 'roka' ceremony right now.In our tradition, it's the elders of the family who put on the ring during the engagement.So if everyone is agreeable, we can perform both the 'roka' and the 'engagement' right now.)

He glanced around the room, waiting for their response, as the weight of tradition hung in the air.

{A/n:If you're thinking I made up this tradition, you're mistaken because, in our tradition, one of the elders from the groom's and bride's families places the ring on the groom and bride. However, nowadays, during the engagement, the groom and bride exchange rings themselves, while the elders perform the puja.}

Ishita's heartbeat quickened upon hearing this. Her chacha, chachi, and brother immediately looked at her for an answer. Sanaya, sensing her anxiety, gently squeezed her hand for reassurance. Ishita hesitated for a brief moment, then glanced at her brother. When he nodded his head at her, offering silent support, she finally said yes. Seeing the bond between the siblings, both the Rajawat and Rajput families smiled warmly.

"Beta ye humare khandani saare aur jwelleries kya tum ye phen sakte ho abhi?" Rajeshwari, his chachi said. 

(Dear, these are our family's saree and jewelry, would you be able to wear them now?)

"Haan beta koi baat nahi agar tum ye na pehno toh, abhi abhi tum hospital se aayi ho toh thak gayi hogi." Devyani, his mother said. 

(It's alright, dear, if you don't want to wear them now. You've just come back from the hospital, you must be tired.)

"Haan, ek kaam karte hain, kal karte hain roka aur engagement. Tab tak aap logon ko tayyari bhi karne ka mauka mil jayega." Prithviraj said. 

(Yes, let's do one thing, we’ll have the 'roka' and engagement tomorrow. That way, you’ll all have time to prepare.)

"Haan, ye sahi hai, kyun bhaisaab?" Virendra, his father said. 

(Yes, that sounds good, right brother?)

"Haan, ye acha rahega. Ishita bhi abhi hospital se aayi hai, thak gayi hogi. Hum kal kar lenge. Pandit ji bhi abhi aa rahe hain, woh kal ka muhurat bhi bata denge." Rajesh, her chachu said. 

(Yes, that would be good. Ishita just came from the hospital and must be tired. We’ll do it tomorrow. The priest is on his way and will tell us tomorrow’s auspicious time.)

"Haan, ye acha rahega." Everybody said. 

(Yes, that sounds good)

Except Ishita, who wasn’t listening to any of their conversations or decisions. She sat silently, reflecting on how her destiny had taken a 180° turn in just two days.

After some time, the priest arrived and provided the auspicious time for the 'roka' and engagement to be in the afternoon, as it was the best time according to their horoscopes. 

The Rajawat's left after having dinner, praising Ishita for the kheer she had made.

Words count:-2075

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