I asked softly, "Papa… who is it that I have to marry?"
My father looked at me for a moment before speaking. "Tanvi, are you sure about your decision? You can't change it later. Think again, and don't force yourself."
I took a deep breath and replied, "Papa, I've already thought about it. I'll marry him."
He nodded slowly. "His name is Kabir Malhotra, the son of Arvind Malhotra."
I froze. "What? The Malhotras?" I could barely believe it.
He gave a small smile filled with memories. "I told you about the promise, didn't I? Years ago, Arvind and I promised to marry off our children, to make our bond even stronger."
I felt the ground shift beneath my feet. "But Papa… how will I manage there? They're not like us."
He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry, beta. Everything will be fine. We're going to meet them tomorrow evening. Be ready."
I simply nodded, my mind still spinning.
Just then, my mother entered the room, her face lighting up despite her tired eyes. "Tanvi, let's go shopping. I'll buy you a nice kurta to wear tomorrow."
"Mumma, I have work today. You can go and buy something for me, I'll wear whatever you choose," I replied, trying to avoid the topic.
Her smile faded. "No, beta. You can't work anymore. You're soon going to be a Malhotra daughter-in-law. You can't work in a café or restaurant now."
My chest tightened. "But Mumma, I can't live without working."
She sighed softly. "Then tell your husband to let you work in their business. Now go get ready, we're leaving soon."
I didn't argue. I just nodded quietly and went to my room.
I changed into a simple lavender kurta and baggy jeans. My hair was left open, falling loosely over my shoulders. I wore a small silver pendant, the only thing I always kept close. I didn't like heavy makeup, so I just put on a touch of kajal and nude lipstick.
When I stepped out, my parents were already ready. Without wasting more time, we left.
The bus ride to the store was quiet. My parents talked occasionally, but my mind drifted elsewhere. Yesterday, I was just a waitress. And today… I was shopping for the family of my future husband, a Malhotra.
When we entered the store, my breath caught. The place looked like something out of a dream, shelves filled with shimmering sarees, lehengas, and designer kurtas. The chandeliers sparkled like a sky full of stars.
For a moment, I just stood there, lost in thought.
Then my mother nudged me gently with her elbow. "Tanvi, stop staring and choose a kurta!"
I smiled faintly and started browsing through the racks. My fingers brushed against soft fabrics, pastel pinks, deep maroons, and royal blues, until my eyes caught a lavender kurta set.
It was beautiful, simple yet elegant. The neckline and sleeve ends were embroidered with delicate silver threadwork, and the dupatta shimmered faintly with intricate patterns. It was soft, graceful… something that felt like me.
My mother came over. "You like this one? The color isn't very bright. Try something in red, it'll suit you better."
I shook my head. "Mumma, I want this one, please."
Before she could insist again, Papa spoke up gently, "Let her take what she likes, Bhoomi."
She sighed but smiled. "Alright then."
After billing the outfit, we stopped by a jewelry store nearby. My mother insisted I buy matching jewelry, even though I tried to refuse. Seeing her excited after days of sadness made it impossible for me to say no.
Inside, I found a silver necklace with tiny lavender stones and a matching pair of earrings. It matched the kurta perfectly, elegant yet subtle. My mother's eyes sparkled when I wore it.
Seeing her smile after so many tears made me feel… lighter, even if it hurt inside.
When we returned home, dinner was already prepared. The meal was quiet, but I could feel the heaviness in the air, a silence filled with unspoken emotions.
As I got up from the table, my mother said gently, "Tanvi beta, go to sleep early. Tomorrow, wake up by seven, take your bath, and get ready by ten. We need to reach the Malhotra mansion by twelve. Your father has booked a car, the distance is long."
"Papa booked a car?" I asked in surprise. "Why? We could just take the bus like always."
Papa smiled faintly. "It's fine, beta. Don't worry about that. Just rest now. Big day tomorrow."
I nodded and went to my room.
As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my heart thudded unevenly. Tomorrow, I would meet Kabir Malhotra, the man I was going to marry.
The man whose name already felt like a weight on my chest.