At 10:30 AM, Rani's family arrived. The group of five included Rani's father, her paternal uncle and aunt, and two of her maternal aunts. It was clear that the two maternal aunts did not particularly like Rakesh; they weren't happy about the match. Although they didn't voice their objections openly, their silent disapproval was palpable.
Because Rakesh's home was small, the guests were seated in the bedroom, as there was no separate living room. Rakesh's mother urged him to bathe quickly and put on clean clothes. He complied and eventually entered the room to greet everyone.
The Father's Confession
Rani's father took the lead. He knew the fault lay with his daughter, and it was his responsibility to mend the relationship. He spoke with a calm, steady voice.
Rani's Father: "So, tell me, son, how are you? Is everything alright?"
Rakesh (after a long, heavy sigh): "Yes... I'm fine. I'm okay."
Rani's Father: "You don't sound fine. I can see it in the way you speak and the lack of a smile on your face. And you have every right to feel that way. If what happened to you had happened to me, I would... anyway. I understand that our arrival hasn't exactly made you happy."
Rakesh: "No, no, it's nothing like that."
Rani's Father: "I know I wouldn't be happy either. You're probably wondering why, with so many eligible bachelors out there, we chose you. Look, I'm 60 years old. I've seen many people and many characters. You struck us as different. I've known your father for a long time, and after speaking with you, I am convinced my daughter will be truly happy with you. Believe me, we don't care about money. I don't want a rich man for my daughter; I want a good man."
Rakesh: "But your daughter... she..."
Rani's Father (interrupting): "I know what she said. We truly had no idea she had insulted you like that inside that room; she only told us later. We also didn't realize she had used the same tactic to reject the six other suitors who came before you. We only found out the full extent of it after what happened with you."
The Request for Forgiveness
After talking for a long while, Rani's father spoke with deep humility. "Look, I am deeply ashamed. As an elder, I am holding my hands together in a request: please, agree to this."
Rakesh (shocked): "Oh no! Please don't say that. You are so much older than me—you shouldn't be pleading like this. But I still don't understand what you saw in an ordinary guy like me. I can't fulfill her expensive whims, nor can I keep her in the luxury she's used to. And I don't work in a bank like her boyfriend."
Rani's Father: "That... she has no boyfriend. That was a story she made up to test you. She told us everything. Knowing my daughter, since she has agreed to this herself, it means she is finally serious about this marriage. I will take full responsibility for any trouble after the wedding. Now, tell me."
Rakesh: "What can I say? You are an elder, and you are requesting me so earnestly..."
Rakesh went silent for a moment. Finally, he spoke: "Alright. I agree. But I don't know how well I can carry this relationship in my heart right now. I will need time after the wedding, because I won't be able to forget those insults so quickly. I can promise this much: I will give it my very best effort."
A New Beginning
Rani's father beamed with relief. "I can't tell you how happy this makes me! Take as much time as you need."
Rakesh's family joined in, "We've been telling him to go for it! We elders from both families will always be there to support you."
Feeling overwhelmed, Rakesh asked, "I have some work to finish. May I be excused?"
"Of course, of course," Rani's father replied. "Go finish your work, we'll continue talking here."
After Rakesh left, the families began discussing the wedding dates. Rakesh's family insisted they stay for lunch, and over the meal, the bond between the two houses began to form. By late afternoon, Rani's family set off for their home, the alliance finally sealed.