KHANNA'S Mansion*

"Tashvi, don't run!" Nandini shouted, her voice drowned in the laughter filling the entire Khanna mansion.

"Mom, I won't stop! I know you're going to force-feed me your green leafy salad," Tashvi replied, chuckling mischievously.

"It's good for your health," Nandini retorted, emerging from the kitchen with a bowl of salad in hand.

"No, Mom, not today. You always make me eat that tasteless salad," Tashvi protested, hiding behind her dad.

"What's wrong with my lovely daughter?" Deepankar said, gently pulling Tashvi into his embrace. He looked at Nandini with amusement as Tashvi expressed her disdain for the salad.

"Dad, Mom's making me eat her tasteless salad again, saying it's good for me," Tashvi complained, visibly annoyed.

"It's okay, my love. What Mom says is for your benefit," Deepankar reassured her, smiling warmly at Tashvi.

"Dad, you're always on Mom's side. I wish Bhai was here; he always supports me," Tashvi said, remembering her brother who was away on a business trip.

"It's not about sides, my child... *sigh* Okay, if you don't want to eat it, I'll talk to Mom," Deepankar conceded, trying to ease Tashvi's irritation.

"Nandini, take the salad back. Our daughter doesn't want to eat it today," Deepankar said with a smile, looking at both his wife and daughter.

"Thank you, Dad, you're the best!" Tashvi exclaimed happily, heading towards her room.

"Tashvi, wait. I'd like to have a word with you," Deepankar called out, stopping Tashvi in her tracks. She turned around and walked back towards him, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

"What is it, Dad?" she asked, puzzled.

"Just a father-daughter chat. Come, sit," Deepankar said, motioning for Tashvi to sit in front of him. As she settled down, he began, "Tashvi, my child, you know I want to see you happy in your life. We're getting older, and I want someone to care for you like we do."

"What are you saying, Dad?" Tashvi asked, bewildered.

"Tashvi, I want you to get married," Deepankar said softly, his voice heavy with emotion.

"Dad, what?!" Tashvi exclaimed, shocked by his unexpected revelation.

"Yes, you heard me right. I want you to marry and have a happy life, my child," Deepankar said, a tinge of disappointment evident on his face.

"Who is he?" Tashvi asked, her father's hopeful expression prompting her curiosity.

"He is Aayan Rajvansh, the son of my business partner, Mr. Ashwin and Yashwardhan Rajvansh," Deepankar replied eagerly, hoping for Tashvi's agreement.

"What's his name?" she queried, noticing her father's heightened anticipation.

"Aayan Rajvansh," Deepankar said. Tashvi paused, trying to recall something. "Oh yes, that handsome jerk," she added, surprising her father.

"You know him?" Deepankar asked, perplexed.

"Yes, Dad, I know him. I once met him in college. He bumped into me and didn't even help when I fell. He just walked away. My friend had to help me up and told me he's Aayan Rajvansh, CEO of Rajvansh Empire. She even said, 'He's the most handsome and eligible bachelor!'" Tashvi recalled, shaking off the memory.

"So, that's what happened," Deepankar said, looking at her hopefully.

"Will you meet him tomorrow?" he asked, his expectations soaring.

"No, Dad, I can't marry someone I barely know. I want to pursue my dreams," Tashvi replied, trying to gracefully decline and avoid disappointing her father.

"But, beta, you can pursue your dreams after marriage. Your partner will support you," Deepankar argued, hoping to persuade her.

"Dad, marriage isn't the only path to happiness. I can be independent and make my own happiness," Tashvi insisted proudly.

"But, my child, marriage ensures your security. It's not just for you, but for our peace of mind knowing you're safe and loved," Deepankar said earnestly, his heart weighed down.

"Tashvi, please meet the guy we've chosen for you," he requested, looking at her with pleading eyes.

"Dad, marriage isn't the only way to make you happy. I can take care of myself and be happy," she replied, feeling a pang of guilt at her father's disappointment. Reluctantly, she nodded slightly, giving in to her father's wishes.

"Thank you, my child. I know after meeting him, you'll agree to the marriage," Deepankar said, relieved and hopeful.

"It's okay, Dad. I'll do anything for your happiness," Tashvi said with a forced smile, hiding her own doubts and fears.

"By the way, they're coming tomorrow for the marriage discussion," Deepankar added, catching Tashvi off guard.

"Oh," she replied, trying to process the suddenness of the impending meeting. With a heavy heart, she retreated to her room, her mind racing. The first thing she did was call her best friend.

"Kiara, please pick up. Pick up!" Tashvi muttered anxiously, waiting for her friend to answer.

"Hello?" Kiara finally answered.

"Kiara, you won't believe what happened today. My dad fixed my marriage!" Tashvi blurted out, the words tumbling out in a rush.

"Marriage?!" Kiara exclaimed, shocked.

"Don't shout. Yes, marriage," Tashvi replied, her voice tense.

"How is this possible?" Kiara asked incredulously.

"Yes, it's true. It already happened," Tashvi confirmed, feeling a mix of resignation and guilt.

"How did this happen?" Kiara asked, still struggling to grasp the situation.

"I agreed to meet the guy my family chose for me. I couldn't say no, seeing the disappointment on my dad's face. I agreed just to make him happy," Tashvi explained, sighing deeply.

"But, Tashvi, how could you agree? You're young, and what about your dreams?" Kiara protested, her concern evident.

"I know, Kiara, but I couldn't bear to disappoint my parents. I'm doing this for their happiness," Tashvi replied firmly.

"But, Tashvi, think about yourself," Kiara urged.

"It's okay, Kiara. Now is the time to think about my family. I agreed to the marriage for their sake," Tashvi said, her voice tinged with sadness and determination.

"No, Tashvi, it's not okay. I'll figure out a way to call off this marriage. Just wait and watch," Kiara declared, determined to help her friend.

"No, Kiara, please don't do anything. I don't want to hurt my parents. I just want to see them happy," Tashvi insisted, her resolve firm.

"If you say so, I won't interfere. But who is this man you're supposed to marry?" Kiara asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Aayan Rajvansh," Tashvi replied, the name heavy on her tongue.

"Don't tell me he's Aayan Rajvansh, that billionaire!" Kiara exclaimed, recognizing the name.

"You know him?" Tashvi asked, surprised.

"Who doesn't know him? He's the most handsome billionaire bachelor in the city. Everyone knows the Rajvansh family," Kiara explained excitedly.

"Is he that famous?" Tashvi asked, intrigued.

"Famous? His whole family is like celebrities in our city," Kiara replied, her voice filled with awe.

"I see. Well, I'm relieved that you know him too," Tashvi said, feeling a bit more reassured.

"But how will you adjust to this marriage?" Kiara asked, her concern for her friend evident.

"Don't worry, I'll manage. They say people can fall in love even after marriage. I'll try to find that love in my marriage," Tashvi said optimistically, trying to convince herself as much as Kiara.

"That's like my best friend. And soon, jiju won't be able to resist my pretty best friend," Kiara said proudly, using the nickname for Tashvi's future husband that made Tashvi cringe slightly.

"By the way, when are the families meeting?" Kiara asked, hoping to gather more details about the impending proposal.

"Tomorrow," Tashvi replied nervously.

"Tomorrow? That's so soon!" Kiara exclaimed, her voice rising with concern.

"I know, but what can we do?" Tashvi replied, her anxiety palpable.

"Okay, I'm coming to your house tomorrow morning. Is that alright?" Kiara asked, seeking permission from her friend.

"Kiara, it's your house too. You can come anytime you want," Tashvi replied with a sigh, knowing her friend's determination.

"Okay, bye then. See you tomorrow," Kiara said, ending the call with a promise.

*Tomorrow morning*

"Tashvi, wake up! The Rajvanshs are coming in two hours," Nandini called out, trying to rouse her daughter who was still asleep.

"Tashvi, wake up. Look, Kiara is

already here," Nandini tried again, but Tashvi remained asleep, prompting Kiara to take matters into her own hands.

"Aunty, wait, I know how to wake her up," Kiara said mischievously. She approached Tashvi and leaned in close, suddenly shouting in her ear, "GOOD MORNING, TASHVI! WAKE UP!"

Startled, Tashvi jolted awake, sitting upright in bed. She looked around, seeing Kiara and her mom laughing at her.

"You did this, didn't you?" Tashvi playfully threw a pillow at Kiara, hitting her square in the face. "How could you scare your lovely best friend like that?"

Nandini, watching the playful exchange, interjected, "Okay, enough of your best friend's drama. Come on, Tashvi, get up. The Rajvanshs are coming today, and we only have two hours left."

"Today? Oh, right, today," Tashvi muttered, lightly smacking her head as the realization dawned on her. "Now, go get ready quickly," Nandini urged, heading towards the door.

"Today, I will help my bestie get ready. I'm already telling you, you're going to look stunning. Well, you always look stunning, but today, you'll look extra special, and only Jiju will have eyes for you," Kiara said with a grin.

"Kiara, he's not your Jiju yet. Don't call him that; it's awkward," Tashvi replied, a hint of embarrassment on her face.

"Okay, okay, understood, ma'am. Now, go," Kiara said, playfully pushing Tashvi towards the bathroom. "Go take a bath, but be quick."

Tashvi emerged half an hour later.

Kiara, waiting eagerly, burst through the door with excitement. "Come on, Tashvi, sit down. What are you doing? We're almost out of time."

As Tashvi sat down in front of her mirror, Kiara skillfully began styling her hair. "Just five more minutes," Kiara assured her best friend.

"And done," Kiara declared finally, satisfied with her work. "Now, go and wear the saree I picked out for you," she instructed, pointing to the garment she had chosen.

"Why do I need to wear a saree? I could wear something more minimal," Tashvi suggested, eyeing the saree and wondering how she would manage it.

"Nope, you're wearing this. You're going to leave everyone speechless," Kiara insisted, cutting off Tashvi's protest. "No ifs or buts, just wear it."

Tashvi reluctantly nodded, a hint of a smile breaking through her uncertainty. Kiara beamed in response, leaving the room to give Tashvi some privacy.

After changing into a pink tissue silk saree, Tashvi looked at herself in the mirror. She felt both nervous and surprisingly beautiful.

Just then, the doorknob turned, and Kiara entered, unable to contain her excitement. "Oh my God, Tashvi, is that you? You look absolutely stunning. I guarantee everyone's eyes will be on you," she exclaimed, applying a dot of kajal behind Tashvi's ear and saying a quick prayer to ward off any evil eye.

"Thank you, Kiara. You look beautiful too, as always, just like my best friend," Tashvi replied warmly, returning the favor and applying a dot of kajal behind Kiara's ear.

"Kiara, Tashvi, what are you doing? Come downstairs; they'll be here in forty minutes. Help me out," Nandini called from downstairs.

"Let's go; otherwise, we'll get scolded," Kiara said, giggling as she and Tashvi desended the stairs together. Nandini and Deepankar stood in the hall, watching both of them  with pride and anticipation.

"Maa, Dad," Tashvi greeted them, hugging both her parents tightly. Nandini held Tashvi's hands, her eyes shimmering with affection.

"Tashvi, you look like an angel, my daughter. You're absolutely stunning," Nandini said softly, rubbing Tashvi's hand with her thumb.

"Thank you, Maa. You look beautiful too," Tashvi replied, hugging her mother once again.

"Okay, enough of the mother-daughter moment. Dad wants to compliment his daughter too," Deepankar teased, kissing Tashvi's forehead affectionately.

"Dad, you're looking handsome. Wow," Tashvi complimented, making Deepankar chuckle with delight.

"Uncle, Aunty, Tashvi, all of you look great. Let's get going; we don't have much time left for the preparations,"kiara interjected, sensing the need to move things along.

"Oh, yes, Tashvi, Kiara, come with me to the kitchen. I need your help," Nandini said, leading the way towards the kitchen.

Thirty minutes later, two black cars pulled up at the mansion's entrance, and four people stepped out. Deepankar greeted them warmly.

"Welcome, Mr. Rajvansh. Namaste, Mrs. Rajvansh," Deepankar welcomed them, touching their feet for blessings.

"Don't call me Mr. Rajvansh; we are going to be family now," Yashwardhan replied with a smile, as Deepankar reciprocated, nodding warmly.

"There you are. It's been a long time," Deepankar said, embracing Ashwin. "Namaste, Mrs. Amina ji," he greeted Amina with a traditional namaste.

"Where is Aayan?" Deepankar asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"He'll be here soon. He's stuck in a meeting," Ashwin replied awkwardly.

"Alright, come, have a seat," Deepankar invited them all inside, and they settled into the living room for a long-awaited reunion.

"Deepankar, where is your daughter?" Ashwin inquired suddenly, breaking the ice.

"She's in the kitchen helping her mother. Should I call her?" Deepankar asked, ever the gracious host.

"No, no, it's fine. She must be busy," Ashwin replied, waving off the suggestion. Just then, Tashvi entered the hall, followed closely by Kiara.

"Namaste, Uncle. Namaste, Aunty," Tashvi greeted them respectfully, touching their feet for blessings.

"You look beautiful, beta," Amina complimented, smiling warmly at Tashvi.

"You look beautiful too, Aunty," Tashvi replied cheekily, returning the compliment.

As they all sat together, catching up and exchanging pleasantries, a car honked loudly outside the mansion.

"Tashvi, look who's here," Deepankar prompted, gesturing for her to see. Tashvi glanced around, but there was no one in sight. Just then, a man in a sharp black tuxedo stepped out of a car, looking impeccably groomed and undeniably handsome.

Tashvi couldn't help but stare at him, her gaze momentarily fixed on his presence as he approached. She quickly averted her eyes, her heart racing with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension

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Hello Readers it's your Author here

So guess who is the man that Tashvi couldn't get her eyes off

I don't know if it is getting boring I am writing for the first time so please compromise a little I promise I will improve further when writing 😭🫶🏻