I return from the office late at night, completely drained after a long and tiring day. The moment I reach home, I freshen up and take a warm shower, hoping it will wash away some of the exhaustion.

Soon after, Papa, Rohan, and I sit together for dinner.

As always, dinner turns into our little family ritual—sharing stories about our day, complaining about work, laughing over silly things, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

Once we're done, I head back to my room.

The moment I enter, I throw myself onto the bed with a tired thud and close my eyes.

Just for a moment.

But before I can even relax, my phone suddenly rings.

I lazily reach for it and glance at the screen.

Shaurya.

My lips instantly curve into a smile.

That smile—the one that appears without permission whenever his name flashes on my screen.

Of course, it does.

He is my love…

I quickly answer the call.“Hello! So, you finally found some time?” I say, trying my best to sound angry. “It’s been two whole days, Shaurya. Two days! No calls, no texts. Do you even remember that you have a girlfriend?”

I hear him chuckle softly from the other side.“Devu, I know you’re really angry with me..But I was completely tied up with company work for the past two days.”

My annoyance slowly fades.I know how seriously he takes his responsibilities. And somewhere in my heart, I know he wouldn't intentionally ignore me.

Before I can respond, his voice turns slightly playful.“But I have some good news for you.”

I immediately sit up.“Good news?”

He said“Yes. And I’m pretty sure it’s going to make you incredibly happy.”

My curiosity takes over.“What is it?”

There is a small pause.

Then he says,“I’ve convinced Mom and Papa about our marriage.”

My eyes widen.“What?”“And they’re coming tomorrow…”

He pauses deliberately.“…to formalize our alliance.”

For a few seconds, I just sit there, completely stunned.

Did I hear that right?

Then reality finally sinks in.

I practically jump out of bed.“Really, Shaurya?”

I can barely contain the happiness in my voice.

He chuckled “Yes, my darling.”

A huge smile spreads across my face."Okay! I’ll tell Papa!see u tomorrow with my soon to be laws ..love you... "

He replied," love you too..."

I don't even wait for him to say anything else before ending the call.

The next second, I start dancing around my room like a little girl.

I laugh.

I twirl.

I even hug my pillow in excitement.

Shaurya and I…

We’re actually going to get married.

But suddenly, I stop.

Papa.

I need to tell Papa right now!

Still overflowing with excitement, I rush out of my room and shout at the top of my voice,“Papa! Rohan! Come quickly!”

Within seconds, both of them step out of their respective rooms.

Papa looks at me, slightly confused by my sudden excitement.“Hey, Devu, what happened? Why are you so happy?”

I look at Papa.

Then at Rohan.

I try to control my smile, but fail miserably.“Just imagine…”

They both exchange confused glances.“Imagine what?” Rohan asks.

I take a deep breath, my heart pounding with excitement.“Papa…”

I pause dramatically.“Shaurya is coming tomorrow with his parents…”

Their eyes immediately turn toward me.“

…to finalize our wedding!”

For a moment, silence fills the room.

And then Papa's face lights up with pure happiness.“Really, beta?”

I nod enthusiastically.“Yes, Papa!”

Rohan's lips immediately curve into a mischievous smile.“So that means…”

He looks at me teasingly.“Shaurya bhaiya is officially going to become my brother-in-law!”

My cheeks instantly turn pink.“Rohan!”I playfully swat his arm, making him laugh.

Papa watches us with a warm smile.“I am so happy for you, beta.”

His words make my smile soften.

Without thinking twice, I walk toward him and wrap my arms around him in a tight hug.“Thank you, Papa…”

My voice turns emotional.“Thank you for accepting Shaurya.”

Papa gently places his hand on my head and strokes my hair lovingly.“It is my duty, beta.”

He pauses for a moment before adding softly,“Your happiness is my happiness.”

My eyes filled with emotion.For a moment, I simply hold him tighter.

There is so much warmth in his words. So much love.

And just when the moment becomes a little too emotional“Hey! What about me?”Rohan's dramatic voice breaks the silence.

I pull away from Papa and look at him.

He stands there with an exaggeratedly offended expression.

“What about you?” I ask, trying not to laugh.

He points toward himself.“I’m also part of this family, you know! No one is going to hug me?”

Papa and I burst into laughter.

And just like that, our home fills with laughter, happiness, and the excitement of a beautiful new beginning.