My parents were here in Mumbai. Today was the day I was going to see the girl my parents wanted me to get married to.

I didn't even know her name, let alone seen her picture.

At the moment, we were in the house, getting ready. Yes, we have a house in Mumbai. It's very much needed.

I wore a casual outfit. Black pair of jeans, a white button down shirt, rolling up the sleeves.

I matched the outfit with a pair of white converse.

I styled my hair, wore my watch, and was ready to go.

I walked downstairs to see my parents, ready, waiting at the door.

"Chale?" I asked.

"Haa, chalo, chalte hai. Waise bhi time hogaya." My dad said, and walked out of the house.

While dad was telling me the route, the only thing I could think about was what if we were going to Shyra's house. But I don't think that's possible. Dad said we're going to one of his friend's place for dinner. He also said that it was their anniversary today, and that's why we got some gifts too. It was Shyra's parents anniversary too! And that day even Shyra said that her father's friend's family is coming to see her.

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?

We finally reached the place.

The watchman spoke to dad for a minute before letting the car in, while I caught a glimpse of the name plate near the gate, while the gate was opening.

Aashiyana

Okay. The house name was Aashiyana. Nice, I thought.

I parked the car and got out.

I saw a man walking out of the door. He was about my dad's age.

"Lokesh!" He exclaimed walking towards dad and hugging him.

"Arre bhabi ji, kaise ho?" He asked mom.

"Sab badiya. Aap kaise ho? Sharmila kaha hai?" Mom asked him.

"She's inside making some arrangements. Come on in." The man.

"Hi Rahul. How're you?" He asked me.

"I'm good uncle. How're you?" I smiled.

"All good beta. Come in."

He escorted us in.

"Sharmila, they're here." He called out.

Soon enough, a woman about my mom's age walked out of the kitchen.

"Hello. Sorry sorry. I was busy in the kitchen. She said.

They started talking, me paying no attention as I was busy looking around the house. It was beautiful.

"Oh, happy anniversary!" My mom wished, and that's when I came out of my thoughts.

"We got you guys some gifts. Rahul, go get them." My mom told me.

"Rajeshwari, it wasn't needed." I could hear aunty say while I was walking out.

I got the gifts and came inside, locking the door behind me.

I turned around and saw Shyra!

She was wearing a black anarkali suit. She looked so beautiful.

"Shyra?" I asked, in a confused tone.

She looked at me happily, but then her expressions changed into a confused one, and then realisation hit the both of us.

"I'm getting married to you?" We both asked in unison.

"You both know each other?" Mom asked.

"Yeah aunty, we're really good friends." Shyra replied.

"Oh that's nice then." Mom said.

Before I could react, mom took the gifts from my hand, and gave it to aunty and uncle.

They thanked them, and handed the boxes over to Shyra to keep them in their bedroom.

I could see Shyra struggling with them, and so I decided to help her.

"Here, give me one."

We then walked to the bedroom quietly.

Just as we entered the bedroom, she turned towards me and said,

"My joke actually turned into reality!"

She started laughing. I couldn't help but laugh along.

"This is so funny." I said, shaking my head.

We kept the gifts on the bed and made our way downstairs.

Everyone were seated on the couch, and so we joined them.

"So how do you both know each other?" Her mom asked.

"We met through Athiya. We hit it off quite well, I guess, and became really good friends." Shyra shrugged, smiling.

"Well, so now, both of you know why we're here." Dad started.

"And seeing that, you guys are really good friends too, you can make this happen. Talk it out if you guys want to." He added.

"Yeah, this is a huge decision, we don't really want to force you guys into this. It's your decision, alright. Go out in the balcony or the yard, and speak about it." Her mom said.

"Shall we?" Shyra asked, standing up.

I nodded and followed her.

"Typical arrange marriages." I heard her hiss quietly.

I chuckled at her behaviour.

We were now at the balcony, taking a view of the surroundings.

Mumbai is beautiful at night.

"So....." She started.

"So?"

"This is funny." She chuckled.

"I don't know what to say." She added.

"You know, while on the way to your house, I had a thought like what if I'm going to Shyra's place to see her. And well.." I shrugged.

She looked at me, chuckling.

"So why do you want to get married?" I asked her.

"To be honest, my parents really want me to get married and, you know, get settled in life. So, I guess, I'm just fulfilling their wish." She said.

"You?" She asked quickly.

"Well, same reason." I chuckled.

"And honestly speaking, at this age I really want someone I can come home to and relax. You know someone I can actually share everything going on in my life. God, I sound so old." I said, making a face, while saying the last line.

"I was just about to say that." She laughed.

Soon her laughter died and we were occupied with silence. A peaceful silence though.

"I don't mind, Shyra." I said breaking the silence.

"As in?" She asked.

"I don't mind. I'm okay with this marriage." I said.

"So, it's a yes from your side?" She smiled.

"Yeah, it's a yes." I smiled back.

"Well then, I don't have any reason to say no. So, even I'm cool with this." She giggled.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Yes."

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