“My heart is, and will always be, yours,” the line read. Jane Austen. Never fails to amaze me with such lines and makes me believe in love even if I may have lost mine.I closed the book, as I heard the pilot announcing to us to fasten your seatbelts for the landing.

Delhi. The city I was born in and the city which I left behind a few years ago. Here I come back, to meet a stranger whom my family has selected. I close my eyes and like every time, that last hug flashes in front of me. I progressed in life but love never came to me.

Those 7 days of my life never faded away. I feel like letting him go away was a mistake I had made. We would have found our commitment, after all life is uncertain. I can't plan or predict my future and let go of people whom I love dearly.

My hopes were crashing day after day. I could have contacted him and maybe lived our life but wouldn't that be unfair to him ? I don't know how but I never had the courage to connect with him after the wedding. Love finds its way and I believe our story would find it's ending if it still hasn't.

I moved out of the airport with my luggage, where my brother stood, grinning at me as soon as he spotted me. Oh how much I missed him! I moved towards him and hugged him. “I missed you bhai,” I whispered. “Me too, my little sister, but we better get going or else your bhabhi is gonna kill me for keeping you away,” he laughed.

We settled in the car and talked about random topics until we reached home. I stepped out of the car and inhaled the air, home sweet home. I quickly rushed into the house where dad was sitting on the sofa looking at his watch time and again, while mom was ordering all the servants along with bhabhi. I tiptoed towards dad and softly whispered, “I am back home dad,” as tears rolled down my eyes. He quickly turned around and hugged me.

“I missed you!” I said. I came out of his embrace and ran towards mom who was standing and seeing the emotional scene unfold. No one could replace the warmth of a mother, is what I believe. I wiped my tears and turned towards my best friend, “Stop grinning like a fool, Ana,” she grumbled.

“Aww, my dear best friend, I am sorry na,”

“Yaya, whatever, better come home regularly than saying sorry,” she mumbled. I pouted and showed her my best puppy eyes. She did finally melt and after the family emotional meeting, we had our lunch peacefully.

“Ana, you are meeting that guy today,” bhabhi said as if it was a no big deal. “What!!” I shrieked. “I have just come home and you say, I meet that guy today itself! At Least give me some time,” I continued. “Ana,” mom called me. “It isn’t a big deal. You are just meeting him, not marrying,”

“But-” I tried. “Ana,” she pleaded to end it here.

“Fine! I will be in my room, just tell me the time and place where I have to meet him, I will be ready,” I said. “Sunshine cafe, 6:30 PM.” bhabhi immediately answered. I nodded and moved out of the dining room. Processing the news, I wasn't still ready for it. I still had hopes and it wasn't like I had to say yes to this proposal. It was just for mom.

I laid down on my bed for a quick nap which was indeed very quick as I now sat in front of my dressing table with bhabhi doing my hair and makeup. “You better keep it light!” I warned my bestie.

“Oh just see my magic babes,” she grinned and continued whatever she was doing. I was wearing light mint green kurti with a little embroidery on the sleeves and a similar colour pants. As my makeup was being done, I quickly wore my small diamond studs.

“No, no! Not the red lipstick, hand me my lip balm!” I exclaimed. She just sighed but didn't argue knowing that it wasn't up for a debate. I applied it and then wore my heels, all set and ready to go. I wasn't open about this relationship but I had to give it a shot.

I moved down and quickly waved everyone goodbye, heading towards the cafe. Half an hour later, here I was sitting at a cafe, waiting for the guy to enter. Oh remind me how much I hate late comers and this guy is definitely one!

“Sorry, sorry-” that voice was familiar as hell and there's no way he could be the guy I was arranged to! I snapped my head and was met with the same eyes I fell in love with, I immediately stood up and launched myself at him taking him off-guard. Thankfully the place wasn't quite crowded cause I hate attention and embarrassment.

“Yes!” I exclaimed as I moved out of the hug while he still stood there in shock.

“Yes for?” he snapped out of his trance.

“For this marriage, idiot,” I said.

“I didn't know you were this eager to marry! First let's take our seats and discuss this,” he said.

“So, it's a no-”

“Ana, sit down,” he immediately shut me.

We both settled down and ordered some drinks as we weren't allowed to sit in a cafe just to talk. Isn't it obvious? Duh!

“Ana, was that yes reserved for me or any guy that would have popped up here?” he questioned.

“Of course for you! But why the hell were you here to meet a girl?” I sounded like a jealous girlfriend at this point.

“For the same reason as you were here to meet some random man!” he countered back. We both looked at each other and bursted out laughing!

“Okay let's get serious,” I started. “Firstly, I am sorry for this whole six months mishap. I missed you like hell and in no way I am letting you go this time. I was scared of commitment at that point and the fact that I had known you for only a week didn't help either. But these six months somehow made me realise that love doesn't need time. It's a natural process and I guess I found mine in a very short time.” I completed it.

“Okay! That was a good speech but can I finally say the three magical words!? I was dying these six months to say that and you didn't even leave any contacts for me. And I being an idiot accepted that when I shouldn't have,” he sounded eager. I just nodded with a red hue on my cheeks.

“I can't promise a happy go lucky life but I can surely promise commitment and loyalty. I can promise love and support. I can promise trust and togetherness. I love you, Anaysa,” he made his impromptu short speech since he wasn't ready to meet her here but whatever he said was better than those long boring proposal speeches. But the long speeches cannot be avoided, so they may come later on.

“I love you too,” Ana whispered as she leaned forward and quickly pecked his cheeks.

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Hey guys,

This brings us to the end of ‘Meant to be’ - my first short story. Not quite upto the mark but considering its my first, I assume I would get better at it. I hope you all liked it and also we have an epilogue coming up! Do leave your comments about how did you find the story so that I can improve, constructive criticism would be appreciated 🤍

Next story is ready, the plot is finalized, I just need to pen it down. Will be back soon, with something interesting and better ❤️