Ananya’s Pov:

Yesterday, the senior officer announced that the top three groups who did best in the project, they’re going to hire them. They announced it after we submitted the projects. Not fair right. But we did our best. So, hope for the best. We don’t have to do projects anymore. We just need to help the other seniors with their works till they announce the result. Hopefully it’ll be out in a week. Neeraj seems lost this week, don’t know what happen to him. He never out of focus from his work and when I asked, he just shooed me away telling nothing is going on. But I can tell something is bothering him.

And talking about my life, I’m just going with the flow. Don’t know where I’ll end up. Shiv is scared of Papa since he has called him. Scared is just a mere word to describe his situation. He was shocked at least for two days. Whenever he called just asked me, am I going to get approved from sir for our marriage? What if he doesn’t like me? Yeah, it’s all start with what if…I have never seen him paranoid like this before.

*****

One week later…

The top three groups name along with their projects announced.

“The top three groups are Vaibhav and Rajesh, Saloni and Payel, Neeraj and Ananya. Congratulations guys and we’re officially welcome you guys to our company. The other groups, you also did well but sorry, we can’t hire you all. But I’ll recommend you to other companies. Best wishes for your future endeavours.”

I informed Mummy, Papa, Mom, Shiv, Avi and Harshi about my selection. They’re very happy for me and congratulate me. Shiv and Avi are happy that I’ll be in Delhi. I’m also happy that I don’t have to go door to door in different companies looking for job. Most especially I don’t have to relocate in a new city. I hate adjustment.

When I returned after the calls, I see Neeraj coming out from the Senior manager office.

“Hey, why did you go there? Did they call us?”

“No. Ananya I need to tell you something.”

“Ok, tell me.”

“I’m not going to work here.”

“What? Why? Neeraj, this is a good opportunity. We won’t get job in our hand like we got it here. We had to struggle many years to get a post in a reputed company. Nowadays you know how hard to get a job?”

“Yes, I know but I did this internship just to feel like others, you know going to an office 9 to 5, feel the office environment. But I have never thought to settle or do an office job. I did this for my experience.”

“Then what are you going to do, Neeraj? I think you already thought and planned about it.”

“Yes, I’m going to take over my family business. You already know, how dad increased his business though it’s small compared to others. But now I want to take the responsibilities from him. I can’t take a 9 to 5 job and left what he earned puts his blood and sweat.”

“That’s why we were distracted after the announcement?”

“Yes, I knew we’ll be in top three.” He said with a grin. A grin that tell I’ve confidence on myself and my abilities.

“Neeraj, you already made your decision in fact you came here with your goal in your mind. I can’t divert your mind and request you to take the job here. I respect your decision. So, all I can say is I’m proud of you. I’m sure your parent too. I hope every parent get a son like you.”

“Thank you. I’m lucky that I got a friend like you. Don’t ever change. You’re charming in every way.”

“Is this our good bye speech?”

“No, I’ll definitely come to your marriage with Shiv even if you don’t invite me.”

“You have to. So, you already told your decision to senior.”

“Umm…yes.”

“Ok.”

*****

Shiv’s Pov:

I’m heading to Delhi. This time I took rest of the left days for leave. I’m trying to keep my heart in my rib cage. I hope everything goes well.

After I reached home, I told the current scenario to mom and she told me we’ll go asap to Dehradun. She is sad remembering dad, said “if your dad were here with us today, he won’t let this happen like it happened. And how happy he would have been for your marriage.”

*****

We went to Dehradun. Ani was here before we came. They welcomed us; I could say wholeheartedly but Sir’s face was serious. He directly told me he wanted to talk with me, alone.

“I know even if I try to find your negative points, I couldn’t able to find any. So, I won’t scare you with my talks or Ani’s mother would be angry with me. Moreover, you both already selected each other, now I can’t do anything or Ani would be hurt. I never say no to her and I won’t. If I’m handing my daughter’s hand to you that means I trust you enough. So, don’t let me down and regret on my own decision.” Tears brimming in his eyes but he turned and wiped it. I kneel down in front of him. This was just a gesture to show how thankful I’m. A father gave his precious daughter’s hand in me. Even if I said I could understand his feelings, I knew I couldn’t. only he knew how it felt to let go off daughter’s hand to another man.

“I won’t let you down ever sir. I’m sorry if I hurt you unintentionally. I’m very thankful to you for trusting me with your daughter. I know Ani is so close to your heart. From now on I’m taking the responsibilities to keep her happy and protect her from everything. I won’t disappoint you.”

“Get up son and don’t call me sir now.” He hugged me.

I never thought he would agree this easily. But I can tell he was sad thinking letting go Ani. Daughters are treasure and so precious and close to heart of their dad. I can understand his feelings. How it is hard for him. We came out of the room, mom and mummy were tensed but when they saw the smile in our face, they knew it. They hugged each other and congratulate each other feeding sweets.

“So, you both thought regarding the wedding? When do you want it to happen?” Ani’s mom asked.

“For marriage we need to see the auspicious days.” Ani’s father said.

“I don’t want a big wedding, a gurudwara wedding and a small reception would be fine with me.” Ani said looking at me. I know she hates to become the centre of attention and hate to being in a crowd. We also agreed with her.

That day mom gave Ani a Bengal which was given by my grandma when mom and dad’s marriage was fixed.

*****

After we got confirmation from Ani’s father, we called our closest relatives from my mom and dad’s and inform about my wedding. One day Ani’s dad, my would-be father-in-law called mom and told that there was an auspicious day for wedding in that month. If we were ready then he could fix that day. My would-be father-in-law said Ani didn’t have any problem. He already asked her. If she was ready then I didn’t have to think about it anymore, I also said yes.

We got engaged in the presence of our both closest relatives.

Mom send the invitations to the guest from our side.

For wedding Ani and I both invited Harshi. But I threatened Harshi if she won’t come to mine as a sister of the groom then our brother-sister relation would be end. I learned this threatening skill from her only. Don’t blame me.

Ani has her brother and don’t forget about Avi. I felt alone. And I called Harshi my sister that means I really think her as my sister. I invited her family too but they couldn’t come to attend it but they gave their blessings.

*****

We got married with the blessings of God, our parents and relatives. We thought it would be a small wedding but when we prepared the guest list for the reception then we realised I won’t be a smaller one.

None the less the wedding reception went accordingly how we planned.

Currently we’re on honeymoon. In the paradise of India Kashmir, only for three days. Because my leaves are going to be end in two days. I’ve to report to unit in three days. That’s the life of a soldier. But this time it won’t be easy to leave home, leaving behind my beautiful new bride, my love. But wherever I go she is and always will be in my heart.

*****