"In the arithmetic of love, one plus one equals everything, and two minus one equals nothing."

Ayushi fidgeted nervously with the edge of her scarf as she stood outside the upscale restaurant, her heart pounding with anticipation. This was her first arranged marriage meeting, and she couldn't shake off the jitters that had settled deep within her.

Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Ayushi glanced at the address her stepmother had sent her earlier. She was about to meet Aryan, the prospective groom, at this very posh restaurant. Her mind raced with a flurry of thoughts - Would they hit it off? Would Aryan like her? Would she like him? 

Summoning her courage, Ayushi stepped inside the restaurant, her eyes darting around as she tried to appear composed. The ambience was elegant, with soft lighting and plush furnishings, adding to her apprehension.

Approaching the receptionist, Ayushi cleared her throat before speaking, "Excuse me, I'm here to meet someone. The table should be booked under Aryan's name."

The receptionist smiled warmly, noting Ayushi's nervous demeanour. "Of course, ma'am. Right this way, please," she said, gesturing for Ayushi to follow her.

Ayushi offered a grateful nod and followed the receptionist as she led the way through the restaurant's chic interior. Each step felt like an eternity as Ayushi's heart raced with anticipation.

Finally, they arrived at a secluded table tucked away in a cosy corner of the restaurant. Ayushi thanked the receptionist with a polite smile as she took her seat, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation swirling within her.

As she sat there, she glanced at her reflection in the polished silverware on the table, adjusting her hair and smoothing down her outfit nervously. She had worn a simple magenta-coloured salwar suit, the very same apparel her stepmother had ordered her to. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the meeting that was about to unfold, her heart fluttering with anticipation as she waited for Aryan to arrive. 

As Ayushi anxiously awaited Aryan's arrival, she couldn't help but steal glances at the entrance, her heart pounding in her chest. Suddenly, amidst the chatter of the restaurant, a tall figure caught her eye, making his grand entrance with a confident stride.

Aryan stood tall and sturdy, exuding a charismatic aura that commanded attention. His rugged features bore a striking resemblance to the famous YouTuber, Elvish Yadav, with his sharp jawline and piercing eyes.

As he approached her table, Ayushi couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves mixed with curiosity. She rose to her feet, offering a polite smile as she prepared to greet him.

But before she could utter a word, Aryan surprised her by extending his hand for a handshake. Ayushi hesitated for a moment, taken aback by his bold gesture, but quickly composed herself and shook his hand firmly.

Their eyes met, and Ayushi couldn't help but notice the intensity in Aryan's gaze. There was something different about the way he looked at her, a glimmer of intrigue mingled with admiration that sent a shiver down her spine.

As they exchanged pleasantries and settled into conversation, the initial tension gradually melted away, replaced by a sense of ease and familiarity. They delved into conversation, discussing their respective backgrounds, interests, and aspirations, like any normal arranged marriage date.

However, as the conversation flowed, Aryan's revelation brought a sudden twist to the meeting. With a warm smile, he confessed, "You know, Ayushi, I actually remember seeing you before. It was at a wedding of one of my friends a while back."

Ayushi's eyes widened in surprise, her curiosity piqued. "Really? I don't recall meeting you there," she replied, trying to recollect any memory of encountering Aryan at the wedding.

Aryan chuckled softly, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "I didn't approach you then, but I couldn't forget the impression you left on me. After that wedding, I couldn't stop thinking about you, and I finally mustered the courage to approach my parents about taking our Rishta to your house."

Ayushi's heart skipped a beat at his words, a mix of astonishment and intrigue swirling within her. She hadn't expected such a revelation, but there was something undeniably charming about Aryan's candidness and sincerity.

But before Ayushi could surmise her feelings, Aryan shared another surprising revelation that left Ayushi dumbfounded. "You know, Ayushi, when I first proposed the idea of marrying you to your parents, they were a bit hesitant. But then, when they learned about the customs of our family, especially the tradition of giving cash and gifts to the bride's side, they were more than willing to move forward."

Ayushi's eyes widened in shock as she processed Aryan's words. 

Feeling a mix of disbelief and curiosity, Ayushi couldn't help but ask, "Wait, so you're saying that my family got ready for this because you'll be giving them cash and gifts?"

Aryan nodded, his expression reflecting understanding. "Yes, it seems that way. Our families have quite contrasting customs, but I believe that's what makes our union unique and special."

Ayushi was left speechless, her mind buzzing with thoughts and emotions. It was a revelation that challenged her preconceived notions about her family and opened her eyes to the abyss her parents could stoop to. She couldn't help but feel a pang of humiliation and embarrassment hit her. 

Her eyes welled up with tears as a wave of shame washed over her. She couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment and embarrassment at realizing the extent to which her parents prioritized material gain in their decision-making process. It was a sobering moment that made her question her own values and upbringing, leaving her grappling with a mix of emotions she had never experienced before. 

"I am so sorry, Aryan. I don't know what to say about this. I was just against the idea of dowry but in our case, it seems like you're giving us dowry. I am really sorry on behalf of my family," with wobbling lips, Ayushi cried out, feeling pathetic about her parents. 

Seeing Ayushi's glistening eyes, Aryan quickly rose from his chair, his concern evident in his expression. With a gentle yet reassuring touch, he reached out to Ayushi, offering her a supportive hand.

"Sshh. Not a word now. I love you and you're going to be my wife, not your parents. So for you, I can give a hell lot of money to them, not a big problem at all. You're very precious to me not my money," Aryan whispered with so much love in his eyes. Ayushi just stared at him. It felt so surreal. It was the first time a boy was so near to her.

Ayushi was dumbfounded by Aryan's sudden declaration of love. Her mind raced, trying to comprehend the depth of his feelings. As she struggled to find her words, Aryan gently reached out, sensing her confusion.

"Let me explain," he began, his voice earnest and tender. "The truth is, I've fallen in love with you since the moment I laid eyes on you at my friend's wedding."

Ayushi's eyes widened in disbelief, she didn't know the depth of his feelings for her until now. 

"You were there for a stranger in need, without hesitation or reservation," Aryan continued, his gaze unwavering as he spoke. "That's when I knew there was something special about you, something worth cherishing." She then remembered that wedding, the chaos of a child's mishap, and her instinctive response to help. Little did she know, Aryan had witnessed her act of kindness, his admiration growing with each passing moment.

Ayushi's heart swelled with warmth, her cheeks flushing at his heartfelt words. Never had she imagined that her simple gesture could leave such a profound impression on someone.

"I want you to know, Ayushi, that I'm willing to go to any length for you," Aryan confessed, his voice brimming with sincerity. "I'll be there to support you, to lift you up, and to love you with all that I am."

Overwhelmed by his unwavering devotion, Ayushi felt tears welling in her eyes. Here was a man who saw her for who she truly was, who valued her kindness and compassion above all else. In that moment, she knew she was experiencing a love unlike any other, one that filled her with hope and boundless joy. 

Maybe she could give him a chance? 

Suddenly, Aryan got on his knees in a proposing manner and spoke out the three magical words, "I love you, Ayushi. Will you be my bride?."

Ayushi was utterly baffled when Aryan dropped to one knee and proposed marriage to her. It all felt too surreal, too perfect to be true. 

As she stared at Aryan, his eyes ablaze with sincerity and love, Ayushi couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty gnawing at her heart. Was this happening too fast? Was she ready for such a commitment? 

Despite her stepmother's warning echoing in her mind, urging her to say yes to this marriage, Ayushi found herself unable to commit to Aryan's proposal. Though she appreciated their conversation and Aryan's sincerity, something within her hesitated to make such a significant decision hastily. Defying her mother's expectations, Ayushi mustered the courage to express her need for more time to contemplate their potential future together, determined to listen to her own instincts rather than succumbing to external pressure.

"I... I need some time," she stammered, her voice trembling with uncertainty. He got up to his seat with a forlorn smile and nodded his head in understanding, "You take your time, no hurry". 

As the evening drew to a close, Aryan dropped Ayushi off at her PG, she couldn't help but think about Aryan. He seemed so sure, so confident in his love for her. But Ayushi knew that she needed more time, more moments shared together, to truly understand what she felt.

Whatever the future held, she knew that taking things slow was the right choice for her. And perhaps, in time, her heart would lead her to the answer she sought. 

~

As soon as Ayushi reached her PG, her phone buzzed with a call from her stepmother. With a sigh, she answered, expecting the barrage of questions that would follow.

"Did you meet him? How was it? Did you say yes?" her stepmother fired off rapid-fire questions, her tone tinged with impatience.

Ayushi took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm brewing within her. "No, I didn't say yes. I said I need some time to think," she replied evenly, bracing herself for the inevitable backlash.

"What do you mean you didn't say yes?" her stepmother's voice rose in anger. "Do you realize what a great opportunity this is for you? Do you know how much we've invested in this alliance?"

Ayushi felt her temper flare at her stepmother's words. How could she reduce her to nothing but a business, a pawn in their game of social climbing? "I'm not some commodity to be bought and sold!" she snapped, her voice trembling with anger. "I won't be pressured into a marriage just for the sake of money and status!"

There was a stunned silence on the other end of the line, broken only by Ayushi's ragged breaths. She knew she had crossed a line, but she couldn't bring herself to regret it. For the first time in her life, she had stood up for herself, refusing to be bound by the expectations and demands of others.  

"You ungrateful girl! How dare you speak to me like that!" her stepmother's voice echoed through the phone, dripping with malice. The barrage of verbal abuse was relentless, each word cutting deeper than the last. But Ayushi refused to cower under her stepmother's wrath.

Ayushi clenched her jaw, her fingers tightening around the phone as her stepmother continued her tirade. But then came the threat, sharp and chilling, promising to snatch away the newfound freedom that Ayushi had fought so hard to claim.

"Fine, do whatever you want," Ayushi muttered defiantly, her voice tinged with bitterness. And with that, she ended the call, cutting off her stepmother's tirade mid-sentence.

Switching off her phone, Ayushi tossed it aside and sank back onto her bed, the weight of her defiance settling heavily on her shoulders. But despite the storm raging around her, she felt a strange sense of calm wash over her. For the first time in her life, she had spoken up for herself, refusing to be cowed by threats or intimidation. And as she closed her eyes, she vowed to never let anyone silence her again.

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

As Dhruv's family engaged in polite conversation with the prospective bride's family, Dhruv felt like he was drowning in a sea of guilt and discomfort. Despite the outward calmness he tried to maintain, a storm raged within him, threatening to consume him whole.

Every smile he forced felt like a betrayal to his girlfriend, whose face haunted his thoughts like a constant reminder of the love he was jeopardizing. He longed to confess the truth to his family, to shed the weight of his deceit and embrace his love openly. But the fear of their disapproval kept him shackled in silence, suffocating him with each passing moment.

Deep down, Dhruv had already made up his mind about this alliance. He knew there could be no future with this girl whom he had not even seen yet, no matter how pleasant the conversation would be on the surface. But for now, he played along, masking his inner turmoil behind a facade of politeness, all for the sake of appeasing his conservative family.

Dhruv's eyes widened in shock when he finally caught a glimpse of the prospective bride's face who trudged towards them with a coy smile. It was none other than the college's most infamous girl, known for her string of boyfriends and scandalous reputation. Instantly, a surge of anger and disbelief coursed through Dhruv's veins, threatening to erupt like a dormant volcano.

Unable to contain his rage any longer, Dhruv abruptly rose from his seat, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. The facade of politeness shattered as he struggled to mask his fury. How could his family even consider such a match? Didn't they know the kind of person she was, the chaos and drama she brought wherever she went? Didn't they check her background?

Every ounce of frustration and indignation bubbled to the surface as Dhruv's mind raced with a million thoughts and questions. How could they expect him to marry someone like her, someone whose very presence ignited a firestorm of emotions within him? 

In a moment of raw honesty, Dhruv's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "I'm sorry, but I cannot marry her," he declared firmly, his words ringing with finality. The air in the room grew thick with disbelief, as both families exchanged bewildered glances.

Manisha's parents, who had been brimming with hope and anticipation just moments before, now wore expressions of shock and dismay. Their faces paled, mirroring the sudden turn of events that shattered their carefully laid plans. The prospect of their daughter marrying into wealth and prestige faded before their eyes, leaving behind a bitter taste of disappointment.

Even Manisha herself, the prospective bride, couldn't conceal her shock at Dhruv's abrupt refusal. Her dreams of marrying into affluence and security were dashed in an instant, leaving her stunned and disheartened.

As Dhruv's resolute "no" hung in the air, the room seemed to freeze in anticipation. His grandmother, her usually gentle demeanour momentarily replaced by a stern expression, cleared her throat before speaking. "Dhruv, my boy," she began, her voice steady but tinged with concern, "why would you refuse such a good match?"

Manisha's parents, still reeling from the unexpected turn of events, echoed the sentiment with furrowed brows and anxious glances. "Yes, Dhruv," Mr. and Mrs. Rajawat chimed in unison, their voices fraught with worry, "what reason could you possibly have for declining this proposal?"

The weight of their collective gaze bore down on Dhruv, each pair of eyes silently urging him to provide an explanation for his seemingly incomprehensible decision. In that charged moment, Dhruv knew he couldn't evade the question any longer. With a deep breath, he prepared to reveal the truth that had been weighing heavily on his heart.

"She's a slut," he spoke out loudly, which received the gasps from the people present there.

As Dhruv's words hung in the air, Mr. Rajawat's face contorted with rage, his eyes ablaze with fury. "How dare you speak about my daughter in such a manner!" he thundered, his voice reverberating through the room like a clap of thunder. His hands trembled with indignation as he struggled to contain his anger.

In the face of his outburst, Dhruv remained composed, though his tone was firm as he spoke. "I apologize if my words have offended you, sir," he began, his voice steady despite the tension in the room. "But the truth is, I know Manisha from college, and I've seen firsthand the kind of person she is."

The room fell silent as Dhruv continued, his words measured but unwavering. "This proposal is not just a mistake, it's a disaster waiting to happen," he declared, his gaze meeting Mr. Rajawat's with unflinching resolve. "And I cannot in good conscience allow my family to be a part of it."

With a resolute nod, Dhruv turned to his family, gesturing for them to leave. "Let's go," he said firmly, his voice cutting through the palpable tension in the room. Sensing the gravity of the situation, his family quivered, exchanging uneasy glances with the Rajawat family as they made their way to the door. 

*＊✿❀○❀✿＊*

After the unsettling encounter with Manisha, Dhruv's grandmother and his father, Dhiraj, shared a solemn conversation in their garden. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Dhruv's grandmother made a firm decision alongside Dhiraj. They both agreed that relying solely on family reputation was no longer sufficient in ensuring Dhruv's happiness and security in marriage.

With a determined resolve, they concluded that thorough background checks on every prospective bride would be imperative. To achieve this, they decided to enlist the services of a detective, someone who could delve into the depths of each candidate's history and uncover any hidden truths.

Their decision was fueled by a desire to safeguard Dhruv's future and protect him from potential dangers. It was a proactive step, driven by the understanding that in today's world, a family's reputation alone might not suffice in discerning the true character of a potential spouse. 

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