Hare Krishna
Chapter 2

Sushil Sirvi had spent a typical day in his humble traditional clothing shop, arranging rows of colourful fabrics, and tending to the occasional customer who sought the timeless elegance of Rajasthani attire. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows through the shop's open doorway, when an unexpected arrival disrupted the usual rhythm of his day.

As the bells on the shop's entrance jingled merrily, Sushil turned to greet the newcomers, his brow furrowing in surprise at the sight before him. Three cars had come to a stop in front of his modest shop, a stark contrast to the grandeur of the vehicles that had graced his quiet corner of the city.

Stepping out of the first car was an old lady, her attire radiating elegance. She was draped in a resplendent yellow saree that flowed gracefully around her, and a pair of shades concealed her eyes, adding an air of mystery to her presence. Beside her stood a young man, who carried an air of formality, like an assistant devoted to his charge.

The old lady approached Sushil with an air of quiet authority, her presence commanding respect. "Namaste, Sirvi ji," she greeted him with a warm but dignified smile. "I am Alka Rathore. May I have a word with you, if you don't mind?"

Sushil Sirvi, initially taken aback by the unexpected visit, quickly regained his composure. He knew the name Rathore; it was synonymous with prestige and influence in Jaipur's social circles. With a gesture of courtesy, he welcomed his distinguished guest, "Please, ma'am, do take a seat. Can I offer you some water?"

Alka Rathore, the matriarch of the influential Rathore family, nodded graciously and accepted the offer. Sushil hurried to fetch a glass of cool, refreshing water, returning to find her seated on a wooden stool, the patterns of Rajasthani fabrics serving as a backdrop to their conversation.

The atmosphere in the shop seemed to shift, as the two individuals from vastly different worlds prepared to engage in a conversation that would connect their lives in ways neither of them could have foreseen.
Alka Rathore, her gaze concealed by stylish shades, didn't waste any time with pleasantries or small talk. With a directness that mirrored her status and authority, she began, "I met your daughter, Tanushree, a few days ago in a temple. I was instantly drawn to her kindness and grace."

Sushil Sirvi listened attentively, his curiosity piqued by her straightforwardness. Alka continued, reaching into her elegant handbag and producing a photograph. She slid it across the counter toward Sushil, who picked it up and studied it with interest.

The photograph revealed a young man with an air of sophistication, his demeanor marked by the poise of privilege. "This is my grandson," Alka declared. "He's a young man of ambition and promise."

Sushil's gaze shifted from the photograph to Alka, his understanding beginning to take shape. She went on, "I would be honoured to have your daughter, Tanushree, as the daughter-in-law of our family. ”
Sushil Sirvi, a man of deep consideration and a loving father, pondered the offer before him. He recognized the immense prestige and opportunity that a union with the Rathore family would bring to his daughter, Tanushree. After a brief pause, he spoke, his voice resonating with a blend of gratitude and caution, "I would love to do my daughter's marriage in such a reputed family. But the last word will be of my daughter."

Alka Rathore nodded understandingly, acknowledging the importance of Tanushree's choice in this life-altering decision. "Of course, Mr. Sirvi," she replied with a sense of understanding. "The happiness and consent of both parties are paramount in such matters."

With that, Alka retrieved a card from her purse and handed it to Sushil, who accepted it with a gracious nod. The card bore the insignia of the Rathore family and contact details. "Very well," she continued, "please reach out to us within a week if you and your daughter wish to go ahead with the proposal. We would be pleased to proceed."

As quickly as she had arrived, Alka Rathore departed, leaving Sushil Sirvi with a whirlwind of thoughts and decisions to contemplate. The future of his family hung in the balance, and the weight of that responsibility now rested squarely on his shoulders.
As Sushil Sirvi returned home, the evening sun painted the sky in hues of orange and gold. His heart was heavy with the weight of the news he was about to share with his family. As he stepped into the cosy living room of their modest home, he called out for his wife and daughter.

"Riva! Tanushree!" he called, his voice carrying both urgency and anticipation.

Within moments, the soft patter of footsteps echoed through the house. Descending the wooden staircase was Tanushree, a vision of grace in her long skirt, which swayed gently with her every step. She wore one of her father's striped shirts, the fabric engulfing her petite frame and lending her an endearing, slightly comical appearance.

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and warmth as she reached the bottom of the stairs, her father's smile a reflection of the love he held for his daughter. Riva, his wife, followed closely behind, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"What is it, Sushil?" Riva inquired, her voice holding a note of apprehension.

Sushil Sirvi took a deep breath, his gaze shifting between his wife and daughter. The news he was about to share would shape their family's future. "Sit down, both of you," he said, guiding them to the worn-out sofa that had witnessed countless family discussions over the years.

With a sense of gravity, he shared the details of his encounter with Alka Rathore, the powerful matriarch of the Rathore family, and the proposal she had presented. As he spoke, Tanushree's eyes widened with surprise, her fingers nervously toying with the fabric of her father's oversized shirt.
When Sushil finished explaining, the room fell silent, the implications of Alka Rathore's offer hanging heavily in the air. Tanushree's gaze shifted from her father to her mother, searching for their reactions, and perhaps, their guidance.
Riva, her heart torn between the traditions of their family and the opportunities this proposal offered their daughter, finally broke the silence. "Tanushree, it's your life and your decision. We will support you no matter what you choose. Just so you know, you are not a burden for us. "
Tears welled up in Tanushree's eyes as she looked from one parent to the other, feeling the weight of their love and the gravity of the choice that now lay before her.

As the evening's soft glow gave way to the comfort of her dimly lit bedroom, Tanushree reclined on her bed, a sense of both apprehension and curiosity coursing through her veins. In her hands, she held the envelope that Alka Rathore had given to her father. It was a vessel of revelation, containing a snapshot of a future that she could scarcely imagine.

With trembling fingers, Tanushree carefully opened the envelope, revealing its contents. Her heart seemed to skip a beat as her eyes fell upon the photograph it held—a portrait of a man whose striking presence drew her into its orbit.

In the photograph, the man stood tall and elegant in a black tuxedo, an embodiment of sophistication and charm. His lean, well-defined physique exuded a quiet strength. His light brown eyes held a hint of warmth and intelligence, their gaze steady and unwavering. A fair complexion complemented his features, and his straight nose, full lips, and sharp jawline created a visage of captivating allure.

Tanushree's eyes were drawn to the photograph as though it possessed a magnetic pull. It wasn't just the man's handsome exterior that held her in thrall; it was the promise of a future that lay within the image. Her heart fluttered with a mixture of uncertainty and intrigue, and the boundaries of her world expanded as she contemplated the possibilities that this photograph represented.

As she continued to study the image, Tanushree knew that a choice loomed on the horizon. The man in the photograph was a stranger, yet there was a pull that she couldn't ignore.

In the quiet sanctuary of her room, Tanushree turned the photograph over, her fingers brushing over the details inscribed in black ink. As she read the scripted information, a wave of emotions surged within her.

"Abhimaan Singh Rathore, age 28, CEO of Rathore Industries. Height 6'1."

The name etched on the back of the photograph held an air of grandeur, and as Tanushree's gaze returned to the image, her thoughts swirled with a heady mix of intrigue and uncertainty.

Determined to learn more about the man whose presence in the photograph had left an indelible impression, Tanushree resorted to technology. She took her phone and entered his name into the search bar. Her heart thudded with a mixture of excitement and apprehension as the images started loading, revealing glimpses of a man who embodied a rare kind of magnetism and sophistication.

In each picture, Abhimaan Singh Rathore exuded an aura of charisma and elegance, his features pronounced and his demeanour exquisitely composed. Tanushree couldn’t help but feel a warmth rise to her cheeks as she scrolled through the images. There was an ineffable allure in the way he carried himself, an attractiveness that seemed to transcend mere physical appearance.

Her curiosity led her to a news article, one that spoke of his recent accomplishment—being honoured as the best businessman of the year. The realisation that he was not just strikingly handsome, but also immensely successful, evoked a rush of admiration within her.

A blush crept onto Tanushree's face as she found herself captivated not only by his appearance but also by his achievements. Her heart fluttered with a mix of emotions—respect for his success and a newfound fascination that had begun to blossom.

In that moment, as she kept her phone aside, Tanushree couldn’t deny the burgeoning attraction that had taken root within her. The man in the photograph, Abhimaan Singh Rathore, had managed to carve a place in her thoughts, sparking an unforeseen interest that danced between curiosity and a burgeoning infatuation.
The next morning arrived, cloaked in the soft glow of dawn, as Tanushree gathered her courage to take a monumental step in her life. The decision was made, yet she wished for one thing before embarking on this new chapter—a meeting with Abhimaan, just the two of them, before their families were formally introduced.

With her heart aflutter and her words wrapped in a cloak of shyness, Tanushree approached her parents. "Papa, Maa," she began, her voice betraying a mix of nervousness and determination, "I...I want to meet Abhimaan ji before we proceed further. Alone. Just once."

Sushil Sirvi and Riva exchanged glances, their faces breaking into wide smiles as they registered the import of their daughter's words. "That's a good idea, Laado," Sushil said, his voice carrying pride and understanding. "It's important to be comfortable, beta."

Riva reached out, holding Tanushree's hand gently, her eyes filled with maternal warmth. "Of course, my dear. We understand."

With a sense of elation, Sushil Sirvi retrieved his phone, the excitement evident in his every movement. He dialled Alka Rathore's number, his voice brimming with joy. "Alka ji, Laado ke taraf se haan hai...bas bacchi thoda milna chahti hai Abhimaan se akele mein.”( Alka ji, from Laado's side, it's a yes... She just wants to meet Abhimaan alone, once. Before the families meet.")

On the other end of the line, Alka Rathore’s voice resonated with an overjoyed tone. "Absolutely, Sushil ji. I’ll talk to Abhimaan about this. I will get back to you."

The significance of the decision, the thrill of the moment, seemed to hover in the air. Tanushree’s heart danced with a combination of excitement and apprehension, her mind trying to envision the face and personality behind the photograph.

As the call ended, a palpable sense of anticipation enveloped the room. The prospect of a private meeting with Abhimaan—a chance to gauge the person behind the name and image—beckoned, stirring an inexplicable blend of emotions within Tanushree. It was a step forward, a momentous leap into the unknown, but one she was prepared to take with a heart brimming with hope and a soul fluttering with anticipation.

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Second chapter done!

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