The opulent dining room, usually a source of comfort for Ridhima, now felt like a battleground. The tension crackled in the air, thick enough to choke on. Across from her sat Rajinder, his face an unreadable mask. Vansh Agnihotri, beside Ridhima, held himself with an air of quiet confidence, but Ridhima could sense the storm brewing beneath the surface.
The breakfast dishes remained untouched, a silent testament to the turmoil consuming the room. Finally, Rajinder cleared his throat, his voice sharp as he addressed Vansh.
"Mr. Agnihotri," he began, his words clipped, "your... unconventional arrival last night certainly leaves much to be explained."
Vansh met his gaze unflinchingly. "Indeed, Mr. Raisinghan. My apologies for the intrusion. However, I couldn't bear to see Ridhima suffer any longer."
Ridhima felt a flicker of warmth spread through her at his words. She stole a glance at her father, hoping to gauge his reaction. His face remained impassive.
Rajinder scoffed. "Spare me the theatrics. Let's get to the point. You want Ridhima. But why?"
Vansh leaned forward, his eyes locking with Rajinder's. "Because I love her, Mr. Raisinghan. Deeply and truly." The sincerity in his voice resonated across the table.
Rajinder snorted. "Love? A convenient excuse for a business proposition, perhaps?"
Vansh remained unfazed. "There could be a business aspect, of course," he conceded. "Our companies could work together, create a powerful synergy. But that's secondary. My feelings for Ridhima are genuine."
Rajinder steepled his fingers, his eyes narrowing. "And how, pray tell, would a relationship with someone like you benefit Ridhima?"
Vansh straightened in his chair, his voice firm yet respectful. "I can offer her happiness, Mr. Raisinghan. Respect. A partnership built on love and understanding, not just societal expectations. She deserves that, wouldn't you agree?"
A tense silence descended upon the room. Ridhima could practically hear her father's mind working overtime. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and dangerous.
"Happiness is a luxury we cannot afford, Mr. Agnihotri. Marriage is about strategy, about securing the future of our families. You, with your... unorthodox methods, wouldn't fit into our world."
Vansh countered, his voice laced with a hint of steel. "With all due respect, Mr. Raisinghan, the world is changing. Business is no longer just about cold calculations. A strong, happy partnership can be the most valuable asset you have."
Rajinder's gaze flickered towards Ridhima, a flicker of pain crossing his features. He sighed, a sound heavy with resignation.
"You paint a pretty picture, Mr. Agnihotri," he conceded. "But there are... complications. You don't understand the world we live in, the expectations we must uphold."
Vansh leaned back slightly, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Perhaps I don't, Mr. Raisinghan," he admitted. "But I am willing to learn. I will respect your traditions, your family. All I ask is a chance to prove myself worthy of Ridhima's hand."
Rajinder remained silent for a long moment, the weight of the decision settling on his shoulders. He looked at Ridhima, his eyes searching for answers. In them, she saw a flicker of something that resembled... acceptance? Maybe even a hint of longing for his daughter's happiness.
Taking a deep breath, Ridhima reached across the table and grasped her father's hand. "Papa," she pleaded, her voice trembling slightly, "please. Give him a chance. Give us a chance."
The room remained silent for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, Rajinder exhaled slowly, his shoulders slumping slightly.
"Very well," he said, his voice gruff. "Mr. Agnihotri, you have your chance. But know this - I will be watching you closely. Any misstep, and this is over."
Vansh's face broke into a smile, genuine and warm. "Thank you, Mr. Raisinghan. I won't let you down."
He turned to Ridhima, his eyes filled with a triumphant glint. Relief and joy washed over her, so intense it threatened to overwhelm her. They had won, not a complete victory, but a chance. A chance to prove their love, to build a future together, defying societal expectations and her father's doubts.
As the breakfast dishes were finally cleared away, a new energy filled the room. The tension had eased, replaced by a cautious optimism. Ridhima knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy. Her father's approval was still a hurdle to