"What's wrong with my name? Is it numerology, horoscope, or something?" Asked confused Akash.

"No, nothing like that. I've got a cousin brother named Akash, and I... I know this may sound like a silly reason, like my parents think, but I can't imagine myself marrying someone having the same name as my brother," replied Phalguni as she stared at perplexed Akash.

Akash doesn't know what to reply. He's still processing the rejection. Clearly this one is the winner! He got rejected for his looks, profession, age, height, and what not? But a name?!

Akash sighed, and before he could give her a reply, Lucky came running towards them.

"Careful Lucky, you might fall down!" Yelled Phalguni. 

"Pinni, Ammama is calling you down," informed Lucky. 

Lucky stared at Akash with a curious face. He gave her a small smile and followed them downstairs. 

The hall downstairs had a cheerful atmosphere in contrast to the conversation Akash had with Phalguni. The elders looked delighted as they talked about the prospective wedding. 

Akash settled down between his parents, Murali and Kamala. His mother smiled at him and whispered, "What do you think?"

Meanwhile, Shravani also asked Phalguni the same question. Phalguni struggled to give an answer.

"I need some time, uncle," blurted Akash, surprising everyone. 

"What are you doing, Akash?" Asked Kamala with a serious tone. 

"As you say, Babu," agreed Aravind.

As astonished Phalguni was, she was thankful to him. She gave him a genuine smile and mumbled a thank you. 

Akash's family got ready to leave. They've informed them that they'll let them know their decision in a couple of days.

"Akash, can I speak to you for a few minutes?" Requested Daksh Lucky's father. 

Akash's parents went ahead and waited for him. Akash stood outside the house; his eyes wandered and landed on Phalguni, looking at him with curious eyes as she clutched the pallu of her blue silk saree. Akash never thought he would get blues because of his favourite colour or probably because of the person wearing it. Ironically, his name being Akash, the source of this new problem. 

"Akash, I know that Phalguni rejected you because of your name. She can be fickle minded sometimes. Don't worry about it; she needs some time. Attayya rushed this alliance, so please understand. I'm certain you'll be my co-brother, seeing how it's written on your face that you like Phalguni." Said Daksh, chuckling as Akash quickly averted his eyes, embarrassed. 

"I respect her decision. It's up to her whether she wants me as her life partner or not. After all, she's the one who has to share her life with me," replied Akash. 

Daksh smiled at him.

"See you soon, Akash!" waved Daksh 

Akash nodded and took his leave.

Phalguni settled on the sofa as Shravani sat beside her.

"What do you think about Akash?" Asked her mother, Bhadravati, sitting on the chair facing her.

"I already told you, Amma," replied Phalguni frustrated. 

"Come on, Phalguni, what's in a name?"

"Everything!"

"Don't you like him?" Asked Shravani. 

"It's not that I don't like him..." paused Phalguni. 

"Then what is it?" Bhadravati asked, annoyed.

"I-" sighed Phalguni.

"Bhadram, give her some time. Phalguni don't rush. Make the decision that makes you happy. After all, it's your life," said Aravind as he gently caressed her head.

Phalguni broke into a small smile. Her parents left, giving her space. 

"Akka, how did you know Bava was the right guy for you?" Phalguni asked. 

Shravani laughed at her question. 

"You may think it's cinematic, but I don't know Phalguni. I just felt it and gave him a chance. He seemed decent, unlike others. Over the years, we got closer. Remember, Phalguni, for any relationship, respect and responsibilities are important as much as trust and love." Replied Shravani, leaving Phalguni to wonder.

●●●

A pleasant Monday morning, but Akash wasn't pleasant like the sky. He grumpily walked up the stairs towards his room.

He settled on the revolving chair and organised his desk. He waited for his tiny patients to lift his mood a bit. His thoughts were occupied by Phalguni. 

"I can't marry you, Mr. Akash!"

"Mr. Akash! I truly admire your dedication and service."

He groaned, trying to think of something else.

He sanitised his hands as he heard a knock on his door.

"Yes"

"Morning Akash!" chirped Anshu, another paediatrician who works along with Akash.

"Morning," wished Akash in a low voice. 

"Someone's dull for a bright morning," stated Anshu.

"Wow, someone's too excited for a Monday morning," mocked Akash. 

"Of course I am! Here, have it!" said Anshu, handing a sweet box to Akash.

Akash curiously eyed it.

"My sister got a seat in NIFT!" said Anshu excitedly.

"Congratulations!!!" Akash wished with genuine happiness. 

"Thank you! Also heard that you got rejected again."

"How on earth do you know that?" Questioned, startled Akash.

"Gossip travels fast, you know, Doctor," replied Anshu. 

Akash took a deep breath and stared at Anshu.

"Ahem. I and Ajay are getting married at the end of the year."

"Congratulations!" Wished Akash again, but his face fell at the mention of marriage. 

"Don't worry, I've got a feeling that you'll get married before us, Akash," said Anshu. 

"Haha, very funny! I'll be 30 and single in six months," replied Akash. 

"We'll see doctor Akash," spoke Anshu with smugness in her voice. 

Akash rolled his eyes at her.

"We'll see!"

Glossary

Babu - an endearment similar to dear.

Attayya- mother  in law

Akka- elder sister

Bava- brother in law

NIFT- National Institute of Fashion Technology