A girl returns from the office, moving wearily towards her room. She drops her bag near the door and slumps down on her bed, feeling utterly exhausted after working the whole day.

She sighs deeply, her eyes closing for a moment as she tries to shake off the fatigue. The room is dimly lit, casting a warm glow on the walls, adding a sense of calm after a hectic day.

Moments later, a middle-aged woman enters the room and sits beside her. Instinctively, the girl places her head on the woman's lap, who in return starts caressing her hair gently.

The familiar touch brings a sense of comfort and ease, melting away some of the day's stress."What happened, baccha? You look so tired," asks the woman in a concerned manner, her voice soft and soothing.

"Yes, Maa, today we didn't even get time to have a proper break due to the work pressure. It's the end of the month, and you know our boss... he wants everything perfect," Pihu explains tiredly, massaging her forehead.

The headache from hours of staring at her computer screen and the constant pressure of deadlines is evident in her voice.

"Hmm, I know. Take rest for some time and then come downstairs after freshening up. Your brother is preparing your favorite noodles," says Piyali as she continues to caress her daughter's hair. Her touch is tender, filled with love and understanding, trying to ease her daughter's weariness.

Hearing the word "noodles," Pihu's mood instantly lifts.

Her eyes brighten, and a small smile forms on her lips."Ohhh, then I'm coming right now, in five minutes!" she exclaims, getting up from the bed with newfound energy. The thought of her favorite dish prepared by her beloved brother acts as an instant pick-me-up.

Piyali laughs at her daughter's sudden mood change but then something serious crosses her mind. Her expression shifts slightly, showing a hint of worry.

"One more thing, beta. After having noodles, just come into my room for a while. I want to tell you something important," Piyali says in a serious tone, her eyes reflecting a depth of concern.

Sensing the seriousness in her mother's voice, Pihu asks, "What happened, Maa? Is it something serious? Is Papa okay? How many times have I told Papa that this is not the age to take stress? He still doesn't listen to me," she complains to her mother, visibly worried. The thought of her father's health always brings a wave of anxiety.

"No, baccha, nothing like that. Your Papa is completely okay. It's not about him. And before you ask anything else, you will know it once you have your snacks. I'm not telling anything now," Piyali ends the discussion there, trying to keep her daughter from worrying prematurely.

"Okay, Baba, I'm not asking anything now. I'm going downstairs," Pihu laughs while shaking her head, deciding to trust her mother's assurance as she heads out of the room.

In the kitchen, a boy is busy preparing chicken noodles. The delicious aroma fills the air, making Pihu's stomach growl.

Someone sneaks up behind him and covers his eyes."Yes, that boy is her brother, Shreyansh."

"So, you finally came. Now, come on, go and have your seat. I'm serving you the noodles. Let me know how it is," Shreyansh nudges her as he starts plating the noodles, a proud smile on his face.

Pihu pouts, "How come you know that I'm standing behind you? I think you always cheat," she says, narrowing her eyes at him playfully.

"Because you're my princess, and I know how that pretty little brain of yours works. Understand?" Shreyansh says, laughing at his baby sister. He places a steaming plate of noodles in front of her, watching her reaction eagerly.

She huffs and tastes the noodles, closing her eyes to savor the flavor."Umhmm, it's so delicious, Bhaiyaa! You should have become a chef rather than a boring manager," she says, moaning in delight. The rich taste and perfect seasoning bring a sense of home and comfort.

"I love cooking, but that doesn't mean I want to become a chef. This thing will always be reserved for my family, especially for my cute little princess," he says, pinching her cheek.

His eyes are filled with affection, enjoying the simple pleasure of making his sister happy.

"One thing, Bhaiyaa, Maa told me that she wants to tell me something important. Do you know about it?" she asks her brother, expecting he might know since he is older. She trusts him implicitly, always turning to him for advice and support.

"I think Maa wants to talk about her marriage. It would be better if Maa tells her. She can make her understand more properly," Shreyansh thinks to himself, feeling a bit anxious about the impending conversation.

"No, Pihu, I don't know anything about it. She didn't tell me. Anyways, you ask her," he says, leaving the kitchen quickly to avoid more questions. He doesn't want to give away anything prematurely, knowing it's a delicate topic.

After some time, Pihu makes her way to her mother's room, her mind filled with curiosity and a bit of apprehension."Maa, may I come inside?" Pihu asks while entering her mother's room, knocking lightly on the door.

"Yes, bacha, come here," Piyali says, patting the bed beside her. Her smile is warm, but there is a hint of seriousness in her eyes.

Pihu sits down and asks, "What happened, Maa? Now, tell me.""Yes, I will tell you, but before that, you have to listen entirely. Then you can say something, okay?" Piyali holds her daughter's hand for support, her grip firm and reassuring.

"Bacha, we have seen a proposal for you regarding your marriage. The boy is educated and well-mannered, even his family. He runs his dad's business," Piyali says, watching her daughter's reaction closely.

Pihu removes her hand from her mother's grip and looks away, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over her."Maa, you know na, I am still not ready for this marriage and all. Then why all this?" she asks, feeling overwhelmed. The thought of marriage brings a multitude of fears and uncertainties to the surface.

"Acha, tell me one thing. Why don't you want to marry? You're doing a job, totally independent, and your age is perfect for settling down. What's the reason? There should be something behind it," Piyali asks, trying to understand her daughter's mind. Her voice is gentle, filled with genuine concern.

"Maa, marriage comes with a lot of responsibilities. I don't know if I'm ready for it or not. Moreover, how can you be so sure that boy is good? You never know someone's mind. What if he's not like Papa? What if I can't adjust to their family?" Pihu finally reveals her inner fears, her voice trembling slightly.

Piyali sighs, understanding her daughter's concerns because she had similar thoughts when she was young."Bacha, there's nothing to fear. Each person is unique in their own way. I can understand you, dear, but if you don't meet that person, how will you know him, hmm? You know we will never want anything bad for you, right?" Piyali's voice is soothing, trying to alleviate her daughter's fears.

"I know, Maa. You and Papa would never want anything bad for me, and I trust you both," Pihu says, feeling a bit reassured. The love and trust she has in her parents provide a sense of security.

"Then trust us one more time. Just meet him once. If you feel right about him, then only we will proceed further. There's no pressure in it," Piyali says gently, her eyes filled with hope.

"Okay, Maa, let's meet him tomorrow," Pihu finally agrees, though still hesitant. The thought of meeting a stranger for such a significant decision still feels daunting.

"Really? You're sure, right?" Piyali asks happily, her eyes lighting up with hope."Yes, Maa, sure," Pihu nods, a small smile forming on her lips.

"Okay, but remember, the final decision will be yours," Piyali says, hugging her daughter tightly.

The warmth of the embrace brings a sense of comfort, and both feel a little more at ease about the future.

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Do you think Pihu will accept the marriage proposal??

How was the character of Shreyansh?

What is your expectations from upcoming chapters??

Pls do votes and comment your thoughts...

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