The true essence of love 💗

One wall was dominated by a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, its wooden slats stretching upwards like outstretched arms, cradling a treasure trove of books, their leather-bound spines glinting in the soft light. Nearby, a sleek, modern fish aquarium stood against one wall, its transparent glass walls offering a mesmerizing glimpse into an underwater world. The aquarium's silver frame gleamed softly, complementing the surrounding decor. Schools of vibrant fish darted and weaved through the coral, their scales shimmering in shades of blue, red, and yellow. Delicate seaweed swayed gently in the water's currents, while bubbles rose lazily to the surface, creating a soothing melody. The aquarium's soft hum blended with the room's ambiance, creating a calming oasis that seemed to transport all who gazed upon it to a serene, aquatic realm.

A large, flat-screen TV hung on another wall, its slim frame barely visible, allowing the eye to focus on the vibrant colors and crisp images that danced across its surface. The room's remaining furniture was sparse, yet carefully chosen – a low, wooden coffee table, a pair of elegant floor lamps, and a few choice pieces of artwork, their frames subtle, yet elegant.

The windows, though present, were almost invisible, shrouded as they were by thick, heavy curtains that blocked out the outside world, creating a cozy, self-contained haven. The curtains' rich, velvety fabric absorbed the light, casting the room in a warm, golden glow that seemed to emanate from within. A slim, modern air conditioner was discreetly integrated into the wall, its presence almost imperceptible except for the subtle grille that hinted at its location. The AC's sleek, white facade blended seamlessly with the surrounding wall, creating a minimalist aesthetic that didn't disrupt the room's harmony. A soft, blue LED light pulsed gently from within, indicating the unit's operation as it quietly worked to maintain a comfortable temperature, its whisper-quiet hum a barely perceptible background presence. The AC's recessed design allowed it to fade into the background, leaving the room's focus on the warm, inviting furnishings and the vibrant aquarium.

Vrishti gestured for Rajveer to take a seat on the plush sofa. "Wait here for a moment, I'll get you some water or juice," she said, trying to sound casual despite the flutter in her chest.

Rajveer teased her with a sly smile, "You're treating me like a guest, Mittu! I'm starting to feel like royalty."

Vrishti rolled her eyes good-naturedly, but her cheeks betrayed her with a soft pink hue. Mohini, who was busy arranging the snacks, caught the exchange and smiled knowingly.

Just then, a vision of elegance swept into the room. Romita, Vrishti's aunt, was a stunning woman in her forties, with a chic boy-cut hairdo and a distinctive Roman nose. Her bright, inquisitive eyes sparkled behind round, stylish glasses perched on the end of her nose. A warm, genuine smile lit up her face as she enveloped Vrishti in a tight hug.

"Happy Birthday, Mittu beta!" Romita exclaimed, her voice dripping with affection.

Vrishti reciprocated with equal enthusiasm, feeling a surge of love and gratitude for this special woman in her life.

As they pulled back, Romita's gaze landed on Rajveer, and her eyes danced with mischief. "Mittu, you didn't tell me you were bringing a handsome man with you! What's his name, my child?"

Vrishti's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as she caught Rajveer's silent laughter from the corner of her eye. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, and made the introductions.

"Aunty, this is Rajveer, Mr. Rajveer Ariyan.

Veer, this is my Aunty, Mrs. Romita Mehta D'Souza."

Romita's eyes twinkled with teasing as she extended a warm hand to Rajveer. "Ah, Mr. Ariyan, it's a pleasure to meet you. I must say, Mittu has excellent taste in friends."

Rajveer chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and shook Romita's hand firmly. "The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. D'Souza. Your niece has spoken very highly of you.”

As soon as hearing him, Vrishti's eyes grew wider. She gave an awestruck glance to Rajveer,who kept his gaze fixed to Romita. Vrishti couldn't understand what made Rajveer to lie, as they only talked about her Aunty today on the way .

Other hand, Romita's gaze lingered on Vrishti's face, her mind whirring with questions. The way Vrishti had shortened Rajveer's name to "Veer" spoke volumes about their relationship. It was a term of endearment, a nickname reserved for those closest to one's heart. Romita's eyes darted to Rajveer, her expression teasing. "Veer, huh? Mr.Aryan you've earned a special place in Mittu's heart, I see," she said, her voice dripping with playful insinuation.

Vrishti's cheeks flushed, and she shot Romita a warning glance, but

Rajveer just chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm working on it, Mrs. D'Souza," he said, his voice low and smooth, sending a flutter through Vrishti's chest.

Vrishti's face grew hotter as she protested, "No, Aunty, we're just friends! Veer is just a... a nickname, that's all."

Romita's eyebrows shot up, her expression skeptical. "Just friends, huh? With a nickname like Veer? Mittu, you're not fooling anyone, least of all me," she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Vrishti's embarrassment deepened, her cheeks burning with a fierce intensity. "Aunty, please! Don't make a big deal out of it. We're just... really good friends, okay?"

Rajveer's chuckle was like a warm embrace, his eyes locked on Vrishti's face with a gentle understanding. "I think Mrs. D'Souza is just trying to get to the bottom of things, Mittu. Don't worry, I can handle it," he said, his voice low and reassuring, his tone a soothing balm to Vrishti's frazzled nerves.

Romita's snort was a playful punctuation mark, her expression a mischievous grin. "Okay, okay, I get it! Relax, Mittu, your aunt was just joking!" But Vrishti's silence was a palpable thing, a heavy blanket that smothered the room's warmth.

Romita's eyes, sharp as a hawk's, noticed the subtle tension in Vrishti's shoulders, the faint shadows in her eyes. She knew that Vrishti's past was a labyrinth of pain, that Ekansh's loss still lingered like an open wound. And now, this enigmatic stranger, Rajveer, had breached the walls Vrishti had built around herself.

With a gentle smile, Romita shifted gears, her voice a warm invitation. "Let's sit in the living room? I'll get you some fresh lime water." She glided across the room, her eyes never leaving Vrishti's face, her heart aching with a deep understanding.

As they settled onto the plush sofa, Rajveer's presence seemed to fill the room, his calm energy a balm to Vrishti's frayed emotions. Romita's eyes darted between them, her mind whirling with questions, but her expression remained a warm, welcoming smile.

As they sat in the cozy living room, a frail figure emerged from the shadows, his voice barely above a whisper. "Romita, wouldn't you feed me today's lunch?" The man's eyes, sunken and tired, pleaded for attention.

Rajveer's gaze fell upon the man, taking in his gaunt appearance. He wore a white trouser and a mustard yellow cotton T-shirt, which seemed to hang loosely on his fragile frame. His hair was thinning, with hardly any strands left on his frontal head, revealing a prominent forehead etched with deep wrinkles. His tone was low, laced with a hint of desperation.

Romita immediately came back from the kitchen , her expression a mix of concern and compassion. "Christian, come with me, I'll feed you." She gently took his hand, her touch delicate, as if handling a fragile leaf.

Christian's eyes darted towards Vrishti and Rajveer, his gaze lingering on them before returning to Romita. "Who are...?" he started, his voice weak.

Romita introduced them, "This is our Vrishti and her friend Rajveer."

Christian's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice taking on a hint of possessiveness. "Vrishti and Raj...veer. Don't you give them food."

Romita reassured him, "Yes, I'll feed them too, now come with me." She guided Christian into another room, her hand still holding his.

Rajveer watched the exchange, an inexplicable pang echoing in his chest. Mohini, too, seemed uneasy, her hesitancy palpable as she left the living room and stepped into the kitchen, following Romita's instructions.

Vrishti's voice dropped to a whisper, her words laced with a mix of sadness and resignation. "Uncle has Alzheimer's, and it's been progressing for years. He barely recognizes anyone now... even me, his own niece." Her gaze drifted downward, as if the weight of her words was too much to bear.

Rajveer's eyes filled with compassion as he asked, "When was he diagnosed?"

Vrishti's response was barely audible. "Five years ago."

Rajveer's expression softened, his voice gentle. "I'm so sorry, Mittu. I can only imagine how tough this must be for you."

Vrishti's gaze met Rajveer's, her eyes welling up with softness. "I feel more sad for Aunty, Veer. She married Christian Uncle against our family's wishes, and they've been through so much together. They still love each other deeply, despite everything."

Rajveer's heart sank, his chest heavy with empathy. He looked at Vrishti, her sadness palpable, but she wasn't seeking comfort. She was sharing her story, her pain, and her love for her aunt.

Vrishti continued, her voice steady. "Romita Aunty and Christian Uncle tried to have children of their own, but... it wasn't meant to be. So, when Mohini Aunty came into their lives, seeking shelter with her son Priyam, they welcomed them with open arms. They've raised Priyam as their own, taking care of his every need - education, food, medicine... everything. They've given him a loving home, and he's brought so much joy to their lives."

Rajveer's eyes widened in admiration for Romita and Christian's selfless love and generosity. He looked at Vrishti, seeing the deep respect and love she had for her aunt and uncle.

The room fell silent, the only sound the soft hum of the aquarium and the gentle rustle of the curtains. Rajveer's eyes never left Vrishti's face, his expression a reflection of his deep understanding and empathy.

In a quiet corner, a small temple beckoned and grabbed Rajveer’s attention, its presence a testament to the family's deep spirituality. The temple's wooden doors were adorned with intricate carvings, and within, the benevolent idol of Lord Ganesh sat serenely, his elephant head and trunk gleaming in the soft light. Nearby, a framed photograph of God Jesus hung on the wall, surrounded by a delicate garland of fresh flowers, and a few, burning agarbatti sticks, their fragrant smoke wafting upwards, carrying prayers to the heavens.

This peaceful coexistence of different faiths reflected the family's inclusive and harmonious worldview, creating a sense of balance and tranquility that permeated every corner of the room.

Vrishti's gaze locked onto Rajveer's, her eyes shining with a deep conviction. "Asli Pyar ka matalab kabhi kabhi khud ko hazaron mushkilo se kyun na guzar na pade sirf apne ush sabse karibi insaan ke zinda rakhne k liye," ("True love means sacrificing everything, putting yourself through unimaginable hardships, just to keep your loved one alive,”)

she continued, her voice cracking with emotion. "It means ensuring their happiness, their well-being, above all else."

Rajveer's eyes widened, taken aback by the intensity of Vrishti's words. He had encountered many women in his life, but none had ever spoken to him with such sincerity, such depth. They had always sought luxury, comfort, and material possessions from him, but Vrishti's words pierced through the facade, revealing a truth he had never considered.

Rajveer felt a shiver run down his spine as Vrishti's words resonated deep within him. He saw the world through new eyes, realizing that love wasn't about grand gestures or expensive gifts, but about the quiet, selfless acts of devotion. Vrishti's words awakened a part of him he never knew existed, and he felt his heart stir with a newfound understanding.

At that moment, Rajveer knew he had found someone extraordinary in Vrishti – someone who saw beyond the surface, who understood the true essence of love.