“ Dev, Arjun is in the parking lot , go and get him here” Janki aunty told to Jiju to which he absolutely agreed without showing any expression,I guess everyone fears aunty and she has that frightening aura .My mind is not working properly, I came to meet my sister's in-laws and not to make a new relation for me. Why does everything goes wrong with me?
Jiju walked in with a man of his age , I assumed him to be Arjun and I kept my gaze down. Everyone greeted him and he took a seat next to Arya di. I kept on observing while keeping my gaze down. I can't show my nervousness,I felt di keeping her hand on mine, I tell you this girl has something in her that whenever I feel down she gets to know that.  I guess it's how siblings work.
“ I think we should let them both talk for a while. They might have something to say.“ Ambika aunty spoke making everyone agree. I don't have anything to say.  He's a stranger, what to do ? “ I think the same too" Amma can't keep her mouth shut . I looked at Papa , he just nodded his head. I stood and followed Arjun , he kept his pace slow. We sat over at a distance from them, we can see them through the glass windows . I passed a smile so that I don't look nervous to him . He smiled back at me. He has a good smile . Argh, Akshara, don't do that. “ So your name is Akshara,  right. Do you know my name ?“ He asked without showing any shock. I thought he'd be shocked too but no , I think he knew this all. I was the only one kept in the darkness. “ Hh..haa, yes . Ar..Arjun” I stuttered , oh no. Smiling a bit more ,he replied casually “ I thought they didn't tell you about my name , I was told you're not informed much about me,  is there something you wanna know ?“ . He is a gentleman, the vibe is good. “ umm…yeah … Nothing, no.“  “ Okay , then let me ask you some questions. What do you do ? “ he inquired, the smile not leaving his face. “ PG , first year, politics" I replied answers in short . He made a wow - great expression and said “ Well, they are pretty much excited , but you can decide whatever you want about this proposal, and inform me , okay." I just noded my head . “ Give me your contact number so that before you inform your family,  you can tell me so I can also inform mine. That'd be easy for both the families” he explained.  I nodded my head again and blinked my eyes when I remembered I left my phone home . “ I left phone in the car I guess"  I said not sure about his reaction and before he could say anything Arya di walked in saying something to him and giving me an apologetic smiles . I too give her a smile and walked along with them .

They all talked for a while.  And then decided to meet again for selecting dresses and venue for the engagement.  I'm getting a feeling that they decided everything without bothering to include me . I stood not knowing how to respond.  After bidding them goodbye, we returned.  I straight went to my room. Others might have gone to theirs . I sighed and dropped myself on my bed, my life changed without me doing anything. Great,  just great .

A while later someone knocked on my door , I never close my door , “ come in , the door's open". Even though I was least interested to have a conversation I said. “ Akshu , are you okay" Di asked almost hugging the hell out of me. I nodded . She freed me and continued
“ If I knew it beforehand I'd have told you , even Dev had no idea about it . You can decide,  you know,  if you're not ready for the marriage.  I'll always stand by your decision.  We can convince Amma and Papa."   I took a deep breath and made my thoughts clear to her “ Di, today or tomorrow, it is bound to happen . I have no objection besides you'll be there too. Everyone's happy and I'm too. He treated me normally . I felt like he understood my thoughts . What else is necessary? " “ But Chutki , marriage is a big decision, what you see now is not the real thing. It involves risk, perhaps …."  I cut her rants “ Di , I felt him genuine , I know it's a risk , but I'm truly ready, don't worry ." “ Hey Bhagwan,my Chutki has grown up so fast and Gudiya don't confuse her .“ Amma barged in
“ Marriage is a sacred union and I believe Arjun and you are made for each other. Beta , we let you both live your life like you wanted and now also we'll let you decide,but just remember as parents we atleast expect you to agree on this matter..."  Amma continued her emotional blackmail.  I and Di passed each other a glance. We let her talk her heart out .

“Amma , if everything is already decided then what's the benefit of saying all this?" Di asked Amma losing her patience and I don't want them to argue atleast now. I  pleaded through my eyes,  she understood it and gave me tight lipped smile and mumbling  'whatever ' left my room.

Amma stayed in and took my hand in her hand, passing a sad smile she said “ I never want you to think we're forcing you but beta , I want to be assured about your future. Athira is bold enough to take a stand for her but you're not. If you'll be married into the same family as Gudiya ,I'll be at peace."  What if the situation was different Amma? What if the family didn't have a son of marriageable age? What if and what if …there are alot of questions I want to ask her , but I decided against it and gave a smile and said “ I'm ready for the marriage, I was a bit shocked at first but it's okay . Its a yes from my side ." She hugged me , oh god, what's with this mother and daughter, hugging me always , not hug fan and said “I knew you'll never disobey me or your Papa, I'll let them know this tomorrow.“ Jumping in excitement she left .

I took my diary out. I don't write everyday , it's just I write only when I think it's necessary for me to remember what happened .
Dear diary ,
Today at the restaurant where I was supposed to meet my sister's soon to be family,  I met mine too. Shocking and surprising , right. Yeah, for me too. I decided to get married to the man I have met today. I don't know if I like him or love him , I'm ready to face whatever it is.  And love after marriage is also not that bad. I couldn't give him my number,  I don't remember my number and forgot phone at home too. This habit of forgetting phone will be a big problem,  what to do. All I know is that we both sisters will be married into the same family and same day.
Let's see what the future holds …..

Akshara

And I'm now thinking about Arjun , I liked his smile . I hope everything goes well.  I can't afford to lose anything.  I don't want to overthink but I always end up doing that . Wrapping everything,  I walked over to my study table , took my books and started to study for the upcoming semesters . I'll let the universe decide if we're twin flames or not .

Signing off
Ashwani