19

A Meeting of Hearts, Hopes and Misunderstandings

The Kulkarni residence overflowed with a rare energy, as excitement for the upcoming wedding filled the air. Dr. Krishna, Radha, and Raghav meticulously arranged for a three-week leave, ensuring their presence for each moment of the celebration, except for unavoidable surgeries. Meanwhile, Dr. Narasimha, with a heart swelling with joy, phoned Ashok Rao. "Ashok ji, I have wonderful news. Our families are about to be united through the marriage of my grandson and Sanju, if you are ok with the groom. If you are free can you come home now to further discuss details of this arrangement?" he announced with warmth in his voice. Ashok Rao agrees as he is free. Narasimha goes to the orphanage and picks up Ashok Rao to the Kulkarni mansion. Ashok Rao's eyes widens in awe as they pulled up to the grand residence. The humility he had always seen in Narasimha and Lakshmi contrasted sharply with the opulence before him.

As Ashok Rao stepped inside, he was greeted with the utmost reverence by Krishna, Radha, and Raghav, who respectfully touched his feet to seek his blessings. To his surprise, he recognized them – Dr. Krishna, his own cardiologist, and Dr. Radha, whom he had previously met at the hospital. Overcome by emotion at their humble gesture in such a grand setting, a tear slipped down his cheek. "To see such humility in a home of such grandeur," he whispered to himself, profoundly touched by the moment.

As they sat down, the family shared more about Bhargav. "He's not just a successful businessman, but a man of great values," Krishna said, showing Ashok Rao pictures of Bhargav. Ashok Rao, looking at Bhargav's photo, felt a surge of relief. "Sanju is fortunate to be joining such a noble family," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. Together, they finalized the wedding details, setting the date for Akshay Tritiya. "It's a blessed day, and we're so happy to welcome Sanju into our family," Lakshmi said, her eyes glistening with joy. Narasimha also added. "We will take care of all the wedding expenses, Ashok ji. Your only responsibility is to give Sanju away on her special day."

Ashok Rao protested, wishing to contribute in some way, but after persistent persuasion from Narasimha and Krishna, he reluctantly agreed, realizing the vast difference in their financial capabilities and knowing that he won't be able to afford anything for the wedding with the meager savings he has. As they drove Ashok Rao back to the orphanage, the car was filled with a sense of fulfillment and anticipation for the new chapter about to unfold in their lives.

The evening in the garden of the Kulkarni residence Narasimha and Krishna were engaged in a heartfelt discussion while Lakshmi and Radha were listening to the conversation. The tranquility of the setting was in sharp contrast to the weight of their conversation. Narasimha, with a hint of concern in his voice, shared the details of Sanju's financial struggles and her background. "Krishna, Sanju is just 18, yet she carries the heavy burden of arranging funds for her grandfather's surgery. It's a lot for someone so young," he said, his voice tinged with empathy.

Krishna, ever the compassionate soul, responded with resolve, "Appa, now that she's agreed to marry into our family at just the age of 18, her family is related to us as well. I'll take care of the entire surgery expenses. It's the least we can do."

Unknown to them, Bhargav was approaching to apologize for his earlier outburst. However, as he neared, he overheard only a fragment of the conversation – the part about the bride being 18 and agreeing to the marriage for her relative's surgery. Misinterpreting the context, he internally scoffed, branding his future wife as a gold digger in his mind. "So, she's marrying for financial gain, and she said yes without even knowing me as a person. She must have just seen my job and wealth and agreed without even thinking of the age gap" he thought bitterly. "Well, I know how to deal with people like her."

Keeping his thoughts to himself and masking his newfound disdain, Bhargav stepped into the light, ready to apologize to his grandparents and parents wholeheartedly. "Amma (Mom), appa (Dad), ajji, tatha, I'm sorry for my rude behavior earlier. I was really stressed out and angry at this whole marriage discussion" he said, his voice calm but distant. "I still stand by my decision of not wanting any interference in my marriage, but I shouldn't have been so rude. I am sorry for hurting all of you" After his apology, Bhargav also added a new condition. "I would like the wedding to be a small, family-only affair," he stated, his mind calculating ways to prevent what he perceived as Sanju's extravagant desires. He saw it as an opportunity to assert control and curtail her supposed intentions. Bhargav's family, though surprised by his request for a simple wedding, didn't push further. They were relieved he had agreed to the marriage at all and chose to respect his wishes, despite their desire for a grand celebration.

The evening concluded with mixed emotions - relief at Bhargav's apology and agreement to the marriage, yet a sense of concession to his demands for a subdued wedding. Unbeknownst to his family, Bhargav's misconceptions about Sanju were shaping decisions, setting the stage for a future filled with complex dynamics and hidden challenges.

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