Meera tapped her fingers against her lap, her nerves getting the better of her as she sat at a quiet corner table in Café Elara, one of the finest coffee shops in the city. The place was sophisticated, with dim lighting, elegant décor, and the soft hum of classical music playing in the background. It was the kind of café where people held business meetings or deep conversations, not where she usually spent her time.

She glanced at the entrance, checking the time on her phone. 4:59 PM. He would be here any moment.

Her heart pounded. Why am I so nervous? It’s just a conversation.

But she knew it was more than that. This meeting could determine the course of her entire future.

Meera had spent the last two days dreading this moment. She had replayed a hundred different scenarios in her head—what if he was arrogant? What if he looked down on her? What if he was completely uninterested? Or worse… what if he was interested?

A part of her still hoped that Aarav Malhotra would reject the proposal himself. That way, she wouldn’t have to be the one to disappoint her parents.

The soft chime of the café’s bell caught her attention.

She turned her head and saw him.

Aarav Malhotra walked in with an air of quiet confidence. He was tall, well-dressed in a navy-blue blazer over a crisp white shirt, exuding effortless charm. His sharp features—strong jawline, neatly styled hair, and piercing dark eyes—gave him the look of someone used to making serious decisions.

Meera’s breath hitched. This man looks like he belongs in a corporate boardroom, not in an arranged marriage meeting.

He scanned the café before his gaze landed on her. For a brief moment, his expression remained unreadable, but then he walked toward her with measured steps.

"Meera Sharma?" His voice was deep and steady.

She quickly stood up. "Yes. Aarav Malhotra?"

He nodded before extending his hand. "It’s nice to meet you."

Meera hesitated, then shook his hand. His grip was firm—neither overpowering nor too soft. Professional. Polite. Just like the man himself.

As they sat down, an awkward silence settled between them. The waiter arrived with the menu, and Aarav picked it up first.

"Would you like to order something?" he asked, glancing up at her.

Meera looked at the menu but wasn’t really reading it. "Just a cappuccino, please."

Aarav nodded and turned to the waiter. "One cappuccino for her and an espresso for me."

The waiter took their orders and walked away, leaving them in silence again.

Meera took a deep breath, deciding to take control of the conversation.

"So… tell me about yourself," she said, offering him a smile.

Aarav looked at her, his expression neutral. "What would you like to know?"

Meera blinked. Is he serious? "Um… anything? Your interests? Hobbies?"

Aarav thought for a moment before replying. "I run my family business. Most of my time is spent working. I don’t have much time for hobbies."

Meera’s smile faltered. "Oh. That sounds… busy."

He gave a small nod. "It is."

Another silence. God, is this what conversations with him are going to be like?

"What about you?" Aarav asked suddenly, his dark eyes fixed on her.

Meera perked up a little. "I’m an artist. I love painting, especially nature and abstract themes. I also conduct art workshops for kids. It’s something I’m really passionate about."

For the first time, Aarav’s gaze seemed to soften with interest. "That’s… different."

She raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"

He shrugged slightly. "It’s not a profession I come across often in my circle. Most people I know are in finance, business, or technology. Art is more personal, yet you’ve turned it into a career. That’s admirable."

Meera felt a flicker of warmth at the unexpected compliment. "Thank you. I know it’s not conventional, but it makes me happy."

Aarav studied her for a moment. "Happiness is important."

His words were simple, but Meera sensed there was more behind them.

Their drinks arrived, and Meera took a sip of her cappuccino, gathering her thoughts.

"Can I ask you something?" she said, placing her cup down.

"Of course."

"Do you… want this marriage?"

Aarav remained silent for a moment, as if carefully considering his answer.

"It’s not about what I want," he finally said. "Marriage is a responsibility. My parents believe this is the right match, and I trust their judgment."

Meera frowned. "So, you’re doing this just because they told you to?"

He met her gaze. "Not entirely. I believe marriage should be built on compatibility and understanding. That’s why we’re meeting—to see if we have that."

Meera leaned back, processing his words. He was practical, logical—everything she was not. She believed in love, in passion, in waiting for the right person. Aarav, on the other hand, approached marriage like a business deal.

And yet… there was something about him. Something steady. Reliable.

"So, what do you think so far?" she asked cautiously.

Aarav took a sip of his espresso before responding. "You’re different from what I expected."

Meera tilted her head. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

Aarav’s lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile. "I haven’t decided yet."

For the first time since they sat down, Meera laughed. A real, genuine laugh.

"Fair enough," she said, shaking her head.

Aarav looked at her for a moment, as if committing that laugh to memory.

Maybe this meeting wasn’t a total disaster after all.