Page 51 of Shattered

“But... what about the people who matter to you? Your parents? What if they find out? What will they think of me?” I stammer, my voice trembling. I can’t ignore the harsh truth of living in a society where everything is judged in black and white, where perceptions are formed quickly, and gossip spreads like wildfire. Unfortunately, it is beyond our control to silence everyone. The mere thought of rumors spreading makes my stomach churn. I close my eyes, willing myself to steady the rising wave of anxiety.

“Kavya, look at me,” Reyansh’s grip tightens on my cheeks, and I open my eyes to meet his gaze, swallowing nervously. “My parents won’t be upset. They know I’m an adult, capable of making my own decisions. Besides, they already adore you. Trust me, their opinion of you is already formed, and it’s a positive one. And that’s never going to change.”

His words slowly ease the knot of worry inside me, and I take a deep breath. “I just... I didn’t expect this. It’s so overwhelming.”

Reyansh nods. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but remember when we talked about giving us a real chance? This is part of it—us being together, trusting each other, and facing things head-on.”

I nod slowly. “I get that. I am just... not used to this.”

“You’ll get there,” he reassures me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me close as he kisses my forehead. “And tonight, I’ve planned something special that’s a step forward in our relationship. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about before you got caught up in feeling embarrassed about being here.”

I pull back slightly, my nervousness resurfacing as I look at him, wondering what he has planned. “What is it?”

“Dinner at my parents’ house,” he says, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I want you to meet them officially as my girlfriend. They’ve been longing to meet you, and I think it’s time.”

My eyes widen at the thought of meeting Reyansh’s parents, and even more so, as his girlfriend. My initial nervousness is now replaced with a different kind of panic.

“Girlfriend?” I ask, completely mortified.

He shrugs. “Well, I would love to introduce you as more than my girlfriend, but for now, I have to settle for that.”

I shake my head. “I don’t know if I can do this. What if they don’t like me?”

Reyansh chuckles. “Didn’t you hear the part where I told you they already adore you, Kavya?”

“Reyansh I can’t—” I start to protest, searching for an excuse, any excuse, to back out of this, but Reyansh cuts me off.

“Kavya, don’t shut me out,” he pleads.

His words shatter my last resolve, and I take a deep breath before nodding. A smile spreads across his face as I rest my head against his chest and feel his arms wrap around me, pulling me closer.

Feeling his heartbeat beneath my ear fills me with a sense of confidence, and in that moment, a sense of calm washes over me. With Reyansh by my side, I’m ready to face whatever comes our way, starting with meeting his family.

???

“It’s so wonderful to see you, dear,” Reyansh’s mom exclaims, pulling me into a tight, warm hug as soon as I step into the house.

My heart races, not just from the embrace but also from the whirlwind of emotions bubbling within me. Meeting Reyansh’s parents was something I knew would happen sooner or later. It was inevitable. While part of me feels it might be too soon, deep down, I know it’s the right time. It wouldn’t be fair to keep pushing Reyansh away, even if it’s nerve-wracking for me.

Also, when I told Sunita Aunty that I would be meeting Reyansh’s parents officially, she was on cloud nine. She was thrilled that Reyansh was encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone, and her happiness for me was palpable.

“Hello, Aunty,” I greet Reyansh’s mom with a shy smile,feeling a bit like it’s our first meeting all over again, even though I know it’s not. But now, being seen as Reyansh’s girlfriendadds a whole new layer of nerves.

“You look absolutely beautiful,” she says, gently cupping my face, her eyes softening as she gazes at me.

Blushing, I lower my gaze, nervously tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “Thank you, Aunty,” I murmur.

“Mom, if you’re done showering your love on Kavya, I’m also here, waiting for you to notice me,” Reyansh chimes in, smiling warmly at his mom.

“Stop complaining, son. You know I have enough love for both of you,” Reyansh’s mom chuckles before pulling Reyansh into a hug. “You’re both special to me,” she adds, patting his cheeks, her eyes twinkling with affection as she glances between us.

Reyansh’s face softens as he nods before gently kissing his mom’s cheek. “I know, Mom.”

We all settle comfortably on the couch. I’m seated next to Reyansh’s mom while Reyansh settles on the couch across from us.Just then, the house help arrives with drinks and appetizers. As I sip my juice, I can’t help but admire the exquisite interiors surrounding me. It’s a beautifully decorated space that exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, clearly reflecting Reyansh’s mom’s love and attention to detail throughout the house.

“Do you like chicken? I’ve prepared chicken spinach curry with ghee rice,” Reyansh’s mom asks me.

“I love chicken, and your chicken spinach curry sounds delicious,” I reply with a smile.

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