Flashback

Smita's pov

"You occupied my place young lady?" a random accusation, broke my fun of reading Deliha's diary"

"Excuse.." I look away from book and that familiar face brought smile to my face.

"Dadaji, what a pleasant surprise. How are you now? Are you feeling good now?" I asked so many questions in one go.

"Patience, young lady, patience, if you ask so many questions, how can I suppose to answer it?" he said sitting on the seat in front of me.

"Sorry, I was so excited after seeing you."

"Bring two vegetable sandwich and coffee." he ordered to a waiter.

"Let me introduce myself first, I am Pratap singh Ranawat and I want to thank you for saving my life that day. I am feeling great now, all credit goes to you."

"You are embarrassing me. I did what the need of hour and anyone do that. I don't attempt anything special."

"I can't comment on others but you are the one who saved me so I'll thank you and you are coming on lunch at my house."

"Okay, I accept your gratitude but I can't come to your house ." I denied politely

"Bring your family with you."he said immediately sensing my discomfort of dining with a stranger.

" But.. "

"Your'if and but 'won't work on me young lady I was searching for you from so long. After saving me you just disappeared and that stupid grand son of mine don't even asked your name." he bashed my recent crush and I didn't like it.

"Don't curse him. He was tensed so may be forget to ask. Let me do the honour to introduce myself" I copied him and a wide smile spread on his lips. This man's dimples is still charming at the age of seventy.

"I am Smita Surana."

"Nice name but I'll call you young lady instead." I fakes my disappointment and he just chuckled.

"So what a charming lady like you doing in this boring place."

"Quiet not boring." I correct him and he smiled.

"So what are you doing here.?"he asked again.

" Its nice to read a fun book, once in a while with one warm cup of coffee. "I replied.

" I was passing from here and my Instinct told me to visit this place and I finally found you. "

We chatted almost an hour about so many things mostly about me. My goals, passion, dreams and many more things. Its so easy to talk to him. I never grew up with my grandparents and my long lost desire to connect with an elderly fulfilled today. Earlier I was hesitate to go to his place but I give it a chance.

I convinced my father to attend this lunch. My father wore a half sleeves cotton shirt and khakhi pant while I over white Anarkali suit. I kept my makeup minimal and my hair is braided tightly.

I know south Delhi is not the place where we blongs but its just a thanksgiving nothing more. We reach to the adress given by Mr. Ranawat and I felt outplaced. Its a huge white colored mansion standing proudly in front of me. Intrinsic pattern on the front wall is mesmerizing.

"This way Ma'am." a woman came and escorted us to living room.

"Please make yourself comfortable."she said and we nodded.

I looked around, each and everything here speaks luxury. Softness of rug under my feet, I never experienced before, similar is the case with sofa. They are soft, warm and comfortable. I regret wearing my used clothes. I should wear something brand new. The 'Madhubani Painting ' hanging at the wall is marvelous. The colour combination is in sync with the theme of paintings and that fine detailing..

"That is made by my wife" voice from behind catch my attention. Mr. Ranawat was standing there.

"Oh! Its so beautiful." I replied with a smile. He came and sit with us.

"Hello, myself Pratap singh Ranawat" he extended his hands towards my Dad.

"I am Shakti Surana, Smita's father" my dad shakes hands with him.

"I am glad you came here. I want to thank you for coming here with Smita. Your daughter is very brave and kind hearted girl. I am standing here healthy because of her."

"You are exaggerating things Mr Ranawat. It was just an acidity attack and someone else will do the same." my dad spoke my words. That's the beauty of our relation. We understand each other really well.

"Dadaji, food is ready." a girl called us. She wore a blue sun dress. Her hair were open and before I noticed her completely, she left.

"Please come" he said to us. We reached to dining area.

Mr. Ranawat sat at the seat of head of family. He introduced his family members to us. On his right sat his son Keshav and his wife Uma. On his left his grand children Anuj and Avani sat. We sit on the seat adjacent to Anuj. Anuj and Avani is very playful and teasing each other. The man of my dreams came at the last. He is looking hot in white polo t shirt and blue jeans. My cheeks turned slightly pink. Butterflies appeared in my stomach. His presence makes me very happy. He sat accross to me and I didn't want to blink my eyes.

"Control Smita" my inner voice shouts at me and I averted my gaze.

"Smita.." Mr Ranawat called me

" Yes"

"Meet my grandson Akshay singh Ranawat who forgot to thank you that day."

"Its okay, we forget things when we are tensed" I faked a smile.

Mrs Uma Ranawat is staring me whole the time while her husband is aloof from his surroundings.Akshay is unfazed with my presence . It hurts me a little but its not his fault.We are practically strangers.

Mr. Ranawat insisting us to taste delicacies of different continents while his family is quiet. I feel his family isn't liking our presence. This is turning awkward. I supposed to dine with Mr. Ranawat not his whole family. They are not rude people but not friendly either.

"Mr Surana" he called to my father.

"Yes."

"I am fond of your daughter. I want her to be my daughter in law."

Akshay spit his drink while food stuck in my throat. Everyone was shocked.

"What are you talking? You are fixing my son's alliance without discussing with me" Akshay's dad roar in anger.

"I am not fixing anything. I am just expressing my thoughts keshav "

"I know you and what it meant to be." he stood from his seat.

"Papa, Dadaji what are you doing?" Akshay tried to intervene.

Mumma... Mumma what the hell is this.Akshay take this old man from here. I need to stop this drama... .

"Mumma" someone shout in my ear and I am awake with a jerk. Akshita was standing in front of me, worry written on her face. I embrace her in my arms."Everything is okay princess" I uttered.