Author's pov
Aarav took a breath, "I'd like all of you to know how I met Ira."
The words echoed in the quiet room.
Ira's fingers trembled slightly in her lap.
She kept her gaze downwards.
--
Flashback
Six months ago
London's early winter painted the city grey and cold.
Inside the grand conference center, it was a different world—warm, buzzing with energy.
Doctors, researchers, and students gathered from across the globe.
Ira wrapped her scarf tighter and walked in, heart steady.
She had no interest in impressing anyone.
She only wanted to learn.
In a breakout session, groups of attendees clustered around small tables.
"Case study today—psychosomatic disorders in children," the facilitator announced.
The room buzzed with eager voices.
Ira listened, hands folded.
When her turn came, she spoke—clear, thoughtful, precise.
Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried.
Aarav Sharma, standing by another table, heard it.
Amidst the noise of ambition, her calm tone stood out.
Later, as the session ended and groups began to mingle, Aarav walked toward her.
"Your analysis was impressive. Not many catch that layer," he said, offering a polite smile.
"Thank you, Dr. Sharma," Ira replied, neutral.
"Aarav," he corrected gently.
"Ira," she responded simply.
He smiled again, but she was already turning to leave.
---
The next day, they crossed paths at lunch.
"Good afternoon, Ira," he greeted her.
"Good afternoon," she replied with a small nod.
Nothing more.
---
By the conference's end, Aarav couldn't shake the quiet image of her from his mind.
There was something about her—unaffected, graceful in her simplicity.
That evening, alone in his London flat, Aarav called home.
"I met someone," he told his parents.
"A girl?" his mother's voice rose with excitement.
"Yes. I think she's someone I could build a life with. Her name's Ira Malhotra."
"Tell us everything," his father urged.
"She's smart, thoughtful. Studying here in London. I'd like you to speak to her parents. See if there's a possibility."
"Send us the details, son," they said warmly.
He did.
---
Days later, Ira's phone rang late at night.
"Beta, we need to talk," her mother's voice sounded soft but serious.
"What happened, Maa?" Ira asked.
"We received a marriage proposal—from a doctor. His family reached out after speaking to someone here."
"Marriage?" Ira frowned.
"Yes, beta. The boy met you at a conference. Seems very impressed with you."
"I'm not interested," Ira said firmly.
"Beta, at least consider. They seem genuine. We've already spoken politely to them."
"Maa, no," Ira repeated.
"One coffee, beta. Just to meet him. You don't have to say yes."
"I'm not comfortable with this," Ira sighed.
"Please, Ira. We promised them we'd ask you. That's all."
She closed her eyes for a long moment.
"Fine. One meeting. Nothing more," she finally said.
"Thank you, beta. That's all we ask."
---
A quiet café near Covent Garden.
Warm lights. Soft music. The scent of roasted coffee in the air.
Ira arrived first, nerves hidden beneath her calm expression.
She ordered tea, hands folded in her lap.
Ten minutes later, Aarav entered, brushing droplets from his coat.
"I'm sorry. London traffic isn't forgiving," he said, slightly breathless.
"It's fine," Ira replied.
They ordered drinks.
An awkward silence followed.
"How have you been since the conference?" Aarav asked after a pause.
"Busy with my studies," Ira answered truthfully.
"I figured. You seem very dedicated," he smiled.
Ira stirred her tea. "Medicine demands that much."
"True. But you stood out at the conference. I… I was genuinely impressed. That's why I asked my parents to reach out."
She looked at him, unreadable.
"I'm not sure what to say to that," she said softly.
"You don't have to say anything. I only wanted a chance to know you better. No pressure," Aarav replied.
Ira studied him for a moment.
He wasn't pushy.
He wasn't trying to impress her with words.
"We can meet again. Casually," she said after a pause.
"I'd like that," Aarav smiled.
---
Their next meetings unfolded gently.
No expectations. No promises.
---
First outing:
A bookstore café.
Ira browsed through psychology books.
"Still drawn to the mind's mysteries?" Aarav asked, joining her.
"It's endless," she smiled faintly.
They sat with coffee, exchanging thoughts on books.
"You always look so focused," Aarav observed.
"Habit," Ira replied. "Life taught me that."
He didn't ask more.
---
Second outing:
A walk along the Thames on a crisp afternoon.
"Do you miss home?" Aarav asked as they walked.
"Yes. My mother's cooking. The quiet mornings," Ira said, a rare smile playing on her lips.
"You'll get to enjoy them again soon, I hope," he replied warmly.
They spoke of family, their journey in medicine.
Aarav listened more than he spoke.
---
Third outing:
Dinner with mutual friends.
At the table, Aarav didn't crowd her.
He watched her quietly laugh at a friend's story.
His heart tugged.
She was easy to admire.
---
Fourth outing:
Ice cream after a long shift.
"You seem more relaxed today," Aarav remarked.
"Maybe I am," Ira replied.
They strolled through the streets, sharing quiet moments.
"Why do you keep meeting me?" Ira asked suddenly.
"Because I want to. I like spending time with you," he answered simply.
She looked away, thoughtful.
She didn't know what she felt.
She wasn't ready to feel anything.
But somehow, with him, there was no pressure to pretend.
---
Weeks turned into two months.
Ira's parents kept calling.
"Beta, any thoughts?" her mother asked during a late call.
"We're meeting casually. Nothing more yet," Ira replied.
"The boy's family is very patient. They've asked nothing of us. We hope you'll give it a real chance."
"I'll think about it," Ira said.
---
Alone in her London apartment one night, Ira sat by the window.
Aarav's words echoed softly.
"I like spending time with you."
She wasn't sure if her heart was ready.
But she knew this—he had been patient. Respectful. Constant.
And perhaps… that was enough for now.
---
When her parents asked again, Ira replied simply, "I'm ready to accept the proposal."
No grand hopes.
No deep feelings.
Just calm acceptance.
---
End of flashback
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