That single, honest conversation, devoid of pretense and focused on practical realities, achieved what weeks of formal visits couldn't. It established a foundation of mutual respect. Within two months, the families celebrated their Roka ceremony, and the wedding date was set for the winter. They were not madly in love yet, but they were definitely becoming best friends. On the night before their wedding, Brijesh called Jinal. "I know this is arranged," he said, his voice low and sincere. "But I need you to know that I am choosing you, Jinal. I look forward to building a good life together." "And I am choosing you too, Brijesh ," she replied, looking out at the glittering lights of her city. "Let's do this." They approached the mandap the next few months, not as two people forced together by tradition, but as two mature individuals who had made a conscious, hopeful pact to write their own story within the grand Gujarati narrative