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Aaravika
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I froze, my spoon midway to my mouth. His words were like a weight on my chest. I glanced at him, and there it was again—the smirk that I hated so much. He was watching me, waiting for my reaction. I will not let him win, I thought, trying to push the fear down. But the thought of this marriage—the deal—made my stomach churn.

My heart raced again as his eyes bored into mine, and I had to force myself to swallow the lump in my throat. I couldn’t let him get under my skin this easily.

Just then, his grandpa’s voice broke the silence, and I turned to him. He asked, “Are you okay with this marriage?”

The room went still, and my father’s eyes locked onto mine. I knew that look. It was the kind of look that dared me to defy him. The unspoken question was clear—Say yes, or else. I looked at my dad, then at Vayran’s grandpa. Everyone’s eyes were on me. Except Vayran. He already knew what my answer would be. He was just waiting for me to say no.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of everyone’s gaze on me. What do I do? I couldn’t say no. I couldn’t stand the thought of angering my father. I couldn’t even imagine what Vayran might do if I refused. And so, I said, “Haan, ji. I’m okay with the marriage,” barely getting the words out.

A look of relief crossed my father’s face, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of Vayran’s eyes snapping to me the moment the words left my lips. The tension in the room grew heavier, and I could almost feel the satisfaction radiating off him. Damn it, I thought. Why do I always feel like I’m playing his game?

Everyone returned to their food, but I could feel Vayran’s gaze boring into me, his grip tightening on his spoon as if he was about to break it. I could see the flicker of something dark in his dark green eyes, and then I heard that quiet chuckle again.

“Wrong move,” he murmured, just loud enough for me to hear.

I nearly dropped my spoon. Why does he do this? His words were like ice down my spine. But I couldn’t afford to show him that he got to me. I was trying to ignore him, but it was impossible. 

Parth, sitting beside me, seemed oblivious to the interaction. I was grateful for that, even though it made me feel like I was losing my grip on the situation. Focus, I told myself. You have to bear this. Just bear it.

The rest of the meal was a blur of half-conversations and my thoughts swirling around the deal. I couldn’t think straight, couldn’t breathe normally with Vayran’s presence so close. Finally, the meal ended, and everyone moved to the hall. The adults gathered around to discuss when the wedding should be, and I just wanted to disappear.

My father and Vayran’s father spoke, but I could barely focus on their words. Then Vayran’s grandpa added something that made my stomach turn: “We’re Chandravansh, a royal family. Every ritual and function must be held with full media presence. This marriage is a contract must remain confidential from outdoors and after 10 months when the deal ends after we will make it look like that it was a divorce, that media and others don't doubt on it. Also, they both have to act like a real and happy couple in public as we can't let them make any issue on it or else it is not good for our reputation.”

Ten months? I thought again, feeling a wave of dread wash over me. At least the marriage wasn’t happening immediately, but it was still too close for comfort.

The priest was called in to decide the date, and after some discussion, he confirmed that next month would be ideal. I sighed internally, thinking that at least they weren’t rushing things—only to realize that next month started in two weeks. That made my heart sink all over again.

Finally, my father spoke. “The marriage will be held in the first week of next month.”

I felt my eyes widen in shock, unable to believe what I was hearing. My heart pounded in my chest as I looked around at the others. Vayran’s grandpa nodded, as if it was already set in stone. Everyone seemed to agree, and I looked around at their faces. My mom’s eyes met mine, and she silently apologized for everything.

“Beta, I’m sorry,” she said in her eyes, though her lips never moved.

I glanced over at Shruti and Parth, who both gave me a pitying look. It made my chest tighten, but I couldn’t cry. Not now.

And then there was Vayran. He was still looking at me, that smug, sickening smirk still plastered on his face. It made my stomach churn. Why does he have to look so satisfied with himself? His gaze was cold, yet there was something else in it—something darker.

As I tried to wrap my mind around everything that was happening, I felt trapped. Every move felt like it was part of his plan, and I was just a pawn.

I couldn’t back out. I couldn’t escape. I was trapped, and the worst part was that I knew Vayran was enjoying every second of it.

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Hi! I hope you liked this story too🥰 and would not forget to comment🤌😎
Also, another important thing, I'm gonna be a little busy the upcoming few days due to that there are chances I might not publish the chapter, so please wait for me (thusi na jao apni shabnam ko chod kar🥲🔪)
Byeᥫ᭡

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