Arjun's POV
The soft chime of my phone interrupted the steady rhythm of my typing. I leaned back in my chair, eyes narrowing as I read the message from my father.
"Come home for dinner tonight. It's important."
I sighed. In the Kapoor family, "important" meetings carried a heavy weight, but this one felt personal. My gut told me something was coming-something I wouldn't like. Setting my phone aside, I tried to focus on the financial report in front of me. Numbers made sense. Emotions didn't. And I was dreading what my family might have to say.
By 7:00 PM, I found myself standing in the familiar, grand living room of the Kapoor mansion. My grandfather, sat at the head of the table, his expression unusually grave.
My Father dev Kapoor and my mother, Priya, sat beside him, her eyes filled with an eagerness that made me uneasy. Chacha and Chachi had the same expression as my parents .My brothers-Kabir, Vivaan, and Rohan-were already seated, exchanging quick glances with each other.
Something was definitely off.
"Arjun," my father began, his voice steady but firm. "We've made a decision. Your marriage has been arranged."
I felt my breath hitch, my jaw clenching. Marriage? Arranged? I stared at my father, my body stiffening with the sudden weight of those words.
"Her name is Riya Mehta," my mother added gently. "She's the daughter of Rajesh Mehta, a family friend. We've met with them, and everything has been discussed. The decision is final."
My hands curled into fists under the table. I had always known this day would come, but hearing it out loud still felt like a betrayal. I wasn't ready. I didn't believe in love, at least not the romantic kind. To me, relationships were strategic, logical. Marriage? Marriage was far too personal, far too messy.
"Don't worry, bro. Riya's pretty cute," Vivaan said, trying to lighten the tension in the room.
I shot him a cold look. "Don't," I muttered, my voice low and dangerous. The room fell into silence. Vivaan raised his hands in mock surrender, Kabir smirked but said nothing, wisely choosing to remain silent. Even Rohan, who rarely stayed quiet, simply shrugged, not wanting to provoke my temper.
I turned back to my father. "And what if I don't want this?"
My father's expression hardened. "This is the best decision for the family. We need this alliance."
I glanced at my mother, hoping for some reprieve. But she only smiled gently, her eyes pleading with me to trust their choice.
"You know we only want what's best for you," she said softly.
My shoulders slumped slightly. They weren't going to budge. My family had already made up their minds. My reluctance, my unease, none of it mattered. They left me with no choice.
"Fine," I said finally, my voice cold. "I'll do it."
This is how I am. I can never say no to them,fearing i would disappoint them again.
I might be looking fine with all this on the outside, But inside, I was seething. Marriage? With a woman I didn't know? A woman who likely expected a fairy tale? I was already bracing for disappointment-hers and my own.
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Riya's POV
I paced the length of my bedroom, my phone clutched tightly in my hand. My parents had just dropped a bombshell-I was getting married. To Arjun Kapoor, of all people. The cold, arrogant businessman I had heard so much about.
They want me to marry Arjun Kapoor?
My parents had given me the choice to think it over. They had been gentle, assuring me that this wasn't something they would force on me if I didn't want it. "We trust you to make the right decision," my father had said, his eyes filled with warmth. "But think about it, Riya. He's from a good family, and this marriage would mean a lot to both our families."
My mother had sat beside me, taking my hand gently. "We know this isn't easy, beta. But we've met the Kapoors, and we believe Arjun will be a good match for you."
They hadn't pushed me to say yes. They had left the choice to me. And yet, I felt the weight of their expectations like a leaden burden in my chest. I had always trusted my parents to guide me, to know what was best for me. They had never steered me wrong before.
But still... marriage? To someone I didn't know? The only thing I knew about Arjun Kapoor was his reputation-a cold, calculating businessman who seemed more interested in numbers than people. Was this really what I wanted?
I sighed, my heart heavy. Deep down, I knew that I couldn't say no. Not when my parents had already put so much trust in this decision. I didn't want to disappoint them, not after everything they had done for me. And I knew they had chosen Arjun because they believed it was the right match.
Slowly, I went to my parents' room and said, "Mom... I've thought about it. If you think this is the right decision, then I trust you guys. I'll agree to the marriage."
My mother's voice was filled with relief, and my father smiled at me. "We knew you'd make the right choice, beta. You'll see-this is what's best for you."
I came back to my room, but my heart was still heavy with uncertainty. I had agreed to the marriage, but I couldn't help wondering what my life would look like with a man like Arjun Kapoor. Would we ever truly understand each other? Would there be love, or just a cold, distant partnership?
I flopped down on my bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to process it all. I wasn't opposed to marriage; in fact, I had always dreamed of finding love, of a whirlwind romance. But this? An arranged marriage to someone like Arjun? I'd never even met him, only heard rumors about his distant and serious nature.
Without thinking, I opened my phone and dialed up my best friends-Ananya, Nisha, and Meera on a video call. I needed to tell them everything.
As soon as the call connected, I said, "I'm getting married," shocking all the girls with my sudden news.
"Wait, what? To who? Tell us everything!" Nisha leaned closer to the screen, her eyes wide with curiosity.
I took a deep breath, my voice still shaky. "Yeah... it's true. My parents just told me. I'm getting married to Arjun Kapoor."
The reaction was immediate.
"Arjun Kapoor?!" Meera gasped. "The cold, serious businessman?"
Nisha raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh, this is going to be interesting. You and him? You're so full of life, and he's... well, let's just say people have never seen him smile."
Ananya burst out laughing. "It's like a movie! The fiery girl melts the heart of the cold businessman. You have to admit, it's kinda romantic."
I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "Guys, stop. I don't even know him!I have just seen his photos in articles ,I have no idea what to expect."
"You have to admit,his preety handsome right?" She said making me nod my head lightly. I mean I have to agree , that man got some awesome looks and completely my type as well ."Back to earth Riya ," Meera said with a smirk. "Maybe you'll be the one to break through his icy exterior."
"Or you'll both end up as the Ice Queen and King," Nisha added, barely containing her laughter.
Despite my nerves, I couldn't help but laugh along with them. Talking to my friends made the situation feel a little less overwhelming, a little more manageable. Whatever happened, I knew I had their support.
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Arjun's POV
After dinner, I retreated to my study, seeking refuge from the weight of my family's decision. The thick silence of the room offered a brief reprieve, but it wasn't long before the door swung open and my brothers barged in.
"So, how does it feel to be the next in line for the Kapoor family marriage machine?" Kabir asked, leaning casually against the desk.
I shot him a glare, but Kabir, used to my icy demeanor, continued undeterred. "I mean, Riya Mehta, huh? You've got good taste, bro. She's beautiful, talented-"
"And bold," Vivaan added, winking.
"I'm not in the mood," I said flatly, my voice cutting through their playful banter.
But the brothers weren't about to back down that easily. Rohan, the youngest one and most mischievous of these three monkey's, chimed in next.
"You sure you can handle her? I heard she's not the type to sit quietly and obey, bhai. Could be fun watching you get bossed around."
My patience was wearing thin. I had enough of this."I don't need your commentary," I said sharply, my tone cutting.
Kabir raised an eyebrow. "It's not like you have a choice, right? Chacha and Dad have pretty much locked this in."
(Uncle)
"That's the point," I muttered under my breath. "I didn't have a choice."
The room grew quiet as my words sank in. Even my brothers, who loved to tease me, knew when to pull back. They exchanged awkward glances before slowly retreating, leaving me alone once again.
As the door closed, I exhaled deeply, running a hand through my hair. I was trapped-forced into a marriage I didn't want. And the worst part? I had no idea how I was going to make it work. I could only hope that Riya Mehta wasn't expecting some fairy-tale romance.
Because if she was, she'd be sorely disappointed.
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What will happen next? Will Riya's boldness crack through Arjun's cold exterior? Stay tuned for the next chapter!
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