𝟓. 𝐔𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥.

In my childhood, I used to hear that life never stays the same, and the pages of fate keep turning. New characters enter our stories, some to bring joy and others to bring sorrow. I didn't believe in these sayings back then; there was no reason to.

My life was smooth sailing-just me, my friends, and my job. I was happy and content with everything as it was.

But everything changed when I trusted a stranger, leading Vivian into my life. This man, whom I am now married to, entered unexpectedly. I never thought my life could change so drastically overnight. A single gust of wind came and wrecked my world.

As I sat on the bed, I scrutinized the room that would be my prison for the next six months. My eyes caught the clock-it was nine in the morning.

Great, I was running late for college.

I got up and went to the closet, where I was taken aback. It was stocked with all kinds of clothes, from traditional Indian attire to Western outfits, a variety of makeup products, and an array of slippers and sandals of all sizes on the bottom shelf.

But none of it could win me over.

I pulled out a simple suit and a white bathrobe and headed to the bathroom.

When I entered the dining room, Vivian's dad, mom, and a girl who I assumed was his sister, since I didn't recognize her, were already seated and having dinner.

Just then, Vivian emerged from the lift and took the head chair. Glancing at his wristwatch, he commanded, "Lucy, breakfast."

Lucy responded, "Okay, sir," and began to serve his meal.

I walked in and sat beside Roshni. Vivian's parents were staring at me with an odd expression.

"Is this girl going to have breakfast with us?" his dad questioned.

"I never thought we'd see the day," his mom added.

Wow, these people are really something.

"Mom, Dad, we're here to have breakfast. Please, stop this conversation," his sister interjected.

Thank god, at least someone in this house is on my side.

I should have expected this support from my so-called husband, but he remained indifferent.

How cold he is.

"Because of her, we were humiliated yesterday, and you're asking us to drop it? This won't end so easily," Indra said, glaring at me.

Roshni countered, "What's done is done, Dad. Please, let's move on. Just stop this."

Their conversation brought tears to my eyes, but Vivian, seemingly unaffected by anyone's words, finished his breakfast and left without a word.

After finishing my breakfast, I got up and went to my room. Grabbing my bag, I headed out, walking through the hall. Suddenly, a voice, deep and commanding, called out from behind me.

"Stop."

I turned around and saw Vivian sitting there, with Raj and Rahul standing behind him. His presence was intimidating, a dark aura enveloping him that seemed to suck the warmth out of the hall.

Vivian approached me, his steps deliberate and heavy, and said in a cold, dark tone, "Are you planning to put on this drama in front of the whole world too?"

Confused and a bit startled, I asked, "What drama?"

Vivian pointed at my mangalsutra, his eyes piercing through me, and said, "That you're my wife. Oops, sorry, my contracted wife."

I felt a pang of disbelief and hurt. "So, what do you want me to do?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady, despite the chill his presence brought.

Vivian, looking at the mangalsutra with disdain, said, "Take it off."

Shock washed over me.

Vivian glared at me, his voice growing darker, "I said take it off. I don't like repeating myself, so remember that."

With trembling hands, I took off the mangalsutra and handed it to him. He tossed it into the dustbin without a second thought, the action cruel and dismissive, adding to the weight of his oppressive aura.

Vivian leaned closer to me, his voice a low, threatening growl, "One more thing. If anyone outside this house finds out that you're my wife, that will be your last day on this earth."

He walked away, leaving me standing there, staring at the mangalsutra lying in the dustbin. His dark presence lingered, the air thick with unspoken threats and cold hostility.

I muttered to myself, "Yesterday, he was desperate to marry me, and today he says he'll kill me if anyone finds out. He forced me into this marriage at gunpoint, and now he doesn't want anyone to know. He's truly insane and completely crazy."

I had just paid the auto driver and was about to go inside when suddenly a girl shouted from behind, "Arini, I'm back !."

Hearing her voice, I was startled at first, then turned around.

Oh, It's Navya, my friend.

"Finally, you're here! I missed you so much, Navya," I said, quickly walking towards her.

"Missed you too! You have no idea how much I thought of you. It would have been more fun if you were there, but it was a family trip, so you couldn't come because of college. And you never take a day off from college," Navya said, hugging me.

"Yeah, yeah, stop lecturing me and tell me, you were supposed to come back in two days. How come you're back so early?" I asked.

"Aren't you happy that I came back early? Did you want me to come late so you could have all the fun alone?" Navya teased.

"Are you crazy, Navya? I'd have been happier if you hadn't gone at all, silly. Now, come on, we're getting late for classes, and exams are coming up. If we don't study, you'll fail, I'll fail, and then forget everything," I said, playfully tapping her on the head, and started walking towards the entrance.

"Are you coming or not?"

"Yes, I'm coming, let's go," Navya said, following me.

And with that, we both headed inside to attend our classes.

A U T H O R

Vivian was in his cabin when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Vivian said.

The door of the cabin opened, and Kedan walked in.

Vivian glanced up from his laptop and said, "Speak, Kedan."

"Boss, we can't find those two anywhere. We've been trying to locate them," Kedan said.

Upon hearing this, Vivian stared at Kedan and said, "You know I don't like unsuccessful attempts. What do you mean by searching? They should have been found by now."

Kedan replied, "Yes, boss. I've deployed my men everywhere. We'll catch those two before they reach him."

"Get it done as soon as possible. They shouldn't slip away. They're the key players. If they open their mouths, the whole game will change," Vivian said sternly.

"Yes, Boss. Our entire team is on it. We'll find them soon," Kedan assured.

"Now leave," Vivian said, turning his attention back to his laptop.

"Ok, Boss," Kedan replied and left the cabin.

Meanwhile, Vivian picked up his phone from the table and dialed a number.

"When will you be here?" Vivian asked.

A man on the other end replied, and Vivian listened intently before responding, "You know you should be here by now."

The man said a few more things, and Vivian interrupted, "There's a big party happening here next week, with all the major underworld dealers attending. I want you to be in India before that. I also want to see if he shows up at the party or not."

With that, Vivian ended the call, placed the phone on the table, and immersed himself in his work.

Today was a disaster. First, there was Arush and his antics. Oh, I haven't told you about Arush yet. He's this annoying classmate who loves to bother Navya and me. Today, he tried his usual nonsense again. I used to think Arush was the worst guy I'd ever met, but no, there's someone even worse-Psycho Ahuja. Yep, that's the nickname I gave Vivian today.

Sounds fitting, right?

Oh, I almost forgot to mention another thing: the warden's lecture. She was furious today because I had been missing from the hostel for two days. What could I say to her-that I got married?

Absolutely not. So, I lied and packed up my stuff to come here.

I got back late because I was busy packing. Dragging a huge suitcase with my small hands, I entered the hall. That's when I saw Vivian's dad sitting on the sofa, staring at me.

"Our girls don't stay out past 7 PM," he said in a harsh tone.

"Sorry, I'll remember that next time," I apologized.

He gave me a mocking smile. "No need to worry about next time. You won't be here much longer."

I didn't reply because he was older.

He got up and walked over to me. "Soon, Vivien will throw you out of this house himself and marry Mahira," he said, trying to belittle me.

It didn't affect me at all. In fact, I wish Vivian would marry Mahira and throw me out.

I hope his dad's wish comes true.

Next Day,

All the classes were over, and I was completely free. Navya and I were sitting in the library, chatting, when I noticed a girl running towards us from behind Navya. I was surprised.

"Navya, Aarini," the girl said as she reached us.

"What happened?" Navya and I asked simultaneously.

Our voices were so loud that people in the library started staring at us. But I didn't care about them.

"Arush," the girl said, then paused and put her hand on her forehead. Her behavior seemed odd to me.

"Arush," she repeated, then paused again.

"Will you tell us when he's dead?" Navya said, and I was shocked.

Navya could be so outrageous sometimes.

"Yes, he's dying," the girl said immediately.

"What?" Navya and I exclaimed together.

"Yes, he took poison, and he's in the auditorium," the girl said.

Navya and I were stunned. We ran to the auditorium gate. My breaths were heavy, and my heart was racing. I was even more shocked when I saw the auditorium door.

The door was decorated with red and white roses. As Navya and I walked inside, our eyes widened in amazement. The entire auditorium was packed with students, and it was decorated with balloons. Navya and I were frozen at the door.

"What is all this?" Navya asked, looking at the decorations.

"I have no idea, Navya," I said, equally puzzled.

"Then find out, Aarini," Navya demanded.

"How am I supposed to do that when you're here, and I'm here?" I replied, annoyed by her crazy suggestion.

"Something feels off," Navya said.

"I agree," I responded.

Just then, a girl came over and took my hand, leading me to the front bench.

Who knows what Arush is planning now?

Suddenly, I noticed Arush pushing past Navya and making his way towards me. He knelt down right in front of me.

What is he doing? Has he gone mad? Or is he high on something cheap?

"Arush, Arush, Arush loves Aarini!" The students in the auditorium started shouting as soon as they saw him.

What nonsense were they shouting?

Arush pulled a red rose from his blazer pocket and presented it to me. My eyes widened in shock. I had no idea he would do something like this.

"I love you, Aarini. From the moment I saw you, I've been crazy about you. I want you madly," he declared. I hadn't expected him to do or say any of this.

Then he forcefully placed the rose in my hand. Next . I felt like throwing it back in his face. I had never seen a more despicable guy in my life.

he pulled out a ring from his pocket and, holding it in front of me, asked, "Will you be my life partner?"

I was completely taken aback.

What kind of luck is this? Two days ago, I got a husband, and today, a lover?

The students in the auditorium started shouting loudly, their voices echoing through the auditorium, "Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!"

Their chants snapped me back to reality. I stood up from the bench. "Arush, I want to leave right now."

Arush grabbed my hand, "I'm waiting for your reply. You can't leave, Aarini."

"Arush, I'm feeling suffocated. I want to go, please leave my hand." His behaviour was making me feel claustrophobic. And Now I wanted to run away. I tried to pull my hand away, but his grip was firm.

"Aarini, you have to say yes," he insisted.

What kind of coercion was this?

Anger engulfed me ,"What? Are you insane? It's my decision whether I choose to say yes or no. You have no authority to pressure me into anything."

My words made Arush's face contort with anger. He leaned in closer, aiming for my lips.

My eyes widened, and my patience snapped. Before he could touch my lips, I slapped him hard across his left cheek.

That slap was much needed.

He stood there, holding his cheek, head bowed. But I had to give it to his stubbornness-he still hadn't let go of my hand.

At that moment, Navya rushed over, pried Arush's hand from mine, and grabbed my hand, dragging me away.

My steps matched hers, but I turned to look at Arush, who was glaring at me.

How dare he misbehave with me like that?

To Be Continued . . .