Isha’s POV

The air in our living room felt different tonight—heavy, expectant. My mother’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she set down a tray of chai and samosas. My father’s smile was wider than usual, his gaze fixed on me with a look that made my stomach twist with unease. I knew something was coming, but I wasn’t prepared for what came next.

“We have some wonderful news, Isha,” my mother began, her voice bright. She exchanged a quick glance with my father, who nodded encouragingly. “We’ve received a marriage proposal for you.”

My heart sank. “A proposal?” I repeated, trying to keep my tone neutral even as my mind raced. “Isn’t it a bit early for that?”

My father cleared his throat. “It’s a very good match, Isha. The Thakur family is one of the most respected in the city, and their son, Aarav, is a successful businessman.”

I felt the familiar weight of expectation settle on my shoulders. Being the eldest daughter came with its responsibilities, and I had always fulfilled them without question. I graduated at the top of my class, became a lawyer, and juggled my career with family obligations. But this—marriage—felt like a step I wasn’t ready for.

“Successful businessman?” I echoed, folding my arms across my chest. “And how do we know this isn’t just about business?”

My mother’s smile faltered, but my father remained firm. “We’ve done our research. The Thakurs are a good family. Aarav is educated, hardworking, and—most importantly—he’s interested in settling down.”

I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of irritation. “And what about me? What if I’m not ready?”

My mother’s expression softened. “Isha, just meet him once. We’re not asking you to decide right now. It’s just a meeting.”

I let out a sigh, feeling trapped. I knew my parents only wanted the best for me, and in our culture, arranged marriages were common. But the idea of marrying a man I’d never met, a man whose intentions I couldn’t read, made me uneasy. Still, I couldn’t bear to disappoint them. “Fine. One meeting. But no promises.”

My mother’s face lit up, and my father looked relieved. “That’s all we’re asking.”

Aarav’s POV

Across the city, in a penthouse office overlooking the skyline, Aarav Thakur leaned back in his chair as his mother, Meera, made the same announcement. The room was filled with the soft glow of city lights, but the tension between them was palpable.

“The Kapoors have accepted our proposal,” Meera said, her voice calm yet firm. “You’ll be meeting Isha next week.”

Aarav’s eyes, cold and calculating, flicked to his mother. “I don’t see why this is necessary, Mother.”

Meera met his gaze without flinching. “It’s time, Aarav. We need to strengthen our alliances. The business has enemies, and an alliance with the Kapoor family will help stabilize our position.”

Aarav’s jaw tightened. “So, this is about business. Not marriage.”

She sighed, her expression softening. “It’s both. Isha Kapoor is a lawyer—intelligent, independent. She’s the kind of woman who can stand by your side, both in public and behind the scenes.”

Aarav looked away, staring out the window. He knew the truth behind their business. On the surface, they were the owners of a thriving import-export company, but beneath it lay a web of illicit dealings, power plays, and enemies who would stop at nothing to destroy them.

Marrying a woman like Isha could be a way to maintain his public image—a respectable businessman with a stable home life. But a part of him felt uneasy. “And if she refuses?”

Meera’s eyes darkened. “She won’t. The Kapoors are a traditional family. They value alliances as much as we do.”

He nodded, but doubt lingered in his mind. “Fine. I’ll meet her. But this is only for business.”

Meera’s lips curved into a smile. “I’m sure you’ll find she’s more than just a business asset.”

Aarav didn’t respond. He couldn’t afford to think of this as anything more than a transaction. In his world, emotions were dangerous—weaknesses that could be exploited. If he was going to marry Isha Kapoor, it would be on his terms.

Isha’s POV

The day of the meeting arrived quicker than I’d expected. My mother fussed over my appearance, adjusting my hair and smoothing down the sari she’d chosen for me. “Simple and elegant,” she said, smiling proudly.

I forced a smile, feeling a knot of anxiety in my stomach. “It’s just a meeting,” I reminded myself as I stepped into the living room. The Thakurs were already there.

Aarav stood as I entered, and the first thing I noticed was his intense gaze. His eyes were dark, sharp, as if they could read my every thought. He was taller than I expected, with a quiet confidence that filled the room.

We exchanged polite greetings, and I sat across from him, feeling my nerves tighten. As we talked, I found myself surprised by his composure. He asked me about my work, my interests, and I felt myself relaxing—if only a little. But there was something guarded about him, something that made me feel like I was speaking to a man wearing a mask.

After the conversation ended, we exchanged a polite farewell. But as Aarav’s eyes met mine one last time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this engagement—this arrangement—was more complicated than either of us was prepared for.

And deep down, I knew that whatever was ahead, it wasn’t going to be easy.

Isha’s POV

The day of my meeting with Aarav arrived, and I couldn’t ignore the flutter of nerves in my stomach. I had spent the morning pacing in my room, trying to convince myself that this was just another formality. Just another day in my carefully structured life. But the truth was, I was more nervous than I cared to admit.

My mother hovered, adjusting the folds of my black sari, her fingers smoothing down every crease. “You look perfect, Isha,” she said, beaming with pride. “Simple, elegant, and confident.”

I forced a smile, feeling the weight of the occasion. “It’s just a meeting, right? Nothing is set in stone.”

She gave me a knowing look. “Just keep an open mind.”

I nodded, taking a deep breath as I walked downstairs. The living room had been transformed, filled with fresh flowers and the smell of chai and sweets wafting from the kitchen. My father was speaking with Aarav’s family, exchanging pleasantries. But when Aarav turned, his eyes found mine immediately, and the room seemed to fall away.

He stood as I entered, his posture poised, and his expression unreadable. For a moment, our eyes locked. He was as handsome as I remembered—tall, with sharp features that gave him an air of quiet intensity. His dark eyes held mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

“Hello, Isha,” he said, his voice smooth but distant. There was a confidence in his tone that both intrigued and unsettled me.

“Hi,” I replied, keeping my voice steady as I took a seat across from him. The air between us felt charged, and I was acutely aware of my parents’ eyes watching, hopeful.

Aarav’s mother, Meera Thakur, spoke up. “Isha, Aarav tells me you’re a lawyer. Corporate law, is that right?”

I nodded. “Yes, I work for a firm that specializes in business law.”

Aarav’s eyes remained fixed on me. “It must be demanding.”

“It is,” I replied, matching his gaze. “But I like it. I enjoy the challenge.”

His lips quirked into a small smile. “I appreciate someone who isn’t afraid of a challenge.”

There was a tension in the air—an invisible thread that pulled us together and yet kept us at a distance. We were two strangers, meeting under the pretense of tradition, but I couldn’t help feeling there was more beneath the surface.

Our conversation continued, polite and measured. He asked me about my hobbies, my family, my work, and I answered, keeping my tone friendly yet professional. But the more we spoke, the more I sensed something guarded about him, like he was keeping a part of himself hidden.

At one point, I decided to turn the tables. “And what about you, Aarav? Import and export, right?”

His eyes flickered with amusement, but there was something else there—something darker. “Yes, I manage the family business. It keeps me… occupied.”

I felt a prickle of curiosity. “What exactly does that entail?”

He paused, his gaze sharp, as if assessing me. “Managing people, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.”

“Sounds complicated.”

His smile was thin, and his eyes never left mine. “It can be, but I’m used to dealing with complications.”

I didn’t miss the subtle edge in his voice, and a small part of me wondered what he wasn’t saying. There was a lot more to Aarav Thakur than met the eye, and I could feel the layers of mystery surrounding him, pulling me in.

Just then, my phone buzzed in my lap. It was a text from Ananya: How’s Mr. Mysterious? Is he handsome? Tell me everything later!

I quickly silenced the phone, glancing up to find Aarav watching me with a knowing smile. “Everything alright?”

I nodded, returning his smile. “Just a friend checking in.”

He leaned back slightly, his eyes still fixed on me. “I hope you’re not bored.”

“Not yet,” I said, smirking a little. It was a challenge, and I could see his eyes light up with interest.

Our parents soon suggested we take a walk in the garden. As we strolled among the rose bushes, I felt the tension between us grow. Aarav’s hand brushed mine, and for a second, I felt a jolt of electricity. I glanced up at him, but his expression was unreadable—intense, yet guarded.

He broke the silence. “I know this arrangement isn’t ideal for you.”

I paused, surprised by his directness. “And how do you know that?”

He shrugged, his gaze fixed ahead. “Just a feeling. You seem like someone who values independence.”

I nodded, appreciating his honesty. “I do. But sometimes… life has other plans.”

He smiled, but there was a hint of something else in his eyes—something that felt like a warning. “Yes, it does. But if you ever want to back out, just say the word.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “You’d let me?”

His eyes softened for the first time. “I’m not the kind of man who forces anyone’s hand, Isha. If this isn’t what you want, I won’t stand in your way.”

The sincerity in his voice surprised me. For a moment, the walls he kept so firmly in place seemed to crack, and I caught a glimpse of the man behind the mask—a man who, despite the power and the mystery, might just be as unsure as I was.

As our conversation ended and we headed back inside, I realized that this was just the beginning. Aarav Thakur was a puzzle I wasn’t sure I could solve, but one thing was certain—meeting him was going to change everything.

And I wasn’t sure if I was ready for it.

Isha’s POV

It had been a few days since the meeting with Aarav and his family, and I couldn’t stop thinking about him. There was something about the way he carried himself—calm, composed, but with a hint of danger beneath the surface. His words echoed in my mind, especially his assurance that I could back out if I wanted to. In a world where family decisions were practically set in stone, his offer felt strangely… generous.

Still, there was a part of me that couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that there was more to him than he let on.

My thoughts were interrupted when my best friend, Ananya, called. “Hey, how’s the mystery fiancé?” she teased, her voice full of excitement. “I’ve been dying to hear all about it.”

I laughed, trying to keep my tone light. “It’s still early. We only met once.”

“But…?”

“But there’s something off about him. He’s polite, he’s respectful, but there’s this… wall. Like he’s hiding something.”

“Maybe he’s just guarded. I mean, he’s a businessman, right? That’s a competitive world.”

“Maybe,” I conceded. “But I don’t know. It feels like it’s more than that.”

“Well, look at it this way,” she said. “You have time. Get to know him, see if the mystery unravels. Who knows, maybe there’s more to him than you think.”

I sighed, leaning back on my bed. “I hope you’re right.”

Aarav’s POV

Across town, Aarav sat in his office, staring at the city skyline. His thoughts were far from business, drifting back to Isha. He knew she was suspicious, and he couldn’t blame her. Their meeting had been polite, yes, but she had seen through his act. She had sensed there was more beneath his calm demeanor.

The door to his office creaked open, and his right-hand man, Dev, stepped inside. Dev’s expression was serious, and that was never a good sign. “We have a problem.”

Aarav’s eyes hardened, and the calm mask slipped into one of authority. “What is it?”

Dev hesitated. “There’s been another shipment delay. The men say there’s interference from our rivals.”

Aarav’s jaw clenched. “Rivals.” He spoke the word like a curse. “Which group?”

“Rumors point to the Oberois.”

Aarav’s eyes narrowed, and the air in the room felt colder. “The Oberois are getting bolder. They’re testing us.”

Dev nodded. “We’ll take care of it, but I thought you should know.”

Aarav’s mind raced. The Oberois were becoming a thorn in his side. But now, with Isha in the picture, the stakes were even higher. One wrong move, one exposed secret, and everything could fall apart.

“Handle it discreetly,” Aarav ordered. “I don’t want any trouble getting back to the Kapoor family.”

Dev gave him a knowing look. “This is about the engagement, isn’t it?”

Aarav’s gaze sharpened. “The Kapoors are our allies now. I can’t risk losing that.”

Dev raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t press further. “Understood.”

As Dev left the office, Aarav’s thoughts turned back to Isha. She was different—sharp, observant. A part of him admired that, but another part knew it made her dangerous. He had to keep her close, yet far enough from the truth.

He wasn’t sure how long he could walk that line.

Isha’s POV

Later that evening, I found myself thinking about Aarav again. As much as I wanted to dismiss it as a passing curiosity, there was a part of me that felt drawn to him. I couldn’t shake the feeling that, beneath the calm surface, there was something deeper—something he was struggling to hide.

Just then, my mother called out. “Isha, come downstairs! The Thakurs are visiting!”

“Again” My heart skipped a beat. I wasn’t expecting this sudden visit. I quickly freshened up and went downstairs, my mind swriling with thoughts.

Aarav was already seated in our living room, looking perfectly composed as usual. He stood when he saw me, a polite smile on his face. “Hello, Isha.”

“Hi,” I replied, feeling the weight of his gaze on me.

Our parents made small talk, and Aarav’s mother, Meera, brought up the wedding preparations, but my attention was fixed on Aarav. Something about his calmness felt forced, almost like he was playing a role.

When the conversation turned to us, Aarav’s mother suggested we go for a walk again. We stepped out into the garden, and as the cool evening breeze brushed against my skin, I felt the tension between us build.

“Did you know about this visit?” I asked, breaking the silence.

He shrugged. “I had a feeling. My mother likes to keep me informed about family matters.”

I studied his expression. “And what about business matters?”

Aarav’s eyes flickered, but his expression remained neutral. “Why do you ask?”

“I don’t know… You seem like you have a lot on your mind.”

For a moment, he was silent, and I thought he might deflect the question. But then, his eyes softened. “Business can be complicated. Sometimes, it’s hard to separate work from personal life.”

His honesty surprised me. “Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here. After all, isn’t that what this whole arrangement is about? Building trust?”

He smiled, and for the first time, it felt genuine. “Yes, I suppose it is.”

As we continued walking, the silence between us felt different—less like a barrier and more like a bridge. For the first time, I felt like we were beginning to understand each other.

But even as we spoke, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. There was so much more to Aarav Thakur than he was letting on, and I was determined to find out what lay behind the mask he wore so well.

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