Deals and Dreams
#1 The Wedding
The sun was shining brightly on the luxurious wedding venue, casting a warm glow over the beautifully decorated mandap and the lavish reception hall. The guests were all dressed in their finest traditional attire, with the men wearing kurtas and pyjamas, and the women wearing saris and lehengas.
Abhinav(Abhi), the CEO of AJ Corporation, stood at the mandap, looking handsome but cold and unenthusiastic in his tailored sherwani. He was surrounded by his friends and family, all of whom were beaming with pride.
As the music began to play, the doors opened, and Archana(Achu), the beautiful young woman, walked down the aisle, accompanied by her friends and family. She was stunning in her red bridal sari, her hair styled perfectly, and her makeup flawless.
But despite the grandeur of the wedding, the atmosphere was tense. Abhi and Achu didn't love each other, and they didn't even know each other. They had never met before, and the wedding was an arranged one, set up by their families.
As they exchanged their vows, rings, and a garland, the guests applauded politely, but it was clear that the newlyweds were not happy.But they put on a fake smile...
Abhi's mother, Revathy, approached Achu's mother, Anitha, with a fake smile.
Revathy
Congratulations....Your daughter looks beautiful....(fake smile)
Anitha
Thank you....Your son looks handsome too (smiles back)
The two women exchanged a few more pleasantries, but it was clear that they didn't get along.
Meanwhile, Achu's friend, Anagha(Anu), approached her and gave a hug.
Anagha
You look really upset....!
Archana(FL)
I'm fine, Anu...Just a little overwhelmed.....
Anagha
(nods sympathetically) I understand. But try to be happy, didi. This is your special day...
Achu nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. She knew that she was supposed to be happy, but she just couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.
As the reception began, Abhi and Achu were seated at the head table, where they were subjected to a series of embarrassing and humorous speeches by their friends and family.
But despite the celebrations, they both didn't exchange a single word. They just sat there, looking uncomfortable and unhappy.
As the night wore on, the tension between them became more and more palpable.
Finally, as the reception came to a close, they got up to leave.
As they walked into their honeymoon suite, the tension between them exploded into a full-blown fight.
Abhinav(ML)
This is all your fault... (his eyes blazing with anger)
Archana(FL)
My fault? You're the one who's been ignoring me all day!
Abhinav(ML)
I'm ignoring you? You're the one who's been looking at me like I'm some kind of monster!
Archana(FL)
(her eyes flashed with anger) You are a monster!!! A cold, heartless monster!!
Abhinav(ML)
(his face darkened with rage) How dare you???? (he growled)
The fight continued, with neither of them willing to back down.
As the night wore on, the tension between them only grew stronger.
It was clear that this was not going to be a happy marriage!!
#2 The Fight Continues
The fight between them continued, with neither of them willing to back down.
Archana(FL)
You're just a selfish, arrogant man! (her eyes blazing with anger)
Abhinav(ML)
And you're just a spoiled, entitled woman! (his face darkening with rage)
The argument escalated, with both of them saying things they couldn't take back.
Finally, in a fit of anger, Abhi stormed out of the room, leaving Achu alone and in tears
Achu collapsed onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably. She had never felt so alone and so trapped in her life.
Meanwhile, Abhi walked out of the house, into the cool night air. He couldn't believe what had just happened. He had never felt so angry and so frustrated in his life.
As he walked, he couldn't help but think about her. He didn't know why, but he couldn't get her out of his head.
But he quickly pushed the thought away. He didn't want to think about her. He didn't want to care about her.
The next morning, they woke up to an awkward silence. They didn't speak to each other, and the tension between them was palpable.
As they got ready for the day,Revathy (Abhi's mom) came to visit.
Revathy
Good morning Achu!! (hugs her)
Archana(FL)
Good morning Mom (hugs her back)
Archana(FL)
I'm fine Mom...(forced smile)
Revathy looked at
Abhi, who was standing in the corner, looking sulky.
Revathy
And how are you, Abhinav?
Abhinav(ML)
I'm fine ❄️ (said without looking at her)
Revathy's face fell, but she tried to keep the conversation going
Revathy
So, what are your plans for today?
Archana(FL)
I don't know. I haven't really thought about it.
Abhinav(ML)
We have a meeting with the lawyers to discuss the merger ❄️
Revathy
Oh, really? I didn't know that.. (eyes widened in surprise)
Abhinav(ML)
Yes. It's a big deal. And I need to be there...
Archana(FL)
Of course you do... (rolls her eyes)
As the day went on, Abhi and Achu continued to argue and fight. It was clear that their marriage was not going to be easy.
But despite their differences, they couldn't help but feel drawn to each other. It was a feeling they couldn't explain, and it only made their arguments more intense.
As the sun began to set, they found themselves alone again, facing off in their room.
The tension between them was palpable, and it seemed like anything could happen next.
#3 The Merger Meeting
The next morning, Abhi and Achu arrived at the lawyer's office for the merger meeting. They were both dressed in formal attire, and their faces were set in determined expressions.
As they entered the conference room, they were greeted by Abhi's father, RAJESH, and Achu's father, Akshay. The two men were seated at the head of the table, and they looked up at Abhi and Achu with expectant expressions.
Rajesh
Ah, good morning (smiles at Abhi) I see you're both here. Excellent...
Akshay
(nods) Yes, let's get started. We have a lot to discuss...
The meeting began, and Abhi and Achu listened as their fathers discussed the merger. They both looked uninterested, and their body language screamed discomfort.
As the meeting dragged on, Abhi's phone began to ring. He excused himself and stepped outside to answer it.
Achu watched him go, feeling a pang of curiosity. Who was he talking to?
As she turned back to the meeting, she caught Akshay's eye. He was watching her with a calculating expression, and Achu felt a shiver run down her spine.
What did he want from her?
Meanwhile, Abhi was standing outside, talking to his assistant, Ran
Abhinav(ML)
What's going on?? (his voice low and urgent)
Ram
It's about the merger....I've been going over the numbers, and I think we're making a big mistake!!
Abhinav(ML)
What do you mean?? (his eyes narrowed)
Ram
I mean that the merger is not going to benefit us as much as we think...
Ram
In fact, it could end up costing us a lot of money...
Abhinav(ML)
Why didn't you tell me this before?? (angry voice)
Ram
I didn't want to rock the boat, sir (hesitantly replied)
Abhinav(ML)
You should have told me....Now we're stuck in this merger, and it could ruin us... (his eyes flashed with anger)
As he stormed back into the meeting room, Achu looked up at him with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
But he just ignored her and took his seat, his face set in a determined expression.
The meeting continued, with Rajesh and Akshay discussing the details of the merger.They both listened in silence, their faces expressionless.
But as the meeting dragged on, the tension in the room began to build. Abhi's anger was palpable, and Achu could feel the weight of her father's expectations bearing down on her.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the meeting came to a close. Rajesh and Akshay smiled at each other, looking satisfied.
Rajesh
I think that's all for today!! (stands up)
Rajesh
We'll finalize the details of the merger and get back to you soon....
As they left the conference room, Abhi & Achu walked in silence, their bodies stiff with tension.
But as they reached the elevator, Abhi suddenly turned to Achu, his eyes blazing with anger.
Abhinav(ML)
This is all your fault!! If you hadn't agreed to this merger, we wouldn't be in this mess....
Archana(FL)
My fault? (her eyes widened with shock)
Archana(FL)
You're the one who's been pushing for this merger!!
Abhinav(ML)
You don't know what you're talking about!! (his face darkened with anger)
The elevator doors opened, and Abhi stormed out, leaving Achu standing alone, feeling shocked and hurt.
As she watched him go, ARCHANA couldn't help but wonder what she had gotten herself into....
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