marriage proposal

At 8 o'clock in the morning, Xiao Zhan arrives at Kirti’s home with a team of bodyguards, and Mr. Sharma by his side, carrying a box of sweets as a traditional gesture. The sight of the luxury car pulls the attention of everyone in the area, and a wave of unease spreads through the neighborhood. People wonder why Xiao Zhan is here again, and the tension builds as the car stops at the gate of Kirti’s home.

Mr. Sharma rings the doorbell, and when Kirti’s father opens the door, he is greeted with a respectful bow from both Mr. Sharma and Xiao Zhan. With a nod, Kirti’s father allows them inside. The atmosphere is tense as they enter the house. Kirti’s mother, startled by the unexpected guests, quickly starts preparing water and snacks for them.

As the guests settle in the guest room, Mr. Sharma begins to speak on behalf of Xiao Zhan, and his words catch everyone off guard. "Sir," he says to Kirti’s father, "sir would like to marry your daughter."

Kirti’s father is immediately taken aback, his face flushed with anger. "What is this? Why would he come here asking for my daughter's hand in marriage?" he says, trying to control his frustration. Kirti’s elder brother also rises, his protective instincts kicking in as he stands next to their father. The tension in the room is palpable .

Mr. Sharma, sensing the rising hostility, quickly defuses the situation. "Sir, is only 23 years old. He’s not much older than your daughter. It’s not an issue of age," Mr. Sharma insists, trying to justify the proposal.

Xiao Zhan, sitting silently, watches Kirti’s parents, his eyes unwavering as he waits for their response. He doesn’t speak a word, only stares intently at them. His silence only intensifies the pressure in the room.

Kirti’s father, now visibly upset, turns to Xiao Zhan and, with a stern voice, responds, "We cannot agree to this. My daughter is only 19 years old, and it’s too early for such a commitment. We’ve already decided that we will marry her to someone from our own culture, not someone from another country."

Xiao Zhan remains calm, but there’s an edge to his gaze as he listens to Kirti’s father reject the proposal. Mr. Sharma attempts to intervene once more, but Kirti’s father is firm in his stance. "I’m sorry, but we cannot allow this. We will marry our daughter to someone from our own country. No offense, but we have our traditions."

The tension in the air grows thick as Kirti’s father stands his ground.

Xiao Zhan, sensing the escalating tension, finally speaks up, but his voice is calm, measured. He turns to Mr. Sharma and says in English, "I can offer your son a job, a position in my company, to make things easier for the family."

Mr. Sharma, understanding the suggestion, translates the offer to Kirti's parents. "He says he can provide your son with a job in his company."

However, instead of softening the situation, this only seems to fuel Kirti’s father’s anger. He stands up, his face red with frustration, and raises his voice in disbelief. "Are you serious?" he asks, glaring at Xiao Zhan. "Do you think we would sell our daughter for money or a job?"

Kirti’s mother looks equally upset, her face a mixture of confusion and outrage. "We don’t want your money or your offers. Our daughter is not for sale," Kirti’s father continues, his voice firm and resolute.

Xiao Zhan, despite the rejection, doesn’t show any sign of frustration. His gaze is still calm, almost like he’s studying them. But the tension in the room is thick, and it’s clear that Kirti’s parents are not backing down. They’re not interested in his wealth or his power—what matters most to them is the well-being of their daughter and upholding their own values.

Kirti’s father’s words leave no room for negotiation. "We will never agree to this. You need to leave now," he says sharply.

The atmosphere in the room feels suffocating.

Xiao Zhan listens quietly to Kirti's father's words, his calm demeanor slowly shifting into something darker. The rejection stings, but it's not enough to deter him. He understands now that the typical methods won't work with Kirti's family. They’re not swayed by money, status, or promises of jobs.

A cold smirk spreads across his lips as he looks from Kirti’s father to her mother, his expression becoming more calculating. He realizes that if he wants Kirti, he can't play the part of the good, charming businessman. His usual ways won't work here. His gaze shifts, and for the first time, it takes on a dangerous edge, the type of look that conveys not just determination, but a hint of something more ruthless.

He locks eyes with Kirti’s parents, silently acknowledging the challenge they’ve just set before him. There’s no going back now. He can’t just walk away, not when he’s this close to getting what he wants.

The tension in the room heightens as his smirk deepens, a silent promise lingering in the air. He knows that if he truly wants Kirti, he’ll have to dig deeper, play a longer game. It’s no longer just about winning her over with charm or offers. It’s about power—and he knows exactly how to use it

Her father stands firm, unyielding, as he repeats, “I’ve already made my decision. Leave now.”

Xiao Zhan stands, his smirk never fading as he finally speaks, his voice low and cold, “This isn’t over, Mr. singh.” He doesn’t say more, but the finality in his words sends a shiver down Kirti's parents He turns without another word, and with his bodyguards trailing behind him, he exits the house, but the tension doesn’t leave with him .

After Xiao Zhan leaves, the atmosphere in the house remains tense. Kirti’s parents exchange a few words in hushed tones, their expressions clouded with worry and frustration. They wait for Kirti to wake up, knowing the conversation they have to have with her is going to be difficult.

By 10 o’clock, Kirti stirs from her sleep. She groggily gets out of bed and heads to the kitchen, where her mother is preparing breakfast. The usual warmth of home feels distant today, overshadowed by the events of the morning. Kirti notices her parents’ tense expressions as soon as she enters the room.

“Is everything alright, Mom? Dad?” Kirti asks, her voice full of concern. Her brother, who’s sitting at the table, looks up from his phone and asks, “Kirti, have you ever encountered Xiao Zhan before? Was there anything strange?”

Kirti freezes at the mention of his name. Her heart races, and she feels a lump form in her throat. She can feel the panic rising, unsure of how to answer. Nervously, she shakes her head, her voice trembling as she says, “No... I haven’t. Nothing happened.” But even as she says it, she knows it’s not entirely true.

Her parents exchange a look, and then her father speaks up, his voice serious. “We need to talk about what happened today, Kirti. Xiao Zhan came here with his people. He asked for your hand in marriage.”

Kirti’s eyes widen in shock. She can’t believe it—everything that happened in the restaurant now feels even more real. She feels a wave of anger wash over her, mixed with fear. How dare he? How could he just come to her home and make such an offer without any consideration for her feelings or her family?

Her father continues, “He even offered us money and a job for your brother. But we refused. This is not how things work in our family. We don’t sell our daughter.”

Her mother adds with a stern look, “We said no, Kirti. And we will continue to say no. You have nothing to worry about. This man is not the one for you.”

Despite her relief that her parents stood their ground, Kirti can’t shake the fear that lingers. The thought of Xiao Zhan’s intense gaze, the way he stared at her with such possessiveness—it still haunts her.

“I’m so angry at him, Mom. Dad,” Kirti says, her voice trembling with emotion. “And I’m scared. What if he doesn’t give up?”

Her father reassures her, his voice firm and protective. “Don’t worry, Kirti. We’ve made our decision. You’re not going anywhere with him. He won’t come near you again.”

But even as they comfort her, Kirti feels a knot in her stomach. She can’t help but feel like Xiao Zhan isn’t the kind of man who just accepts a ‘no’ easily. And deep down, she wonders what he’ll do next to get what he wants.

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