Bound by Vows, Freed by Love
Chapter 𝟑: First Meet
The afternoon sun casts a warm glow. Avni sits on a cushioned bench as her grandmother combs her hair. Soft murmurs of conversation fill the space.
Jaya (FL's grandma)
(Softly): Do you hate me, Avni?
Avni (FL)
(startled, turning around): Bulbul? How could I ever hate you?
Her parents look over, confused. Jaya sighs, resting a gentle hand on Avni’s shoulder.
Jaya (FL's grandma)
I know you never wanted to get married... yet here you are, agreeing to it. And I know it's because of me.
Silence. Avni lets out a small huff, then smirks.
Avni (FL)
Hah, I'm tired of these emotional talks. First, I wasn’t ready to marry, and you were upset. Now that I’ve agreed, you’re still not happy?
A burst of laughter echoes from the entrance.
Atharva (FL's brother)
Where is my little troublemaker?
Avni (FL)
(Brightens, rushing over): Bhai!
She hugs Atharva tightly before greeting Ishani with warmth. Atharva places a hand on her forehead, mock-checking for a fever.
Atharva (FL's brother)
Are you okay? Do you have some… mental condition?
Ishaani (FL's sister in law)
(Smirks, crossing arms): I think so too. Avni, agreeing to marriage? This can’t be our Avni.
She playfully pulls Avni’s ear. Avni rolls her eyes, laughing.
Avni (FL)
I am getting married. And today, I'm going to meet him.
Atharva watches her silently, then sighs, placing a warm hand on her cheek. He doesn’t say much, just turns to touch the elders’ feet.
Jaya watches Avni disappear into the house, exhaling deeply.
Jaya (FL's grandma)
This is the right thing.
Shourya (FL's father)
(Frowning): She’s just 24, Maa. We all know how she feels.
Jaya (FL's grandma)
(Firmly): No, you don’t. I know she’s just 24, but I don’t know how long I have left… and I can’t leave my Avni in your hands.
Atharva (FL's brother)
(Stiffens): What do you mean, Dadi? She’s our—
Jaya (FL's grandma)
Yes, she is your princess. And that’s exactly why she needs this.
She looks at them, weary yet wise.
Jaya (FL's grandma)
With all your love and possessiveness, you will never let her go, never let her truly open up.
Atharva (FL's brother)
What do you mean? We are her family. We love her, protect her… who else would she talk to if not us?
Jaya (FL's grandma)
Do you even realize how much she holds back?
Jaya (FL's grandma)
Tell me, how many times has she come to you, not for food or places to go, but to talk about her problems?
Jaya (FL's grandma)
She needs a partner. I know she’s not happy now, but do you want her to spend her entire life like this? Alone? How long will you all be around her?
Jaya (FL's grandma)
Tell me, beta, is your father still with you? Am I going to be here forever?
A heavy silence falls over the room.
The car moves smoothly through the city streets. Avni sits quietly, fingers loosely clasped in her lap. As they approach the restaurant, she reaches for the door handle—
A gentle but firm grip stops her.
Atharva (FL's brother)
Chhoti… if you don’t want to do this, you don’t have to. Your brother is always behind you. You know this, right?
Avni swallows, forcing a small smile. She squeezes his hand.
Avni (FL)
Trust me, Bhai… I’m fine.
Atharva studies her for a moment, then sighs, releasing her hand.
Atharva (FL's brother)
I’ll be here. Call me if you need anything.
As she walked towards the entrance, the sound of her heels clicking against the pavement echoed in her ears. She straightened her black suit, letting out a slow breath.
Kabir Malhotra.
His name repeated in her mind as she pushed open the glass door and stepped inside.
There he was, seated at a table near the window, exuding the same composed yet distant aura she had expected.
Kabir (ML)
(Extending a hand): Kabir Malhotra
Avni (FL)
(After a second’s hesitation, shaking his hand): Avni Kaur
A firm handshake. Short. Civil. Distant.
They sit. Kabir signals to the waiter.
Kabir (ML)
Would you like something? Coffee? Tea?
Avni wasn't feeling well. The entire situation felt suffocating. She didn't wanted this. And that thought was unsettling.
Kabir’s eyes flicker toward her—just for a second.
The drinks arrive. Silence stretches between them.
Kabir leans back slightly, tapping his cup.
Kabir (ML)
I’ve been told you’ve already agreed to this marriage because your grandmother wants it.
Avni (FL)
(Exhaling, nods slightly): …Yes.
Kabir (ML)
I’m in a similar position. My family wants me to get married, but I’m not that type of person.
He meets her gaze, his voice calm but firm.
Kabir (ML)
So let’s be clear—this marriage, if it happens, will be nothing more than a deal.
Avni’s eyebrows knit together slightly.
Kabir (ML)
"I don't know what you expect from this marriage, but let me be straightforward-there will be no husband-and-wife dynamic.
Kabir (ML)
I don’t do relationships, love, or any of that nonsense.
Kabir (ML)
"If you agree to this, you can ask for anything. Doesn't matter if it's worth billions or trillions. But don't expect anything from me personally."
Avni’s grip tightens around her phone.
Kabir (ML)
He continued, his gaze unwavering. "You will have your personal space. I will have mine. I won't interfere in your life, and you won't interfere in mine. You have already agreed to this marriage,
but after this conversation, think again."
He pulls out a card and slides it toward her.
Kabir (ML)
By nightfall, I expect your decision. If your answer is no, I’ll cancel everything, and you’ll be free to choose other options.
Avni remains silent, unsure if she feels anger or relief.
Kabir (ML)
If you have nothing to say, I’ll take my leave.
He turns to walk away. Then—his phone buzzes. A message from his mother.
Kabir (ML)
📱~"Don’t forget to take a picture. I want to see you both together at least once before rejecting another girl!"
(-> Maa)
Kabir sighs, running a hand down his face. He turns back to Avni, who’s still staring at her untouched lemon water.
Kabir (ML)
One last thing. My mother wants a picture. If you don’t mind…
Avni blinks, processing his words, then nods wordlessly.
A nearby waiter senses the situation and steps forward.
Waiter: I can take it for you, sir.
Kabir hands over his phone. They stand side by side. A brief moment. A single click.
The picture is taken.
Kabir retrieves his phone, gives Avni a nod, and walks away.
__________________________________
"ᴋᴜᴄʜ ғᴀɪsʟᴇ ᴀʟғᴀᴢᴏɴ ᴋᴇ ᴍᴏʜᴛᴀᴊ ɴᴀʜɪ ʜᴏᴛᴇ, ᴋᴀʙʜɪ ᴋʜᴀᴍᴏsʜɪ ʙʜɪ ᴇᴋ ᴊᴀᴡᴀᴀʙ ʜᴏᴛɪ ʜᴀɪ."
(Some decisions don’t need words,
Sometimes, silence itself is an answer.)
Comments