MARRY HER

Shreya was in even more pain now—Kabir’s grip on her arm had tightened unbearably. Yet in truth, she could not even remember how she had reached this room.

Shreya was a struggling actor. Just two days ago, she had lost a very big opportunity. For that role she had worked tirelessly, but on the crucial day, fate played its cruel game—she couldn’t reach the audition on time. The audition had been for none other than the upcoming film of the famous actor-turned-producer, Devesh Kapoor.

Last night, desperate and disheartened, Shreya had gone to meet Devesh Kapoor at a pub. Without sparing her a single glance, Devesh had handed her his card, his voice sweet and polished as he invited her for an audition the next day.

But in his drunken state, Devesh had actually given her his credit card by mistake. When Shreya realized this, she hurried back to return it. That was when she overheard him scoffing to someone—

"I don’t know from where these people come, calling themselves actors. No looks, no personality. Just make me an actor, they say. If you don’t have looks, at least use your brain. Wear decent clothes. At least be worthy of being noticed by people."

The words cut through her like shards of glass. Shreya froze. Tears welled up in her eyes against her will. Forcing them back with all her strength and summoning a fragile smile, she stepped toward Devesh.

“Sir, you’ve mistakenly—”

But before she could finish, Devesh snapped, his voice sharp and demeaning.

“You strugglers have no patience, do you? When I’ve said the audition is tomorrow morning, then it will be tomorrow morning!”

The pub went silent. Every eye turned toward Shreya. She stood there, head bowed, cheeks burning with shame. But Devesh Kapoor was relentless. Not waiting for another word, Shreya left quietly—still clutching his card, her heart heavy with humiliation and tears.

She had been crying in the back corner of the pub, cursing her fate, when suddenly a hand reached out with a tissue box. Shreya accepted it without even looking up; her shame was so raw she could not meet anyone’s gaze.

“Can I buy you a drink?” a deep voice asked.

Shreya finally looked—and that face…

The memory jolted her back to the present. With sudden force, she wrenched her hand free from Kabir’s grip, grabbed him by the collar, and demanded, “What did you mix in my drink? It was you, wasn’t it? You’re the one who offered me a drink!”

Kabir’s eyes widened as recognition struck. Yes… this is the same girl. His brother, Devesh Kapoor, had reduced this girl to tears the night before. The way Devesh had insulted her—it had stung Kabir too. That was why he had offered her a drink, out of sympathy and anger at his brother’s cruelty. He remembered drinking with her… but after that, his memory blurred. Perhaps in his frustration, he had lost control of his senses.

And then—knock, knock.

Someone was at the door. Kabir and Shreya both turned sharply. Before Kabir could react, Shreya rushed to open it, desperation pouring from her lips.

“Please help me! This man has kidnapped me, he’s crazy! Please, please, help me!”

Kabir’s anger flared at her words, but when he stepped forward, even he froze.

Standing at the door was a stylish, sophisticated woman.

“Mom…” The word slipped from Kabir’s mouth instinctively.

Shreya, too, went rigid. She didn’t know what to do anymore. Kavita Kapoor stepped into the room, her sharp eyes immediately taking in the disheveled bed and the wrecked state of the room. One glance was enough for anyone to imagine what might have happened the previous night.

Kabir’s throat tightened with shame. His mother’s pride in him had always been unshakable—until now. He couldn’t bear to meet her eyes.

“Mom, I can explain everything,” he muttered, voice low and urgent. “It’s not what you’re thinking. Please… just go home. I’ll come in a little while and explain everything.”

But Kavita Kapoor’s face was unreadable—neither rage nor sorrow, as though both emotions had numbed her completely. In a cold, restrained tone, she called out to Kabir’s manager waiting outside.

“Rajat, drop this girl home.”

“Mom, please don’t get involved in this,” Kabir pleaded. “I’ll handle it. I’ll explain—”

But Kavita cut him off. “Didn’t you hear what I said, Rajat?”

“It’s alright,” Shreya said quickly, voice trembling. “No need for that. I’ll go myself.”

“No.” Kavita’s reply was firm, unyielding. “From this moment on, you are my responsibility. Give me some time, and I promise—I won’t let anything wrong happen to you.”

Shreya opened her mouth to protest, but Kavita didn’t allow her the chance. Rajat stepped forward and led Shreya away.

As soon as the door closed, Kabir exploded. “Mom, you don’t know what this cheap girl has done to me! Please, stay out of this. You don’t understand anything!”

Kavita’s eyes, calm and cold, locked onto his. Her voice carried the weight of finality.

“Marry this girl, Kabir.”

He had expected it. Somewhere deep down, he had known his mother would say this. Still, the words made his jaw tighten.

“Mom, you know very well nothing like that is ever going to happen. And what surprises me most is that instead of supporting your son, you’re standing with a stranger. A girl whose name, whose background—you don’t even know.”

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***