𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙎𝙊𝙐𝙇𝙎

1

AAROHI

"Maa, I have just started working. It's only been three months—at least let me settle down first," I said, rubbing my temples as a throbbing headache formed. The constant pressure of marriage was exhausting, and her words only made it worse.

"My child, they are really good people. Why not meet him once and then decide? Just give it a chance," she pleaded, her tone gentle but persistent.

I ignored her words, trying to focus on anything but this conversation. Suddenly, a sharp slap landed on my back, making me yelp in surprise.

"Listen, Aarohi," she said firmly, forcing me to turn toward her.

"I'm going to ask you something, and I want an honest answer," she continued.

I nodded, signaling her to go on.

"Do you like someone? Or did you, at some point? Is that the reason you're saying no?"

I shook my head immediately because that was the truth. I had never liked anyone in that way. And even if I had, it wouldn’t have mattered. In our family, love marriages were considered nothing less than a crime.

I had seen the so-called criminals firsthand.

One of my cousins had a girlfriend, and when he confessed his love to his parents, he was beaten to the brink of death. Just because he dared to love someone.

"I'm your mother, Aarohi. You can tell me anything," she said, her gaze piercing into mine, searching for a hidden reason behind my refusal.

But there wasn’t one.

I sighed and turned to leave. "I'm going to sleep. I have work early in the morning."

"So, if there’s nobody in your life, then just meet him once. I promise you won’t regret it."

I wanted to bang my head against the wall.

"Just once, Aarohi. For your father’s happiness, too."

I clenched my fists and exhaled sharply. "Fine. But please, no more discussions about this."

Placing extra emphasis on the word anymore, I finally walked away.

Papa was not a strict man. In fact, he was the kind of father anyone would dream of—supportive, kind, and generous. He never stopped me from doing anything and gave me everything I could possibly ask for. But sometimes, his decisions were purely for the sake of family honor rather than my happiness.

He had never forced me to marry, but ever since I turned twenty-four last year, he had subtly started bringing up arranged meetings with potential grooms. I had met a few, but it didn't take long for me to see through their intentions.

Perhaps he had someone new in mind now and had sent Maa to persuade me.

But I wasn’t ready.

I wanted to build my career, settle into my independence, and check off everything on my to-do list before even thinking about marriage.

I just wished they could understand that.

---

ARSH

"Yes, Maa, I ate my lunch," I lied smoothly, shoving my untouched lunchbox open the moment I hung up the call.

I didn’t feel guilty. This was a daily routine.

Before I could take a bite, my phone rang again. "Now find someone who’ll ask you about your day—your partner—"

I groaned and ended the call before she could finish the sentence.

For the past few months, my parents had been on a mission: Operation: Find Arsh a Wife.

They wanted me to "settle down," to "find a life partner," to "build a future together with someone." But what if I wasn’t ready for that?

Right now, I wanted to focus on myself, my goals, and my career. I wasn’t against marriage—I just knew I couldn’t juggle both my professional and personal life yet.

But explaining that to my parents was like talking to a wall.

I pushed the thoughts aside, refusing to let them ruin my mood. My best friend was waiting for me, and I needed to clear my mind.

Unaware of the storm brewing at home—where my mother and grandmother were no doubt conspiring against my bachelorhood—I grabbed my keys and left, blissfully ignorant of the chaos waiting for me when I returned.

.....

Hope you all liked this chapter.

Do comment down your thoughts.