I was sitting at the dining table with my family.

Everyone was quiet, and my grandmother, the lady who had ruined my life, was there too, eating peacefully.

But I sensed this silence was the calm before the storm—something was brewing in their minds.

“Ritika, why isn’t Ahaan here?” My grandmother asked my mom, in her tone cold. 

“Mom, he’s busy with work,” My mother replied. 

“I told you I wanted everyone here. You can’t even do one thing properly! After all these years, you’re still the same; you can’t take care of anything,” She said, her tone icy.

I tightened my grip on my fork, and I felt a surge of hatred for her.

How could she speak to my mom like that?

But, true to her nature, my mom remained silent.

“Anyway, Kiara, we have made a decision for you,” My grandmother said, turning her gaze toward me.

“You will be getting engaged to Advait Malhotra, the CEO of Malhotra Inc.,” She announced flatly.

I had been expecting this.

I knew they were planning my wedding.

I am a lawyer, so they couldn’t deceive me, but I didn’t expect it to be him.

Why him of all people?

“I can’t—I’m not agreeing to this engagement,” I said, fumbling.

“Do you think I’m asking you? No right, this is an order, Kiara.” She spoke.

“But I can’t—” I started, only to be cut off by my dad.

“Kiara, how many times have I told you not to argue with Maa? She is the eldest, and her decision is final. Could you please just cooperate and listen to us?” My Dad said and looked at me with nothing but disappointment.

“I have always listened to you, all these years! When will you let me make my own choices?”

“KIARA!” My dad shouted my name, rising from his chair.

“Suresh, I told you long ago to settle her marriage quickly. Who will want to marry a girl who talks back like this? The elder people have to be treated with respect,” My grandmother said, glaring at me with disgust.

“Ritika, you’re the one who spoiled her! What respect will be left for the Singhania family if their daughter talks back like this?” She added, this time turning her glare at my mother.

“Dadi, can you stop? People are treated with respect when they deserve it. Have you ever spoken to me properly?” I started but was interrupted by a sharp slap across my face.

I turned to see my mom—the very woman I always tried to protect—was the one who had hit me.

And it was for her own reputation.

“MOM!” I heard Ahaan bhai's voice.

“What are you doing?” He exclaimed as he rushed toward me, holding my cheeks.

I could feel the sting of the slap.

But it didn’t really hurt.

There was nothing left to hurt me.

Everyone, except Ahaan, cared only about their own reputation.

“Ritika, you did the right thing. She deserved it,” My grandmother said, looking me in the eyes with a proud smile. 

“Ahaan, come, have some food.” My grandmother said while smiling towards Ahaan bhai.

“Grandmother, are you—” Ahaan bhai started but I cut him off. 

“Bhai, please don’t ruin your relationships because of me,” I said, attempting to stop him. 

“Kiara, but…” His eyes softened.

“It’s okay, bhai,” I said, giving him a fake smile.

“Kiara, next week on Saturday, we will all go to meet the Malhotra family. Please make sure you behave well; I don’t want any drama.” My grandmother again said.

I didn’t respond and went straight to my room.

I looked at myself in the mirror.

There was a red mark on my right cheek.

I washed my face and applied some ointment.

I was exhausted.

So much had happened today.

I never expected my family would ask me to marry Advait.

I was lost in my thoughts when someone knocked on my door.

“Come in,” I said, expecting a servant, but it was Ahaan bhai.

He quietly closed the door behind him and walked toward my bed.

“I’m sorry, Kiara.”  He said with guilt visible on his face.

“It’s okay, bhai. It’s not your fault.”  I replied looking at him in the eyes.

“I knew about this alliance, which is why I didn’t come for dinner.” He said with sadness.

“I know,” I spoke.

“You knew?” He asked his face in shock.

“Bhai, I’m a lawyer. Do you all think lying to me will work?” I asked him back. 

“No, I know it won’t.” He spoke.

“They’re trying to get me married to Advait,” I said while playing with my nails.

“I know. I wouldn’t say he’s an amazing guy, but he can be tolerable.” He spoke.

“Bhai, are you serious?” I said, looking at him with disbelief.

“Kiara, grandmother doesn’t care if he’s a gentleman or not. She and Dad only care about business. This marriage will be an alliance between our families.”  He spoke.

“I know, but I can’t get engaged this early. I still have to build my own firm; I can’t rely on this family.” I said.

I have a lot to do before I get married.

“I know, but who cares about what we think?” He said.

“True,” I replied, agreeing to him.

“You should get some sleep; you must be tired.” He said, standing up from my bed.

“Okay, good night,”  I said, with a smile.

“Good night, Kiara,” he said as he left my room.

I need to talk to Advait.

No one will listen to me, but they will definitely listen to him.

If I can speak to him and he disagrees with this marriage, then I’m sure we won’t be married.

I also need to talk to Ananya.

Iss ladki ki kaali zubaan, bolti thi shadi kara dungi - shadi kara dungi, ab sach me ho gayi toh?

(This girl used to say, I will get you married to him, now what if it really happens).

⋆. 𐙚 ˚

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