No one can say what will happen the next moment of their life. Because nothing is in our hands. I have always thought that I can guarantee about what can happen in the next moment in my life but I have proved wrong many times by some people who used to be very close to my heart.

People think that I am cruel but they never tried to see the hardships I have to go through to be the man I have become today. I haven't gotten anything handed down in gold or silver platter. Everything I have gotten today is because of my own capability. So I don't know why people try to mess with my company which is basically a child to me.

Aarav has called earlier to inform me about the person who is selling information about my company. I wanted to go to Mumbai immediately and beat the shit out of him. But then I remembered that I have to go with Mom and Dad to meet some unimportant people.

"Are you ready or not Rudra?" Dad asks before coming inside the room. I look at him with irritation but he only glares in return. I huff before standing out of the bed to go near him.

"I am ready already but I don't want to go Dad." I tell him.

"Look son, your mother is not your enemy. She is correct in her way because we can not deny the fact that you are already 30 and in a few months you will turn 31. I and your mother just want you to get married before that." He explains in a gentle tone.

"First Lakshya and now also you think that I should get married. If I am not wrong, you both were equally irritated by Mom on the topic of my marriage then how come you both are suddenly taking her side?" I ask him.

"Because this relation is completely different from the others your Mom has talked about. I have seen the girl's photo for once and after seeing that face I can not let her be anyone's daughter-in-law instead of mine. Lakshya feels the same." That means they both have seen the girl's photo and didn't even show me.

"How can you both betray me like that? I thought that you guys are on my side." I look at him with annoyance.

"Neither I nor Lakshya has betrayed you Rudra. It's just that we want you to be happy. You are always busy with your business and company. Hell, I don't even remember when was the last time you have talked to us freely. I know after what happened you have lost your faith in relationships but try to understand your mother's perspective too. She is not your enemy son. She only wants to see you happy and lively the way you were used to be." I feel guilty about the way I have been behaving with my family especially Mom. Dad is correct, I have been so blinded by my past experience that I am not ready to move on from it.

"I am sorry Dad. It just that I am not ready for any relation or commitment. But if my marriage can bring happiness in our family then I will try to cooperate with you guys." I tell him with a tight-lipped smile in which he pets my back.

"Now let's go before your Mom come here to drag you down by holding your ear like she used to do in your childhood." He chuckles at his own joke. But I wince remembering the embarrassment I had to face in front of my friends because Mom always used to drag me from the playground by holding my ear for being late for my studies.

When we reach the lobby of the hotel I see that Mom and my Bua are talking among them. But they stop when they notice me and Dad. Mom hugs me tightly while I kiss her head. We may not agree with each other most times but my mom is the wonderful soul I have seen in my life.

"I missed you beta(son)." Mom murmurs in my chest. She is a small woman in front of my 6'3 ft hight so she only stands as tall as my chest.

"I missed you too mom." I reply softly before looking at her with a smile. After that, I greet my Bua while touching her feet.

"I think we should get going now. They are probably waiting for us." Sheela Bua tells us. We non our heads before going out of the hotel. We get inside Bua's car and start the journey towards our destination.

•••••••••••

I am sitting in front of my vanity while Kuhu is straightening my hair. I am wearing a sky-blue color salwar suit and for makeup, I only put winged eyeliner and light pink lipstick. Roshni bhabhi has given me an earring that matches my outfit well.

I look at Kuhu through the mirror to see that she has a scowl on her face. I know she is not happy with my decision but I can not just think about myself. If by meeting some people can bring happiness to my family, I will do it without a doubt.

"Don't burn my hair with your anger Kuhu." I say looking with a fake concern.

"Just shut up Ishu. How can you agree to meet someone for marriage? For God sake, you are only 21 and you are ready to get married?" She asks angrily. I take the straightener from her hand because I seriously don't want my hairs to get burned.

"Let's sit down on the bed," I tell her before standing up from the tool in front of the vanity. She huffs before sitting on the bed like a told her to. I give her a glass of water to drink before sitting beside her.

"Calm down Kuhu. I am not getting married today. I am just meeting some persons that's all." I say to her while she takes a sip of water.

"But what if they choose you as their daughter-in-law or whatever? You will get married so easily and let your dreams go?" She retorts back.

"I don't know Kuhu. It's not like my family will force me to marry someone whom I don't like." I reply weakly because I don't have any exact answers to her questions.

"Please don't do anything reckless Ishu. I know you love your family and they also love you dearly. But please first think about yourself and your dreams." She tells me while taking my hands in her hands. Just then Phui comes in my room but stops seeing our sad faces.

"What happens girls? Why are you guys looking so sad?" Phui asks worriedly coming near us.

"Nothing Phui. I am just making fun of her by saying that she will get married soon and I will get to have all of your love for myself only." Kuhu says with a big smile to hide her emotions. Phui looks at us in wary but don't say anything. She informs us that the guests have arrived and are asking about me.

"Ishu if you don't like anything about the family then you will immediately tell me. Okay?" Phui tells me with seriousness. I smile at her before kissing her cheeks.

"Of course Phui." I reply while walking beside her. Kuhu is also coming with us because she wants to see the guy who is here to meet me.

However, we both freeze seeing the person in the living room talking with Gautam bhaiya. I look at Kuhu with shock who is also looking like she can not believe what she is seeing. I hold her arm out of shock.

"What is he doing here Kuhu?" I whisper in her ear.

"How am I supposed to know that stupid?" She replies sarcastically.

"What are you guys whispering about?" Dheeraj Kaka asks us from the living room catching everyone's attention, especially Mr. Rudra Bajaj who is looking as surprised as me. But then his lips turn upward in a smirking motion which leaves me confused.

Phui lead me in the living room before making me sit beside Papa in which I am really grateful. I instantly clutch Papa's hand and scoot closer to him.

"It's good to see you again." My head snaps towards Mr. Bajaj who has a mischievous smile on his face. I can feel the stares of everyone but I decide to remain calm.

"Same here Mr. Bajaj." I reply while trying not to stutter out of nervousness.

"You guys know each other?" A lady whom I can guess as Mr. Bajaj's mother, asks while looking at us both.

"Yes, Mom. I have met her yesterday at my old college. She is also a student at St. Stephen College and Principal Sir has praised her a lot." Mr. Bajaj replies casually while I am trying to avoid my family's curious gaze.

"Wow, that's great to know dear. I have to say you must be very intelligent to be praised by that stern Principal of your college." Sheela auntie says with a smile.

"Our Ishu is the best student of her department till now. She has always been the best student out of her whole class." Dadi comments proudly. Why are they discussing about my intelligence? Aren't we here for another reason? But it's good that they are busy with another topic then marriage, right?

"Ishu! Ishu!" I hear someone calling me to see that everyone is looking at me. I give them all an awkward smile in response.

"I think I should introduce everyone as I am the only one who knows both families well." Sheela auntie says before she starts the introduction session.

It's really true that sometimes our expectations have no match with the reality. Who could have thought that the rude, arrogant but successful business tycoon will be the guy to come to see the scared, timid, and socially awkward girl like me? At least not me. Let's just pray that nothing will go wrong.

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How are you my lovelies? I hope every one of you is doing great and feeling well.