NAINA'S POV

NEXT MORNING

"Dad, I'm not rejecting this proposal, but why the sudden rush to get me married?" I questioned him, my confusion was evident as he pressed for me to consider a potential husband so quickly. He regarded me with a stern expression before responding.

"Naina, you're not getting any younger. It's time for you to settle down and start a family. Plus, this is a great opportunity for us to form a business alliance with the groom's family." 

His words carried a certain logic, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being pushed into something I wasn't quite prepared for. I sighed, conceding to his wishes, knowing that arguing would likely be futile.

"He's a good man. His family is well-off, and as your father, I want to ensure you have a comfortable life." His tone softened, and he reached out to place his hand on mine, offering a reassuring smile. I mustered a forced smile in response.

Suddenly, shouts from the living room caught our attention. I exchanged a perplexed look with my father before we both hurried to investigate the commotion. As we entered the room, we found Rohit, my brother, seething with anger, while Mom clung to him, her tears flowing freely. It pained me to see her caught in the middle of this turmoil.

"How dare you enter my house? Leave immediately!" Dad stepped forward, pointing decisively toward the exit.

"I'm not here to argue about whose home this is. I have some questions I'd like to ask," Rohit calmly asserted, avoiding a confrontation, much to my relief.

I knew my father was inclined to reject him outright, so I placed my hand on his shoulder and whispered, "Please, at least hear him out, Dad." Rohit had come to talk, and I didn't want the opportunity to go to waste. I was already perplexed about what he wanted to discuss.

With a deep breath, Dad turned to face Rohit. "Alright, what do you want to ask?" he grumbled, still defensive in his tone.

"Why are you meeting Vaardan Agnihotri at the office this morning?" Rohit, my brother, questioned our dad, locking eyes with him. I, too, fixed my gaze on our father, as I had met Vaardan Agnihotri just the day before. He struck me as an enigmatic figure. Mom, caught in the middle, appeared bewildered by the unfolding situation.

"It's none of your business. You've received your answer; now leave," Dad dismissed Rohit's question with finality. My brother ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, and Mom and I rushed to his side, trying to calm him down.

"Mom, please ask him why he went there. Please," Rohit pleaded, his frustration palpable. He was struggling to maintain his composure, and I knew he was fighting his inner demons. Mom and I steadied him, guiding him to a nearby couch. I rubbed his back, attempting to soothe his turmoil. I was aware of his struggles with drug addiction, and it pained me to see him this way. I wanted to both cry and shake some sense into him, but I couldn't.

"Anil, please tell him," Mom implored, turning to Dad. She appeared desperate to put an end to the tension. I also looked at our father, nodding my head in silent encouragement, urging him to reveal the reason for his meeting with Vaardan Agnihotri.

"I've arranged Naina's marriage to him," Dad admitted, his voice cracking as he averted his gaze. The revelation left me in stunned silence.

"No, I don't accept this. I'm her brother; you have to consider my opinion too," Rohit protested vehemently, slamming his fist on the table. Both my father and brother cared about me, but they were making decisions about my life without consulting me.

Dad narrowed his eyes. "Brother? For the past 8 years, you've been nothing to us," he retorted, crossing his arms with a stern expression.

"You left us when we needed you the most, and now you return as if nothing happened. We don't need you anymore," Dad added, and Rohit just stared at him with hollow eyes.

"Dad, please stop," I interjected, my voice trembling as I looked at my brother with a pleading expression.

"No, don't stop him. He thinks he's the supreme authority here," Rohit exploded.

"All you've done your entire life is chase after money. You're a greedy money-maker," Rohit's words struck a painful chord. He stumbled backward, his eyes filled with a mix of shock and hurt, his hand rising to touch his cheek.

"He's your father; show some respect," Mom implored. She was torn, her motherly love for her child warring with her commitment to her husband.

"Tell your husband that he's marrying off Naina for her future or some business deal," Rohit shouted, tears streaming down his face. He continued, "I can't believe he's making this decision without even consulting us. Naina deserves a say in her own future."

"I'm her father. Why do I make such decisions? I'm not like you," Dad retorted, but Mom intervened, urging him not to continue. She rested her head on Dad's chest in an attempt to pacify him. I couldn't help but cry; our family had been embroiled in this strife for eight long years. It was heartbreaking to witness my loved ones at odds for such an extended period.

"Then if you want to marry her off, change the groom," Rohit bluntly suggested, firmly against the idea. But Dad was equally resolute, asserting, "No, he's the right choice for her." Their stubbornness clashed, each convinced they knew what was best for me. My emotions were in turmoil as I watched them argue over my future.

I felt like an invisible presence in the room, my heart racing as I tried to process the magnitude of their decision. How could they make such a life-altering choice without even consulting me? I mustered the courage to speak, but my words stuck in my throat as I struggled to find the right ones.

Finally, I took a deep breath and gathered my resolve. "Can I at least have a say in this?" I managed to utter, my voice trembling with anxiety.

"Yes, Naina, reject this proposal," Rohit encouraged me, his eyes filled with expectation. I looked at him with teary eyes, then turned my gaze to Dad. His expression was inscrutable, but a tinge of disappointment was evident. I knew I had to make a decision soon.

"Dad has chosen him, and he sees something good in him. I don't want to go against my father's wishes," I admitted, tears streaming down my cheeks. I tried to hold back my emotions, but it proved impossible. The conflicting emotions between Rohit's disappointment and Dad's happiness left me torn, while Mom's expression remained a mystery.

Rohit left the room in frustration. If I didn't make a decision soon, they would never cease this relentless feud.

"Thank you, my princess," Dad whispered as he extended his arms for a hug, a gesture I gladly accepted because I needed it more than ever. While wrapped in his embrace, I couldn't help but feel a lingering sense of sorrow, knowing that the ongoing dispute between my dad and my elder brother would likely never come to an end.

Mom joined our hug, completing the circle that was now incomplete without my brother. Her eyes conveyed what words could not. She missed him deeply and held out hope for his return, yearning to reunite and make their family hug whole once more.

My thoughts circled back to Rohit Bhai's words. Why was he so vehemently against this marriage? It nagged at me, and I felt a need to approach him directly. Was Vaardan, not a good man, despite Dad's assurance that he was? Why was I caught in the middle of this family turmoil?

I couldn't shake off the frustration and confusion that had settled within me. It didn't seem fair that I was trapped in this web of family drama. I understood that my mom was hurting, and I wanted to ease her pain, but I also yearned to comprehend the reasons behind my brother's strong opposition to this marriage. Perhaps there were secrets I was unaware of, things that could potentially harm me. Regardless, I knew I had to seek answers from Rohit Bhai.

VAARDAN'S POV

"Sir, there's a man demanding to see you for the past half an hour. We told him you were busy, but he won't stop yelling," the receptionist informed me, clearly frustrated with the ongoing disturbance.

"Let him in," I replied calmly, placing the telephone back on its cradle. I couldn't help but smirk, knowing that his arrival would undoubtedly stir up some drama. I had been anticipating this confrontation, and I was prepared to face it head-on. It had only been a day since our last encounter, but it felt like much longer.

As he stormed into my office, I could see the anger and tension radiating from him. He appeared ready for a confrontation, but I remained composed and unruffled. "What do you want?" I inquired, attempting to maintain a neutral tone. He took a deep breath and began speaking, his voice quivering with emotion.

"So, this is why you asked me not to repay the debt," Rohit shouted at me.

"This is my office, not your drug den. Lower your voice," I retorted, reclining more comfortably in my chair.

"And why are you talking about, I don't know," I leaned in closer to him, my voice a hushed whisper.

"Cut the crap," he snapped.

"Cut what?" I feigned innocence, idly toying with a paperweight. I could see that he was seething with anger, and it delighted me to evoke such a reaction from him.

"You know exactly what, you damn Vaardan Agnihotri," he spat out.

"Watch your language, state your purpose, and then leave my office," I said casually, fully aware of the reason for his visit.

"Why do you want to marry my sister? If you're doing this for some shady reason, you're messing with the wrong person. I'll make sure you pay if anything happens to her," he seethed before storming out of my office. Bastard.

Yes, I had my own motives, and they were far from honorable.

My attraction to Naina dated back six years, to the time when she had attended a party with her father, Anil Malhotra. I had been present at that event, but she hadn't spared me a second glance. It was only now, after all these years, that I had encountered her in the form of Rohit's sister.

Six years ago, something about her had captivated me. She was different, and that's precisely what drew me to her. She appeared submissive, which was exactly my type. Her pretty eyes had left an impression on me, and I longed to see them every day. Her slender, flower-like body and dusky skin were incredibly enticing. My desire for her burned hot and intense.

As I indulged in my fantasies, the excitement coursing through me was palpable. The thought of her submission and the way she would look at me with those enchanting eyes only heightened my longing. I could almost feel the sensation of her dusky skin against mine as I imagined her moaning in pleasure beneath me. The mere idea of it had me ready to possess her right then and there.

This was a game I was determined to play. I had informed my father the previous night about my intention to marry Naina Malhotra, the daughter of Anil Malhotra. My father was well-acquainted with Anil's uncle, given our history of working on contracts to build restaurants and hotels. Anil's recent downfall due to his son's eight-year-long battle with drug addiction had tarnished their family name, leading to his son's expulsion.

None of this concerned me in the least. All I could see was Naina, and I knew that I wanted her. I was prepared to do whatever it took to make her mine.

I had heard rumors that she had a soft side, and that only intensified my desire.

I eagerly anticipated the challenge of winning her over and showing her exactly what I was capable of. It wouldn't be easy, but I was more than willing to do whatever it took to make her mine.

FLASHBACK - YESTERDAY NIGHT

The soft glow of the study's dim lamp cast a warm, inviting ambiance as I stood outside the door. My father, immersed in his work, looked up at me and smiled, his eyes filled with the wisdom of years gone by.

"Dad, may I come in?" I asked tentatively.

"Sure, come in," he replied, gesturing for me to take a seat in front of his mahogany desk. With a deliberate motion, he put his pen down and straightened his posture, his attention now fully on me.

I took a deep breath, the weight of my thoughts pressing on my chest. "Dad, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately," I began, my voice steady but laced with nervousness. "There's someone special in my life, someone who means the world to me. I know it won't be easy, but I'm ready to face the challenge. I'll do whatever it takes to make her mine."

"What's her name?" Dad asked in curiosity. "Naina Malhotra, Anil uncle's daughter," I replied with a small smile on my face. Dad's eyes widened in surprise as he took a moment to process the information.

"Naina? I remember her from when she was just a little girl," he said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "But you know, son, relationships aren't easy. It takes more than just determination to make it work." I nodded, understanding the seriousness of his words. I feel bad here. Sorry, dad, I really want her. I don't know what is happening to me; I felt a knot in my stomach when I saw her. I got hard just by seeing her. I want to feel her.

"I know, Dad," I replied. Okay, I lied.

"But I'm willing to put in the effort," I said earnestly. It's true, I wanted to invest time and energy into getting to know her better.

"Yeah, it's a good thing," my dad nodded, sensing my determination. "So tell me, how can I help you with this?" He asked, his intentions pure and supportive.

"You could talk to her father about it," I suggested, leaning forward and placing both hands on the table. "Give them a proposal from our side."

"I will talk to him," my dad agreed. "But let me ask you something first: For how long were you two dating?" He inquired, his brow furrowing as he sought more information.

I hesitated for a moment, realizing the truth. "We never dated; I just saw her two times and liked her," I admitted, feeling somewhat embarrassed. My dad's frown deepened at my words.

"I don't think it's fair to call that 'liking' someone," he said, his concern evident.

"You barely even know her," he added, trying to make me understand the gravity of the situation.

"You approach them," I declared confidently.

"We can embark on an arranged marriage. I've come to the point in my life where I'm ready to get married, and for the past five years, you, Mom, have been tirelessly searching for a suitable match. I truly believe she is the one."

My father listened attentively, nodding in understanding. "Alright, then. I'll speak to Anil tomorrow, and he'll approach Naina to gauge her opinion. This decision should be mutual," he agreed.

"Thank you, Dad." I rose from my seat and embraced him warmly. He reciprocated the hug with equal fervor.

He lightened the mood with a jest, "No problem, son. Just remember to invite me to the wedding so I can showcase my dance moves and embarrass you in front of your new family."

I chuckled in response, saying, "Of course, Dad. You can even teach me some of your moves so I can impress my new partner."

He whispered affectionately, "I'm always here for you, no matter what."

"You're the best dad," I expressed, hugging him even tighter.

He chuckled modestly, "I know."

Later in the evening, we retired to our respective rooms. The gentle sounds of waves crashing against the shore outside our window served as a soothing backdrop as I continued to contemplate our earlier conversation, my thoughts consumed by Naina.

I had confidence that her father would not reject this proposal. For one, he's a father, and like any parent, he'd want his daughter to be part of a prosperous family. Secondly, considering his current financial situation in the market, my assistance would undoubtedly be welcomed. After all, he was soon to become my future father-in-law.

Gradually, my mind settled, and I drifted into a peaceful slumber, eager to see where this new chapter of my life would lead.