Dressed in a sharp black three-piece suit, Rivaan Chauhan stepped out of his luxury car, his polished black shoes clicking against the marble floor as he entered Aarav Malhotra's grand estate. His Rolex glinted under the chandelier light, but his face remained impassive, hiding the storm brewing beneath.
Aarav Malhotra sat in his dimly lit study, the scent of whiskey lingering in the air. He barely looked up when Rivaan entered, swirling his drink lazily.
Aarav Malhotra leaned back in his chair, swirling a glass of scotch in one hand, a smirk playing on his lips. "Mr. Chauhan, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
Rivaan didn't waste time. He slid his hands into his pockets and stated in a voice smooth as steel, "I want to marry your daughter, Ishaani."
Aarav arched an eyebrow, feigning amusement. "Marriage? That's a surprise. But Rivaan, you and I both know how things work in our world. A proposal like this... shouldn't come without negotiations."
Rivaan's jaw ticked, his expression unreadable.
"A business merger," Aarav continued, tapping his fingers against the desk. "You take Ishaani, and in return, we strengthen our empires. It's a practical arrangement."
Something flickered in Rivaan's eyes. His fingers curled slightly in his pockets. Then, he let out a short, humorless laugh.
"What kind of father are you?" His voice dropped, dangerously low. "Selling your daughter like a business asset? Or is she just another pawn in your grand empire?"
Aarav remained unfazed, sipping his drink lazily. "Don't act so self-righteous, Rivaan. You and I both know that in our world, love is just a fairytale."
Rivaan stepped forward. The lazy arrogance in Aarav's eyes wavered as Rivaan placed both hands on the desk, looming over him. His presence was suffocating, his voice like a quiet storm.
"Let me make one thing clear." He leaned in, his dark eyes burning into Aarav's."Listen to me carefully. I don't want Ishaani as part of some business deal. I want her as my wife. And I don't need your money, your power, or your deals."
Aarav smirked, though there was a flicker of unease beneath it. "And if I refuse?"
Rivaan calmly slid his phone across the table. A grainy old newspaper article flickered on the screen:
"Then I remind you what happens to men who think they can say no to me."
"Prominent Businessman's Death: No Leads in the Chaturvedi Family Murder Case."
For the first time, Aarav Malhotra-one of the most feared businessmen-looked rattled.
Rivaan tilted his head, watching him, enjoying the unraveling. "What's wrong, Mr. Malhotra? You seem... uncomfortable."
Aarav forced a chuckle, his voice strained. "You wouldn't-"
"I would." Rivaan cut him off smoothly. "And I will, if you so much as think about refusing me."
A tense silence filled the room. The air grew heavy, suffocating.
Aarav exhaled sharply, forcing a stiff smile. "Fine. You win, Mr. Chauhan. Ishaani is
yours."
Rivaan straightened, adjusting the sleeves of his blazer as if nothing had happened. "Good. Tomorrow, I will come to your house with my family for the official proposal. Be ready." His voice dropped into something far more lethal. "And listen carefully-don't you dare breathe a word of this to Ishaani. If I find out you've tried to manipulate her or interfere in any way..." He leaned closer, his voice a whisper of a deadly promise. "You'll wish this file was the worst of your problems."
Aarav forced a nod, his throat bobbing as he swallowed his pride.
Rivaan cast him one last look-a warning, a claim-before turning on his heel and walking out.
As Rivaan left his office he sat on his chair with a smirk on his face he thought that not now but after marriage he would surely use this relation to gain some profit after all marriages are deals .
Tomorrow, Ishaani Malhotra's world was about to change forever.
.
.
.
Ishaani sat in the dimly lit living room, staring blankly at the expensive chandelier hanging above. She had no idea what her father had been up to, but the tense air around the house told her something was coming. And she wasn't wrong.
Aarav Malhotra stepped into the room, adjusting his gold watch with a self-satisfied smirk. "Tomorrow, the Chauhans are coming with a marriage proposal for you. Get ready."
The words slammed into her like a brick.
Ishaani shot up from the couch, disbelief clouding her expression. "What?"
Aarav sighed, as if already exhausted by this conversation. "Did I stutter? You're getting married. Consider yourself lucky. Rivaan Chauhan is a trillionaire, and he wants you as his wife."
"I don't care who he is. I am not marrying him!" Ishaani's voice cracked, her hands curling into fists.
Her father laughed dryly. "Oh, Ishaani. Do you really think your opinions matter here? You've always been useless to this family. For once, you can actually be of some value."
Her stomach twisted. "You are unbelievable."
Aarav's expression turned cold. "You will marry him. If you refuse, trust me, you won't like the consequences."
His voice hardened further, his next words laced with disdain. "You've already spoiled my life enough. Now, at least be of some use to me."
Ishaani's breathing became shallow. Her father's words blurred in the background as her heart started pounding wildly against her ribcage. The walls of the room seemed to close in, suffocating her. She turned on her heel and ran to her bedroom, locking the door behind her.
Leaning against the door, her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the floor. Her chest heaved, and a sharp pain spread through her ribs. Her hands trembled violently as she clutched them to her chest.
Not again. Please, not again.
A panic attack. She hadn't had one in months.
Tears pricked her eyes as she struggled to breathe. Her mind replayed everything-her father's cruel words, the past she had buried, the future that now seemed out of her control.
Flashes of memories hit her like a storm.
"Because of you, we lost everything!" A voice from her past echoed in her mind.
She gasped, clutching her head as more voices followed.
"You're a curse."
"No one ever truly loved you."
Her body shook as she curled into herself, whispering brokenly, "I hate emotional attachment. Nobody ever loved me-not my parents, not anyone. And whoever did either left me or was snatched away from me."
Her breath hitched as another memory surfaced-one she desperately wanted to forget.
The sound of her mother's muffled cries. The sight of her father's raised hand. The helplessness of a young girl who could do nothing but watch.
She let out a quiet sob, clutching the only thing that had ever given her comfort-a small pendant, the last piece of someone she had lost.
Hours passed before her ragged breaths evened out. Exhausted, she finally drifted into a restless sleep.
.
.
.
The morning sunlight seeped through the curtains as Ishaani slowly opened her eyes. A dull headache throbbed in the back of her mind, a reminder of last night's storm. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself out of bed and freshened up.
Stepping into the kitchen, she found her mother quietly preparing breakfast. Ishaani hesitated before walking over and picking up a knife to chop vegetables. Her mother glanced at her but said nothing. The silence between them was neither warm nor cold-just an existence of habit.
As she set the plates on the table, the doorbell rang. Moments later, a familiar voice called out.
"Ishaani! We're here, and we bring drama!"
Aanya, Samar, and Neha barged in like a storm, their energy filling the quiet house. Ishaani sighed but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips.
Aanya plopped onto the couch and smirked. "So, wedding bells, huh? Ishaani Malhotra is getting married. Wow, now Ishu and I can plan pregnancy together."
Ishaani's eyes widened in horror before she grabbed a cushion and threw it at Aanya. "Shut up!"
Samar burst into laughter. "Damn, Ishaani, didn't take you for the 'arranged marriage' type."
Neha leaned in, her gaze serious. "Have you met Rivaan Chauhan? What's he like?"
Samar then says in teasing way " Pata nhi uss aadmi ne kya paap kiye the pichle janam jo iss janam mein tujh rakshashi se shaadi kerne liye tujhe dekhne aa rha hai "
(I don't know what sins this man had committed in his previous life that he is coming to see you in this life to marry a demon like you.)
And then he also adds " Mein warning zaroor de skta hun tere hone wale pati ko kyunki ek baar shadi ho gyi hum apna kachra wapis nhi lete "
(I can definitely warn your future husband because once we get married we don't take back our garbage)
Everyone one present laughed so hard that they almost fell down
Ishaani sighed, sinking into the couch. "Uske paap ka toh pata nhi par tum log chup nhi hue toh mere hatho se aaj paap ho jaega and I don't care. I am not marrying him."
( I don't know about his sin, but if you guys don't keep quiet, I will commit a sin today. )
Aanya raised a brow. "Oh? Does your father know that?"
Silence. Ishaani's heart clenched. Because deep down, she knew-her father didn't care what she wanted.
The moment I stepped into the hall, she felt suffocated. The grand chandelier, the marble floors, and the elegant yet intimidating presence of Rivaan's family only made her heart race.
I had barely entered when an older woman-who i assumed was Rivaan's grandmother-smiled warmly and reached out to hold her hand. "So, you're the girl who has stolen my grandson's heart?"
I nearly choked on air. "I-I don't think-"
Before she could finish, Rivaan's younger sister giggled. "Dadi, bhai doesn't even know how to flirt. 'Stealing his heart' sounds too romantic for him."
Rivaan, who had been standing beside Ishaani, shot his sister a look. "Rhea."
Rhea just grinned and shrugged. "What? I'm just telling the truth."
My friends sat nearby, stifling laughter as Aanya whispered, "Oh, this is going to be fun."
Rivaan's mother, Anjali Chauhan, walked up to me and gently took me in. "You must be overwhelmed, dear. I know this is sudden, but we're truly happy to welcome you into our family."
I forced a polite smile. "Thank you, Aunty."
Rivaan's father, Vikram Chauhan, observed her carefully before speaking. "I hope you understand the responsibilities that come with Marriage, Ishaani ." His voice was not unkind, but it carried a weight that made her feel like this was an interview rather than a family gathering.
I stiffened but kept my voice steady came out "I understand, sir."
Rivaan's chachu joined in, smiling at her. "Oh, don't scare the poor girl, Vikram. She looks like she's about to run away."
Anaya leaned closer to me and whispered,
"If you do, take me with you."
I almost laughed but caught herself. Instead, I muttered, "Tempting."
Rivaan finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "She's not going anywhere."
There was something in his tone that made my stomach twist. I turned to look at him, and for a moment, I thought she saw something dangerous flash in his eyes-possessiveness, determination.
Rivaan's cousins exchanged glances before
Kabir smirked. "So, Bhai finally fell for someone. This is a historic moment."
Another cousin Aayansh nudged Rivaan. "Did she agree, or did you have to use your usual intimidation tactics?"
Before I could respond, Rivaan smoothly said, "Some things are meant to happen."
Aanya, who had been sitting nearby with
Samar and Neha, nudged Samar and
whispered, "Oh, this is getting good."
Samar grinned. "Ishaani, blink twice if you need us to stage a kidnapping."
Neha smirked. "Or blink once if you secretly think he's hot."
I groaned, rubbing my temples. "I swear, you three are impossible."
Rivaan's grandmother laughed. "It's good to see she has such close friends. A family isn't just about blood; it's about the people who stand by you."
My heart clenched at those words. A family isn't just about blood. If only that were true in my case.
A few moments later, Rivaan's mother gently touched my hand. "Beta, would you and Rivaan like to talk alone for a bit?"
I hesitated, but i knew i had no choice. "Sure."
I gestured for him to follow him out into the garden, and as they stepped outside, the cool breeze did nothing to calm my nerves.
Rivaan leaned casually against the garden railing, hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on Ishaani. There was something unreadable in his gaze-something that made her want to turn and run.
She took a deep breath and faced him. "I don't want to marry you."
He tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "That so?"
She nodded, arms crossed over her chest. "Yes. I... I had a traumatic breakup. I don't want to be with anyone else."
For a second, silence stretched between them. Then Rivaan chuckled. Low. Amused. Like she had just told him the funniest joke.
"A traumatic breakup?" He repeated, his voice dangerously soft. "That's the best you could come up with?"
Ishaani's stomach twisted. She forced herself to hold his gaze. "It's true."
"Really?" He took a step closer. "What was his name?"
She faltered. "What-?"
"Your ex. The one who broke you so badly you don't want to marry anyone else." His smirk widened. "Or did you forget your own lie?"
Her hands curled into fists. "I don't owe you an explanation."
"No, you don't." Rivaan shrugged, taking another step toward her. "But let me make something clear, Ishaani."
He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You're marrying me. It's happening. So either prepare yourself for it, or let me do it for you."
She sucked in a sharp breath. "You can't force me."
He grinned. "Oh, sweetheart, I don't need to. You'll walk to that mandap yourself."
Before she could react, he straightened, his smirk firmly in place. "Think it over. You have until the wedding. But just so you know-there's only one option."
Before she could argue, he smirked and walked back inside. Moments later, he announced to everyone, "We're ready. You can come to the Chauhan mansion tomorrow to fix the wedding date."
She glared at him and mentally slapped her temple and muttered " Iss aadmi ka naam rivaan nhi ravaan hona chahiye tha "
( This man name should have been raavan instead of rivaan )
Rivaan turned to Ishaani and whispered so that only I could hear " I heard you sweetheart and don't worry keep as many nicknames you want you but at last you will have to marry me and trust me you will yourself agree for it "
Ishaani confidently glared at him and said " In your dreams Mr Chauhan and don't think I am that helpless women you yourself will regret marrying me "
Just as rivaan was about say something kartik Aayansh interrupted " Bhai control ab toh shaadi hone wali hai bhabhi aapki hi hain koi leke nhi Jaa rha toh baaki baate kal ker lena"
("Brother, control yourself now, the marriage is about to take place, Bhabhi is yours, no one is taking her away, so discuss the rest tomorrow.")
Ishaani forced a smile, knowing she had no choice. As everyone left, her friends pounced on her, laughing
Everyone moved towards the dining area
Neha came to side of ishaani and says " This family is perfect for you ishaani , They seemed so open minded and full of love "
Ishaani irritatingly replied " Whatever it is I don't want to get married "
Neha asks her " Did to you tell him about your past or why you don't want to get married and why in the first place you agreed for it when you don't want to " she spoke angrily
Ishaani with a irritatted tone replies " He didn't not give me a chance to speak straight away came inside and said that we are ready and he said that he wants to marry me at any cost"
Neha got shocked when ishaani told her everything that happened in garden
Neha said with a smirk " Girl he is totally obsessed with you , Yeh bhagwaan ka ishara hai ishu haa bolde , maybe he is your soulmate the one made for you "
( This is the sign from God just say yes )
Ishaani said " Neha this is real life not a fairytale, in real life there is no true love and specially this generation that is totally fucked up on love and he is a buisness man he might have some benefit marrying me "
And saying this ishaani leaves the room and walks towards everyone in dining area
"Mark my words ishu this man will take away all your fears and insecurities " Neha says and walks towards the dining area
"Oh, you're so doomed, Ishaani."
.
.
.
Rivaan barely settled into the car before his younger cousin, Aayansh, leaned forward with a wicked grin.
"Bhai... are you blushing?" Aayansh gasped dramatically, nudging his elder brother. "Guys, I think we need to call the doctor. This is a medical emergency."
His mother, smirked. "Oh no, it's worse than that. My son-the terrifying, stone-cold mafia king-has turned into a lovesick puppy. Someone, take a picture before he denies it later."
His Chachi playfully clutched her chest. "Beta, just be honest. Have you been secretly writing poetry about her too?"
Rivaan groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I swear, if you all don't stop..."
His dadi the real mastermind, chuckled. "You know, back in my day, boys would send love letters and steal glances. But you? You just declared marriage and sealed the deal in one meeting."
Aayansh cackled. "Straight to the point, huh? Mafia boss style. No 'Hi, hello,' just 'You're mine now.'"
His mother leaned forward mischievously. "Tell me, Rivaan, how long have you been planning this? Was it love at first sight, or have you been watching Ishaani from the shadows?"
Kabir clapped his hands together. "Oof, classic Rivaan! Silent but deadly. Saw her, liked her, and now she's trapped."
Rivaan huffed. "You all are impossible."
But the worst part? He was blushing. He could feel the heat crawling up his neck, and the moment Aarush noticed it, the entire car erupted in chaos.
"BHAI, HE'S ACTUALLY BLUSHING! STOP THE CAR! I NEED AIR!" Aayansh yelled.
His dadi gasped. "My grandson, blushing? I never thought I'd live to see this day."
His mother wiped fake tears. "He's really in love. Beta, do you want me to start planning the honeymoon?"
His sister Rhea dramatically said " Bhai i swear if you are drunk then please handover the car to me I don't want to die single"
Everyone gasped and looked at her with a confused look
She looked at everyone and says " I mean bhai is smiling this is a miracle so I thought he might be drunk "
Everyone burst out laughing
And Kabir raised his both hands upward and shouts "MIRACLE MIRACLE"
.
.
.
And everyone clutches thier stomach as it was paining due to uncontrollable laughter
Rivaan buried his face in his hands. "Why am I even related to you people?"
"Because fate knew you needed entertainment in your boring life." Aayansh winked.
The laughter finally died down as the car pulled up to their estate. But Rivaan's mind was elsewhere. The moment Ishaani's father had announced the marriage, she had frozen. There was something in her eyes-a deep, hidden pain she tried to mask with anger.
And he needed to know why
Once inside, Rivaan headed straight to his study, shutting the door behind him. The teasing was over, but his thoughts kept circling back to Ishaani.
He had seen fear before. Fear of him, fear of power, fear of loss. But Ishaani's wasn't ordinary fear. It was something deeper-something buried.
Leaning back in his chair, he exhaled sharply. "No matter what she's hiding, it doesn't change anything. She's going to be my wife. And I'll be the man she deserves."
A thought struck him. If he wanted to understand Ishaani, he needed help. And he knew exactly who to ask.
He grabbed his phone and sent a message.
________________________________________________________________________________
Rivaan: Neha, I need information. What does Ishaani like? What kind of guy does she want?
Neha's reply came instantly.
Neha: Oh my god, you're in LOVE. This is the best day of my life.
Rivaan rolled his eyes. "Here we go again."
And then she continues to elaborate him about ishaani's choice in men
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