Rajiv's POV
I can't believe I've married her. I can't believe I had to honour the promise my grandparents made before I even arrived in the world. And out of all my sisters-in-law, who are all light-skinned, I had to be unlucky and end up with her. Yesterday, after we got married, I received a phone call from my boss, requesting a meeting with me today at eight sharp. I have a feeling my life is about to change in ways I never imagined.
The clock struck 7. I came out refreshed from my bath, dressed, and got ready to face the day. As I made my way through the corridor, a mouthwatering aroma wafted from the kitchen, teasing my nostrils. The fragrance was so enticing, it was as if my taste buds were doing the tango, eager to savour the culinary delight.
"We're finally going to eat a delicious meal after so long!" Rajesh, my brother declared, his voice bursting with enthusiasm. Just as he finished, my wife, whose name I don't even know, appeared, her face hidden behind her transparent veil. The tray she carried was filled with a scintillating aroma, laden with the very dishes that had been teasing our senses. As our eyes locked, the room instantly darkened, the aroma of the food transforming into a noxious cloud that started to strangle me.
She placed the tray before us, then started to move towards me, her every step echoing through the silence like a death knell. I watched with growing unease as she reached out and touched my foot, her fingers like ice. And then she retreated, vanishing into the kitchen like a ghost.
It seems like she didn't understand the meaning of what I told her last night.
I rose up, my heart pounding in my chest, and followed her into the kitchen, my voice low and harsh as I conveyed. "How dare you!" I hissed, unable to meet her gaze, fearful of being ensnared by her dark, mysterious eyes, which seemed to hold a power that could captivate my soul.
I breathed a sigh of relief that her face was not visible clearly, sparing me the terror of gazing upon her dark features, which would have surely ruined my day.
"Don't bother pretending to be my wife," I spat, my voice ringing with anger. "This charade isn't necessary. Soon, I'll convince my mother that we're not compatible. We'll divorce, and I'll be free from this unwanted marriage. Until then, let's not honour this sham. I refuse to acknowledge you as my wife. I'm still a bachelor, and I suggest you adopt the same mindset." My words trickled with hate.
Her voice cracked, a faint whisper containing desperation. "My family won't take me back," she muttered.
"That's not my concern," I said, my words slicing through the air like a dagger, unmoved by her plight. "They should have considered that before forcing me to marry a woman I despise." I added, my gaze lingering on the dupatta that hid her face, before I turned and walked away, leaving the food untouched because she cooked it.
****
I stepped into my boss's cabin, the blast of cold air from the air conditioning surrounding me like a frigid hug, resembling the chilly climes of Canada. The luxurious space was different from the sweltering heat outside.
My boss sat majestically behind his mahogany desk, which was a picture of organised chaos, with an Apple laptop and a stack of files that seemed to be vying for attention on it.
"Mr. Rajiv, after thoroughly reviewing your performance and dedication to the company over the years, I am pleased to offer you a unique opportunity to partner with me on a high-priority project. I am going to regard you as a trusted and reliable colleague, and I have no doubt that together we will achieve great success. I present to you this proposal," he said, sliding a file across the desk.
I was taken aback by the unexpected offer, yet deeply gratified that my hard work and commitment had earned his trust.
What more could I ask for?
He broke the silence, noticing my stunned expression. "All the details are outlined in the document, but feel free to consult with your lawyer if you have any questions before signing."
I took a deep breath, still trying to process the offer. "Sir, I'm honoured by your trust in me. I don't need to review the papers; your trust in me is enough. Just as you have faith in me, I have equal faith in you." I replied sincerely, reaching for a pen to sign the documents without hesitation.
He let out a hearty chuckle, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You're willing to sign away without even knowing what the business is about!"
I smiled calmly, unfazed. "Details can wait. I trust your vision. We'll discuss them when the time comes." I handed the signed documents back to him, and with a brief smile, he opened a sleek case, revealing a staggering amount of cash that made my eyes widen in awe. The bundles of notes glimmered in the light, their quantity leaving me speechless.
"This is your reward for becoming my partner," he said.
I began to protest, "No, sir, please, it's not necessary. My salary is enough." But he cut me off, his smile widening.
"Let's get rid of the formalities; we're partners now."
I nodded, still in disbelief, as I accepted the case, filled with more money than I had ever seen in my life. The weight of it was teetering. I had never come close to earning such an amount, even after years of dedicated service.
His voice dropped to a whisper: "Let's keep this between us."
I nodded in silent accord, though my mind raced with the implications. But then I thought that as long as the partnership guaranteed a secure and prosperous future for my family, I was willing to overlook the details of the business. The attraction of financial stability and security was too great to be clouded by moral compunctions or curiosity. I was ready to embrace this new chapter with no questions asked.
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