* IMPORTANT NOTE – Dear readers, from now on the chapters will be in 3rd person view
Rhea came rushing to her room, feeling betrayed by her own family. Just then, Daisy came in, to comfort her and help her think straight.
"See, I know you're feeling hurt right now, but I don't think we have any other option… okay, I have an idea. You get married," Daisy suggested.
"What?! Are you out of your mind? Are you here for me or taking sides with my parents?" Rhea snapped, furious.
"Oh come on, girl! I'm always on your side! Just hear me out first... you meet the guy and tell him you want a contract — to end this marriage in one year."
Rhea stayed quiet, processing everything.
"In this way, he knows the truth. And once dadu recovers, you both can take a divorce. By then, we'll have time to think of a way to recover the losses too," Daisy added.
Rhea, still confused and overwhelmed, nodded slowly. She didn't want to agree—but she had no other choice.
"If dadu weren't in such a critical condition, I would've never agreed to this marriage. But... only for a year," she murmured.
Later, Rhea walked downstairs. There was an awkward silence in the room.
"I'm ready for this marriage. But I want to meet the guy first" she said, breaking the silence—leaving everyone in shock.
For a few seconds, no one spoke. They just exchanged glances. But deep inside, the family was visibly relieved and happy—with everyone, except Rhea.
—
Meanwhile, in the Malhotra Empire…
Mr. Malhotra gave the news to Reyansh.
"What?? Are you serious? I have to marry a girl just because of your friendship? Dad, are you kidding me right now?" Reyansh fumed in anger.
"I know, son. And that's why I've arranged a meeting—just you and her. So you both can get to know each other a bit before deciding," Mr. Malhotra said calmly.
"But Dad—"
"My son… you've never said no to us before. Please, this is the last thing I'll ever ask of you," Mr. Malhotra added softly.
Reyansh paused, clenched his jaw, and finally nodded, though reluctantly.
"We knew it! The meeting is at Sunset by the Bay Café. Don't be late," Mrs. Malhotra chirped excitedly.
It seemed both families were happier than the two people being forced into this.
Reyansh left the office and dialed his childhood best friend, Kabir.
"Meet me at Sunset by the Bay Café," Reyansh said hurriedly.
"Oh my god!! You're finally taking me on a date!" Kabir teased.
"Shut up, Kabir! I have a meeting there—with my fiancée," Reyansh snapped.
"Wait WHAT?! You're getting married?? I thought you swore off marriage after that incident…"
"Kabir! I told you—we're not talking about that again. And about this girl... her name's Rhea. I'll explain everything once we meet," Reyansh muttered before hanging up. He was almost there.
Just then, he looked up from his phone—and hit the brakes.
A girl had walked right into the road.
And of course, it had to be her.
"What the f*ck man!! I am NOT letting this guy go this time," Rhea shouted furiously as Daisy tried to calm her down.
Rhea stormed to his window and knocked.
"Are you blind, mister whatever-your-name-is?"
Reyansh looked at her through the glass and rolled it down. "Look, miss, I'm already in a bad mood and don't want to fight. Anyway, you're completely fine, right?"
"Huh? So should I wait until you run me over next time?"
"Well, I apologized. Now please excuse me."
He drove off.
"That's the second time he's done this! I HATE this man! Does he even know the meaning of etiquette? I pity the girl who ends up with him!" Rhea fumed.
—
Moments later, Reyansh parked near the café, where Kabir was waiting.
"You're late, Romeo," Kabir smirked.
Reyansh said nothing. His mind was still stuck on the girl.
Meanwhile, Rhea and Daisy were already seated inside. Rhea played with a tissue, visibly anxious.
"I'm seriously not ready for this," she whispered.
Daisy smiled. "Neither is he, I guess. Let's just hope he's not a total red flag."
Rhea took a sip of water. "Honestly? I already met a red flag today."
Just then, the café doors opened—and in walked Reyansh and Kabir.
Their eyes met.
Rhea's brows furrowed. Reyansh froze. Daisy gasped. Kabir almost burst out laughing.
"You?!" Rhea and Reyansh said in unison, pointing at each other.
"No. No way," Reyansh muttered.
"And you're the guy I'm supposed to marry?" Rhea stood up.
"You're Rhea Sharma?" Reyansh asked in disbelief.
"I'm out," Rhea said, turning away. Daisy quickly grabbed her hand.
"Wait. Just… sit. One conversation. You promised."
Rhea sat down slowly. Her heartbeat was rapid.
"Great," Reyansh muttered, sliding into the seat opposite her. "What a fairytale beginning."
Kabir looked around and said, "Wow, I feel like I'm in a K-drama. Is someone filming this?"
"Not funny," both Rhea and Reyansh snapped in sync.
Silence.
Then Rhea said, "Let's get to the point. I'm doing this only for my grandfather. We marry, we make a contract—one year. After that, we walk away. That's all."
Reyansh nodded slowly. "Same here. We'll get it signed before the engagement. One year. No strings."
Cold. Formal. But beneath that surface, something stirred that neither of them could yet name.
Kabir and Daisy exchanged glances.
"This is either going to be a disaster," Kabir whispered, "or a love story people will write songs about."