Together For-Ever

Chapter- Three

Adrika

After dining, all of the elders made their way to the backyard. While my brother took the others to our Entertainment building, also known as the Cave.

I then walked to my room. I'm not in the mood to interact with anyone.

There's a nagging feeling in the back of my head that something isn't right. And I can't get that feeling out of my head.

To top it all off, Rudramaneni's entire family was present. It's been nearly three years since we've convened like this with only our two families. In the last three years, there have been meetings, although only elders and in-house gatherings are unusual. They frequently go out to eat or take a three-day vacation.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw him after three years. I'm not sure how he felt seeing me. But I'm glad my mother called me since I wouldn't have seen him if it hadn't been for her. My dumb heart is racing as a result of that.

I just want to see him and etch his new features in my soul. I couldn't see him properly at the dinner table. I'll see him from a distance.

Some may say he's my obsession. But he is my true love. My one and only love I don't believe I can love anyone as much as I love him. And he's not going to find a person who loves him as much as I do. I'm well aware that I'm not good enough for him, but I can't picture my existence without him. So I'm willing to go to any length to ensure his happiness with me.

He's not just some random man I love. Arjun Rundramaneni is his name. India's youngest and most successful businessman. The Rudramaneni Group's youngest CEO. And the most important of all, he is my BETROTHAL, whom I genuinely love.

We got betrothed at an early age. I'm not sure when it was. Because of our grandparents and parents, we were engaged. The two generations are quite close. When Arjun was born, our grandmothers thought Arjun should marry Korrapati's first daughter. I was born six years later. In the interim, they've betrothed my brother to Arjun's younger sister, Aishwarya.

While I adore Arjun, my brother despises Aishwarya. He also has a girlfriend named Nishitha, whom he adores. Nishitha is a million times kinder than Aishwarya. Aishwarya was the kindest person in our childhood, but now she is the cruelest. Nobody knows why she is acting this way. As to how no one knows why I am like this.

Loud noises from our backyard jolted me out of my reverie. I can tell they're from our parents based on the voices.

I quickly rushed to my balcony and hide behind the railing. 

"No! The pressure to marry Arjun is enormous. This might even mean removing him from his position as RG's CEO. You've seen how things are these days. We must complete the marriage. And I want Adrika to be our child. We can do Aishwarya and Aadhira's marriage after Aishwarya's graduation this year. But I want Arjun and Adrika to be married soon. Arjun also agreed to the marriage." I heard Sulochana aunty's voice.

And I thought she was the most lovely person I'd ever met!

"The subject of their marriage isn't new. They'd known about it for a long time. However, we are simply rescheduling Arjun's wedding." Srinivas' uncle spoke up.

How can he be so callous?

"That is something we agree on. Adrika, on the other hand, is still a child. She also had one more year to finish her undergraduate degree. Isn't it possible to merely wait a year and a half?" My mother stated.

"No Akka. We can't do it. We have attempted to deter investors up to this point. However, Chinese and Japanese investors now prefer a family guy to manage their money. And you already know they're the major ones. We have a daughter as well, and we understand the anguish that comes with marrying our daughter. So it would be preferable if we could get them married as soon as possible." Anand's father mentioned Murali uncle.

But it doesn't work that way! or does it?

"Ok Srinu, we will decide what to do after talking to Adrika." My father spoke now.

"No uncle, I will speak to Adrika!" I heard from the voice that I can never forget, it is Arjun.

I thought only elders were present there. But I am wrong.

But why does he wants to talk to me?

"Arjun, Sare. First, explain to her, and then tell her about the marriage. If you go straight to the marriage phase, she might panic and decline." Sulochana aunty spoke out.

He will not!

Decline to be married to Arjun. Never. But I'm still not ready to marry him right now. I'm afraid not. Not when I'm still uneasy around so many people. Not when I can't bear being in close proximity to someone.

"Okay now go." My dad said after few moments. 

I dashed inside my room, turned out all the lights, closed my windows, shutters, and balcony shutters, and slid under the covers on my bed. My heart was racing and I was sweating profusely on my brow. I wiped my sweaty brow with the t-shirt on my bed and attempted to relax my breathing. And I began to act as if I were sleeping.

After a few minutes, I heard my door being shoved and slammed shut. Because of the loudness of the sound, I instantly sat up.

"Who is it?" I asked even though I know who it is.

I didn't bother to turn on the lights. 

"It's Arjun." He said and his voice is so near.

"What?!" I shouted. Why is he so near to me?

And I felt my dip, as I turned on the lights.

"What do you want?" I asked.

"Nothing. I simply want you to say yes when your parents ask about our marriage." He spoke carefully and directly to the point.

"What marriage are you referring to?" I asked with a blank look. I pretended to be shocked at first but soon transformed into a poker look.

"Did you get a hearing problem with a few others?" Sitting on the bed, he remarked sarcastically. I instantly stepped towards the edge of the bed."What are you talking about?"

"I just want you to say yes when our parents ask your opinion about our marriage." He said again.

"NO!" I whisper yelled.

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