Borrowed But Mine: An Arylie FF

Borrowed But Mine: Chapter 1

Author's note:

This first chapter sort of forms part of the bedrock of Aryan's emotions through most of the story.

It deals with the issue of abortion. If this is going to trigger you, you may want to skip to the next chapter. But what happens in this chapter is foundational to the story.

I ask you all to maintain an open mind. Not all cases of abortion are cut and dry. It cannot always be a one-sided decision. While I will always remain in the pro-choice camp, sometimes, the process of arriving at the decision to abort a child, needs a mature discussion between both parents. And if that does not happen, emotions run high in a situation like that. Visions get colored. Especially when the pregnancy is consensual.

With that I welcome you to a new alternate ARYLIE Universe. I truly hope this story will make you introspect and think deeply on some level.

Love,

M

Chapter 1

"Narmada," Samar Singh Rathore's tone was patient.

"I don't understand, Samar. Why would he do something like this?"

"He's a grown man making his own decisions."

"But a marriage of convenience? Surely, we didn't raise him NOT to believe in the institution of marriage."

Samar covered his wife's hand. "No, I hope not. But...." He sighed, "Narmada, Aryan has decided to prove himself by expanding our hold into the artificial intelligence business. It's his brainchild, his passion. Something he has worked toward since high school. We needed Singhania's partnership......"

"And marriage was the answer?"

"Aryan wants to do this on his own. I respect that. And a lot of business families form alliances through marriages. Come on, you're not that naive Narmada."

"No, I'm not naive!!! I just don't want my Aryan....if he was in love with this girl, I wouldn't have minded but....I doubt he has even bothered to give her a once over." Narmada rolled her eyes.

Samar shook his head in resignation.

"When is he coming home? I need to talk to him."

**************************************

Narmada sighed. That had been nearly a year ago. She'd tried it all, reasoning, admonitions, threats, pleading, but Aryan had married Veer Singhania's daughter, Madhulika.

Both had settled in Juhu, Mumbai. Aryan's startup had taken off but with both of them now on the cusp of a divorce, his fledgling business was in danger of floundering if Veer Singhania decided to withdraw his support.

She had heard rumblings of a discord between the Aryan and Madhu, from their trusted driver, Nilesh.

She was not sure exactly what had happened but the two had been heard fighting. That was the night Madhulika and Aryan got into a motor vehicle accident.

This. This was exactly why she had pleaded with him a year ago. But her obstinate, head-strong son had done what he'd wanted and now, he'd be paying a humongous price.

*****************************************

2 months earlier......