𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬

• 19 •

The priest chanted mantras in the background, explaining the meaning of the seven holy pheras, or vows, of marriage.

Arya sat there in her stunning red bridal outfit, adorned with exquisite jewelry. She looked like an absolute Greek goddess, radiating beauty and grace on her special day. Her attire accentuated her natural allure, making her a breathtaking sight to behold.

In the first vow, Arya couldn't help but think, "What will I share his responsibilities? I was here to help him find his love, not to take care of him. What am I going to say to my parents? I got married without them."

During the second vow, Arya thought, "Everlasting love? We already decided on divorce in 6 months."

The third vow, praying for prosperity and wealth, made Arya mockingly think, "Arya being loyal to each other? I personally want him to find his love one day. And this mister with a playboy personality, how will he be loyal?"

In the fourth vow, uniting their families, Arya was determined to complete it, thinking, "Yes, Panditji, this vow I will complete because I am here to unite him with his mom."

The fifth vow, praying for offspring, left Arya bewildered, thinking, "What offspring? How can we have offspring when we'll never touch each other?"

During the sixth vow, where the couple wishes for happiness and peacefulness, Arya remembers, "He did care for my health before."

In the final phera, promising a long-lasting relationship, Arya thought, "Companionship, hmm, let's see."

After the seven pheras, the priest asked to call Arya's parents for Kanyadan, but hearing that, Arya started crying softly, which didn't go unnoticed by Aryan. He asked the priest to proceed with that part.

Finally, Aryan tied the mangalsutra around Arya's neck, and she closed her eyes as he applied the vermillion to her forehead. The priest declared, "Now, you are husband and wife."

<<<<One week before the marriage >>>>

ARYA's POV:

I couldn't help but wonder, pacing around my room, "What does he mean by getting married?" It's not something I ever imagined for myself. I may be in a totally different world now, but getting married without my parents' permission is something I can't fathom. After all, I was here to help him find his lover, not become one.

"Arya, what's happening with you? Why do you act like a teenage girl in front of him? Start blushing, my girl." I couldn't deny that his presence had a strange effect on me.

And about that kiss. He stole my first kiss. I never thought it would happen that way. When he leaned in to kiss me, my heart skipped a beat. I forgot I wasn't supposed to fall in love with him. I was hurt, and I didn't even know why. when I saw him kissing someone else, knowing his playboy personality, but the moment he kissed me, my heart was beating like crazy. I couldn't help but wonder if he might have heard my heartbeats too.

"I can't marry him, absolutely not. Marriage is no joke" I thought, but my rational mind interjected, "But Arya, it's not as if it's an issue. He told me he would not touch me without my will."

I had to consider his situation too." What if he didn't get that case? It might lead to trouble, and perhaps it could even help uncover the truth about his father's murderer. also, I can't just leave here unmarried with him for a long time. He's right; people might misunderstand. Plus, I don't have any safer place than his house. If I leave his house, I can't even get a job or a house because I don't have any valid documents in this world. Basically, I'm an immigrant in this world."

I took a deep breath and made a decision. "Okay, let's do this for six months. During that time, I'll try to find his father's murderer, help him find his lover, and then I'll return to my world where my parents are waiting."

***

AT ARYAN'S CABIN

Aditi couldn't contain her concerns and started pacing around. said, "Aryan, are you sure about this? I mean, getting married to her. I know this case is important to us, but you don't have to do that."

Utkarsh adds, "Yes, boss, think about it."

Aryan leaned back in his reclined chair and responded, "I know, but I don't have a choice. If I don't take this case, you know Mittal will, and you know what will happen after that."

Aditi continued, "Yeah, we know, but it's a big decision."

Aryan explained, "Aditi, I have more than 200 people who work for me, including lawyers and general employees. Their futures depend on me. If this case falls into other hands, they will get the fame, and I'll have to face the loss, which I can't afford. I am responsible for them. Moreover, our market value and stock value will go down for both my company and this firm."

Aditi tried to express her concerns further, but Aryan firmly said, "Enough! I've already decided, and I don't want to argue about it."

Aditi then asked, "And did she agree?"

Aryan replied, "No, she didn't. but she will I know, she doesn't have a choice."

He finally said, "I need some space; you two, please go."

***
ARYAN's POV:

After Aditi and Utkarsh left, I found myself standing by the window in my office, feeling the weight of the decisions I had made. Tension gripped my mind as I contemplated the path I had chosen.

I don't know if what I'm doing is right or wrong. I'm supposed to be a good boss, responsible for my employees' well-being and the success of my company. But on the other hand, I can't help but think about her. She's just 19, with a whole world ahead of her, dreams to chase, and the prospect of finding her own partner, her love. Love? Why is that even crossing my mind? Why does it matter to me if she finds love or a partner? I used to believe that love was a waste of time, didn't I? "Yes, It is! " I muttered to myself, trying to convince myself.

But then, why did I explain all of that to her?

|Flashback|

"Aryan, please talk to me." Tiara pleaded, her tone filled with desperation.

"I don't have anything to say, Tiara" I replied, continuing to move away from her.

"Please, just one last time, I won't disturb you anymore" she begged.

"I don't want you following me around," irritation seeped into my voice.

"Please, just one last time," she repeated, tears welling up in her eyes.

I let out a deep sigh. "Okay, say it."

"Not here, let's go somewhere else," she suggested.

"Fine, whatever," I grumbled, growing more irritated by the minute.

We found a quieter spot away from the noise.

"Now, what is it?" I demanded.