𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧: 𝐀𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢 (𝟏𝟖+) ✅

7

On the other side

Author's POV

As Riya chuckled, expecting Aisha to pop out any moment with a camera, her father's stern expression remained unchanged. His words echoed in the room, and the seriousness in his eyes made Riya pause.

"Riya, I wish this was a prank. But it's not," her father said gravely, his tone devoid of any humour.

Riya's laughter faded, replaced by a mixture of confusion and concern. She glanced at Aisha, hoping for a reassuring wink or a sign that this was indeed a setup. Instead, Aisha avoided her gaze, her eyes conveying an unexpected worry.

"Okay, Papa, very funny," Riya said, trying to mask her growing unease. "But seriously, what's going on?"

Her father stepped closer, his expression unwavering. "I've been trying to shield you from our family's past, but I can't anymore. You're in danger, Riya. You need the protection and alliance the Oberois can provide."

Riya's mind raced, trying to make sense of her father's words. The Oberois was one of the most influential families in the city, rumoured to have ties in various industries, including ones with less-than-legal dealings. But marriage? That seemed extreme.

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Marriage? To an Oberoi? The very family that seemed to hold both power and mystery in our city. Her mind raced, trying to absorb the weight of her father's words.

The irony hit hard. Akshat Oberoi, the one person she'd secretly harboured a crush on for what felt like forever, was from this family. Yet, the idea of being forced into a marriage, especially for protection, was beyond surreal.

On one hand, there was a part of her that swooned at the thought of being close to Akshat, getting to know him more intimately. But on the other hand, the gravity of the situation overshadowed any romantic fantasies.

"Papa, I appreciate your concern, but marriage? To someone I barely know?" Riya protested.

Her father's gaze softened, filled with a mixture of love and regret. "I wish there was another way, beta. But trust me, this is the only solution to keep you safe."

Riya's heart sank. This wasn't a prank. Her father was serious, and so was the danger he implied.

Her heart thudded loudly, torn between conflicting emotions. The safety of her family versus the overwhelming uncertainty of this arranged marriage. Could she even trust the Oberois, regardless of her feelings for Akshat?

The weight of her father's worry-etched lines on his face was a testament to the depth of his concern for her. She wanted to believe there was another way out, a way that didn't involve a forced union.

But as the reality sunk in, a sense of resignation settled over her. She needed time to process, to understand the implications, and to find a way to reconcile her heart's desires with the harsh reality before her. For now, she nodded silently, signalling her reluctant acceptance. But inside, she knew this was just the beginning of an unpredictable and daunting journey.

Riya: "Papa, I don't understand. The Oberois? They're not even part of the Mafia, are they?"

Papa: "That's what they want everyone to believe, Riya. But there's more to it. Kabir Oberoi, he's the head of the underworld, operating discreetly under a different name."

Riya: "Wait, what? Kabir Oberoi is... someone else?"

Papa: "Yes. His public face is just a facade. He operates under the alias 'Shadow.' He's one of the most influential and powerful figures in the criminal underworld."

Riya: "But why involve me with them? I thought we were trying to keep away from all this."

Papa: "I've tried, beta. But the threats have become more serious. Shadow's reach extends everywhere. Aligning with the Oberois is the only way to ensure our safety."

Riya: "And you want me to marry into this? To join forces with someone who's a hidden kingpin?"

Papa: "I know it's a lot to ask, Riya. But your safety is my priority. Marrying into their family will provide the protection and leverage we need."

Riya's POV

As confusing and daunting as the situation seemed, there was a tiny glimmer of unexpected happiness within me. Akshat. The thought of marrying him, of getting a chance to know him beyond the surface, held a strange allure.

I'd admired him from afar, secretly crushing on his charm and wit. And now, fate had thrown this unexpected twist, bringing us together in a way I never imagined.

Despite the circumstances, a part of me couldn't deny the excitement of the possibility. I made a silent promise to myself—I'd give this marriage my all. If this was the path fate had chosen for me, then I'd make the most of it.

I'd pour my heart into making it work, to understand Akshat, to build a connection beyond the forced alliance. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for something genuine to blossom amidst the chaos.

I owed it to myself and to my family to approach this with an open heart, to try and find happiness even in the midst of this unconventional union. So, with determination settling in, I resolved to give a hundred per cent to this marriage, to make it something more than just a strategic alliance.

But did Mr Akdu agree to this?