Udaipur ~ A Path to our Destiny

Part 25 ~ Hassle of Tension

Aditya's pov

As the clock struck midnight, signaling the end of the engagement ceremony, I found myself seeking refuge on the balcony. The calm of the night was soothing, offering a much-needed moment of peace. But amidst that stillness, my mind raced with conflicting thoughts and emotions.

"I need to bring Kabir here, now. Tara can't marry me, she loves him. I have to do something" I whispered to myself, staring at the sky.

Suddenly, I heard a soft voice, "Aditya." I turned to see Tara standing nearby, looking upset. Without hesitation, she ran to me and hugged me . I could sense her distress, and it broke my heart. Tara's father had always been controlling, making her life difficult. Over the years, we had grown incredibly close—Tara had been there for me through the toughest times, especially when my parents passed away. She, along with Dadisa, had helped me through my grief, offering comfort and support.

Though Tara holds a special place in my heart, I know it's not romantic. We're more like close friends, and I cherish the bond we share. I've seen her struggle, especially with her father's rigid rules. I still remember when she was 17 and had a crush on a classmate. Her father found out and overreacted, taking away her phone and sending her to school with bodyguards. She cried to me, and I comforted her, telling her everything would be fine. But her father, Shashank uncle, never changed. He's always wanted us to marry, pushing the idea constantly.

I never really opposed the marriage because of Dadisa. Since the day my parents died, she's been my pillar of strength, a true guiding light in my life. She became my God. With the strong bond between both families, I couldn't say no when she asked me about marrying Tara. In truth, I had no reason to refuse—it seemed like the practical choice. But when Tara confided in me about Kabir, I was genuinely happy for her. She had found someone she loved and could trust.

That's when I decided I had to stop the wedding. But Shashank uncle never gave us the chance to change the plan.

As the heir of the empire, I am fully aware of Tara's father's intentions. It's clear that his desire for Tara to marry me stems from reasons far beyond the friendship we share. I understand the weight of the situation, and it's crucial that I navigate it with care, honoring my feelings for Tara while also respecting her emotions and desires. But at the same time, I can't ignore her father's manipulative motives.

Tara's voice broke my thoughts, "Adi, what's going to happen now? Why can't Papa understand?" Her eyes were filled with tears, and I gently wiped them away, cupping her face with my hands.

"Tara, wo nahi samjhenge. Agar unhe samajhna hota, to wo pehle hi samajh jaate. Ab hamare paas aur koi option nahi hai" I said. (He won't understand, Tara. If he wanted to, he would have by now. We have no other option.)

She nodded in agreement, her vulnerability evident.

"And tell me one thing" I added, trying to lighten the mood. "Why the hell is your boyfriend not picking up my calls? You know we don't have time! If he doesn't pick up soon, I'll have to send my agents to London to find him. You won't like it if I kidnap your boyfriend" I said with a teasing tone. Tara chuckled, a faint smile finally appearing on her face.