Pehli Nazar Mein

II.

Author's P.O.V.

The Malhotras

The room was well lit, large windows on its walls through which sunlight streamed inside. A girl walked inside the room, clad in all white clothing, a helmet in one hand and a fencing blade in another. She greeted the man standing across from her, her fencing instructor. She put on her helmet and proceeded to take a stance. The next hour involved a vigorous back and forth between the two people. The girl was quick on her feet, swinging and slashing the blade with precision.

"You've gotten better" the instructor said, dodging the girl's blade by a few inches. The girl smiled behind her helmet. 

Soon enough, the instructor left, and the girl sat down on the mat on the floor due to exhaustion. She took off her helmet, her pretty face glistening with sweat becoming visible. Her hair were tied neatly into a bun, and she took off the rubber band, letting them fall and brush her collarbones. Her brown skin shone under the sunlight, highlighting her pretty features, and her brown eyes becoming honey coloured as the sunlight fell on them.

This girl was Ishita Malhotra. She was twenty three years old, and the only daughter of Rajiv Malhotra, the largest iron and steel trader of India. She was fierce, bold, smart, playful, had a passion for reading and had recently taken an interest in fencing. 

Someone patted her shoulder, and she looked up. Looking down at her was a fair skinned girl, her long hair tied in a neat braid. She wore a simple kurti, yet managed to look ethereal, a tray with a glass of water in her hands.

"You must be tired" the girl said to Ishita, handing her the glass of water.

"Thank you so much, Siya" Ishita said, gulping down the water as she tried to cool down.

"I've already gotten a bath prepared for you, since I know you need one immediately after training" The girl who was named Siya said, taking the glass from Ishita as soon as she finished drinking from it. 

"Oh, you didn't have to" Ishita said, looking up at her gratefully, a smile starting to form on her face. 

Siya Sharma was a twenty four year old girl, and the personal assistant of Ishita. But Ishita wouldn't call her that. To her, she was her best friend, a sister even. Siya's mother had been working for the Malhotras ever since Siya and Ishita's childhood. She used to manage all the household work of their house, and used to guide all other workers, cooks, cleaners. Overtime, Siya and Ishita had become extremely close. And even though Siya was in an economically lower position than Ishita, and even after she had been assigned as her personal assistant, their dynamic remained the same. Siya took her duties very seriously. She was a dedicated girl, very sincere towards her work. But she was rather shy, quiet and reserved. 

 "Oh, and once you're done with your bath...your father said he needed to speak to you" Siya told Ishita as she got up.

"Alright. Please tell him I'll be there. I would have to meet him in the meeting room I suppose?" Ishita said, walking towards her room, her helmet tucked under her arm.

"Yes" Siya said.

____

"Marriage? What do you mean marriage?" Ishita said, eyebrows furrowed in confusion, lips agape in surprise. 

"Marriage- the legally or recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship" Her father replied, looking at her with a blank expression.

"Papa, I know what a marriage is!" Ishita said "But me? My marriage?" 

"Exactly. You know I'm getting older, Ishita. I just wish to see my daughter happily settled before I pass away" Rajiv Malhotra said, coughing just as he finished his sentence. 

"Papa, stop saying that. Nothing is going to happen to you" Ishita said, placing both her hands on her father's shoulders "But...I don't think I'm ready to get married yet" Ishita said, chewing on her bottom lip nervously.

"You see....its' not just that. Our business is expanding, and there are many rivals out there who are jealous of our success, who want to see our downfall. I don't want to give them that satisfaction"

"Well, I'll take over your business. I have been training and studying all my life for this" Ishita said

"I know, I know my child.  But you'll need assistance, you'll need help. You know the Rajputs right?"

"Who doesn't?" Ishita quipped back.

"Well....we are generous enough to have received a marriage proposal from their side. My good friend, Maharaj Adhiraj Singh Rajput, has asked your hand in marriage for his youngest son" Rajiv said.

"W-what?" Ishita asked, even more stunned now. 

"Yes. This marriage will be beneficial to both sides. You'll be able to inherit my business, all my assets without any problems, or any interference from my competitors. Everyone is too scared of the Rajputs to even try to intervene. They'll train you well on how to handle everything. And they'll get a share of our business. They'll be able to expand their business and you will be able to expand our reach with their help" Rajiv said, getting up from the sofa he was sitting on and strolling along the sides of the room as he explained.

"But papa....why? I could- I could learn everything by myself. I swear I won't let you down. We have several advisers, many people at our service who'd help me manage everything perfectly well" Ishita said, a sad expression on her face.

"I want to protect you. I know you could manage everything perfectly well, but there are many people out there who are after you since you are the sole inheritor of all my property.  Even relatives. Do you think they'll refrain from hurting or harming you just to get a share in the business?"

Ishita didn't have an answer to that question. 

"I assume your silence is because you understand my intentions" 

Ishita could just nod, a million different thoughts swimming in her head.

"Very well then. The Rajput family, along with your future husband, is coming to meet you tomorrow. Dress well" Rajiv Malhotra said, a strange glint in his eyes, skin wrinkling around their edges. 

"Tomorrow!?" 

____

A/n: And here it is! Another chapter of 'Pehli Nazar Mein'. Hope you liked it <3