Asha khan : book 1 "the unraveling"

DINER

The doors swing open to reveal a scene straight out of a fairy tale. A giant banquet table dominates the room, groaning under the weight of a feast fit for a king. 

My senses reel as I take in the mouthwatering aroma of the dishes laid out before us, each one more tantalizing than the last.

 It's clear that Mom has spared no expense in her efforts to impress our wealthy guest, and I can't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of indulging in such decadence. 

Dad's face lights up with pride as he sees me, and he wastes no time in enveloping me in a warm embrace. With a twinkle in his eye, he introduces me to Kabir, our esteemed guest, who greets me with a polite nod and a warm smile.

 In his hand, he holds out a luxurious Richard Mille watch, a gift that sparkles with the promise of opulence and extravagance. 

With a nervous smile, I take my place beside Kabir, my pulse quickening with excitement and apprehension. The maids move gracefully around the table, their movements fluid and effortless as they serve each dish with precision.

 The air is filled with the tantalizing scent of the food, and I can feel my stomach growling in anticipation of the sumptuous feast laid out before us.

The dining table is a sight to behold, groaning under the weight of the extravagant feast laid out before us. Platters of succulent roast meats, cooked to perfection and dripping with savory juices, take center stage, their tantalizing aroma filling the room and setting my stomach rumbling with anticipation.

Alongside the mains, an array of vibrant salads and side dishes offer a burst of color and freshness, each one more tempting than the last. 

Crisp, leafy greens mingle with ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy vinaigrettes, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.

And let's not forget about dessert – the pièce de résistance of any meal. From decadent chocolate cakes to delicate fruit tarts, the dessert table is a veritable paradise for those with a sweet tooth. I can hardly wait to indulge in these delectable treats, savoring each bite as if it were my last.

Ah, the atmosphere in the dining room shifts suddenly, as if the air itself has grown heavier with the weight of their words.

 My parents, usually so careful to avoid uncomfortable topics, have plunged headfirst into the discussion of "our marriage."

Mom's voice, usually warm and comforting, takes on a serious tone, sending a shiver down my spine as she broaches the subject.

Mom: "Asha, dear, there's something your father and I need to discuss with you. It's about... well, it's about your future."

I freeze, my fork halfway to my mouth, as I process her words. My future? What could they possibly be talking about? My mind races with possibilities, each one more terrifying than the last.

Dad chimes in, his voice gentle but firm as he adds his own thoughts to the conversation.

Dad: "Yes, sweetheart. Your mother and I have been thinking about potential matches for you, considering our family's connections and your own aspirations."

The room spins around me as their words sink in. Potential matches? Marriage? It's like something out of a Victorian novel, not my own life. 

Asha's heart pounds in her chest as her parents drop the bombshell, instructing her and her prospective partner to retreat to her room to "get to know each other." The air crackles with tension as Asha struggles to process the gravity of the situation.

With a sense of apprehension hanging heavy in the air, Asha nods silently, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. 

She casts a fleeting glance at her parents, searching their faces for any sign of reassurance or guidance, but finds none.

 As we're ushered to my room, a whirlwind of emotions sweeps through me. Excitement mingles with apprehension as I wonder what this encounter might entail.

 My heart races with anticipation, unsure of what lies ahead but willing to embrace the unknown. 

My pulse quickens as he abruptly stands right in front of me, his presence commanding attention. I meet his gaze, feeling a mix of curiosity and uncertainty swirling within me.

His touch sends a shiver down my spine as he firmly grasps my chin, his eyes searching mine with an intensity that leaves me breathless.

His words, spoken with such genuine sincerity, resonate deep within me, igniting a spark of confidence I didn't know I possessed.

 In that moment, his gaze feels like a spotlight, illuminating the parts of myself I've always kept hidden, revealing a beauty I never knew existed. 

With a gentle touch, he lifts my chin, his fingers tracing the line of my jaw as if committing it to memory. As his gaze lingers on my face, I feel a fluttering in my chest, a mixture of excitement and uncertainty swirling within me.

 It's as if time stands still, suspended in the space between us, as we share this intimate moment filled with unspoken promise and possibility.

Fear grips me as he abruptly grabs me, his touch sending a shiver down my spine.

 I freeze, paralyzed by a sudden surge of panic as his hand tightens around my chin. His words, though seemingly flattering, only add to my unease, his proximity suffocating as he remarks on my appearance. 

As he lifts me up, my heart races with a mixture of fear and uncertainty, my mind reeling with the realization that I am entirely at his mercy.

My body crashes onto the bed, the impact sending shockwaves of pain rippling through me. I lie there, stunned and breathless, my mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. 

Fear, confusion, and anger swirl together in a tumultuous storm, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed. 

As I struggle to regain my composure, I can't help but wonder what comes next, my heart pounding in my chest as I wait for his next move.