The Broken Heart Syndrome

CHAPTER 7

RHYTHM

I've always been the type of person who has accepted and adjusted to difficult and uncomfortable situations. It's one of my many coping mechanisms, I guess. And it's hard not to listen to your go-to instincts to save your sanity.

So, I guess it's normal for me to think for an instant, what if I accept this? Not that I've been given any choice, but I'd like to think that I can choose not to accept because the alternative will destroy me. As much as I'm denying it, it already is.

We have just reached outside of the hotel where we have to meet Mr. Singhania. From what I gathered it's going to be him and his son.

I pull at the hem of my sweatshirt, anxiety is playing peek-a-boo with me lately but I'm numb, mostly.

Mr. Singhania invited us to the breakfast. It's basically a meeting to sign me off to them. My father thinks he's got everything he wanted. Saved his "career", made an ally with one of the most powerful businessman and politician in India and married his daughter.

But this time I am the one with ulterior motive which is why I so easily agreed for today's meeting. I wanna know who I'm being sold to, especially after he sent me that note and what it actually means.

Yeah, I know who H is. Its Hunter Adams, oldest son of Mr. Singhania. I read a little about him on Wikipedia, the basics not a lot. I didn't want to know what the world thought about him before I met him.

Father gives me a disapproving but stern look, "Do not embarrass me. You'll meet Mr. Singhania's son today and you'll say yes to the proposal. This is best for you. You'll be happy with him."

I don't bother replying, there's no point anyways.

"You don't have to do this didi. I can call a taxi right now and we can go back." says Rohan, worry filled in his eyes.

Giving him a reassuring smile, I reply "I know baby."

"Yes, we can go back you don't have to do this. I'll handle your father." mom chimes in as well.

"It's okay mom, I can deal with this. Don't worry."

We all go to the restaurant part of the hotel where Mr. Singhania is waiting.

"Welcome Mr. Sinh, welcome. I'm glad you all joined us for breakfast."

Then he turns to look at me which morphs into a puzzled look and says, " I hope you're not going to wear sweats at your wedding too." Then laughs at his own joke.

I give him my sassiest look with a single raised brow, " Who said I agreed to marry your son?"

Father lets out an awkward bark of laughter, "Oh don't mind her she is just joking. She is very funny, one of her many qualities. She'll keep you all entertained for sure."

I slowly turn to my father who just ignores me.

Returning the laugh, Mr. Singhania says, "Let's have a seat. My son will be joining us soon, he' s on a call."

I interrupt, " No, this meeting was set up so that I can meet your son, right? So, I'm meeting your son first. I don't have all day for this."

Mr. Singhania looks surprised with a hint of anger, but I don't back down.

He then gestures us to follow. We are taken to a more private setting in a room. It's a big hall with just two tables set at two sides of the room.

One is set for six people and other one is for two by the floor-to ceiling window.

Mr. Singhania makes a call and then with his eye on me he says, "Hello, yes come now. You have to meet her now." I don't back down from his stare which makes him raise his brows at me.