Shattered (Book #1 In Heart Series)✔️

Chapter 18: Aditya and Kritika's marriage ?

Days passed, and Maheshwari Singhania gradually returned to her normal self. Kritika won the hearts of the Singhanias, except Aditya's. Her innocence, simplicity, wit, and down-to-earth nature impressed everyone, especially Maheshwari. She often imagined Kritika as Aditya's wife and concluded that Kritika would be the perfect life partner for him.

Maheshwari discussed her plan with Swetha, who wholeheartedly agreed since it had been her dream too. They wanted their old, cheerful Aditya back and believed Kritika could bring about that change.

The Singhanias were gathered in the mansion's living room. Swetha and Maheshwari exchanged knowing looks.

"Adi, if I ask you something, will you do it for me?" Maheshwari asked Aditya.

"Of course, Daadi. I'd do anything for you," Aditya replied, sitting beside her.

"Then you should marry the girl I select for you," Maheshwari said, shocking Aditya. He stood up abruptly from the couch.

Kritika, who was just entering the mansion, overheard the conversation and suddenly burst into laughter. Everyone looked at her as if she had lost her mind.

Aditya, frustrated, asked, "Hey, you! What's so funny? Did we crack some joke?"

"Oh my God, this is the best joke I've heard in this century!" Kritika said, rubbing fake tears from her eyes as she approached Aditya.

"What joke are you talking about?" Aditya asked, bewildered.

"Your marriage, of course. I can't even imagine the poor girl's condition who ends up as your wife," Kritika said dramatically.

"Same here. In your case, the person who agrees to marry you must have some mental problem," Aditya said with a smirk.

Kritika gasped in shock and narrowed her eyes at him. "Are you indirectly accusing me of being a mental patient?" Kritika asked. Aditya just shrugged his shoulders.

"You know what? I'm better than you in every way. You're moody, egotistical, rude,arrogant, and cold. Meanwhile, I'm sweet, cute, beautiful, and calm," Kritika said proudly.

Aditya's anger flared. He hovered over her small figure. "How dare you speak to me like that? Do you know who I am?"

"I know exactly who you are. You're the famous Aditya Singhania, an egotistical jerk without any emotions," Kritika spat back.

"YOU..."

"Stop it, both of you! Are you both five years old?" Maheshwari interrupted.

Aditya and Kritika both said in unison, "He/She started it!"

"Both of you, just stop. Now listen. What if I said you two should get married?" Maheshwari asked, looking at them. They both wore horrified expressions.

"Then I'd rather marry twenty skeletons than marry you. Those skeletons would be better company," Kritika taunted.

"Oh, in that case, I'd rather marry a parrot. You're just like one—never shutting up and always blabbering nonsense," Aditya replied in the same tone.

Everyone else looked at them with open mouths and wide eyes.

"How dare you call me a parrot?" Kritika raised her finger at him.

"In the same way you called me rude, arrogant, and khadoos, Ms. Shorty," Aditya retorted.

"Don't call me shorty, you giraffe!" Kritika shouted.

"What giraffe, you..."

Abhimanyu and Priya, sensing the situation was escalating, rushed toward Aditya and Kritika, who were now arguing like street dogs. Abhimanyu pulled Aditya back, and Priya restrained Kritika.

"Abhi, leave me! I'll show her who I am," Aditya said, struggling in Abhimanyu's grip.

"Oh, please, I don't want to see another side of you. I've seen enough already," Kritika said, feigning a crying face.

Suddenly, Daadi stood up and came between Aditya and Kritika. "You both are going to get married," she declared.

Aditya and Kritika both exclaimed, "WHAT?"

"Daadi, you're joking, right?" Aditya asked with a nervous laugh.

"No, you two are getting married next month. Kritika's parents have already given their consent," Daadi said happily.

"THUD."

"Kritikaa!" Priya shouted.

Everyone was shocked to see Kritika had fainted in Priya's arms.
                 __________.____________

"She fainted due to high blood pressure. Take care of her," the doctor advised, and Ishita nodded.

Gautam called the Rai family immediately after Kritika fainted. Everyone, including Aditya, was shocked by her condition. Aditya wondered if she hated the idea of marrying him so much that she fainted.

Kritika groaned and slowly opened her eyes.

"Kriti," Ishita called softly.

"Mumma," Kritika whispered happily. Ishita hugged her, and Kritika buried her face in her mother's neck, inhaling her scent.

"Baccha, I never thought this would happen to you..."

"Mumma, I need to talk to you, Dad, Bhai, and Bhabhi in private," Kritika said. Ishita nodded and went to call everyone while Kritika contemplated the current situation.