𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞

１. Ｐｒｏｐｏｓａｌ

Meher's POV

I stepped out of the conference room, the echo of applause still lingering in the air. My heart was racing, not with nerves, but with exhilaration. Another deal cracked, another milestone achieved.

As I walked down the corridor, my phone buzzed in my hand. I glanced at the screen and saw "Mom" flashing.

"Hi, Mumma," I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady despite the adrenaline rush.

"Meher, beta, you need to come home soon. Your marriage prospectors are coming today," my mother’s voice was firm but loving.

"Mom, I just closed a multi-billion dollar deal. Can’t I get a moment to celebrate?" I tried to sound casual, but the weight of her words was pressing.

"This is important too, Meher. You can’t delay it forever," she insisted. "They are coming just for you."

"I know, I know. I'll be there," I conceded, knowing there was no arguing with her. "But don’t expect me to be thrilled about it."

As I ended the call and entered my cabin, I found Devansh lounging on the couch, looking as relaxed as ever. His suit was impeccable, but his tie was loose, and he had a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Well, well, well, if it isn’t the newest queen of the corporate world," he greeted, getting up to give me a mock bow.

I couldn't help but smile at his antics. "Thanks, Devansh. But I think you should save the applause for your board meetings."

He grinned widely. "I'm just trying to keep up with you, Meher. I knew you'd crack it."

I set my briefcase on the table and shook my head. "Your confidence in me is always reassuring."

Devansh's expression shifted to one of exaggerated concern. "So, heard your mom talking about wedding prospectors. Should I be worried?"

I rolled my eyes. "Please, Devansh. As if I have time for that right now."

He leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Come on, Meher. Don't tell me you're not even a bit curious about these guys."

I crossed my arms, giving him a stern look. "Curiosity is for kittens, Devansh. I have more important things to handle." Tossing a cushion at him, "Don’t you have work to do?"

"Are you kidding? Annoying you is my full-time job," he replied, catching the cushion and throwing it back at me.

"Well, you’re definitely excelling at it," I retorted, trying to suppress my laughter.

Devansh’s laughter filled the room, and for a moment, the stress of the day melted away. But then I remembered my mom’s words and sighed. "Alright, enough joking around. You’re coming with me."

"Wait, what?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

"You heard me. You’re coming to my place. You’re not leaving me alone with those prospectors," I declared, grabbing his arm and pulling him off the couch.

"Meher, come on. I have a company to run," he protested, but there was a playful glint in his eyes.

"And I just closed a deal. We both deserve a break. Plus, I need moral support," I said, dragging him towards the door.

"Fine, fine. But remember, this is against my will," he joked, letting himself be led out of the cabin.

"Yeah, yeah. I know you secretly love it," I teased back.

As we headed out, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for Devansh. No matter how chaotic life got, I knew I could always count on him.

The car ride home was supposed to be a brief reprieve from the chaos of work and the impending ordeal with the marriage prospectors. But with Devansh in the passenger seat, even a moment of peace was a stretch. He had been poking fun at me ever since we left the office.