The Unexpected Union

1. The Unexpected News

Asha Mehra sat in her parents' living room, sipping her tea and trying to appear calm, despite the turmoil brewing inside her. The aroma of cardamom and ginger wafted through the air, a familiar comfort that did little to soothe her nerves. She had a feeling that her life was about to change forever, like a storm was brewing on the horizon.

"Asha, beta, come sit down," her mother, Nalini, said, patting the couch beside her. The gentle tone belied the seriousness etched on her face.

Asha obliged, her eyes fixed on her parents' solemn expressions. Her father, Raj, cleared his throat, a habitual gesture that signaled important news. The room seemed to shrink, as if the walls were closing in on her. She had accidentally overheard her parents talking yesterday night.

"Asha, you know how much we value our family traditions, right?" Raj began, his voice measured. "We've always wanted the best for you, and we believe this is an opportunity you shouldn't miss."

Asha nodded, her heart sinking like a stone in a pond. She knew where this was going, and she didn't like it one bit. But she could never deny her parents because she was grateful for them for the life she lived that millions only dreamed about.

"Well, we've decided it's time for you to get married," Nalini announced, her eyes shining with excitement, a hint of determination lurking beneath. Asha's stomach dropped like a rollercoaster in free fall. She had been dreading this moment for years, hoping it would never come. Marriage? Already? It felt like a prison sentence. She had seen what marriage had done to her cousins and friends. The way they were miserable but couldn't get out because they were so scared of what the society would say to them or their parents.

"Who is it?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, despite the tremors running through her body.

"Karan Gupta," Raj replied, a smile spreading across his face like a sunrise. "He's a great guy, Asha. Successful, kind, and from a good family. We think you two will make a wonderful couple."

Asha's mind raced like a runaway train, processing the news. Arranged marriage? Really? She had always dreamed of finding love on her own terms, not having it dictated by her parents like a fate worse than death. However, she knew of Karan. The business world was small like that. She had also met him once but she couldn't remember him.

But she knew better than to argue. In her family, tradition and obedience came first, like a sacred mantra. Resistance was futile. She was the eldest daughter and knew the responsibilities she had to shoulder. Her father had gone against everyone when he announced her as the next CEO of Mehra Telecommunications. She knew she had to at least meet him for her parents sake.

"Okay," she said finally, forcing a smile, a fragile facade hiding her true feelings. "I'll meet him."

Her parents rejoiced as if she agreed to marry him. Little did she know, her life was about to become a lot more complicated.

Hey guys... so how are you liking the chapter 1. Feel free to give your suggestions.

Will see you guys soon

Coco