The Unexpected Union

5. A Decision Under Pressure

Asha was torn. On one hand, she was still reeling from Karan's betrayal. On the other hand, her parents were pressuring her to accept his proposal.

"Asha, think about your future," her mother urged. "Karan is a good man, and he'll take care of you."

Asha sighed, feeling trapped. She didn't want to marry someone who had lied to her, but she also didn't want to disappoint her parents. She had not told her parents about his betrayal because she didn't want to break their hearts.

"Okay, fine," Asha said finally. "I'll marry him."

Her parents' faces lit up with joy, but Asha's heart felt heavy. She was agreeing to marry Karan, but she wasn't sure if she could ever trust him again.

On the other hand, Karan was meeting Rhea at a bakery. He knew this was a long time coming and wanted to do right by both of them. As he was waiting for rhea his mind drifted back to Asha.

Just then someone cleared their throat, he saw Rhea standing in front of him looking beautiful as ever but this time his heart didn't skip a beat, it hadn't for a long time. As Rhea was leaning forward to give him a peck, he turned his face

He faced Rhea and said," Rhea, we need to talk."

Rhea sensing something wrong replied,"What's going on, Karan?"

Karan took a deep breath and started,"Rhea, I've been thinking a lot about us... and I feel like we've grown apart"

"What do you mean? Everything seems fine to me."

"That's just it - everything seems fine, but it doesn't feel fine to me. I feel like we're just going through the motions."

Rhea with her voice going defensive replied,"So you're just giving up on us? Without even trying to work through our issues?"

"Rhea, I'm not giving up on us because I am not in love with you anymore. And I think you also feel the same. we love each other but the spark and chemistry we had is just missing. Every time we are together it feels as if we are putting on this act for other people and behind closed doors we are at each other's throats. I'm giving up on us because I love myself more. And I deserve better than a relationship that's just existing."

"Is this because I haven't told my parents about us. Karan I'm trying"

"Rhea, you have been trying since the past 3 years. I just feel like I'm a standholder in your life. I don't want that anymore. also, my parents want me get married. It's about time and I like the girl they chosen for me."

"so, you have going on dates behind my back"

"No, I just went to appease my parents like you do every other month. but I ended up liking Asha. We are compatible and I liked being in her presence"

"Fine. If that's how you feel, then maybe we are better off apart."

Karan slowly nodded and paid the bill and left. As he was leaving Karan had never felt lighter. He felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulder and he wanted to pursue Asha the right way.

As she left her parents' house, Asha felt a sense of unease. She had made a decision, but it didn't feel right. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she was making a mistake. After a long day at the office where the staff could tell something was off with her. She was just calling her driver to go back home. Just then a car stopped in front of her. There stood Karan with a bouquet of lilies, Asha's favourite flowers.

He greeted her, "Hey Asha! Uncle said that you would be at office, so I thought I would pick you up on my way back." He placed his hand on her lower back and nudged her along. Asha's breath hitched, she couldn't help but curse her body which was still affected by his touch.

As they sat in the car, Asha brought up the topic of their marriage and said, " Karan just because I said yes for our marriage doesn't mean that I have forgiven you. You need but breakup with Rhea if you want us to get married. I want to give this marriage a real shot but not if you aren't ready to let go of your past."

Karan sensed her hesitation and tried to reassure her. "Asha, I promise to make it up to you.I broke up with Rhea today. I want to do this the right way. I'll be honest with you, always."

Asha nodded, but her doubts lingered. She wasn't sure if she could ever fully trust Karan again.

The days passed, and Asha struggled to come to terms with her decision. She felt like she was living in a state of limbo, unsure of what the future held.

So, what do you guys think is in store for them in the future?

I have always wanted to create a strong female lead and not a damsel in distress who would ignore her husband's infidelities

Please like and comment.

Love,

Coco