Tainted Flames

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Virath's pov

I have never been one to make decisions this lightly; usually, I consider each and every aspect thoroughly before committing to anything, but today I didn't even hesitate to agree to those terms. Amaira's conditions were clear, and oddly enough, they resonated with me. Maybe because I just agreed to marry her because my parents wanted it, and not because I truly desired it.

Well, contract marriage for 1 year is not that bad. It's a practical arrangement, and it suits my current goals perfectly. I can focus on my career without the distraction of a real relationship.

I glanced at Amaira who was busy texting someone on her phone when vaani bhabi spoke up, "Amaira, let's go for shopping Aaj shaam ko?"

She looked up from her phone, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Shopping? Of course, always ready for that."

Bhabi clapped her hands, "Great, so tonight Amaira, Virath bhaiya, Ritvik, and I are going for shopping."

I raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised. "Mai? I can't come with you, I'm busy."

Ritvik bhai chimed in, "Virath you can't leave me alone with these two shopping addicts."

Mom spoke up, "So thike, today you four go and tomorrow both families will also go together."

I nodded, resigned to my fate. "Alright, then."

Amaira looked at me, "Looks like you'll be stuck wit me virath." She said casually.

I shot her a look, "Yeah, lucky me."

Just then, Trisha tugged at my sleeve, her eyes wide and hopeful. "I also want to go for shopping, chachu"

I ruffled her hair, smiling. "Not today, star, We will go next time."

She pouted but nodded, accepting my answer. Amaira kneeled down to her level, whispering something that made her giggle.

Bhabi announced, "Alright then, let's leave at 4 pm. Make sure you're all ready."

I nodded, glancing at my watch, it was already 3 pm, so I have 1 hour left, let's just do some work until then. I made my way to my room, only to hear Rehaansh following me.

"bhai, aaj toh aap phas gaye," Rehaansh said as he stepped into the room.

I glanced at him, already feeling the headache coming on. "What do you want, ansh?"

He grinned, leaning against the doorframe, "I don't want anything, but mom clearly wants you to stop this work and all until the wedding is done. She has already decided that you need a break, whether you like it or not."

I rubbed my temples, "Yeah, I will take a break, but right now I just need to finish up some work."

"Haww, you are denying mom's orders bhai?" Rehaansh exclaimed with mock surprise, his grin widening. "This must be serious work then."

I nodded pushing him out, "yes, some pending emails and reports. I'll be done in an hour, then I'll join them for shopping."

He raised his hands in mock surrender leaving the room. "Alright, alright, byeee, don't be late."

I nodded, dismissing him with a wave of my hand. As he left I turned to my table and opened my laptop, trying to focus on the pending tasks.

4:30 PM
SHOPPING MALL

I reached the shopping mall parking lot with Ritvik Bhai and Vaani bhabi's car behind mine, the usual chaos of shoppers and vehicles muted by the tinted windows of SUV.