Aayan x Aashi: Grumpy x Sunshine, Age Gap, Marriage of Convenience, Contract Marriage
Aayan - "Please don't expect love or compassion from me. I can promise you respect, but I'll never be able to give you the place of a wife. However, I can be your...
I opened the file in my office during a break, expecting to find just a single sheet of paper inside. My heart pounded as I noticed there were three sheets, not one. With a mix of curiosity and unease, I began to read. The title jumped out at me: "CONTRACT OF MARRIAGE." My name and his-Aashi Rathore and Ayaan Singhania-were typed neatly below, with the date of settlement listed as July 20th.
As I continued reading, my eyes widened in disbelief. The terms of the contract were laid out in precise, almost clinical language, yet the content was anything but ordinary:
Party A and Party B must maintain a distance of at least 10 cm from each other at all times. What?! My jaw nearly hit the floor. Who writes such ridiculous clauses in a contract? It's common sense! For a fleeting moment, a wild thought crossed my mind-Could this be a sign that he's gay?
Party A and Party B cannot touch each other without explicit consent, including actions like kissing, holding hands, or hugging. Exception: If the situation requires, they can hold hands, but only if absolutely necessary. I couldn't help but let out a small, incredulous laugh. Are we in some sort of twisted fairytale where the prince and princess can't even hold hands?
Party A and Party B will have no intimate relations. They will sleep on the bed and couch alternately. The absurdity of it all made my head spin. Was this really happening? A marriage that was essentially a contractual agreement to live like roommates?
Party A and Party B will present themselves as an ideal couple in front of family, friends, and the media.
Party A and Party B must attend functions or ceremonies together when their presence is required. They cannot refuse.
Party A and Party B will not interfere in each other's personal lives or matters unless absolutely necessary.
Party A will not stop Party B from pursuing her career abroad.
Party A and Party B will not disclose this contract to anyone except themselves.
As I skimmed through the rest of the contract, realizing I didn't have time to read all three pages in detail, a strange calm washed over me. On the third page, the final clause stood out: "If Party A and Party B agree to this contract, they can sign below." Without allowing myself to overthink it, I quickly signed the document and slipped it back into the file.
The reality of the situation began to sink in. This contract made it clear that Ayaan was just as disinterested in this marriage as I was. In fact, it was the best arrangement I could ask for to escape the constraints of a traditional marriage. But one nagging thought wouldn't leave me alone-What if he really is gay? Aashi, stop it! What on earth are you even thinking? I mentally scolded myself, shaking off the ridiculous notion.
On my way back home, I handed the file to the delivery agent, feeling oddly detached from the whirlwind of events. As I approached my house, I was greeted by the sight of yellow marigold garlands draped across the entrance, their vibrant color a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside me. My mother was in the midst of a conversation-or was it a scolding?-with someone. Sighing deeply, I stepped inside and asked, "Maa, what's going on?"
She turned around, her face lighting up as she hurried over to hug me. "What? You don't know? I messaged you-tomorrow is your mehendi!"
Her words hit me like a sledgehammer, knocking the breath out of me. I was stunned, rooted to the spot.
"I told you earlier that I was meeting Mrs. Adiviti today," she continued, her excitement bubbling over, "and we finalized the 23rd of July as your wedding date!" She hugged me again, tighter this time, as if she didn't want to let go. "I didn't realize you'd be leaving me so soon."
I hugged her back, but my mind was spinning, trying to process the speed at which my life was hurtling forward. "Why so soon, Maa? We could've set the date at least a month later," I protested weakly, hoping for a reprieve.
"Yes, I thought the same," she replied, her voice softening as she explained, "but how could we possibly buy your dress and jewelry in such a short time? But Mrs. Avantika assured me they'd handle everything. They'll send all the clothes, jewelry, and even take care of the arrangements. We just need to cooperate. Plus, they're so wealthy, and their house is more of a mansion! I felt it wouldn't be right to turn them down, so I agreed."
The weight of her words settled heavily on my shoulders. "Maa, I get it, but we should have at least a week to prepare," I said, struggling to keep my voice steady. "I need to give notice at work to take leave, and how am I supposed to manage both my job and the wedding?"
"It's okay, I'll manage everything," she reassured me, her hand gently patting my shoulder. "You don't need to worry."
Just as she was finishing her sentence, the doorbell rang. My mother opened the door to reveal a man in a crisp suit holding a large, ornate hamper, flanked by ten others carrying trays laden with dresses, jewelry, and other beautifully wrapped gifts. My eyes widened at the opulence of it all. They moved quickly, depositing the items inside before disappearing just as swiftly as they had arrived.
Too overwhelmed to process everything that was happening, I escaped to the sanctuary of my room. I immediately grabbed my phone and messaged my best friend, pouring out the chaotic mix of emotions swirling inside me. I even snapped a few pictures-this was too much to handle alone, and I desperately needed to vent.
