𝑨𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒊: 𝑨 𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆

Chapter 8- Message

Hey pookies do drop a tiny star and comment for this chapter. It really means a lotttt.

----------------

Unknown: So your father decided we should meet again?

It was two in the morning. My phone buzzed, and the screen lit up with a message from an unknown number. Groggy and irritated, I rubbed my eyes and squinted at the text. I clicked on his profile and the picture displayed a man.

'Abhimaan Rajput.'

Of course, my father had to drag him into this mess and he also gave him my number. It was bad enough that he was ruining my sleep, but now he was making me relive his decision again.

I stared at the message, feeling a mix of anger and frustration. The whole night, I'd been tossing and turning, trying to escape the bitter thoughts of my father's demands. His reasons might make sense to him-uniting with an old friend and marrying me off to expand our empire-but they didn't make any sense to me. I have my own dreams, my own plans, and this was way beyond my limit.

I've always done what my father wanted, never daring to refuse. But this time, it felt like a betrayal to myself. I couldn't just accept this proposal, no matter how valid his reasons seemed.

I texted back, trying to keep my frustration in check.

Aaravi: I'm really sorry Abhimaan for my father's decision. I'll clear it up to him tomorrow morning.

A moment later, his reply came through.

Abhimaan: Sure thing.

My phone buzzed again, jolting me from my restless thoughts. I stared at the screen, my fingers hovering over the keyboard, unsure of what to say next. The weight of my father's decision felt like a heavy shroud around me, stifling my every breath.

Aaravi: I know this must be inconvenient, and I really appreciate your patience.

The message sent, but it did little to ease the storm inside me. I tossed my phone aside and buried my face in my hands. It wasn't just about this proposal; it was about the feeling of being trapped in a life I didn't choose. I could already hear my father's voice, with its mix of authority and disappointment, echoing in my mind.

Minutes dragged by, each second a reminder of how powerless I felt. The darkened room seemed to close in on me, the silence punctuated only by the ticking of the clock.

Abhimaan: No worries. I understand it's a lot to take in. If you need time, I'm here to talk.

His message was calm, almost too calm for the situation. I wondered if he really understood or if he was just being polite. Either way, his offer to talk was something, even if it didn't change the reality of my predicament.

Aaravi: Thank you. I'm just... overwhelmed right now. I'll speak to my father and let you know.

I texted him back trying to avoid the storm whirling in my head.

Abhimaan: Take your time. I'll be here.

I put my phone on silent and turned off the screen, trying to find some semblance of peace in the darkness. Sleep was still elusive, and the weight of the decision ahead felt like an anchor dragging me down. I wished for the strength to stand up for myself, but all I could do was wait for morning, hoping for clarity amidst the chaos.

-------------

The shrill sound of my alarm sliced through the stillness of the early morning, dragging me from a restless sleep. I groaned, barely able to open my eyes as I reached for my phone to silence it.