PARADOX SERIES: BETWEEN PAWNS AND PARTNERS

3. THEIR FIRST MEET

Akshara's POV

Today, the day I had dreaded finally arrived. The Agnivanshis were arriving at our estate to meet our family, and I had been informed about it the previous night. As a result, I had to finish my paperwork by pulling an all-nighter, leaving me exhausted and nauseous. Despite my exhaustion, I was still dolling up myself for the upcoming meeting, fearful of being locked up in my room by my grandfather, which was the last thing I wanted during this critical point in my career. Resentment I hold for my grandfather is something I can't express in words

The stream of my thoughts were broken by the door of my room opening revealing the only person who cared about me, my brother. He walked to me with a pitiful and helpless smile, we both knew what was going on and how we can not do anything about it. Ignoring all of it I passed my brother a genuine smile. He smiled back "I'm sorry I can't intervene in grandpa's decision," he began, his tone expressing his helplessness. "However, I promise you, I will shield you from the Agnivanshi family. If they make things difficult for you, you can always count on your brother to rescue you, my princess." She chuckled and responded, "Your princess isn't as fragile or weak as you think, bhaiyya. I think it's the Agnivanshis who should be worried. Your sister can handle herself," causing the siblings to share a hearty laugh amidst the heavy atmosphere. "Han mai toh bhul hi gaya tha kitni badi gundi hai tu" (I had forgotten what a big hooligan you are.) Akshat replies jokingly patting her head with a wide smile

Atharv's POV

I'm on my way to the Shekhawat's estate, having been informed that my future wife is a lawyer—at least she isn't entirely useless to me. I'm determined to extract some information from her and give the Shekhawat's princess a taste of hell.

I was interrupted by my younger brother's excited voice saying "maa so I am getting a baddie bhabi maa?? Someone who has never lost a case?" this guy is only serious when he has some work I will make sure he gets extra work this week. Let's see how excited he is then. "I'm more excited about finally getting a daughter figure at our place. I am so done with men" Maa replies making me roll my eyes "even i'm getting a little grand daughter to spoil" Dadi adds this time my brother scoffs "what about me dadi? All you do is scold me" my younger brother whines "apni harkatein sudhar le phir" dadi replies making everyone laugh. No matter how I am, I love my family except my grandfather and I guess there will be a person added to the list very soon. I could have had a normal but my grandfather and the Shekhawats ruined it.
Soon we reach the Shekhawat's estate.

Akshara's POV

After their arrival, the Agnivanshis were escorted by the servants, and, despite my efforts to hide any signs of nervousness, a flutter of anxiety lingered within me.

My father left for an unexpected business trip, knowing his animosity towards me, felt as if he had deliberately avoided involvement.

Nonetheless, dressed as a seemingly compliant puppet, I carried the tray of snacks and teacups toward the gathering. Soon, my grandfather's voice echoed, calling out my name. With a composed exterior, I entered the room, balancing the tray carefully.

A middle-aged woman, with a smile on her face, remarked, "Such a lovely girl," as I began serving tea and snacks. Her husband, seated beside her, nodded his agreement, adding, "Indeed, she is."

Another old woman, presumably Digvijay Agnivanshi's wife, joined in, nodding as well. Smiling warmly, they all welcomed me, with the exception of Digvijay Agnivanshi and a young, handsome man who remained unsmiling, his expression neutral. "Guess that's my husband" I thought to myself. Another guy who seemed younger sat beside the straight face jerk and waved at me as I pass him a small genuine smile. Reciprocating everyone's greeting with the same warm smile I continue serving then

Atharv's POV

The servants at the Shekhawat estate led us into the house, and I took a seat on the couch. Praveen Shekhawat called out a name, "Akshara." A pretty young woman clad in a pink kurta set then walked into the room, carefully balancing a tray in her hands. It was evident that she was the same girl I was to be married to. As much as I hate to admit it I was fazed for a moment after seeing her looking breathtakingly gorgeous in the pink kurti but I quickly break out of my trance and maintain a straight face.

As expected everyone from my family started greeting her warmly which she reciprocated with a smile. Atleast she has some manners unlike her grandfather but that doesn't sway my heart, she will be my wife just for the namesake and that's it.

She turned to me, likely anticipating a warm welcome, but that's the least thing she should expect from me once our marriage takes place. A subtle hint of disappointment crossed her face, which secretly pleased me. It seemed I could already inflict pain on a Shekhawat without even lifting a finger.

"I think we should let both of them talk in private" my grandmother says breaking the silence "what's the point of talking in private when we are going to get married anyway? We would be wasting time, isn't it? " I reply turning to my so called 'soon to be wife' as I end my sentence. "I expect you to do what you are told, Atharv Agnivanshi" this time my dad replies breaking the heavy awkward atmosphere as I get up from my seat not breaking the eye contact with Akshara which she was maintaining without any fear. This girl sure got some nerves on her.

I was brought out of my thoughts as Praveen Shekhawat asks her to lead me to her room so that we can talk. She does what she is asked to as I follow her.

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This chapter was kind of boring but you can count on me for the next chapter. I assure you it will be fun and yall will be seeing Akshara's loud mouth. My girl sure won't have an filter.

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