WIFE : BOUGHT AND PAID FOR

SHOT 12

Bhumi's POV:

"What did you do??" Bani shrieked in horror.

"I signed a legal contract with Aryamann Mehrotra stating that I will stay married to him for a year," I said tentatively.

"Are you insane, Bhumi? What were you even thinking?" Arohi asked me in disbelief.

"Listen, I know you two are concerned about me. But I had no other option. We lost our jobs. We need to save up every single dime if we have to join the university. So what was I supposed to do?" I asked softly.

"We could have found another job, Bhumi. You didn't have to do this," Bani said as though it was obvious.

"And what? He would find me again and make sure that I get fired from there too. And he will fire you two, to get at me," I said, knowing very well now that it would be how he would have reacted. He is wealthy and powerful enough to do that.

"But Bhumi—"

"It's not a big deal, girls. Just a year. Then it will be over. We will be free from Mehrotra forever," I said, trying to convince them.

"It is not that easy, Bhumi. And I don't want you to get hurt when all this gets over," Bani, the ever-sensible girl said.

"Why would I get hurt?" I asked in confusion.

"I don't want you to be heartbroken, Bhumi. He is a heartbreaker. You have lost too much in life already. You won't be able to handle another loss. Think again, sweetie," Bani said, trying to get sense into my head, and Arohi nodded in agreement.

"I know. I know I won't be able to handle another loss. But I don't have any feelings for him. So why do we have to worry about that?" I asked in confusion.

"We can't predict what will happen in the future, Bhumi. All we want to say is that he won't be there to catch you when you fall," Arohi said warningly.

I didn't say anything.

I didn't know what to say.

Why does everyone think that I am going to fall in love with him?

I am getting into this with a clear mind. I know what to expect and what not to expect.

Then why waste your energy worrying over nothing.

"Just be careful, okay?" Bani said, and I nodded just for her relief.

"OMG!!! I can't believe you are getting married to one of the hottest bachelors in the world!" Arohi squealed, lightening the situation.

That's Arohi for you.

She could be dead serious one moment and rolling on the floor laughing the next.

"You will never change, Roohi," I said, rolling my eyes.

The next morning, I was rudely awakened by Arohi's screaming.

I groaned and opened my eyes, only to see her standing in front of me with her hands on her hips.

"What?? Why are you screaming?? I was having a very nice sleep, Roohi," I said, rubbing my eyes and sitting up on the bed.

"Your fiancé is crazy!!" She said huffing in annoyance.

Fiancé? What the hell is she talking about?

"Fiancé?? What are you talking about??" I asked in absolute confusion.

"Aryamann Mehrotra," she said, staring at me as if I am a dimwit.

Everything that happened yesterday came rushing to my brain.

I can't believe I almost forgot about such an important thing.