Bound By Fate

Chapter 2: The Unexpected Proposal

The elevator ride down to the street felt like it lasted an eternity, and Aisha's nerves only intensified with each passing second. She had no idea what to expect when she stepped out into the night. As Rajat led her to a sleek, black car parked under a dim streetlight, her heart hammered in her chest. The car was an unmistakable symbol of wealth and power, the kind of luxury that was worlds away from her everyday life.

Rajat opened the back door, and Aisha hesitated before getting in. Inside, the dim interior lighting revealed a man seated in the far corner. He was tall, with sharp features and an air of authority that immediately put her on edge. Arjun Mehra. He wore a tailored suit, his presence commanding even in the relaxed setting.

"Miss Kapoor, please, have a seat," he said, his voice deep and smooth, but with an undercurrent of impatience.

Aisha slid into the seat, suddenly hyper-aware of the gap between their worlds. The leather beneath her was softer than anything she had ever felt, and the scent of cologne and wealth filled the air.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me," Arjun began, his gaze fixed on her, sharp and unyielding. "I'll get straight to the point. I need a wife."

Aisha blinked, taken aback by his bluntness. "I'm sorry?"

"It's a business arrangement, Miss Kapoor," Arjun continued, his tone cold and businesslike. "I need someone who can play the part of my wife for a year. In return, I'll pay you a substantial amount of money, enough to cover your sister's education and your living expenses."

Aisha's mind raced, trying to process what she was hearing. "Why me?"

"You're perfect for the role," Arjun said simply. "You're not connected to anyone in my social circle, which means there's no risk of emotional complications or ulterior motives. You'll be compensated generously, and at the end of the year, we'll go our separate ways. No strings attached."

Aisha was speechless. The idea was absurd, almost laughable. But as she looked into Arjun's eyes, she saw that he was completely serious. This was not a joke.

"And what do you get out of this?" Aisha asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Control," Arjun replied, his expression hardening. "My family business is currently divided among several factions, and my rivals are looking for any excuse to undermine me. A stable marriage will strengthen my position and eliminate any doubts about my intentions."

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing. "There's no need for us to pretend in private. The marriage is purely for show. In public, we'll play the part of a happy couple, but when we're alone, we'll maintain a professional distance."

Aisha's mind was spinning. This was a chance to secure her sister's future, to finally have some financial stability. But the thought of marrying a stranger, even temporarily, filled her with dread.

"I don't know..." she began, but Arjun cut her off.

"Think about it, Miss Kapoor," he said, his tone firm. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You'll have everything you need-money, security, your sister's education. All I'm asking is that you help me secure my position for one year."

Aisha bit her lip, her thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. On one hand, this could be the answer to all her prayers. On the other, it was a leap into the unknown, with a man she didn't trust.

But as she thought of Meera, sleeping soundly in their cramped apartment, Aisha felt a surge of resolve. She had sacrificed so much already, and she couldn't bear the thought of letting her sister down. If this was what it took to give Meera a better life, then maybe, just maybe, it was worth the risk.

Taking a deep breath, Aisha met Arjun's gaze, her decision made. "Alright, Mr. Mehra. I'll do it."

For the first time since they met, Arjun's expression softened slightly. "Good. We'll draw up the contract tomorrow. I'll make sure everything is in place before we go public with the news."

As the car pulled away from the curb, Aisha stared out the window, the reality of what she had just agreed to slowly sinking in. She was about to marry a man she barely knew, all for the sake of a better future. But deep down, a part of her wondered if she had just made a deal with the devil.