Prem Kahaniyaan

1.

Mumbai’s skyline glittered under the setting sun as the evening lights began to twinkle. Saanvi Mehta stood on the balcony of her penthouse, sipping her espresso martini and gazing at the bustling city below. The vibrant energy of Mumbai mirrored her own vibrant, modern life. At 28, Saanvi had carved a niche for herself in the world of fashion and technology, earning accolades and respect. She was a woman of the new age—independent, outspoken, and unyielding in her beliefs.

Tonight was supposed to be a celebration of her recent success, but instead, the Mehta family was hosting a formal gathering for an announcement that had been kept under wraps. As she adjusted her elegant dress and looked at her reflection, she noticed the sharp edge in her eyes—a premonition of the unwelcome news about to unfold.

In the grand living room, guests mingled, and the soft hum of conversations filled the air. Saanvi’s father, Mr. Ramesh Mehta, a respected industrialist, had always been a figure of authority in her life. His stern demeanor was softened only by his affection for his family. Tonight, he was unusually serious, adding an air of tension to the proceedings.

The moment arrived. Ramesh tapped his glass for attention, and the room fell silent. With practiced composure, he made the announcement that would alter the course of Saanvi’s life. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, “I am pleased to share that Saanvi will be marrying Rohan Kapoor, the heir to the Kapoor business empire.”

Saanvi’s heart sank. Rohan Kapoor—her childhood rival and nemesis—was not the man she had ever imagined sharing her life with. Their animosity dates back to school days when their opposing views had frequently led to clashes. Rohan’s arrogance and rigid adherence to tradition had always been at odds with Saanvi’s progressive ideals.

The guests applauded, and Saanvi forced a smile, masking her inner turmoil. She glanced across the room to where Rohan stood, impeccably dressed in a sharp suit. His expression was unreadable, but there was a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. It was clear that he, too, was far from thrilled about this arrangement.

Later that evening, as the guests began to depart, Saanvi and Rohan found themselves alone in a quiet corner of the garden. The moonlight cast a silvery glow on their faces, highlighting the tension between them.

“So,” Saanvi said, her voice cool and controlled, “I suppose congratulations are in order?”

Rohan’s smile was thin. “Indeed. Seems we’re both trapped in a web of our parents’ making.”

The bitterness in his tone was unmistakable, mirroring her own feelings. “I never thought I’d see the day when our families would conspire to marry us off,” Saanvi replied, her frustration evident.

Rohan chuckled darkly. “Neither did I. But here we are, stuck with each other for the foreseeable future.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a distant call from Saanvi’s father, who wanted to discuss some details about the engagement party. Saanvi excused herself, but not before casting one last look at Rohan. Their mutual dislike was a familiar comfort zone, but now it was accompanied by a new layer of complexity.