His Mad Love

(13) I'll marry you

ARADHNA SHARMA

"Aradhna....are you okay?"

My heart raced when I heard his voice. How in the world am I gonna talk to him?

"I got to know about the condition you set."

I tried to speak properly but the sentence came out shaky. He did not reply.

"Will you really pay off the debt if I marry you?"

My hands shivered as those words left my mouth.

"Can we talk about this in person?"

His voice was gentle. As if he was not the one who set the condition to marry me.

"Fine, I'll text you the location."

He agreed and I cut the call. Never thought that I'd be doing this. I had developed a little crush on him when we met the first time. When I saw him killing a man, all that was replaced by fear. But now the small crush I had on him is replaced by anger amd hatred. All thanks to that stupid condition.

I send him the location of one of the cafe near our area. He responds with an 'ok I'll be there in fifteen', which means I gotta reach there in fifteen minutes as well. I change into a blue pair and head out of the house after informing my parents about my departure.

I didn't tell them that I was going to meet him. As I walk inside my eyes roam around the area and stop when I spot him. I walk to the table and sot infront of him. He kept his phone aside and looked at me.

Panic rushed through me and my heart beat at an insane speed. He looked at me softly as if aware of my inner turmoil.

"Let's order something first?"

We placed the order. My palms were sweating. I had never been so nervous during the bharatnatyam exams.

The waiter kept the dishes on the table and left. My gaze fixed at the chocolate pastry kept in the middle. He was the one who had ordered it. I love it but didn't feel placing an order for that today.

"So about the debt."

I spoke while taking a bite of my sandwich. He ate

"Since you already know about it, I won't beat around the bush."

He sipped on his coffee and continued. His voice was comforting.

"If you get married to me, I will pay it off. Your father will get his backery and house back and Vijay or any other person would never trouble them."

His voice was reassuring and I did trust his words. But I still had questions.

"Why do you want to help us, it's not like you'll gain something."

Getting married to me would not lead to any gain, he will instead have to pay off my father's debt. The only benefit he will get would be my......

No, god. He is even involved in killing people and all. What if he'll kill me, sell me or do other bad deeds with me. Tears welled up in my eyes.

I couldn't eat the sandwich anymore, my hands began shaking as bad thoughts crossed my mind.

"Aradhna"

His voice brought me back and when I looked at him all I could see was concern. He pushed the plate of pastry towards me and spoke.

"Eat this."

He moved my sandwich plate aside, his complete attention was on his actions while he spoke.

"I know you are scared, but trust me I will never hurt you."

I took a small bite of the pastry the sweet taste bursted in my mouth. Eating something sweet always helps me calm down.

"About getting married to you, its just a contractual marriage for a year. I need to get married before I completely takeover the Rathod group."

He explained, his gaze fixed at me. I process his words and then ask him.

"So we can part ways after a year?"

He looked at me, his expression unreadable.

"Yeah if you want to we will."

He spoke that while getting up.

"Since you have my number, text me regarding your answer and then I'll proceed with the contract."

His voice was distant and cold. I felt a pang in my heart. He pushed the door aside. I felt myself going behind him and just before he could get inside his car I spoke.

"I'll marry you, Mr. Rathod."

He stopped his actions in between and looked at me.

"What did you say?"

He strode towards me and stopped just a few inches away. My heart raced and I spoke.

"I will marry you."

He was shocked. He fisted his hands and spoke.

"Are you sure Aradhana?"

"Yes I am."

He nodded. I still couldn't believe that I was doing this. I was getting into a contract marriage so as to pay off our debt with a dangerous man.

A man whom I have seen kill people, who belongs to a complete different society. But all that is just for a year.

When I think about us parting ways after a year I feel happy and sad at the same time. Happy because I'll be free from all these and sad because....no I am not going there.

"At evening, 5:30 p.m, let's discuss the contract."

I nod at him.

"Get in, I'll drop you."

"I live nearby, I'll walk, don't bother."

"Since it's nearby, driving a few more meters won't hurt, come."

He spoke and I couldn't argue anymore. I don't know why but I still trust him. He walks towards the passenger seat and opens the door for me. I sit inside and buckle up while he gets on the driver seat. The food on the table was long forgotten.

The engine roared to life and he began driving in the direction of my house. I expected him to ask for directions but he still remembers that.

I have miced feelings for this guy. A large part of me hates him and is scared of what he'd do to me but a small part of mine is still attracted to him.

The car came at hault infront of my place.

"Thankyou"

"I'll be here at 4:45 to pick you up."

"okay"

I get off the car and went inside my place.

"Why did he drop you off, where were you?"

I heard a heavy deep voice which belonged to my father. I had completely forgotten about this.

How in the world am I gonna persuade my parents now!?