INFATUATED TOWARDS YOU

9. I ACCEPT

  IMRAN 

I visited her office that day, searching for answers while trying to keep my emotions in check. But when she praised Ryan, something primal took over, and I lost all control. 

I knew he was a good person, but hearing her say it out loud awakened a deep-seated possessiveness within me, leading me to react in a way that shocked even myself. Her perfume was intoxicating, making it hard to focus. 

When she mentioned she wasn't interested in a relationship, I felt a strange sense of relief. Wait, why was I happy about that? Was my mind playing tricks on me? I couldn't understand my own emotions as they were trying to tell me something.

My inner voice teased, “but, you were totally flirting with Shanaya last night!” my eyes widened on my own thoughts, I shot back, “Uh, nope! It was Just about...about files. Yeah, that's it.”

But my inner voice persisted, “Or maybe you're just jealous of Ryan?” I laughed it off, “Me?
Jealous?
Never!” And is there any reason to be jealous, no right? Huhh.. 

My thoughts were interrupted by stopping the car in front of my mansion, entering inside I was greeted by my mother's stern expression. 

“Hello mom.” I greeted her.

“Hmm, Go freshen up and come downstairs; I need to talk to you,” she said.

I quickly obeyed, joining my family at the dining table. I exchanged greetings with dad and smiled at Mehreen, taking my seat beside her. Mom served me dinner, and we all began eating, but I sensed a conversation was brewing.

Mom broke the silence, her voice gentle but curious. “So, did you like the girl?”

I furrowed my brow, confused. “Who?”

“The one you met at the wedding, Hayat,” she clarified.

“Oh, her? She's nice, but why are you asking?” I replied, my mind racing.

Dad stepped in, his voice calm and collected. “We're thinking of sending a proposal to her family.”

My confusion deepened. “Which proposal, dad?” I asked, my voice laced with scepticism.

Mom's response left me reeling. “A marriage proposal, Imran. If they agree then She'll be your wife soon.”

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. “What no mom, this isn't fair!” I protested.

Mom's expression was serene, her voice soothing. “She is from a good family, has a good education and also she's a successful fashion designer now. She will make you a good match. She's a good girl, Imran and she'll keep you happy. I've known her since childhood.”

I was taken aback, my mind racing. 

“You said you liked her, and Mehreen told me you think she is beautiful,” mom added.

I glared at Mehreen, who avoided eye contact. “When did I say that?” I demanded, my voice rising.

Mehreen spoke up, her voice calm. “Bhai, when I asked you that day in the car, you said she is beautiful.”

I realised then that I had indeed complimented but not Hayat, I was actually dedicated to Shanaya! My heart raced as I tried to process the situation.

“But mom,” I tried to protest, hoping to reason with her.

“No buts, Imran,” she replied firmly. “At least spend some time with her, get to know each other. If you change your mind after that, we'll consider sending the marriage proposal. Okay?”