[Author's pov]:-
[University campus]
[cafeteria]
Aradhya sips coffee with her friends, Isha and Sakshi.
Isha:- "Guys, have you thought about internships for the vacations?"
Aradhya:- "Yeah, I applied for the RK Enterprises. Their startup culture really appeals to me."
Sakshi:- "Fingers crossed! You'll get in Aradhya."
Aradhya:- "Hope so. I really need this experience."
Days pass....
The sun-kissed campus, once bustling with laughter and lectures, now echoed with the silence of summer break. Aradhya's friends had all embarked on a coveted internships, flaunting their company I'Ds and corporate swag.
Isha, now a marketing intern at L&T, sipped coffee with aradhya at the university cafe.
Riya:- "How's the internship hunt going?"
Aradhya:- "Still waiting to hear from RK Enterprises. Nothing yet."
Sakshi, an IT intern at Infosys, joined them, eyes shining with excitement.
Sakshi:- "Girls, I'm learning so much! You'll get your chance, Aradhya."
Aradhya forced a smile, masking her growing anxiety.
As they parted ways, Aradhya turged back to home, the weight of uncertainty settling heavier with each step.
Later that day....
Aradhya sat cross-legged on her bed, laptop open, eyes scanning the screen for what felt like an eternity. Her small room, once a sanctuary, now felt suffocating. The familiar walls, adorned with inspirational quotes and academic certificates, seemed to mock her.
She exited her room to find poonam, her aunt and bua settled in the kitchen. Aradhya sat at the kitchen table, the atmosphere was thick with expectation.
"Aradhya, help with the cooking, you'll make a good wife one day" Bua chimed in,
"Yes, beta, focus on domestic duties. Education is useless for girls." Aradhya sighed, frustration simmering.
"But aunty, I have studies to focus on. My internship applications-----" her aunt cut her off.
"Internships? Waste of time. You'll only get married and move to your husband's house." Bua nodded in agreement.
"Aradhya, listen to your aunt. We know what's best for you."
Poonam silently handed aradhya a cup of tea, offering a sympathetic glance.
Aradhya reluctantly helped with household chores, her mind wandering to her internship applications.
Evening passed, Aradhya's anxiety grew. Her eyes locked onto the screen as she opened the email. Time stood still.
While Aradhya awaited RK Enterprises response. Checking her email, she found:
"Internship application status - Accepted (Singhania group)"
Stunned, she read on, her heart racing, tears welling up.
Singhania group's prestige and benefits lifted Aradhya's spirit. She envisioned herself among the company's elite, her future bright.
She decided:
"Why wait for RK enterprises?"
Aradhya rushed into the living room, her face aglow with excitement. Her uncle sat on the couch, surrounded by the rest of the family.
YOU ARE READING
"Second Chance At Forever"
RomanceIn a society where family ties and reputation reign supreme, Aradhya's life is turned upside down when she is forced into a six months contract marriage with Aryaman, a union born out of obligation rather than love. Abandoned by her guardians and sh...
