JOURNEY OF LOVE

Chapter 15

Sia arrived early at the café, needing time to collect her thoughts. She hadn't been sleeping well-not since she'd made the decision to contact Kabir and agree to his proposal. It wasn't that she regretted it. No, that wasn't the feeling at all. But she knew this meeting would make everything real, and once they signed that contract, there'd be no turning back.

She settled into a small table near the back, the warm scent of tea and the low hum of conversation filling the air around her. It was a quiet place, neutral and unassuming-perfect for a discussion that was more about practicality than emotion.

Sia glanced at her phone, the time ticking closer to their agreed meeting time. Exactly one minute before, she heard the café door chime. She looked up, just in time to see Kabir step inside, his eyes scanning the room briefly before they landed on her.

He always carried himself with a certain sharpness, like someone who was used to commanding a room without ever having to raise his voice. Today was no different. Dressed in a crisp, tailored charcoal grey suit that emphasized his broad shoulders, he looked every inch the confident, powerful businessman she had expected. His stride was purposeful, his expression calm yet attentive as he walked toward her table.

As he approached, Sia noticed how polished he appeared, down to the sharp lines of his cufflinks and the slight sheen on his leather shoes. Everything about him was meticulously put together, and it struck her that Kabir was a man who left nothing to chance-every detail, every action, controlled.

When he reached the table, Kabir offered a polite nod before sitting down. "Thanks for meeting here," he said, his voice steady. "I thought it would be more comfortable than the office."

Sia nodded. "Yeah, I think so too."

They sat in silence for a brief moment, the air between them still but not uncomfortable. Sia found herself watching him closely, as if trying to read the man behind the composed exterior. There was no tension in him, no sign of uncertainty or hesitation. Everything about Kabir exuded control, right down to the way he rested his hands lightly on the table, his movements measured and deliberate.

"I'll be honest," Kabir said, his voice low but direct, "I didn't expect you to change your mind. You were pretty clear the last time we talked."

Sia met his gaze steadily, feeling the weight of his words. She had known this question was coming, Why had she changed her mind? The answer should have been simple-her father's cold command still echoed in her mind. You will marry Kabir. It hadn't been a choice, it had been an order.

But while the decision hadn't been hers, what happened next would be on her terms. She had no illusions that this marriage would leave her entirely independent-there would be family expectations, public appearances, and moments where she'd have to play the part of the perfect wife. But as long as she could hold onto her career, her studies, and her own personal goals, she could live with it.

Two years-she could endure that. Once the contract ended, she would walk away. Her father had pushed her into this marriage, just as he had tried to dictate other parts of her life. But this time, there was an end in sight. When the two years were over, she could walk away for good. He wouldn't be able to drag her back into this. And that small bit of certainty gave her the strength she needed to go through with it.

"I'm not sure I can explain it in a way that would make sense to you," Sia finally said, keeping her tone neutral. "But I've thought it through. This arrangement... it works for both of us."

Kabir studied her for a moment, his sharp eyes revealing nothing of what he might have been thinking. "Fair enough," he replied, his voice measured. "We're not here to discuss personal motives. Let's focus on the terms."

Sia was relieved to shift to more practical matters. This was, after all, a contract-nothing more.

"We agreed this would be a two-year arrangement," Kabir continued. "During that time, we'll maintain the appearance of a married couple-public events, family obligations, business functions. But beyond that, we'll live our separate lives."

Sia nodded. "I understand." She paused, considering the weight of the decision again. "But let's be realistic. Once we're married, it won't just be the two of us in this. Your family... my family-they'll expect certain things. I don't want to be trapped in something I can't handle."

Kabir nodded thoughtfully. "I get that. My family will be involved, but they won't pressure you. They're supportive, but they won't interfere with your career or personal life. And remember, this is a temporary arrangement. Once it's done, we'll go our separate ways."

Sia exhaled softly, feeling a small sense of relief. As long as she could keep some autonomy, she could endure the rest.

Then, after a moment's pause, she asked the question that had been sitting in the back of her mind since they had last spoken. "And your girlfriend?"

For a split second, Kabir's expression flickered, but he quickly masked it. The last time he had spoken to Shanaya, she hadn't been thrilled with the idea of him marrying someone else. Her voice still rang in his ears-sharp, frustrated, and disbelieving. But in the end, she had come to accept that this was the only way forward. Not wholeheartedly, but she understood.

There hadn't been a clean resolution between them. Kabir had been clear that the marriage wasn't real, just a business arrangement, and Shanaya had reluctantly agreed-knowing they couldn't go public with their relationship yet. She knew it wasn't the kind of marriage that would threaten their relationship, but that didn't mean she liked it. And lately, Kabir had sensed an edge of coldness in their conversations, a distance he hadn't expected.

"She knows," Kabir said, his voice even. "She's not happy about it, but she understands the situation. It won't be a problem."

Sia raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the story than he was letting on, but she wasn't here to dig into his personal life. As long as she kept her independence, she didn't care what Kabir did outside of this arrangement.

"Alright," Sia said. "Two years. After that, we walk away."

Kabir nodded. "Exactly."

His phone buzzed on the table, the soft vibration breaking the momentary silence. He glanced at the screen-Vikram, his close friend, had sent a message.

Contract's ready. Just let me know when you want to finalize it.

Kabir placed the phone down and looked back at Sia. "I'll have my lawyer send over the paperwork. You can review it, and if everything looks good, we'll move forward."

Sia stood, pushing her chair back with a sense of finality. "Let me know when it's ready."

Kabir rose as well, extending his hand toward her. "To a successful partnership."

Sia hesitated, looking at his outstretched hand for a moment before she took it, her grip firm but distant. "To a successful partnership," she repeated, her voice devoid of emotion.

As Sia left the café, Kabir glanced at his watch, already moving on to the next task at hand. The plan was in motion, and now, all that was left was to see it through.