ENTANGLED AND HEARTS (Her Price For Dreams)

Chapter 21: Desperation

Samar's POV

I'm summoned to Delhi immediately after the gunshot incident. The police inform Dad, and as soon as I arrive at my apartment, he calls me to meet him.

I head to his apartment, just one floor below mine, where he lives with his wife and her children. I settle into the sofa in his study room, surrounded by shelves lined with books and the faint scent of cigar smoke.

Dad paces near the window, engrossed in a phone call, discussing the details of the gunshot incident with someone on the other end. His expression is tense, his brow furrowed.

He finishes the call and turns to me, his eyes serious.

"Son," he begins,"I know you've always disliked our security measures since childhood, and you hate being guarded," Dad says, his voice laced with concern. "But you must think about your life, your safety."

"I'm sorry," I reply, my eyes cast down.

Dad rises from his pacing and sits on a standalone sofa, facing me directly. His gaze pierces through me. "What was the purpose of sneaking off without security?"

I meet his gaze, my expression unwavering. "I went to finalize my wedding arrangements."

Dad's eyes widen in shock. "You're joking, right?"

My voice remains steady. "Do you think I'm someone who makes jokes?"

The room falls silent.

Dad's expression remains impassive, as if he's misheard.

"I love a girl." I continue. " I am getting married to her next week. I had to make the arrangements secretly. I apologize for not taking security."

Dad's face remains straight, expressionless, as if processing this unexpected revelation.

"I know you're a unique individual, beyond my understanding," Dad says, shaking his head. "But I never expected this from you. How can you be distracted by a girl when your introduction as CEO is next week?"

"I can manage," I reply.

Dad's voice rises, frustration evident. "You fixed everything on your own? I'm your father; don't you think I should have a say in your life? Who is this girl? What does her father do?"

"She's a good person. Her father is an Arabic calligrapher, and-"

Dad cuts me off, his tone desperate. "Stop right there! Are you serious? How can you marry someone like her? I'm sure she's trapped you. How can you be so foolish?"

His words sting, but I remain calm.

"Listen, Dad-"

"No, you listen!" Dad's voice rises. "You're about to take over the company. You can't risk everything for some...infatuation."

I stand firm, determination in my voice. "This isn't an infatuation. I love her."

Dad's face reddens, his expression a mix of anger and disappointment.

"Do you want me to agree to this insanity.Dont you?" Dad's tone fierce.

" Dont agree.Its my life and it should be my choice whom should I marry." I say my voice loud.I sit up and exit the room.

As I leave the apartment,someone helds my arm I turn to look,its Ahana." How are you,Samar?" She asks," Have you hurt somewhere.Why dont you take care of yourself." She adds.

I shack off her grip and leave.

........

I lie on the incline curl bench, dumbbells grasped tightly in my hands. The weight lifts with ease as my mind wanders to Maryam.I met her this morning and it feels like I havent seen her for days.