Veins Of Obsession

CH-2 ( Decision )

The front door clicked shut behind them, and Saanvi let out a sigh, feeling the weight of the day settle on her shoulders. As she stepped inside, she saw her parents waiting in the living room. Her father, Mr. Mehra, sat upright, his gaze firm, while her mother looked anxious, wringing her hands together.

"Saanvi," her father began as she walked over, "I called you earlier today."

"Yes, I know, Papa," she said with a tired smile, dropping her bag by the door. "I was in the middle of negotiations, but I'm here now. What's so urgent?"

Mr. Mehra's expression didn't soften. "We need to talk. This can't wait any longer."

Confusion crossed Saanvi's face as she noticed the tension in the room. "Okay... what is it?"

Her mother's voice was tentative, almost fragile. "We've made a decision," she said, hesitating as she glanced at Mr. Mehra. He nodded for her to continue, but the words seemed to catch in her throat.

"A decision? About what?" Saanvi asked, a nervous laugh escaping her. A strange feeling tightened her chest, and she couldn't quite place why.

Her father's voice cut through the silence, firm and unyielding. "Your marriage."

Saanvi froze, the blood draining from her face. It felt as though the ground had suddenly dropped away beneath her feet. "My... what?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, eyes wide with shock.

"We've arranged a marriage for you," Mr. Mehra said. He spoke with a finality that made her chest tighten.

"With whom?" Saanvi's voice was rising, panic setting in. "Are you serious? Papa, I'm only 23! I have so much to do-the business is just beginning to grow, I'm not ready to get married!" Her words tumbled out in a rush, her eyes pleading for some kind of explanation.

Her father's face was stone, unmoved by her desperation. "We have a reason," he said coolly, crossing his arms.

Saanvi's hands began to shake, and she struggled to hold onto her composure. "What reason?" she demanded. "Why wouldn't you even discuss this with me?"

"To end the rivalry between our family and the Mehtas," her mother said, her voice breaking slightly. She looked away, unable to meet Saanvi's gaze.

Saanvi felt like she'd been punched in the gut. "What the hell?" she blurted out, her voice raw with emotion.

"Watch your language," Mr. Mehra snapped, his voice sharp and cold.

She took a shaky breath, trying to rein in her anger. "I'm sorry, but this is insane! I can't believe you would do this to me. I don't want to get married, and definitely not to him!" Her eyes were blazing now, anger and disbelief warring within them.

"It's not up for debate," her father said, his tone hardening further. "This is about the future of both our families."

"The future?" she scoffed, her voice filled with bitterness. "Ishaan Mehta is impossible. He's arrogant, rude, and completely insufferable!"

"Saanvi!" her mother's voice wavered, but there was a warning in her tone.

Her father's expression grew colder. "This isn't about what you want. We've already arranged a date for you to meet with Ishaan, and you will go. No excuses."

Saanvi's hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms. "I'm not going," she said defiantly, each word dripping with fury. "I have work. My schedule is full."