Game of Fate

Chapter 1

Lost in her work, Ishani sat in her study, typing away on her laptop while flipping through the pages of her files. Suddenly, a voice from downstairs interrupted her focus. It was her mom calling her name.

"Ishani... Ishani, come downstairs, beta..."

Confused, Ishani replied from upstairs, shutting her files, "Coming, Mummy."

"Be quick," her mother urged.

After a couple of minutes, Ishani headed downstairs, where she saw her mom and dad busy discussing something in hushed tones.

"Mummy, Papa, kya hua?" (Mom, Dad, what happened?) she asked, sensing the tension in the air.

Her parents turned to look at her, and after a moment, her mother spoke up. "Ishani, beta, we have some important news for you."

Ishani's brows furrowed in confusion. "Ji, Mummy?" (Yes, Mom?)

Her father cleared his throat, stepping closer. "Take a leave from the office tomorrow."

"Why, Dad? I'm already working from home today because of a fever," Ishani replied, concern creeping into her voice.

Before she could protest further, her mother interjected. "Stop it, Ishani! You're already 24. How much more time will you take to get married? This marriage is important for both families."

Just then, her brother Siddharth walked in. "What's going on?"

Their mother quickly explained, "We have arranged a meeting for tomorrow; a boy and his family are coming to see Ishani."

Ishani looked at her brother with pleading eyes, hoping he would understand her hesitation. Siddharth, who had a soft spot for his sister, turned to their mother. "Mom, at least let Ishani choose what she wants."

His mother frowned, her tone strict. "Siddharth, we haven't fixed her wedding yet; it's just a meetup. Let her grow up now."

Siddharth glanced at their father, who glared at him, silently telling him to refrain from arguing. He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine, just a meeting... Let's go, Ishani."

As they made their way upstairs, Ishani felt a knot in her stomach. "I really don't want to meet this guy," she confessed.

Siddharth sat beside her on the bed. "I know, but just hear them out. If it doesn't feel right, you don't have to go through with anything."

The next morning, Ishani reluctantly woke up early, frustration bubbling inside her. Her mother insisted she wear a traditional yellow suit, which Ishani eventually put on, grumbling under her breath.

As she headed downstairs, her mother placed a kala teeka behind her ear. "You look perfect, beta," she said with pride.

When the boy and his family arrived, Ishani's heart sank. The boy was just average-looking, too focused on flaunting his father's wealth. The questions they asked were intrusive-everything from her height and age to her weight. They even insisted she walk across the room as if she were being judged at an auction.

After they left, her mother wasted no time in praising him. "He's such a nice boy! You should really consider this. I could see a spark between you two!"

"Mom, I barely spoke two words to him! How can I consider anything?" Ishani rolled her eyes, feeling exasperated.

Just then, Siddharth entered the room. "I have to go for a business meeting in Agra, and I'm taking Ishani with me."

"What? Why do I have to go?" Ishani protested, but deep down, a flicker of hope sparked within her.

"You need a break from all this marriage talk. Plus, it'll be good for you," he replied, smirking.

Their mother hesitated, clearly torn. "But you need to tell me your decision about the boy when you come back."

Ishani sighed. "Can't we focus on that later? I need some time to think."

Siddharth sensed her distress. "Let her have some time, Mom. We can deal with the kundali matching later. They're not going anywhere."

After a moment, their mother relented. "Fine, but promise me you'll consider it, Ishani. Your future is important!"

"I promise I'll think about it," Ishani replied, her heart feeling heavy yet hopeful.

As they packed for the trip, Ishani found herself lost in thought. Would a trip to Agra help her find clarity? She hoped so, but a part of her remained uneasy about the entire situation.

Siddharth walked into her room, noticing her contemplative expression. "You okay?" he asked gently.

"I don't know, Bhaiya. I just wish I had the freedom to choose what I want."

"I get it. Just remember, you're not alone in this. I'm here for you," he reassured her. "We'll make this trip fun. Just focus on enjoying it."

Ishani smiled, grateful for her brother's support. "Thanks, Bhaiya. I really appreciate it."

As they finished packing, she felt a flicker of hope. Maybe stepping away from everything would give her the perspective she needed to make the right choice about her future.

To be continued...
Thank you for reading

For more chapters and other updates.
Follow both authors on wattpad
And @xerina_editzz and @koo_kstay
On instagram

🎀💞