A LOVE WRITTEN IN SHADOWS

Chapter Seven: A Daughter's Dilemma

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue across the Rathore mansion. Saanvi sat at her desk in her room, surrounded by blueprints and notes for her innovative project. The excitement from the Young Innovators Contest had fueled her creative fire, but her thoughts were muddled.

Her mind drifted to Devansh Choudhary, the enigmatic CEO whose presence had captivated her. His confidence, his passion—everything about him was intriguing. But there was also an undeniable tension surrounding him, whispers of his mysterious past, and the fact that he had a daughter made her uneasy.

Just then, she heard a knock at her door. It was her father, Arjun, his expression serious. "Saanvi, can I come in?"

"Of course, Dad," she replied, putting down her pen. She could sense something was weighing heavily on him.

He entered, taking a seat on the edge of her bed. "We need to talk," he began, his tone grave.

Saanvi felt a knot form in her stomach. "What's going on?"

"It's about Devansh," he said, searching for the right words. "I spoke with him today, and he wants to marry you."

The room fell silent, the words hanging in the air like an impending storm. "What? Marry him? Dad, are you serious?" She shot up from her chair, disbelief flooding her senses.

"Listen to me," he urged, holding up his hands to calm her. "This is serious. He can help us—help protect you and our family."

"Protect us from what?" she demanded, her voice rising. "What kind of protection comes with marrying someone who has a child? I've heard the rumors, Dad! There are whispers about his past, about his connections. I don't want to be a part of that."

"Saanvi, you need to understand. He's in a position to help us deal with the threats I've been facing. If we don't act quickly, we could lose everything we've worked for. And more importantly, we could put you at risk," Arjun said, desperation creeping into his voice.

"So, you want me to just accept this arrangement? To marry a man I hardly know because it's convenient?" Saanvi exclaimed, pacing the room. "What about my feelings? What about my future? I don't want to be tied to someone like him, especially with all those rumors swirling around!"

"I'm not asking you to throw yourself into this without consideration. I want you to think about the bigger picture," Arjun replied, standing up now, frustration evident in his stance. "This isn't just about you; it's about your safety and our family's reputation."

"Safety?" Saanvi laughed bitterly. "You think marrying him will make me safe? He's a ruthless businessman with a child from a secret marriage! That doesn't sound safe to me!"

Arjun stepped closer, his expression softening. "Saanvi, I know it's a lot to take in, but this is an opportunity. Devansh is powerful and respected. Marrying him could elevate our status and shield you from potential threats. Think of it as a partnership."

"Partnership? Is that what you call it?" she spat, anger boiling over. "I refuse to be part of some political arrangement. I want to choose my life, Dad, not have it dictated by threats and rumors!"

She felt the heat rising in her cheeks, the fury and frustration mixing with confusion and fear. How could her father ask this of her? How could he expect her to sacrifice her autonomy for a man she barely knew, especially one with a complicated past?

"I just want what's best for you," he said, his voice now low, filled with emotion. "You have so much potential, Saanvi. I don't want to see you hurt or trapped in a situation that could jeopardize everything you've worked for."

"And marrying someone like Devansh is your solution?" Saanvi shot back. "You think I'll be safe just because we'll be tied together by marriage? What if things go wrong? What if he's not who you think he is?"

"We won't know unless you give him a chance," Arjun replied, pleading with her. "Please, just consider it. Talk to him, understand his perspective. I wouldn't push this if I didn't believe it was necessary."

"I can't believe you're doing this," she said, shaking her head in disbelief. "I need time to think. I can't just go along with this!"

"Time is a luxury we don't have, Saanvi," he pressed, his voice rising in frustration. "This is serious. I need you to trust me on this."

In that moment, overwhelmed by the weight of her father's expectations, Saanvi felt the walls closing in. "I need space," she snapped, her voice trembling with anger. She pushed past him, leaving the room, her heart pounding as she stormed down the hallway.

She climbed the stairs to her room, shutting the door behind her and leaning against it, her breath coming in quick bursts. She felt trapped, caught between her father's wishes and her own instincts.

Saanvi flopped onto her bed, the anger turning into tears as she grappled with her emotions. It wasn't just about Devansh; it was about her life, her choices, and the future she envisioned for herself.

How could her father expect her to marry someone whose life was shrouded in secrecy and rumors? The mere thought of being tied to a man with such a complicated past terrified her. Saanvi wanted to forge her path, free from the shadows that seemed to cling to her family.

She picked up her phone, contemplating calling a friend for support, but then tossed it aside in frustration. How could she explain this chaos? No one would understand the pressure she was under, especially not in a world where alliances and marriages were often dictated by power.

As night fell, the weight of her father's words settled heavily on her heart. Saanvi closed her eyes, fighting against the tide of confusion and anger. The only thing she knew for certain was that she needed to take control of her life before it spiraled out of her grasp.