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"Aisha, lunch is ready," her mother, Nalini Roy, called out.
Nalini is a very well known fashion designer and a bold, confident woman.
The family gathered around the dining table.
"Aisha, how was your morning?" her father, Raj Roy asked.
Raj Roy, was a successful businessman, their family was influential, but she never realised the weight of her family's connection.
"It was great, dad. I finished my project," Aisha replied.
Raj beamed. "My talented daughter!"
The family had their lunch with laughter and joy echoing around but something was going on in rajs mind.
After lunch, Aisha retreated to her bedroom
As she looks outside the window, her mind wandered to her dreams: fullfill her dreams, traveling, and independence.
"Dad will understand," she reassured herself.
But little did Aisha know, her life was about to take a drastic turn.
Later that evening, raj summoned Aisha to his study.
"Aisha, beta, come sit," he said, his expression somber.
Aisha's heart skipped a beat.
"What is it, dad?"
Raj cleared his throat and begin. "I've arranged your marriage."
Aisha's world stopped.
"Who is it?" she whispered in a low voice.
"Aryan Oberoi," Raj replied with a firm tone.
Aisha's eyes widened in horror.
"But dad, I don't want to marry!"
Raj's expression softened. "It's for the family's benefit, beta."
Aisha felt suffocated.
"No, dad! Please!"
Raj's face hardened. "It's settled."
Aisha's dreams shattered. Everything was over for her. She can't believe she's getting married and her dad is the one who arranged it.
She stumbled out, tears streaming down her face. Her life was no longer hers.
She goes out and sits on a swing in the garden while hiding her face she cries.
Why did dad do this to me?
What about my dream, my freedom?
Aryan Oberoi - the name sent shivers down her spine.
Rumors swirled around him: ruthless businessman, cold-hearted, mafia.
Aisha's heart sank.
She rushed to her room, locking the door. And lay down on her bed while hiding herself under the duvet.
Tears flowed uncontrollably. her face turned red with crying and her eyes were puffy now.
As she wept, her eyes caught a letter on the bedside table. She quickly sit up and take the letter.
She wipe her tears but they were non-stop. She open the letter which was from her grandmother.
Aisha's eyes locked onto the letters, her grandmother's words echoing in her mind.
"Aisha, never lose yourself. Follow your heart."
But how could she follow her heart when her parents had already decided her fate?
Aisha's thoughts swirled, her emotions in turmoil. She felt trapped, suffocated by the weight of her parents' expectations.
As she paced her room, Aisha's eyes fell on her art supplies.
Her paintbrushes, canvases, and colors seemed to mock her.
How could she create when her life was no longer her own?
Aisha's anger boiled over. She grabbed her paintbrush and began to paint.
Strokes of red, orange, and yellow danced across the canvas.
Her emotions poured onto the canvas.
As she painted, Aisha felt a sense of release. But the feeling was short-lived.
Reality crashed back, and Aisha's tears flowed anew. She thought about Aryan Khanna.
What kind of man was he?
Would he allow her to pursue her art?
Or would he suffocate her creativity?
Aisha's fears intensified. She couldn't shake off the feeling of dread. As night descended, Aisha's exhaustion took over.
She collapsed onto her bed, tears still streaming down her face. But even sleep eluded her. Her mind refused to quiet. Thoughts of Aryan, her parents, and her art swirled.
Aisha keep tossing and turning. Her room seemed to shrink. The walls closed in. She felt trapped.
Suddenly, Aisha sat up. An idea formed. She would confront her parents. Demand answers. Refuse to comply.
Aisha's determination hardened. She would fight for her freedom. No matter the cost. With newfound resolve, Aisha lay back down.
Sleep claimed her. But her dreams were far from peaceful. Dark visions of Aryan haunted her even though she hasn't seen him.
_____________
Aryan's gaze locked onto his father's, his eyes blazing.
"An arranged marriage?" he growled, his voice low and menacing.
Vishal's expression faltered.
"Aisha Roy. A respectable family. This union will strengthen our business ties."
Aryan's face twisted.
"I don’t want to get married" he growled in, his blood boiling
His father's eyes darted away. Trying to avoid aryan's gaze.
"Aryan, please understand—" he tried to speak but he cut him off by slamming his fist onto the table
"You've ruined my life with your decisions!"
The room fell silent. His mother, Nita Oberoi, trembled and speak with a concern voice
"Aryan, calm down."
Aryan's anger was legendary which made vishal's voice trembled.
"Aryan, control yourself." Aryan glared his father which pinned him.
"You want me to marry some unknown girl?" His voice dropped to a whisper.
"I won't be tied down."
The air thickened. Family members exchanged fearful glances. Aryan's rage was a ticking time bomb.
Aryan was pacing around the room with a boiling anger. Until his mother came up to him and place her hand on his shoulders.
"Meet Aisha once, son. Confirm the alliance." She request.
Aryan hesitated, but his family's pressure mounted.
"Fine," Aryan agreed. "I'll meet her."
Vishal and nita smiled. "I'll arrange it."
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Shadows Of Deception || 18+
Romance"How could you?" he growled, his voice muffled against her lips. Aisha's eyes widened, shock and desire warring within her. "You think you can just walk in here and question me?" Aryan's words were laced with anger. His kiss deepened, his tongue cla...
