THE RUNNING OBSESSION

chapter 33

Vaidehi Sharma's POV:

As our families chatted excitedly, I felt suffocated. How could they decide everything so quickly? I wasn't ready to marry Aayansh, especially after discovering his involvement with the mafia.

Mahi di grasped my hand, beaming. "Vaidehi, you'll make a beautiful bride! Sister"

Baba smiled, his eyes shining with happiness. "Our Vaidehi is growing up"

Aayansh's mother, decked in elegant jewelry, hugged me warmly. "Welcome to our family, beta. We'll make this wedding unforgettable."

I forced a smile, feeling trapped.

Aayansh noticed my unease and excused himself, pulling me to a quiet corner.

"Listen carefully, Vaidehi," he whispered, his voice low and menacing. "You'll play along, smile, and pretend to be happy. You won't breathe a word about my... extracurricular activities."

My heart sank.

"If you refuse," he continued, his eyes glinting with warning, "or try to back out, I'll make sure your Baba suffers. You know I can do it."

Fear gripped me.

"Marry me, Vaidehi, and keep your mouth shut. That's your only option right now."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.

Aayansh's grip on my arm tightened. "Smile, Vaidehi. Our families are watching."
I nodded, pasting on a fake smile.

Aayansh led me back to our gathered families, his arm wrapped possessively around my waist.

"Everyone, we've discussed and decided on a date," Aayansh announced, his smile charming. "Vaidehi wants to get married before the year ends, so we've decided on a two-week timeline."

My eyes widened, shocked. How could he lie so effortlessly?

Baba's face lit up. "That's really fast! We can make it happen."

Mahi di clapped excitedly. "You'll be married before Christmas!"

Aayansh's mother beamed. "We'll start preparations immediately."

Rithvik bhaiya patted Aayansh's back with cold eyes. "Congratulations, buddy."

I forced a smile, feeling trapped and helpless.

Dadi approached me, her eyes shining. "Vaidehi, beta, are you happy?"

I nodded, unable to speak.

Aayansh's grip on my waist tightened, a subtle reminder of his warning.

Aayansh's father exclaimed, "We'll make this wedding a grand affair! No expenses spared!"

Mahi di chimed in, "what about your wedding dress? We need to get you fitted for a stunning lehenga!"