In the Heart's Silence: A Promise Rekindled

Chapter 1: The Unwanted Union

The sound of rain tapped lightly against the window as I sat in silence, my thoughts tangled in the whirlwind that had become my life. A week ago, I'd been just another student in Dr. Raghav Kapoor's class, the enigmatic and cold professor of Strategic Management. Rumors swirled about him. "He's got a heart of stone," some said. "He never smiles," others whispered. But I hadn't thought much of it-after all, he was just my professor. That was, until my family informed me that I was now...married to him.

The marriage had been a business arrangement, a favor to my family. He hadn't even shown up to the ceremonies; he was that dedicated to his lectures and research. My first encounter with him as my husband wasn't in the usual sense, over shared meals or awkward introductions, but instead in the classroom. The same strict, stoic expression filled his eyes, and I was just another student to him-nothing more.

Days passed, and I adjusted to the reality of my new "marital" life, which was really a blend of avoiding him at home and trying not to make eye contact in class. It was as if nothing had changed at all. I kept my head down and focused on my studies, hoping to at least keep things civil. But then came the day that changed everything.

It was a Thursday, and I had worked late into the night on our weekly case study. I had been proud of my analysis and was eager to present my findings. But the moment I stepped up to speak, his cold, critical gaze locked onto me.

"This is...embarrassing, Ms. Sharma," he interrupted, just moments into my presentation. My heart pounded. "You should know better than to submit something this...lacking."

The entire class fell silent. I felt the heat rush to my cheeks, my hands clutching my paper so tightly it crumpled. I swallowed, nodding quietly, though my mind was racing. Embarrassment turned to resentment, and I knew then and there that I couldn't continue like this. If he wanted to pretend I was just another student, I'd give him the same treatment and more. From that day on, I avoided him like the plague.

Ignoring him was easier than I expected. I found myself staying out late in the library, always managing to have an excuse ready for why I couldn't come home. When we crossed paths in class, I avoided his gaze. And I knew he noticed, though he never said a word.

But there were days I caught glimpses of him watching me, an unreadable expression in his eyes, like he wanted to say something but held back. Still, my resolve held strong, and I didn't give him an inch.

Little did I know, the walls I was so determined to build were about to be tested in ways I couldn't have anticipated.

Hi guys!!! 🤠🤠

Please let me know in the comments if there's any topic you'd love to see in my next 📚! Your support means the world to me💞, and I'm so grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart💘, sending all my love💕! Bye for now, and take care🎉🎉!