Destiny For Unlikely Vows

Chapter 3: The Unanticipated Announcement

The air was thick with anticipation as Agastya stood behind the podium at an exquisite press conference in Mumbai. The room, filled with media personnel and high-profile guests, gleamed under the dazzling lights. This was a moment he had prepared for-a grand announcement of his company's latest achievement, securing a project with the Florida government to implement their biometric software, Multiofactors. Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, Agastya radiated the confidence of a self-made billionaire. His sharp jawline, tall frame, and flawless appearance commanded the attention of the room, and as he smiled at the crowd, flashes from cameras lit up his face.

Everything was going smoothly. His software was poised to revolutionize the industry once again, and the expansion into international markets was proof of his growing empire. But then, something unexpected happened-something that wasn't part of the script.

Agastya's grandfather, who had attended the press conference as the company's spokesperson, stepped forward. Agastya's smile faltered slightly, though he trusted his grandfather deeply. After all, it was his grandparents who had raised him, guiding him through the loss of his parents and the complexities of his career. But what came next sent Agastya into a spiral he hadn't anticipated.

"I have an announcement to make," his grandfather said, smiling at the sea of journalists and flashing cameras. Agastya glanced at him, curious but calm, expecting nothing out of the ordinary.

"My grandson, Agastya, will soon be settling down," his grandfather continued, "and I'm proud to announce that he will be marrying Riya Singh, the granddaughter of my best friend."

The room erupted into a flurry of whispers, cameras clicking more furiously than before, as reporters scrambled to take in the unexpected news. Agastya felt his heart drop. His face paled as he tried to maintain his composure. His mind raced-how could his grandfather have done this? He wasn't just blindsided; he was furious.

In front of the press, Agastya had no choice but to play along. He forced a smile, though the rage simmering beneath the surface was hard to conceal. When reporters began questioning him about his "would-be wife," he responded with a carefully crafted answer. "It's a secret," he said, his smile thin and strained. "I'd prefer to keep my personal life private for now."

The conference dragged on, but Agastya's mind was elsewhere. As soon as the cameras were down and the event concluded, he stormed out of the venue. His expensive car roared through the streets of Mumbai as he headed toward his penthouse, high in the tallest building of the city. His thoughts churned in a mix of anger and disbelief.

Once inside his grand residence, the opulence of his surroundings offered little comfort. His apartment was an expansive, luxurious space that could easily compete with the finest hotels. The living room was adorned with glass walls overlooking the Mumbai skyline, polished marble floors, and designer furniture. His bedroom, equally grand, boasted sleek black and silver decor, a king-sized bed with satin sheets, and state-of-the-art technology. But none of this mattered now. Not when his future had just been dictated without his consent.

He stormed into the hall, where his grandparents were already seated, anticipating his arrival. His grandfather, an 85-year-old man who had once been a strong figure in his life, was now sitting calmly with a knowing smile. His grandmother sat next to him, watching silently. She had always been the peacemaker, but even she seemed ready for what was about to come.

"Grandpa, what was that?" Agastya's voice echoed through the large hall as he strode in, his anger barely contained. "Why would you do this? Have I done something wrong that you'd punish me like this, in front of the whole media?"

His grandfather leaned back in his chair, his face calm and unshaken by Agastya's fury. "Son, this isn't a punishment. I just want to see you settled and happy."

"But I *am* happy!" Agastya nearly shouted, his fists clenched. "I don't have time for marriage, Grandpa. I'm building a business, running a global empire! And you want me to get married? Now?"

"You've always been busy," his grandfather replied softly, "and you'll always be busy. But life isn't just about money and business. It's about family, love, and having someone to come home to."

"I'll find someone when the time is right!" Agastya snapped. "I'm not against marriage, but not like this! Not now! You've thrown me into this without even asking me."

His grandfather smiled. "Exactly, son. You won't find time for it, and that's why I've found someone for you. Riya is a wonderful girl, and you two will make a perfect match. She's not only beautiful but kind, grounded, and sacramental. And, Agastya, I have never asked anything of you before. This is the one thing I want."

Agastya felt his frustration rising. His grandfather had always been the guiding figure in his life, and now he was stuck between his anger and his respect for the old man. "But Grandpa, I'm leaving for Paris in three weeks to set up the new office for the Zinc Group acquisition. I've been planning this for a year, and I won't have time for a wedding for at least another six or seven months."

His grandfather chuckled softly. "Don't worry, my son. You're getting married next week. It'll be a small ceremony. Riya doesn't want anything fancy."

Agastya was stunned. His grandfather had orchestrated everything. He was trapped, and no amount of arguing could change that. Without another word, Agastya turned and headed to his room, leaving the conversation hanging in the air.

As he shut the door behind him, he stood alone in his lavish room, the weight of his grandfather's words sinking in. For the first time in a long time, Agastya felt powerless.

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