Destiny For Unlikely Vows

Chapter 13: Riya's POV

The drive to Agastya's family estate was silent and tense, with neither of us willing to break it. Every time I tried to focus on the scenery, his presence pulled my thoughts back to the awkward reality we were facing. We weren't just strangers forced into marriage-we were former classmates who had never gotten along. If anything, this arrangement was just adding fuel to a fire that had been smoldering since we were kids.
When we arrived, I couldn't help but be awestruck by the grandiosity of his family home. It was a sprawling estate with traditional elegance woven into every corner, from the intricately carved doorways to the perfectly manicured gardens. Despite my irritation with him, I could admit it was beautiful.
Agastya led me through the house, offering no explanation, just striding ahead while I did my best to keep up. I was about to say something, just to break the tense silence, when his aunt, Shanti Maasi, appeared, her face lighting up with a welcoming smile.
"Riya, dear," she greeted warmly. "I'm Shanti, Agastya's aunt. Welcome to our home." Her voice was gentle, and her kindness washed over me, making me feel a little more at ease.
"Namaste, Maasi-ji," I replied, giving her a small smile.
She took my hand warmly. "I know it's a lot to take in, but we're glad you're here. Now come with me-I'll show you and Agastya to your room."
My stomach dropped. Our room? I hadn't even considered that his family would expect us to share a room-and a bed, for that matter. But with his grandparents living in the same house, pretending we were in a separate arrangement wasn't an option. I glanced at Agastya, who looked equally displeased, though he quickly masked it with a forced, polite smile.
Shanti Maasi led us upstairs and opened the door to a spacious room. It was elegantly furnished with soft, earthy tones, large windows overlooking the gardens, and a single bed that seemed far too small given the space between us.
"I hope you find it comfortable," she said. "I added a few touches for you, Riya. This will be your new home."
I nodded, feeling both grateful and uncomfortable. "Thank you, Maasi-ji. It's lovely."
As soon as she left, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. But the relief was short-lived as I turned to find Agastya already scowling at me.
"Let's get one thing clear," he said, his voice low and cold. "We're only in this room together because of appearances. Do what you want, just don't get in my way."
"Trust me, Agastya, sharing this room wasn't my choice either," I snapped back. "If it's going to make you this miserable, why not just tell your family the truth?"

His jaw clenched, and he crossed his arms tightly. "Because I have no intention of breaking my grandparents' hearts for a petty reason. Besides, it's just for a year. We are leaving for France next week anyway, and when we are gone we can live in separate bedroom.

I held his gaze, unbothered. "I think you're under an illusion, Agastya. I'll be heading to Poland in a week too. My company won't allow me much time off, and I have a project release in three weeks. I'll be busy managing multiple things, so neither of us will be here to irritate each other."

His eyebrows shot up, a look of surprise flickering across his face before he settled back into his usual sneer. "You work in Poland? And which company would give a job to an illiterate like you?" His words stung, and I felt anger build up, but I kept my voice steady.

"For your kind information, Mr. Rathore, I work as a Product Owner for a multinational company," I replied, meeting his scornful gaze head-on. "I worked hard to get here."

He chuckled mockingly. "The company must be a fool to give you a job." Then his expression turned serious. "And no, you're not going to Poland. You'll be coming to France with me, as Grandpa wants you with me. Leave the job. I'll pay you for it."

I felt the heat of anger rising in me. "Sorry, Mr. Rathore, but I'm not interested in your money. And, just so you know, my company has its head office in France. I can work from there while you're on your business trip."