across the seven seas

Across The Seven Seas Chapter 2: A new home -Edited

Aria’s POV:

Eighteen. I am now eighteen years old. I just couldn’t believe it. I had been dreading this day ever since I could define the term marriage. As much as I refused to accept the arrangement, there was nothing that I could really do about it. My father, Baapji, as he is known in our country, has dictated his will and his decision’s cannot be broken. Of course being raised the way I was I understood the law completely. That didn’t mean that I had to like it.

I raked my hand through my hair, glancing out the small oval shaped window of the airplane. The rolling hills that surrounded my country had long gone and now the only thing that I could see for miles was the tall grey buildings of New York City. I knew that as soon as I arrived I would be shopping till my feet dropped off. My mother-in-law had insisted that I purchase a brand new wardrobe so that I would be able to blend in more simply. I would also be attending a famous private school named... I just can’t seem to be able to remember. I was never very good at remembering names. Though from what I had gathered the school was filled with spoilt brats whose rich parents didn’t have the time of day for them.

My heart rate began to increase dramatically as I thought of how I could possibly live with a total stranger. We didn’t know each other, had barely spoken yet we had been married for several years. The last time I had seen him was on our wedding day when we were five years old. Though I still wasn’t able to look at him considering his face was covered with strings  of flowers attached to his turban called sehra. Though meeting my husband wasn’t the only thing that was bothering me. No, it was thinking about the people over there that was freaking me out. I mean, will they assume that I am some sort of freak? Yes, I will admit that I have never dated a man not to mention that I am still a virgin, though it is a little hard to get close to a man when you are already married.

I took in several deep breaths to calm my racing heart. There was nothing I could do about the situation. I could feel anticipation rise through me as the plane began to descend. If only Marhamma could have travelled with me. I knew she was scared for my safety as the woman had been crying bucketfuls every time she sets her eyes upon me. She had always been like a mother to me and I will miss her dearly.

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I could only smile as I recalled the day’s events. I had met my mother-in-law at the tarmac and she had taken me shopping for the entire afternoon. Lily Myers, who begged me to call her by her first name, doesn’t care for the traditional methods.She is so beautiful and vivacious. My first impression of her was a model who walked right out of vogue. You wouldn't believe her to be a mother of an 18 year old or for that matter even The High Sheikha of Malharamma. Tall and graceful, she glides instead of walking. I fell in love with her emeral green eyes and rich brown hair tied in a chic bun.

As we sat down, delving into our huge McDonalds meals Lily told me about her life here in New York. We were dead on our feet shopping in beautiful boutiques for clothes, accessories, shoes, makeup and what not. Lily has an amazing sense of fashion. We discussed the current trends, giggled over passing hunks and basically had a chilled out girls day. 

“You’re going to love living here Aria,” she said as she took another bite out of her cheeseburger. “After we are finished here you will have a chance to meet my husband and son.” The thought made her smile.

At her words shivers began to make their way down my spine. What if they didn’t like me?

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I felt my eyes widen as I took in the great structure that I was to call home. Over the years I had come accustomed to experiencing the magnificence and opulence that surrounded the palace. But this was not either. It was huge but more homey, as inviting as its owner. It had the raditional fountain at the entrance facing the gates and was lined with beautiful rose bushes. It was ag grand as a palace but not meant to intimidate, rather meant to simply be appreciated.

( image on the right)

As I ambled through the large double doors my eyes glued to a pair of emerald green orbs. The intensity of that gaze forced me to catch my breath. The man standing before me was every girls dream. The Greek god was tall dark and handsome...not to mention all mine. My husband!

“Aria let me introduce you to my son Alex,” she said happily, “and Alex this is Aria.”

He held out his hand and I took it in mine sending a jolt of electricity flying through my body. I could feel my face heat up in embarrassment as a small smile slides its way onto my face. I look up at his reaction yet all I can see is a stone cold glare filled with anger and annoyance. Great, he hates me already.

I could fell the full intensity of his gaze burning holes through my head. It was as if he was trying to eat my very soul, those deep emerald pits warning me to stay away. Hey! It’s not as if I agreed to this arrangement. I mean, it’s not even my fault that we were married. The least he could do was try and be friendly.

“Hey baby,” a high pitched voice purred, “miss me?”

Turning around my eyes landed on a woman. She was beautiful there was no doubting that. Her platinum blonde hair fell in thick curls around her shoulders as she strutted towards Alex, wrapping her arms around his neck before landing her lips upon his. Her barley-there skirt left nothing to the imagination as she wrapped her legs around his thighs.

I tried hard not to vomit at the scene before me. Not to mention the fact that it all occurred right in front of his mother. I may have been old-fashioned, but from where I come from this was considered highly disrespectful.

Out of the corner of my eye I watched as Lily shot her son a disapproving glare.

“Lily,” I asked politely, “may I see my room?”

The lovely couple continued to ignore the fact that others were in their presence as they began to slobber all over each other. Holding my head high and pushing down the bubbling anger that was threatening to boil over I followed Lily towards my bedroom. I had just been publically humiliated by my husband. Sure, it was in the presence of Lily and his slut but that didn’t mean it hadn’t hurt. My thoughts were cut off by a babbling Lily who I discovered was trying to apologise for her son.

“I can’t believe that had just happened,” she wept. “Please Aria,” she begged. “Please forgive my sons foolishness. I know your hurt but give him a chance. Try and at least be friends with him. He is a little stubborn is all,” she choked out.

“For a year, I will Lily. For you I will,” I whispered quietly.