Falling in love with my CEO.

46 - The Weight of Choices

What should I say now?...

"Be ready; they're coming to see you, and we'll be fixing the date of your marriage," my mom announced with a resolute tone.

What is this?

Flashback

When I was 18, our family attended a wedding ceremony. The bride was stunning, but the groom appeared significantly older. "Mom, don't you think the girl is being forced to marry this man? Look at him—he doesn't seem to match her," I said, my voice tinged with pity. My mom chuckled softly.

"Marriages are decided in heaven, not by parents," she replied with a serene smile. I rolled my eyes. "Mom, Indian parents always seem to disregard their children's opinions on marriage. They do whatever they please," I said, my heart heavy for the bride.

Mom laughed but said nothing more. I waited for her to respond, but she was too absorbed in the wedding to notice. "Mom..." I called again. She turned to me. "Mom, would you ever force me to marry a stranger without asking my opinion?" I asked, hopeful.

She smiled warmly. "No, you will marry the person you choose. I promise, I will only accept a proposal if you like the person. Without your consent, I won't even consider it. But make sure you choose wisely," she said with a loving gaze. I smiled, reassured.

I promised myself that I would find someone truly worthy.

End of Flashback

I closed my eyes, overwhelmed with tears. I seldom cried, but now I felt as though I had shattered my mother's trust.

"But Mom, I can't do this," I protested, folding my hands in desperation. I will fight for my right. She can't escape the promise she made to me. She stepped closer, her expression firm. "Once I make a decision, it's final," she declared.

"No, Mom, it's not. You promised me!" I insisted, my voice breaking as tears continued to fall. I had betrayed her trust because of my choice to be with him—the vampire who occupied my thoughts and heart.

Mrs. Sadha Chowdary watched us silently, unsure of how to intervene. "You've broken my trust, and that's enough. Before you leave for the U.S., you're getting married," my mom said, her voice steely as she turned away.

"Mom, you can't force me like this!" I shouted. She raised her hand as if to slap me, but I shut my eyes, bracing for the blow.

Instead, a hand grasped hers, halting it mid-air. I opened my eyes to see Akhil standing there, his grip firm but his expression gentle. He looked at me with a mixture of concern and anger. "She's not a child, Auntie. You may be her mother, but you have no right to slap her like that," he said through gritted teeth.

"Don't you dare speak to your aunt like that," Mrs. Sadha Chowdary warned, trying to restrain him. His words, though meant to defend me, only deepened the wound I felt. My heart was torn between anger and confusion.

"Mom, I'm not being rude. It's just that Sushvi—" Akhil began, but I interrupted him.

"Mom, as you wish. I agree to marry Arnav Singh Rathode," I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. The room fell silent.

My mom's face lit up with a smile. She kissed my forehead, her eyes full of relief and joy. "You won't regret this decision," she said, giving Akhil a final, regretful look before leaving.

Mrs. Sadha Chowdary followed her out, leaving Akhil and me alone. He gently took my hand and lifted me into his arms, carrying me away at a high speed. I shut my eyes, the rush of wind against my face both exhilarating and terrifying.