SILK AND SIN

You and your family came to see me-I said no. Baat khatam. Rishta kahin aur dekh lo. And LEAVE. ME. ALONE!"

My chest heaved with emotion, my vision blurred with tears I was trying hard not to let fall.

But he didn't even blink. He simply looked at me with that dark, unreadable gaze... and then moved toward me, slow and steady, till I was pinned between his car door and him.

No one could see us like this.

He leaned in, caging me with his arms on either side of my head. His breath brushed against my skin as he whispered, "You don't wanna marry me... hmm?"

I looked away, panic flaring again.

He tilted his face, locking eyes with mine. "Bolo."

I whispered, "No..."

A cruel smirk curled on his lips. "Toh phir kis se karni hai shaadi?" he whispered.

"N-no one..."

He straightened up-now towering over me-and then, without warning, grabbed my waist and lifted me off the ground. My hands were caught between us, pressed to his chest.

"A-Aahan-what... what are you-" I stuttered.

"Shh," he murmured, lips brushing against my cheek. "You've said enough. Ab suno."

"We're getting engaged in one week. Then the rest of the rituals. And after that," he paused, tightening his grip on my waist, "we'll get married."

"Chahe tum khud mandap tak aao... ya main tumhe zabardasti le aaun. Samajh aaya, jaan?"