NEIL

I sat on the sofa comfortably. All the people in the room had their eyes on me as if they were waiting for me since god knows when.

I cleared my throat and began speaking " so, mr sanjay what brought you here today at this time" I said looking towards him

Yash who was sitting by my side slightly kicked my feet and my parents gave me a tough look but I was least bothered.

"Mr sanjay brought a marrige proposal for his daughter kiara" my dad said and I glanced at the girl sitting in front of me. She wore a simple light pink coloured saree with long earrings in her ears her hair left open. Fidgeting her hands kept in her lap and as soon as she noticed me looking at her she shifted her eyes now looking in her lap. A bright red hue appeared on her cheeks.

"He wants you to marry her daughter" I shifted my view towards my dad.

An akward silence filled the room perhaps everyone was waiting for me to say something.

"You kids can go to another room if you want to talk" my mom said breaking the silence. I hummed in response and got up with zero emotions on my face. How can my mother be so quick I mean today I agreed for marriage not even 2 hours have passed by and she even found a girl.

I saw her walking towards my room struggling with her saree. Why did she even wear it if she is not comfortable in it. We are not living in the 90's or such.

I stood in my balcony, towering over the bank manager, Kiara Suryavanshi, who had somehow managed to secure a meeting with me at my home. Her proposal was... audacious, to say the least.

"So, Kiara, you're proposing marriage," I said, my voice low and even. "I must admit, I'm intrigued. What makes you think I'd be interested in marrying you?"

Kiara's eyes sparkled with determination. "Our families share similar business interests, and I believe a merger would strengthen both our positions. Plus, I have skills that would complement your... particular management style."

I raised an eyebrow"Go on."

"As a bank manager, I've demonstrated my ability to navigate complex financial situations. I'm confident we could work together to further our interests."

"Let's get straight to the point, Kiara," I said, my voice firm. "What do you want from this marriage, and what are you willing to offer in return?"

"I want a partnership that benefits both our families. I'm willing to offer... flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn."

I nodded thoughtfully. "And what makes you think I'd be interested in such a proposal?"

Her smile was calculated. "I've done my research, Neil. I know what you're looking for in a partner. And I believe I can deliver."

I leaned forward, my eyes locked on hers. "let me make one thing clear: this would be a business arrangement, nothing more. If I accept your proposal, you'd need to be prepared to play by my rules."

Kiara nodded, a hint of a smile still playing on her lips. "I'm willing to take that risk, Mr. CEO."

I studied her for a moment longer, weighing my options. And then, I nodded. "Very well, Kiara. I accept your proposal. But remember, I'm not looking for a partner. I'm looking for an asset."

Her smile grew, and she extended her hand. "I understand, Mr. CEO. And I'm willing to be that asset."

I took her hand, my grip firm. "Let's shake on it, then. And make no mistake, Kiara, I'll be expecting nothing but results."

And finally after talking for about what seemed an decade. We finally made our way back to the drawing room.

"So what did you decide??"

She slightly nooded her head. My mom now looking towards me, expecting an answer.

"I'll marry her." I said expressionlessly

Everyone seemed happy with the thing. I looked towards my brother, he gave me a reassuring smile and within no time, his smile turned into a little smirk. Asshole.

We bidded everyone a goodbye and sat at the dining table to eat food. I was thinking about what the hell just happened. When my mom asked me" you liked her?" While serving food, Breaking my bubble.

"No" I replied.

Kiara is definitely not my type. And I realised quiet a few things about her personality. One she is hell of a clever women, although She has a little brain but once in a blue moon she makes a very good use of it.

Two she pretends a lot. pretends to be humble, sincere, confident, independent etcetera. But she's none of the above.

"But she is tolerable."

"Tolerable?" Yash repeated my words and i just hummed in response.

"What about you maa, do you like her?"

"Does it even matter?" My mom said as she sat down on the table. "She's gonna be your wife you have to spend your life with her not me. I'll be happy if you bring me a daughter in law no matter who she is." We all began to eat our food and my mom continued " beta when you marry someone you'll have a partner for lifetime and she'll never leave your side no matter who is against you. She'll be a part of your happiness and your sorrows."

"You see, your mother and I, we've been married for over 30 years. And it's not always been easy. There have been ups and downs, like any couple. But the key to our success has been our partnership." My dad stated.

My mother smiled, her eyes shining with memories. "I remember when you were born, your father was working late nights to support our financial needs. And I was struggling to balance work and motherhood. But we supported each other, through every step of the way."

My father nodded, his expression serious. "That's the thing, son. A good life partner isn't just someone who agrees with you all the time. It's someone who supports you, who encourages you, and who helps you grow."

"Like when I was struggling as a new mother-" my mother said, her voice filled with emotion. "-Your father was there for me, every step of the way. He supported me, encouraged me, and helped me in every aspect of it."

My father smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "And when I was struggling to get a new job, your mother was my rock. She believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself."

They'd faced challenges, just like any couple, but they'd worked through them together. And that's what had made their marriage strong.

"So, son," my father said, his voice serious. "We want you to remember that a good life partner is essential to happiness and success. It's not just about business or finances; it's about building a life together."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards my parents. Yes great relationships and marriages do exist but not for people like me.

"Day after Tomorrow we will visit them for engagement ceremony. "My mom exclaimed

"Day after Tomorrow? Isn't it a bit too early for my brother to live with her tolerable wife" he said stressing on the word tolerable. This bitch is pissing me off now.

You little- I said glaring at him. We finished the food and headed to our rooms, when I remembered to finish the little work I've left in the office only to realise those files are with yash.

I walked into his room, where my brother, Yash, was lounging on the couch, scrolling through his phone. He looked up and raised an eyebrow as I approached.

"So, I heard congratulations are in order," Yash said, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're getting hitched to a business deal."I shot him a warning glance. "It's not just about the deal, yash. It's a strategic partnership."

He chuckled. "Oh, sure, sure. That's why you're marrying a woman you've barely met. I'm sure love has nothing to do with it."

I rolled my eyes. "You know as well as I do that this is about business, not love. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Yash laughed. "Beneficial arrangement? You're starting to sound like a contract. 'Party A agrees to marry Party B in exchange for favorable loan terms...'"

I shook my head, trying to hide a smile. "You're enjoying this way too much, aren't you?"

Yash grinned. "Yeah, I am. You're always so focused on business, and now you're getting a taste of your own medicine. A marriage that's all about business. It's poetic."

I sat down next to him on the couch. "You're going to pay for this when you least expect it."

Yash raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I'm not reading anything into it. I'm just enjoying the irony. The great businessman, marrying for convenience. You're setting a new standard."

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. "You're one to talk, Mr. 'I'll-never-settle-down'. You're still flying solo, and I'm the one getting married."

He laughed. "Ah, but that's the difference between us. I'm not afraid to be alone. You're, on the other hand, are willing to marry a stranger for a deal. I'll let history judge who's smarter."

I smirked. "You're just jealous because you're not getting any younger, and I'm securing my future."

Yash grinned. "Maybe a little. But seriously, little brother, are you sure you're ready for this? Marriage, even a transactional one, is a big commitment."

This little bitch, he couldn't ask me this question before.

"You know this question came out of your mouth slower than a turtle on morphine." He chuckled.

He nodded, his teasing tone softening slightly. "I know, bro. I just want to make sure you're okay with it. You know... marriage is a big deal."

I shrugged. "I'm fine with it. It's a business decision, and I'll see it through."

Yash clapped me on the back. "Well, in that case, I hope you're ready for the most transactional marriage in history."

I laughed, despite myself. "You're an idiot, yash."

Yash grinned. "Hey, someone's got to keep you on your toes."

The dawn broke, I stepped out of the elevator and into the sleek, modern lobby of our corporate headquarters. The polished marble floor reflected the light of the LED chandeliers, and the sound of soft hums and murmurs filled the air. My eyes scanned the space, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of the office.

As I approached my office, my assistant stood up, ready to brief me on the day's schedule. "Good morning, sir. You have a meeting with the marketing team in 15 minutes."

I nodded, taking a moment to glance out the floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the city skyline. The view was a reminder of our company's success and my own.

With a final glance around the office, I stepped into my own space, the door closing behind me with a soft click. My domain. Where strategy was crafted, decisions were made, and the future was shaped. I settled into my chair, ready to tackle the day's challenges.

After the meeting was over,As I made my way to my office, I spotted my friends

There was Rajveer, intently studying financial reports at his desk. "Morning, guys. What's the plan for today?"

Rajveer looked up, "Just trying to make sense of these numbers. You know, the usual."

"Rajveer "yash called on him. Looking at him with full attention.

"Humm"

"We need to run a background check on someone "

"whom?" rajveer asked looking at us lifting one of his brows

"You don't know? "

"I'll know if you'll be humble enough to disclose to me" rajveer said annoyed his eyes still glued to his laptop

"Neil is marrying" rajveer's jaw dropped to the floor his eyes wide open as he looked towards us.

"What the actual fuck" he exclaimed "you are not kidding me, are you ?"

That's when I decided to interfere in their conversation removing my spectacles and keeping them on the table and finally making an eye contact with them

"Yea actually he's right" i said

"Will you please spare me the details??"

"Kiara Suryavanshi is her name" yash said before looking towards the file.

"Neil" rajveer looked at me as if something was wrong.

"Kiara Suryavanshi daughter of sanjay Suryavanshi? " And as rajveer stated that yash looked towards me in horror.

Shit how did I not notice their surnames are the same is she his. But no, rajveer mentioned that he has only one sister and the girl yesterday came with her brother. Prakhar was his name, if I am not wrong. Also rajveer's dad's name is vivek Suryavanshi. I guess.

"Yes is she your relative by any chance?" yash questioned him. His curiosity at it's peak.

"Well unfortunately she is." Rajveer said in a tone as if he was pitying me.

"Actually she's my cousin sister and we and her family are not on good terms. Her elder brother prakhar and my dii had a huge fight on some..things. she always took her brother's side as it was expected from her and she doesn't like my dii". He took a short pause before he continued "I can't stand any of their presence you know for me my sister is equivalent to my mom and her disrespect is my disrespect."

"Anyways" he sighed "congratulations for your marriage" he said with a forced smile.

Clearly i am not the only one who is unhappy about this marrige.

What do you think about the story till now??