NEIL

I stood in the room, still seething with anger and humiliation over my bride's decision to run off. But as I looked around at my advisors and my family, I knew I had to think clearly and strategically. I couldn't let my emotions get the better of me.

The bride's father looked nervous, but he tried to placate me. "I know this is a difficult situation, Neil. But I'm willing to make it right. Why don't you find another woman to marry? I'm sure there are plenty of suitable candidates out there. You can choose someone who meets your standards."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "You think it's that simple? You think I can just find another woman to marry and everything will be fine?"

Sanjay nodded hastily. "Yes, yes, of course. You're a powerful and influential man, Neil. I'm sure you can find someone who suits your needs. And I'm willing to help you in any way I can."

I nodded, my mind already racing with plans. I called my team and explained them the situation. "find me another woman," I said. "Anyone will do. I need to marry someone, anyone, to save face."

My advisors asked nervously. "Sir, are you sure that's wise?"

I glared at him. "I'm not asking for your opinion," I snapped. "I'm telling you to find me a woman who can stand in for my original bride. Someone who won't mind being a trophy wife and will do what I say."

The bride's father looked relieved, but I could see the fear in his eyes. He knew what I was capable of, and he was willing to do whatever it took to avoid crossing me.

I nodded to myself, already thinking about who I could marry. Someone submissive, someone who would do exactly as I say. Someone who would help me maintain my reputation and further my business interests.

The thought of finding and marrying another woman was no longer a chore, but a challenge. And I was ready to take on that challenge.

This would save me from the humiliation of being jilted at the altar. And once I was married, I could deal with Kiara and my original bride however I saw fit.

"Why don't you marry Kaveri, my niece? She's a brilliant doctor, and I'm sure you two would make a good match." Sanjay Suryavanshi spoke.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. Dr. Kaveri Suryavanshi? The woman who had been a thorn in my side for years? The woman who had consistently outsmarted me and challenged my business decisions?

"Kaveri?" I repeated, my voice dripping with skepticism. "Why do you think I'll marry her?"

The bride's father nodded hastily. "I'm sure you would be. She's a sensible girl. And it would be a good opportunity for both of your families to strengthen your ties."

My Mom walked towards us. "Neil, I think there's no better way out than marrying Kaveri. She's a nice girl and you two will look great together only if you both try to....forget the past." I looked at yash who was standing in the corner of the room, besides dad with an expressionless face.

"I'll consider it," I said finally, my voice dripping with confidence.

I smiled, a cold and calculating smile. Marrying Dr. Kaveri would be a clever move, indeed. It would not only salvage my reputation but also give me the upper hand in our long-standing rivalry. I could already imagine the look on her face when I proposed the idea to her.

Kiara's father nodded eagerly, relief written all over his face. "Yes, yes, of course. I'm sure she would be willing to... ah... accommodate your needs."

I smirked, already looking forward to the challenge of taming Kaveri Suryavanshi. This could be a very interesting marriage indeed.

The thought of revenge was sweet, and I couldn't wait to get started.

ヽ(●´ε｀●)ノ

I stood at the mandap, my eyes fixed on Kaveri as she walked towards me, her eyes downcast. She looked stunning in her red lehenga, but her demeanor screamed discomfort. I knew she didn't want to marry me, that she had been forced into this situation by her family after my arranged bride had run away.

As she reached my side, I took her hand in mine, feeling a sense of obligation wash over me. This woman was now my wife, bound to me by tradition and family expectations. I glanced at her, and our eyes met for a brief moment. I could see the resentment burning in her eyes. I could sense her reluctance, her unwillingness to be here.

As the ceremony progressed, I couldn't help but think about the circumstances that had led us here. My arranged bride had left me standing at the altar, and now I was married to her cousin, a woman who clearly didn't want me. It was a humiliating situation, and I knew that my family would be watching our every move, expecting us to make this work.

I gazed into her eyes as I lifted the vermilion powder. This was the moment that would seal our union, the moment that would make her mine. She looked up at me, as I applied the sindoor to her parting line. I could see the fire in her eyes, the determination to not let me get the better of her. I smiled to myself, relishing the challenge.I knew that this marriage would be a test of wills, and I was ready to face the challenge head-on.

I looked into her eyes, and for a moment, I saw the wall she had built around herself crumble. I saw the uncertainty that lay beneath. Kaveri's eyes locked onto mine, and I could sense her emotions swirling. She didn't pull away, didn't resist. Her lips parted slightly as she exhaled.

As the ceremony concluded, I looked at her, my eyes searching for some sign of acceptance. But all I saw was resistance, a determination to not let me win. I smiled wryly to myself, knowing that this would be a challenging marriage.

I knew that this was just the beginning. The real battle was only just starting, and I was eager to see how she would react to being married to me.

I turned to her, my eyes locking onto hers. "Welcome to married life, Dr. Kaveri," I said, my voice low and husky. "I hope you're ready for what's to come."

She looked up at me, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I'm always ready, Neil," she said, her voice steady. "Bring it on." And I smirked at her.

I stood tall, dressed in my finest attire, as I watched Kaveri prepare for the vidai ceremony. The air was thick with emotion, and I could sense the weight of the moment. Her family gathered around her, their faces etched with a mix of sadness and joy.

Rajveer stepped forward, I noticed the tears welling up in his eyes. He was a young man but in this moment, he looked like a lost child. Kaveri smiled weakly as Rajveer approached her.

Kaveri's eyes welled up with tears as she pulled Rajveer into a tight hug. "I'll be fine, Rajveer. I'll be happy. You have to trust me on this."

As they hugged, I felt a pang of guilt. I knew Kaveri wasn't thrilled about this marriage either, but she was willing to do it for her family's sake. I admired her strength and determination.

As the vidai ceremony progressed, Kaveri's family members blessed her, applying tilak on her forehead and tying sacred threads around her wrist. Rajveer watched, his eyes red-rimmed, as she sought her parents' blessings.

As Kaveri turned to leave, Rajveer called out, "Dii, don't forget who you are. You're a strong, independent woman. And I’ll always love you."

Kaveri's eyes locked onto mine, and I saw a spark of determination there. I smiled softly, acknowledging her strength and spirit. As we walked out of the venue, her hand in mine, I felt a sense of responsibility wash over me. I knew this marriage wouldn't be easy.

ヽ(●´ε｀●)ノ

I stood at the entrance of my home, my eyes fixed on  Kaveri as she stepped out of the car. The evening sunlight cast a warm glow on her face.

My family welcomed her warmly, showering her with affection and blessings. My mother, in particular, was overjoyed, hugging her tightly and thanking her for agreeing to marry me. I watched as Kaveri's expression softened slightly, her eyes warming up to my mother's genuine affection.

I stepped into the dimly lit hallway, the soft glow of the nightlights casting a warm ambiance. The house was quiet, everyone had retired to their rooms after the long day of wedding festivities. I had managed to slip away unnoticed, escaping the forced merriment and fake smiles.

My footsteps were silent on the plush carpet as I made my way to the home bar. I pushed open the door and stepped inside, flipping on the light switch. The room was stocked with an array of fine wines and spirits, a haven for a man like me who appreciated the finer things in life.

I walked over to the bar, running my fingers over the bottles, feeling the cool glass beneath my touch. I poured myself a generous measure of scotch, the amber liquid glowing in the glass. I raised it to my nose, inhaling the smoky aroma before taking a sip.

The liquid burned down my throat, a welcome distraction from the chaos that had been my day. I thought about Kaveri, and the way she had looked at me during the ceremony. Her eyes had flashed with a mix of anger and resignation, and I knew she was just as trapped in this marriage as I was.

I took another sip, feeling the liquor warm my blood. I had never wanted to get married, least of all to a woman like Kaveri, who was as stubborn as she was beautiful. But life had other plans, and now we were bound together in this farce of a marriage.

As I stood there, sipping my drink, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us. Would we find a way to make this work, or would we continue to be at odds with each other? Only time would tell.

The scotch was working its magic, numbing my senses and dulling the edge of my frustration. I poured myself another glass, feeling the weight of the day slowly lifting off my shoulders. Tomorrow would be another day, another challenge to face. But for now, I just wanted to savor the quiet and the solitude.

I was still trying to process my thoughts, when I felt someone's hand on my back. It was yash, I could tell without turning back. He took a seat besides me.

" I never thought, it was gonna end this way."

I chuckled and took a sip from my glass." Never thought what?"

"You and your Bride." I raised a brow at him.

"I mean, aren't you supposed to be with your wife. Together. In one bed." He continued while he poured himself a drink " Why is your hand wrapped around the bottle of scotch, it should be-"

"Fuck off yash." He chuckled.

But good for you- atleast, you aren't stuck with your tolerable was-to-be wife, there's a better, more competent person to fight with, isn't it." He smirked maintaining that shitty expression, and then took a sip from his glass full of liquor.

"Remove that expression from your face before I scratch it off." just the mention of her name fumed me. I stared into his eyes blankly before I gulped all of my drink at once. My throat burned, but I was too occupied to care.

He sighed " best of luck then, brother."

I ditched the idea of drinking more alcohol, because I have to wake up early tomorrow and go to office. So I start walking towards my bedroom.

"Have a good night with your wife." He said from back.

Motherfucker.