Shravan's POV

I asked Advika to leave the office because I wanted to tell Ayesha that I'm actually going to marry Advika and that she should let go of her infatuation. But what I saw in Ayesha's eyes was a dangerous obsession.

She was so desperate to have me that she even tried to seduce me. That's when I lost it. I never expected her to act like this.

We grew up together, and I've always been as caring toward her as I am with Arya, but she took that care the wrong way.

I was utterly disgusted when Ayesha pulled down her dress. I don't think I will ever be able to look at her the same way again.

If I wait three more weeks for Advika's mother to recover and then marry her, I am sure Ayesha will do something drastic in the meantime. She could even harm Advika or herself. I need to talk to Aditya about this matter.

That's why I have decided to marry Advika this week.

"Mom, come on, we're just going to meet her family, not for an actual wedding," I said, entering my mom's room.

"It's not me, but your sister who is taking her time," she replied, pointing to Arya, who was busy sweeping a brush across her cheekbone with a weird pout.

I don't get what Aditya likes about her. She looks no less than a clown.

"But who invited her?" I asked, squinting in confusion.

"Excuse me! I don't need any invitation," she rolled her eyes, using some weird tool on her lashes.

"What would you do with us? Chote bache bado k beech m nahi bolte," I teased.

{Kids stay quiet when adults are talking.}

She immediately left her make-up and came to me. Her nose flared and her eyes narrowed at me with the intention of killing me.

"Oh, Mr., don't forget that I am full five minutes older than you." She stood straight in front of me with her hands crossed across her chest.

"Just look at our height difference, you piddi (shorty)." I said straightening my neck, which made a huge 8-inch difference between us.

I had taken a height from my father while she had taken it from my mother.

"Piddi? You should call me Diddi (didi)," she came back.

I was about to retort, but Mom intervened before I could say anything.

"Aren't you getting late, Shravan?" she asked.

I took a deep breath, looked at her for a moment, and felt my anger dissolve. I know I won't find anyone else who can calm me down just by looking at me.

"Let's go."

As we stepped outside, we found the driver placing sarees, sweets, and other items in the car's back seat, with Dad guiding him. Mom had insisted Dad accompany us; I only wanted her with me. Her opinion and approval are all that matter to me.

"Mom, we are just going to meet her parents. There is no need-"

"You did your part by choosing the girl. Now let me do mine. She is going to be my daughter-in-law, and I won't go there empty-handed."

I huffed, letting them do whatever they wanted. She'd be out of my life within six months, anyway.

Dad took the front seat while the driver opened the door for us.

"I will take my own car," I said, starting to walk away.

But Mom grabbed my wrist.

"Shravan, please. Whatever happened in the past, let's not carry it into the future," she pleaded.

"Mom, it's not that easy for me to forget," I replied.

She drew a deep breath.

"Okay, but at least don't let others see what's going on within our family."

Her eyes were practically begging. She knows she's my weakness, and I can never say no to her. And she always takes advantage of this.

"Fine."

I sighed.

With a soft smile, she got in first, followed by Arya, and then me.

I just hope everything goes according to my plan.

~~~~~

Advika's POV

I was so scared before lying to my mother about my relationship with Shravan. I thought she would either scold me or be shocked, but instead, I was the one who ended up surprised by her reaction.

I also told her how Shravan had lied about his identity when we first met. He's actually Shravan Singhania, not Shravan Singh as he initially told her.

She was overjoyed, as if she had won a trophy. She said she had sensed it from the first day he came to our house and believed I couldn't find a better match than him.

But here she is wrong...

I deserve better...

"Ahhh..." I yelled in pain.

"What happened?" Mom asked, her eyes flicking with concern.

"Mom, you have made me clean this house three times. Every bone of my body is aching. And you are asking me what happened," I said.

"So? I was ready to do it myself, but you insisted on helping. You know that Mr. Singhania is not just a name; it's a brand. They're kind enough to come to our home to meet us instead of expecting us to book a hotel to their taste, and you're still complaining."

Why should we book a hotel to match their taste? If they have high standards, they should spend the money, right?

But there was no point in arguing with my mom at the moment. This is how our society thinks. Neither do I have the energy left in me to start an argument.

"They could be here any minute. Go change into something decent and put on some makeup," she instructed. "I'll start frying the samosa."

The doctor told her to stay in bed, but she was determined to at least fry the samosas for her future son-in-law since he had specifically requested them last time.

I suggested she let it go and that he could have them another day, but she never listened to me.

It's so hard raising parents these days...

sigh

Returning to my room, I took a quick shower to soothe my aching muscles, then slipped into a simple suit. I wasn't planning to go overboard like Mom suggested; if they were going to choose me, they should like me as I am.

I just applied some moisturizer, tinted lip balm, and a small black bindi. That was enough.

I was about to walk out when Garvit entered and pulled out my claw clip.

"What the hell, Garvit? I am already annoyed. Don't mess with me," I scolded.

"Do you really like him?" he asked, still holding the clip out of reach.

"Who?" I asked, rummaging for another one.

"Of course, Shravan, you dumbo!" he exclaimed.

I gulped and nodded. "Yeah, I do."

He stared at me as if trying to catch a lie on my face, but suddenly the doorbell rang, breaking his concentration.

"Go answer the door; I will be there in a minute."

With a small nod, he walked out, and soon I could hear the footsteps. Mom was already in the living room.

No matter how many hair ties and claw clips I purchase, they always go missing when I need them the most.

Drawing a deep breath and leaving my hair open, I walked out. Everyone was busy meeting Garvit and Mom, which saved me from becoming the center of attention, at least for now.

The first person I noticed was Arya, looking as beautiful as always. Then, for the first time, I saw Mrs. Singhania, and my breath caught in my throat.

My God!

I had only heard about her elegance and charm, but seeing her in person left me awestruck. She could still pull many men and I swear I am not lying. No wonder Mr. Singhania is so head over heels for her.

They perfectly complement each other, looking so youthful that no one would guess they have grown-up children.

And then, when they walked inside, my eyes caught sight of the man who had created havoc in my life.

His gaze locked onto mine with a dangerous intensity, daring me to cross him.

God, please, just for today, be with me. Just do something to buy me enough time to prepare myself to face this beast...

~~~~~

Do you think God is going to save Advika from the devil?

Vote, comment and Follow ~ dayyyyydreamerrr