Vedika's POV:

Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined getting married like this. Standing before the mirror, I hardly recognized the reflection staring back at me.

I was clad in a white chiffon gown, its turtle neck adorned with delicate embroidery, the transparency of its shoulders adding a touch of elegance. My hair was neatly bundled into a bun, adorned with a tiara. Opting for a soft, subtle makeup look, I couldn't help but feel like a stranger to myself.

He had chosen to exchange our vows in the downtown church, seeking privacy away from prying eyes.

Initially, I had arrived in a simple yellow skirt paired with a sky blue blouse. However, Mr. Devil, in his insistence on tradition, disapproved of my modest attire for our wedding.

I couldn't comprehend the necessity of these rituals, but I found myself unable to resist his wishes, knowing that I too would eventually adhere to certain traditions.

Despite the transactional nature of our union, I couldn't disregard the significance of red for the bride in my culture.

So, forsaking the given white veil, I draped my red dupatta over my head, symbolizing my adherence to values even in this unconventional circumstance.

As I stood there, contemplating the events unfolding before me, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease creeping into my mind.

This marriage, born out of convenience and necessity, felt like a chain binding me to a fate I hadn't chosen.

But as I glanced at Mr. Devil, his intense gaze softened by a hint of adoration, something unfamiliar stirred within me.

With each step towards him, it felt as though I was approaching the horizon of my life's journey.

He stood before me, clad in white three- piece suit which was complementing my outfit. And say it intentional or unintentional, his red pocket square added a touch of vibrancy to his ensemble.

As sunrays filtered in from the ventilation window behind him, made me think like, he is the one who was drawing me towards himself, towards light, from the darkness that has surrounded me.

He forwarded his hand for me to hold when I reached standing in front of him. With some hesitation and doubt, I forwarded my hand. He clasped my hand in his. Though tight yet gentle hold of my hand in his, I felt reassurance without any words.

As we both stood in front of the God, hand in hand, I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead for us.

Would this union be nothing more than a transaction, devoid of any real connection? Or was there a possibility, however remote, of finding solace and understanding in each other's company?

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed the exchange of rings, the solemn words spoken by the priest, or the faint echoes of distant footsteps outside the church.

All that mattered in that moment was the realization that my life was irrevocably intertwined with his, for better or for worse.

However, my inner conflict was interrupted when I felt him squeezing my hand.

His gaze bore into mine, his green eyes intense yet softened by a hint of something I couldn't quite place.

At this moment, I couldn't deny the pull I felt towards him, even as I grappled with the reality of our situation.

The priest's voice echoed around me, the weight of his words settling heavily on my shoulders.

I glanced at Alvaro, searching for reassurance in his steady presence, but found none.

"Do you, Alvaro Parker, take Vedika Mehta to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse..." The priest's words faded into the background as my mind raced.

I, for a second, hold my breath, to pray that he would deny, so that I wouldn't have to go through all this. But, it was only my wishful thinking.

Alvaro's voice broke through my thoughts, strong and unwavering as he declared, "I do."

His words hung in the air, a solemn promise that sent a shiver down my spine.

Is this really happening? Am I truly ready to commit my life to this man, a stranger, even for a year?

And then it was my turn. The weight of the moment bore down on me, threatening to suffocate me with its enormity.

"Do you, Vedika Mehta, take Alvaro Parker to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse..." The priest's voice seemed to echo in my ears, each word a reminder of the choice I am about to make.

I hesitated, my breath catching in my throat as I struggled to find the right words.

But then I looked into Alvaro's eyes, and something shifted within me. Despite the doubts that lingered in the depths of my mind, I found myself drawn to him, inexplicably and irrevocably.

With a shaky breath, I whispered, "I... I do."

The words felt foreign on my tongue, but as I spoke them, a sense of calm washed over me.

“In front of the God, I announce both of you, as Husband and Wife. I pray to God for the everlasting enagagement of yours” He blessed us.

Finally, the most darest thing, I have ever done in my life is over. I was having a heave but next sentence of priest made me frozen on the spot.

“Now, you may kiss the bride” he said.

No, A big No!!! I wanted to scream at that moment on the top of my voice.

I really forgot this is a tradition in their culture. But, I am not at all comfortable with the kiss.

My eyes widened a bit when I see Mr. Devil leaning towards me, probably for a kiss.

Is this how I will lose my first kiss?  I always thought I will have my first kiss with my husband. Well, technically it's my husband but he is the lovely husband, I never imagined.

Note the sarcasm!!!

Focus, Vedika Focus!!! It's not the time to think about that.

I refocused on Mr. Devil aka eagle eyes, who had stopped an inch away from my lips. I warned him with my eyes not to cross the boundry.

But he didn't care about it and next second, I felt a cold sensation of his lips on my skin.

“Now, it's even”. He whispered in my ears before backing away from me.

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Whether it was caused by his words or his lips on my cheeks, I'm not sure.

I casted down my eyes on the floor to come back to normal state. Yes, it was not the kiss on the lips as I expected but it was more magical than the liplock.

I was too involved in my internal struggle, I failed to notice my hand was in his hold for the whole ceremony.

I immediately took my hands back from his hold. His smirk told me that i am at losing end. Why do i feel like his looks saying that he has gained a milestone today.

“Shall we, wife???“ His voice, rather the word “WIFE” snapped me out. This foreign word seemed sweet rather than bitter coming out of his mouth.

I nodded at him. But, then I realised that in the whirlpool of my thoughts, I missed a very important thing.

“Wait” I said.

He frowned with my interruption.

I forwarded my hand towards him with a small round box in my hand, which was earlier placed in my gown pocket safely.

“As we are following every ritual, even though in a conventional marriage, I want to follow a small ritual of my culture as well” I said opening the box revealing the red vermilion in it.

“Please put a pinch of vermilion in my hairline. It may not be significant for you, but it is a matter of my values” I concluded.

He forwarded his right hand. After taking a small amount of sindoor, he made a step ahead towards me.

He filled my hairline with the red sindoor with the adoration in his eyes.

As our eyes locked, I felt an unknown emotion surging within me. His intense gaze bored into my soul making me close my eyes.

At this moment, I missed my parents the most. If they were alive, it would have been a different scenario.

“Beautiful” His compliment snapped me out of the thoughts.

I opened my damp eyes, only to get lost in his forest green eyes.

My face flustered with the rosiness as his words sank into my heart. This is the very first time he has said something like this. Not that, I was expecting any, yet his short and simple word stirred something in me.

I broke our trance to save myself from these unknown emotions.

“Hmm... Let's go” He said.

And as we stepped out into the fading light of dusk, I couldn't help but keep glancing at him. The sudden change in his behaviour is not gone unnoticed by me.

I have always seen him as cold and emotionless, full of sarcasm. However, today, he has displayed a side of him I never knew existed. Beneath his composed exterior lies a depth of emotion and vulnerability that leaves me questioning everything I thought I knew about him.

As we walked out, I couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty about our future together. Will we be able to find common ground and build a meaningful relationship, or are we doomed to merely coexist in this marriage of convenience?

Despite my reservations, I couldn't deny the undeniable chemistry between us, the way his touch sent shivers down my spine and his gaze pierced through my defenses.

“We will go to my home first and then, will leave to the capital tomorrow early in the morning". He informed me once we reached his parked car.

“Hello, Mrs. Parker” Someone greeted me.

It's feels weird to be called by my New Identity.

I looked towards the source and found the same person, whom I met at the hotel last week. What was his name again, Mr. Ben, I guess.

“Hi, Vedika would be fine” I corrected him with a polite smile.

“Sure... Hmm, no!!! I guess, Mrs. Parker or young madam would be fine, as you are the wife of our boss” he said looking at Mr. Devil.

I turned to see him but met with his usual cold glance.

“I insisted, please. It would be... “ I was explaining to Mr. Ben but someone must cut me in between.

“If you are done with your chit chatting, shall we move?“ He asked me rudely.

I rolled my eyes secretly at his comment. Now, he is back to being Mr. Akdu...

We settled down in the back seat of his luxurious car. I am not particularly aware of cars and their models, but I can say that this is very extravent.

The silence between us was palpable, thick with unspoken thoughts and emotions.

I stole glances at him, his profile was stoic, his jaw clenched in determination.

It was moments like these that reminded me of the vast chasm that separated us, both physically and emotionally.

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed the passing scenery outside the car window.

The cityscape blurred into a mosaic of lights and shadows, a stark contrast to the tumultuous whirlwind of emotions swirling within me.

As we arrived at our destination, his imposing mansion loomed before us, its grandeur a stark reminder of the life I was now a part of. I couldn't help but feel like an intruder in this opulent world, a mere pawn in a game of power and privilege.

As I climbed out of the car, I looked at this very grand mansion, which I failed to notice the last time I visited here due to the circumstances well known to me.

I followed him silently as he led the way through the big wooden door at the entrance, each step bringing us closer to the unknown future that awaited us.

As we stepped inside the house, I found that there was not a single soul present.

The darkness inside the house gave me a chilling feeling.

I roamed my eyes around the lavish interior, taking in the details of the decor that spoke volumes about his wealth and status.

Yet, despite the opulence, there was an eerie emptiness that hung in the air, like a silent specter haunting the halls.

His footsteps echoed against the marble floors along with my heels tapping on the floor as he led me to what seemed to be the master bedroom.

The room was spacious, with a king-sized bed dominating the center and large windows offering a view of the sprawling estate grounds. Upon close observation, I realised it to be the same room where I woke up many days ago.

This room bought back the memories of that morning when I woke up disoriented in an unknown place with an unknown stranger.

Though he was not an unknown stranger rather a known stranger. However, this title is also changed now, from a known stranger to a unknown husband.

I sigh when the word husband came into my mind.

He gestured for me to sit on the edge of the bed, his expression unreadable as he observed me silently.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability under his scrutinizing gaze, as though he could see through the facade I had carefully constructed around myself.

"Make yourself comfortable. We will leave tomorrow morning by 8." he finally spoke, his voice low and commanding.

I nodded, though my heart raced with uncertainty.

He lingered for a moment longer before excusing himself, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

As the door closed behind him, I relaxed my nervous posture. I removed my heels first which were aching my foot badly.

I rubbed my aching heel with my hand making me moan in silence.

After relaxing myself, I realised that my luggage and handbag are missing.

With the thought to ask him, I stood up from the bed to walk out. But then a knock came from the door.

When I opened the door, I found Mr. Ben was standing outside with my luggage in his hands.

I took them from him after thanking for his help.

“Young madam, Boss asked me to call you for dinner in an hour.  ” He respectfully called me.

I nodded at him and closed the door.

After placing my trolley on the floor, I opened it and picked out some comfortable clothes.

After selecting green top with my cotton black pajamas, my gaze fell on the snacks box which ma packed for me during my travel.

My eyes brimmed with tears as I remember how I told them a lie about my departure.

My thoughts drifted back to our discussion 2 days back.

Flashback

“What are you saying, Vedu” Ma said once I disclosed my transfer.

“I know Ma, you're shocked but it is a good opportunity for my career” I told her.

Though it is not a complete truth but it is not a lie too.

“But how will you live alone in a different city” She reasoned out.

“It will be difficult for me, but i will somehow manage” I said.

“How will you manage Vedu? I want to know your whole plan before allowing you to go.“ This time Pa told, who was a silent spectator till now.

I glanced at my uncle, who has aged twice in last couple of days. But I am glad that i could help him somehow, even at the expense of my freedom.

I sigh before explaining him, as it would be a big task to get his approval.

“As you know Parker corporation has a head office in the capital where I am being transferred, which would give me more opportunities than i get it here.“ I paused.

“They have arranged accommodation for me in a corporate guesthouse, so I won't have to worry about finding a place to stay. And regarding food, I will manage with the food provided at the office cafeteria or order from nearby restaurants. I'll make sure to visit you both whenever I get the chance, and we can stay connected through video calls and messages." I finished with my fingers crossed.

Mr. Parker has told me about accomodation provided by company for me, though I won't be using it as I will be living with him at his house.

“Are you sure, Vedu? We can't stop worrying about you, you know” Ma said with a trembling voice.

“I understand, Ma. But this opportunity is important. I promise to take care of myself and keep in touch with you regularly.” I said, trying to sound confident.

“Although I am not in favour of you moving there, i don't want to hinder you from anything. I may not be your father, but I have never consider you less than my own daughter” Pa said.

My eyes brimmed with tears at his unconditional love.

I immediately hugged him.

“Thank you Pa. Thank you for everything” I thanked him while sobbing.

“When do daughters thank their father for anything. Don't cry, Vedu. I am always there for you” He reassured me.

I smiled amidst my tears.

After much discussion and persuasion, they finally relented, albeit reluctantly. They agreed to let me go, knowing that it was for my own good.

End of Flashback

Tears trickled down my cheeks as I remembered the pain in their eyes when I left home. I wiped them away hastily, not wanting to dwell on the past.

Instead, I focused on getting ready for dinner, knowing that I had to put on a brave face and show Mr. Devil that I was not weak.

As I walked inside the washroom for a quick bath, I gazed at my reflection in the mirror.

Puffy eyes with smudged masscara glaring back at me. The red vermillion in my hairline adored my face. This new addition on my face was not just a makeup but a reminder of the situation in which I have buried myself.

I sighed at my racing thoughts.

After unzipping my gown, I felt my body relaxed a bit.

I stepped into the shower after putting my gown on the rack.

As cold water fell on my body, it relaxed my sore muscles.

After 10 minutes, I walk out of the bathroom in my comfortable clothes.

When I stepped out of the room, I couldn't shake the feeling of loneliness that engulfed me.

Despite being surrounded by luxury and opulence, I felt like a stranger in this unfamiliar world.

But deep down, I knew that I had to adapt and survive, for my own sake and for the sake of my family.

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Important thing is that i have got to know from my fellow writers that wattpad is deleting author's account without any prior notice. And it scares me to even think about it.

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