Four years later.

Aaradhya's Pov.

Life was so blissful till date.

I completed my post graduation a week ago. I can finally look for a job but my parents have some other plans.
Like almost every Indian parent, they are looking forward to marry me to a guy based on their choice.
For their happiness, I agreed to get married.

I'm supposed to tie the knot some day and to someone and to be honest, I don't have anyone in my life so why not go for a try?

Yesterday, my dad was the one who had called me to discuss on this topic.

A day before.

"Hey dad, You wanted to see me. What happened?" I hugged him.

"Yes Aaradhya." He pecked my forehead.
I sat next to him.

He cleared his throat to speak.

"Aaradhya, as you've agreed to marry a person of our choice, we as your parents are totally proud of you and we hope that even Aditi follows your path someday which is likely to happen." He chuckled.

His humour didn't make me laugh.

He sighed.

"It's not that we're forcing you or Aditi. You can choose for yourself but this decision of yours shows us how much you trust us with your life's most important decision. Believe me beta (Dear). Your mother and I always want you and Aditi to be happy and we would  always choose the best for both of you. Talking about your marriage, we have been searching suitors and yesterday, we received a proposal from one of my very good friends. He wants you as his daughter-in-law and has been very keen to meet us." Dad finally stopped speaking.

I looked down and nodded. He continued.

"Aaradhya, we've planned a meeting with him tomorrow. If you're free and have no problem then you can meet him at a restaurant nearby. Meanwhile we'll be at his parents house. We thought to give you some privacy to discuss things and after that you both can tell us if you want to marry each other or not." He finished finally and placed his hand on my shoulder.

I didn't say anything as my mind had a lot to process.

"So?" He was waiting for my response.

"Okay dad, I am fine with the meeting. I'll see him at the restaurant." I said and he smiled.

Back to present.

Dad told me to reach the Citylight restaurant by four in the evening.

Dad had done the bookings so he told me to address our surname to the receptionist to find the table where we both will be meeting.

I wore a red ethnic suit.
Aditi helped me to wear the accessories and make up.
I left my hair open in hurry.

I left home exactly at 3:30 pm and reached just few minutes before 4.
I headed towards the table as per dad's booking. I arrived before him as I couldn't see anyone at the table so I calmly waited for him.

I was anxious at the same time. I could be meeting my future husband! It was a strange feeling.

My eyes fell on my cell phone.
It was exactly at four when my eyes travelled up the door where I noticed him.

Shit!

What is he doing here?

Oh my God, if he finds out that I am here to meet some random guy, he'll ridicule me a lot and that will be very embarrassing.
I just hope he didn't see me.

I tried to hide under the table so that he wouldn't notice me but all my efforts were useless when I heard his footsteps halt near my table.

"Do you still play this game of hiding?" He smirked.

Ugh! I found my voice back.

"I wasn't hiding. I was picking up my handkerchief and it's none of your concern what I do or not." I blurted out in arrogance.

He crossed his arms. Amusement dancing in his eyes.

"I thought you might have changed but I was wrong, Ms. little red hiding hood." He was still smirking.

The nerve of this guy.

"Yes for cheaters, I've to be the same old Aaradhya and now if you would please excuse me, I am here to meet someone so you can continue with your own work for which you are here rather than wasting my precious time." I spat out.
My body was radiating anger. He was one such man responsible for it.

His expression changed the moment, I called him a cheater.
I saw a glimpse of vexation on his face. He immediately sat opposite to me.

I was irked with his behaviour.

"What is your problem, Riddhant? Can't you mind your own business?" I rose up from my place and banged my fist on the table.

"Ms Mehra, This is my business. Didn't your father tell you that you're here to meet Mr. Naresh Taneja's son that is none other than Riddhant Taneja." He smirked again while pointing his finger to himself.

I froze for a second before I regained myself.

Without further delay, I walked towards the washroom. Goosebumps were erupting all over my body.

This is so unexpected, I removed my cellphone from the clutch and immediately dialed the number.

After few rings, she finally answered.

"Hello Ardu, I was just about to call you." She spoke excitingly.

"Tiara, I want to tell you something. Just listen to me." I cut her off.

"Baby, you have listen to me first. I'm so happy. Finally I am engaged." She interrupted me and broke another bomb on my head.

"What? To whom?"

"Yes Ardu, I found my love. His name is Ian." She added.

"But why didn't you tell me before?" I questioned her.

"Sorry baby, It happened so fast that I didn't get the time to inform you. Now I must go, he's here. I'll talk to you later then you can tell me whatever you wanted to say. Bye dear and take care."

Before I could tell her about Riddhant. She hung up my call. Already her whatsapp is deactivated and whenever I call her, she never lets me speak.

What should I do now?
How can I marry a guy who is not only my nemesis but also my best friend's ex-boyfriend?
The guy who dumped her.

I slightly peaked at the table. He was still seated very comfortably.

'Alright Aaradhya, you can do this.' I gathered some confidence and went towards the table. He was talking on the phone.

"Yes, We're done."

He looked at me and signalled me to wait before I speak anything.

Then he hung up his call and started glaring at me. His demeanor had changed completely.

"If you're ready, then we must leave. My dad called us. Your family is at my house and they are waiting for us." He spoke harshly.

"Why should I come with you?" I crossed my arms.

"Because you've no other choice. Our family is expecting both us to be there together." He said coldly and walked out.

I huffed in annoyance and followed him to his car.
He opened the passenger door but instead, I sat at the back.
He passed me an irritated look and picked up a bag from the front seat before occupying some place next to me at the back seat.

I gave him a 'Are- you- kidding- me' look. I shifted a little, maintaining some distance.
He ignored me this time and went back to his phone.

Isn't he supposed to drive?

Suddenly, I saw his driver who sat in front and started driving while Riddhant's face was brightened by his popular smug again.

I ignored him and cursed under my breath.

Jerk!

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