chapter : 13
silly requests

lol, i don't think i can stick to a schedule
it's too pleasing to read all your comments,
i am obliged to all of you!

THIS CHAPTER IS MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE (YET)
the following chapters are going to be interesting heheh.

< and hot ;) >

do comment and tell me how you liked this one ;)

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k a b i r
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"And what exactly were you made to share?"

I would rather evade her question. I am at a loss for words, what was I even thinking? My irritation was uncalled for and I just made it worse by accepting it out loud.

"Sir?"

"Noor, I have to leave for the meeting. Select the ring so that I have it by this evening. We need to get it done quickly."

"I—"

"Please select one."

She huffs acknowledging her defeat. I know she is going easy on me, other cases she would have eaten my brain out until she got her answer. She pushes me aside and plops on my fucking seat.

She adjusts the level of the seat according to her and I look at her amazed. She really doesn't give a fuck that her boss is standing right behind her, does she?

She draws the laptop closer. "These are too expensive. We can take plain bands, we aren't going to wear them on a regular basis."

"I am not giving you a cheap wedding ring. For whatever time you wear it, I want it to be worthy of you—this marriage."

Can I tape my mouth shut? Someone glue my lips together.

"Don't fight me over this. Which one do you like?" I crouch next to her, scrolling the page. Showing her the different designs I had selected with Jay's help.

I had spent the entire first half of my office hours explaining the situation to Jay. He had addressed his disappointment but I made him understand my view. He laughed his ass off after trying to knock sense into me and chuckled at my miseries.

He teased me endlessly and expressed his input on how this situation is the answer to the sexual tension that stems between us, which I relentlessly disagreed with.

I have never looked at Noor with any other intention, it has always been dignified. I had never assumed that we would stand at this crossroads, never wished for something like this. It was a coincidence, a mere play of fate.

"I believe you. You might have never considered you both being a possibility but now...I bet you both are the happiest people alive."

"Fuck off."

"We'll see, brother."

I had myself poured water over all my overconfident claims when I felt a growing rage the moment I saw Noor and that administration employee together, working close and cramped up in that space.

It was plainly because we both had promised each other of loyalty.

No. No. It wasn't an anger towards their closeness. I don't care about that, I wasn't happy with her not respecting our clauses.

Yes, that is what it was.

Lies. Lies.

"Sir, they are genuinely very expensive. I don't like any of them." Before I can counter her thoughts, our phones buzz at the same time.

Before this, I wouldn't have thought any more of this situation but now knowing that my to-be wife does belong to actual royalty, it astonishes me the way she lives her life.

It's commendable, and even if it pains me, I know it raises so much of the respect that I already have for her.

The notification pops up on the screen, it's from our calendar meeting, I have an important meeting to attend. It's going to be a working lunch for me, Noor was supposed to accompany me there but she had to back out last moment to look over the details of our new merger.

"I'll leave then. We'll work on this later."

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The white wooly clouds sway and move with the wind. My duplex stands taller than many skyscrapers. The dark sky, the lights adorning everywhere, the peace in the emptiness shakes me and makes me retrospect on a lot of things.

I brought the ring, I soon realised that I didn't even know her ring finger's size. I had slid the box in my back pocket, wishing that it would just magically fit and if not I would buy her a new one.

My grandfather had called me this evening while I was driving back home. He informed me about the alliance that is now finalised, our lives are being traded and a seal is stamped over the papers.

We were now twined for a year.

He expressed his happiness, wished for my prosperity and depicted how proud he felt. I wished to hear all those things for my work but his words felt nothing more than a sham, a reminder of a mirage I am painting for him and everyone.

The wedding will be arranged soon, I had told him that I wasn't keen on a proper ceremony. I am happy with a court marriage, quick and easy. No requirements and planning are needed.

He isn't a romantic now either so it was easier for me to convince him but I am not sure how Noor wants the wedding or if her family would allow my wish.

The mist on the glass panel that runs from the ceiling to the floor, has me tracing my fingers on it, scribbling and doodling. I did not want a balcony instead I had opted to extend my hall and separate the outer world by just a thin but sturdy glass.

It allows me to feel closer, and better. Represents me and my thoughts that feel caged and yet free. It allows me to have a perspective and perception.

Other walls have windows for ventilation but this space is mine. My other hand slips into the back pocket of my trouser pants. I clutch the velvety box, dragging it out.

Playing it between my fingers, the black seems to inhale the maroon of the box. Tossing and fidgeting. I open the box taking a peek at the jewel that rests beautifully over the cushion.

There's a small LED light embedded inside the box, that shines over the ring. A ring that will encircle us together.

It's a double-layered ring, one band is a plain band of small diamonds covering its circumference while the main ring is vintage. Gold and silver flowers intertwine to form a band and in the centre rests an emerald with mini diamonds bordering it.

I pick it up carefully, tracing it with my fingers. Twirling and examining it carefully.

I have to make haste and give this ring to Noor. We need to act quickly, the lie has to be cemented for others to believe it. We need to make ourselves believe it first.

I put the ring back and place it back in my pocket before making way outside my home.

I am not sure if Noor is at her home but it's worth a try. I knock once and wait patiently. My shoes tap on the marble floor giving away how anxious I feel.

Once I give her this ring, it will make things official. It would be the last step of our plan. One that would now commence with a marriage certificate.

The door clicks open, the ticking sound reverberates in the space.

"Sir?" Her voice is groggy, her fingers rub her eyes vigorously. It's huskier and heavier, her face bare and sleepy.

"I wanted to give you this." I raise the box before her.

She is still in her sleep daze but she allows me to come inside. Her eyes blink rapidly adjusting to the light.

"Now?"

"Earlier the better."

"It's past midnight, sir."

In my turmoil I failed to take notice of the time, I sheepishly offered a smile. "Take it."

"No. Not like this."

She is well awake now, her senses finally aware of the situation. I understand that she didn't expect me to hand her the ring so late at night but I have to. I need to.

Before I decide otherwise.

"I know it's late but take it."

"I didn't mean that."

"So?"

"What I meant is that I want to do this properly."

"How?"

"I want you to ask me to marry you. I will probably never get married after this, it has never been my intention but if I am doing this, I at least want to do one thing right. I don't want a wedding but I want a proposal."

"I can't do that."

"Then I won't marry you." Plain and simple.

I sigh. "Will you marry me?"

"This is how you propose? On your knees, Mr Sood. Quick quick."

I glare at her, my fingers clenching in a fist resting on my sides. This is way off the bargain.

"You have already signed the papers."

"I might have signed the contract but I haven't signed my marriage to you. I am still free to exercise my rights."

"Noor."

"I am very sleepy. You can go and ponder over this. Take the night, think it over. Goodnight." She says and moves aside heading back to her room when I do something I had never thought I would do.

I sit on the floor, on one knee, extending the ring that is now outside the box.

"Noor." It's a soft and desperate call. It's so low but she still stops. Her body freezes, and mine melts.

It's weird and inauthentic but it's a true start to our story. A story that is based on lies but with genuine hopes.

She whirls around, her eyes widening but her lips shut. She doesn't say anything. Doesn't taunt me. Don't boast. Just stands there and accepts whatever I can offer her.

"I don't have a speech to present. Hell, I didn't even think in my wildest dreams that I would have to do something like this. But here I am. On my knee, for you. I can't promise you love, can't promise to be with you forever but what I can promise is that I would respect our bond. I would respect the clauses you and I have put forward. I promise to help you as much as I can, and I promise to bear our responsibilities together. I promise to make you happy. I promise to be there if you ever need me. So, Noor Shekhawat, will you marry me?"

I don't need an answer. I can see it in her eyes. I know it's the least loveable proposal ever known to mankind but it's me barring my heart to her.

I am incapable of love but I can vow to help her be happy. I can help her achieve her goals and watch from afar.

"I promise to respect our clauses, too. I promise to help you navigate through any trouble you face in this one year. I promise to be good enough to make your grandfather believe our lie. I promise to irritate you a little less this year. So yes, I will marry you."

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thank you!

holaa! happy saturday?

A PROPOSAL? how could i let them NOT have their moment ;)

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take care :))

royally yours,
meethi.