Silsila

Adhyansh’s POV~

The last thing on this year’s list was not getting married to someone I barely- hello scratch that- I don’t even know her. And Still, I am getting married to her, Sitting in this Pavillion. The wedding was not- never on my plan but even I knew I couldn’t escape it unless I wanted to give up on the inheritance. I have given all my days and nights to this company; if I don’t get it, it will be futile. I can always start my own business but starting a business is no shit. And it’s not like my brother ever did anything other than ogling at the girls in the company so he don’t deserve a shit.

As the priest continues to chant holy words, my wanders of to the conversation i had with my parents just after coming back from NYC.

*Flashback*

I was walking through the hallways that lead to my wing in the house when a helper came rushing from the west wing.

“Sir, Your father is asking for you in his study”, He said with a shivery voice and scrammed away once I nodded.

Making my way to my father’s study, I knocked on the door. I knew what was coming and this needed to be the only reason they called me back from NYC.

“Dad, you asked for me”, I said taking a seat in front of his desk without even wasting a second. He looks at me with a weird look for not waiting for his ‘command’ to say sit and then continues.

“You know why I asked for you to be here? And I am sure you know the reason damn well. I have decided with your mother that you are going to get married soon”

“I am not”

“That was not up for discussion, Son.”

“You can force me to marry whoever you choose and more importantly-”

He cut me off before I could finish my sentence and said, “I am sure you know you don’t want your mother to come and talk to you in her ‘own’ way and pester you to marry, Am I?”

He very well knew how to play his game. If Mum had been here talking to me about this marriage thing, I am sure- that would not have ended well and nice. A small smirk made its way to his lips as he continued.

“And I am sure you are well aware that if you want your inheritance part, you need to get married and have an heir or heiress to continue the legacy -”

“Hell, I am not having a child just because of the legacy and inheritance, Dad”

A sigh escaped his mouth as he drummed his fingers on the Mahogany table that sat in the middle of the study. “I know- but this is how our family works and you are no exception, My dear son and if you don’t want to cooperate, you know - you have got a brother too. And not to forget your sister”

“So as I was saying, I have decided- of course - it was your mother’s Idea- To get you married to My good friend’s daughter.”

“And what am I supposed to do with that information?”

“We are going to their place next weekend to discuss everything and I expect you to be on your best behaviour- which I know you always are but try to be less grumpy” He said dismissively ignoring my question.

*Flashback ends*

My chain of thoughts is broken when My sister, Vedika, comes to my side panting and huffing as if she ran a 10-mile-long race just now. Taking her time to get her breath back, she leans to whisper in my ear," Bhaiya, Mom is asking for you upstairs.” Her words were laced with a hint of worry and fear as she finished and guided me through the halls to where everyone was waiting.

Everyone was standing there, My father pacing back and forth around the room, My mother consoling Inaya’s-the girl I was supposed to marry- her mother as she sat by the edge of the bed and silent sobs left her mouth.

“What’s wrong? Why are you guys standing like this and-” My words were cut off by my father who ushered me to a secluded corner and spoke in a whispered tone- “Inaya is missing”

“His words struck me a little -“What do you mean Dad?”

“When we came here, we found a note beside her bed and she was not there, we checked the security rooms and found nothing. No one came inside her room and even the guards didn’t see anything suspicious happening nor did they witness anyone unknown entering the premises.”

“You are saying that she disappeared into thin air just like that?”

“Here- read this- this is what we found by her bed.”

He shoved his hand in his pocket kurta and handed me a slip of paper that said-

“I am taking her with me and it’s useless for you guys to even try to find her...So good advice ~ Don’t try to find her.

~R”

“So what now, Dad” I asked folding and putting the paper into my pocket.

He sighed and patted my shoulder before speaking-“I know the situation is not likeable but we need to get over this thing.”

“What is that supposed to mean, Dad?”

“You will marry her younger Sist-” I cut him off before he can continue the bullshit. Is he out of his mind? “What are you saying, Dad? How the hell i can marry her?”

Suresh Uncle, Dad’s Friend made his way to us and spoke in and quavering voice, “I agree with him, Son. At this moment, this is right, we should proceed with your wedding with I- Aratrika.”

His voice choked a little by the end of words. I can’t believe they are doing this. Treating this whole thing like a child’s play.

“What if she don’t agree?” I asked contemplating the situation. Of course, why would she agree to marry the man who was supposed to marry her sister and not to forget that her sister is missing?