The Unwritten Vows

Author’s POV

A cool breeze snaked through the open-plan office of Rathore Industries, raising goosebumps on exposed arms despite the morning sun. Despite the slight chill, the atmosphere buzzed with activity. Whispers and friendly chatter filled the air as coworkers greeted each other, exchanging news and making plans for the weekend. Laughter drifted from a corner where a group discussed an upcoming company picnic.

This cheerful scene abruptly vanished as a hush fell over the room. It was as if someone had flipped a silent switch. All eyes turned towards the entrance as a man in a crisp black suit strode purposefully into the office. Heads snapped to attention, conversations ceased mid-sentence. Staff rose from their desks in a flurry of hurried greetings.

The man in black acknowledged their salutations with a curt nod, his expression unreadable. He moved with a focused determination, his path leading him straight towards a large, mahogany door at the far end of the office. This was no ordinary employee; this was Shreyas Rathore, the enigmatic CEO of Rathore Industries.

Shreyas Rathore was a name synonymous with success. Young, ruthless, and driven, he had ascended the corporate ladder at meteoric speed. He was a legend in the business world, admired for his sharp mind and unparalleled work ethic. Yet, whispers followed him like shadows. He was infamous for his icy demeanor and his singular devotion to work. Some even called him “The Ice Man,” a nickname that perfectly captured his cold exterior.

Standing tall and broad-shouldered, Shreyas exuded an aura of power. His chiseled features, framed by dark hair, could have belonged to a Greek god. However, the coldness in his eyes, a steely blue that seemed to pierce through everything, sent shivers down spines. There was a sharpness to his jawline, a hint of a past that had left its mark. He carried himself with a quiet intensity, an air of unapproachable danger. Despite his undeniable good looks, many found him intimidating, even repulsive. To them, Shreyas Rathore was a devil in a designer suit, a man driven by ambition and devoid of warmth.

His ever-present secretary, a woman named Anjali known for her efficiency and discretion, followed closely behind him. She carried a steaming cup of black coffee - Shreyas’ fuel of choice - and a leather-bound folder containing his meticulously planned schedule for the day. As they entered his opulent cabin, the heavy door swung shut with a soft thud, leaving the office once again buzzing with nervous energy.

Shreyas POV:-

The second I stepped into the office, the usual chatter died down. Everyone stood up to greet me, but I just gave a quick nod and retreated to my cabin, my secretary Miss Anjali trailing behind. I’d already fired three people from that position for slacking off, but Anjali? She was sharp. Kept things running smoothly, which is why she was still here.

She placed a steaming cup of coffee on my desk and launched into my schedule for the day. ”Just one meeting at 3 PM, sir,”she began, ”but after that, your entire week’s been rearranged as per Mrs. Rathore’s instructions.”

Her words raised my eyebrows. ”Okay,” I mumbled, pulling out my phone to call Mom. It only took a few rings before she picked up.

"Hey Mom, Anjali just told me you reshuffled my work for the week. Why’s that?”

“Why? Because your wedding is in three days, silly!” she chimed back.

"But Mom...”I started to protest.

"But what, but what!”She cut me off. ”Teri shaddi teen din me hai aur muje tu kal ghar me chahiye kaam toh hota rahega beta shaddi roz nhi hoti .”

( Your wedding is in three days, and I need you home tomorrow! Work can wait, beta. Weddings don’t happen every day )

"Fine, fine, I’ll be there,”I conceded with a sigh. “Happy now?”

"Happy as a clam, beta! I know you’re not thrilled about this marriage, but honey, you’re at the perfect age to settle down. Besides, how long are you going to mope over her?”

"Alright, alright, Mom. I get it. You always look out for me, that’s why I agreed to it.”

"That’s my boy! Now wrap up your work and get home quickly. Love you!”

"Bye, love you too, Mom.”

Hanging up, I dove back into my work. My wedding was in three days, and here I was, stuck at the office. That’s exactly why Mom intervened. She knew my past, knew why I wasn’t exactly jumping for joy about getting married.

Apparently, the lucky girl was the daughter of Mr Vijay Kapoor , business partner of dad . They were turning their partnership into a family bond through this marriage. Maya, my soon-to-be wife.

When he proposed to his daughter’s hand for marriage as my parents were already hyped for my wedding, dad agreed to this marriage and I, being a doting son, followed his orders.

Apparently mom was the reason I agreed to this . She knows well that I myself will never again trust anyone, especially women apart from her because ofsomeone.

Marriage is not my cup of tea and Maya is not even giving me a good vibe.

I buried myself in paperwork and meeting prep, Anjali reminding me again about my mom’s orders just before I left. I even managed to snag an early exit after making sure everything would run smoothly in my absence.

After arriving at my parents house , I first took the blessings from my mom and dad , and my siblings practically jumped on me and hugged so tightly as I’m meeting them after a long period of time.

My brother , Avyash Rathore is 23 years old and is the COO of the company and he also helps in handling the things in my absence.

My cousin’s sister, Tanya Rathore is 20 years old and a college student who is in her last year . She is the daughter of my chachi and chachu ( uncle and aunty) but unfortunately they died in an accident when she was just 5 years old. That’s why mom and dad adopted her as their daughter.

I love both of them equally but they can be a handful sometimes .

Both are very notorious and love to prank each other .

" We missed you bhai" both said in unison and giggled to themselves.

"I missed you two" I said, breaking the hug and sat on the sofa in the living room .

"How are you Shreyas?”mom asked .

"I am a fine mom ." I said .

"See didn’t I tell you that he is all good you don’t have to worry ”dad said fake glaring at me ,cause his wife is not paying much attention to him .

He will never change .

He is always jealous of every man and boy who comes near mom .

Mom and dad had a love marriage and their love didn’t fade away till now.

The way he looks at mom like he is seeing his whole world and same goes to mom also .

I didn’t know much time passed as I was lost in their thoughts.

"Where are you lost , bhai? ”Tanya’s voice made me come back to reality, making me regain my posture.

"Nowhere, ″ I said nonchalantly.

"Of Course , Bhai must be thinking about Maya bhabhi, ”Avyansh said, making me and Tanya roll our eyes at them .

Who gonna tell them that it’s not about her.

Tanya also doesn’t like her . According to her Maya is a rude and selfish person.

And I agree with this .

"Did everyone do their packing? We have to leave soon.” Mom said, making us nod .

Yes we are going to the resort which I have booked for the marriage.

"Mom you all leave, I will be there in an hour. I have some work.“I said , standing up from my place .

"Why so? ”Mom asked, catching my wrist stopping me from going.

"Mom, actually this is important and I promise after that I will not work till the wedding.” Iexclaimed, assuring her.

"Ok, so everyone put your bags in the car .”She said and moved away to help my siblings.

All of them came down with their bags and helpers helped them to settle.

I hugged Avyansh and Tanya and took blessings from mom and dad.

"Come fast bete . And yes, I had made something for you so eat it before coming.”She kissed my forehead and settled inside the car beside my dad , who was sulking.

I chuckled at his behavior. The car started and all of them waved at me before moving forward.

"Bye Bhai , take care and come fast .”Tanu said, waving.

"First you take care of yourself, idiot.”Avyansh said, smacking her head from behind, making her whine.

They will never change.

I stared at the disappearing figures of cars before making my way inside my study and asked someone to bring something to eat.

I hope everything goes according to plan and I will be free for 1 year after this.