THE COLDEST WEDDING NIGHT ( A contract marriage)

The wedding photoshoot for the media had just ended. The smiles, the lights, the camera flashes—it all looked perfect on the surface.

But not for Tara.

Vikram’s cold voice sliced through the silence.

"Look, Tara. You don’t have class, but I do. So smile. It’s in the contract. We need to look like a perfect couple in front of everyone."

Tears welled up in Tara’s eyes, but she forced a smile.

"Good girl. Always listen to me like this." Vikram’s words were laced with mockery.

Not far away, Tara’s younger sister Suhani whispered to their mother, "Mummy, didi doesn’t look happy, right?"

Her mother sighed. "I don’t know why he suddenly decided to marry her within three days."

"And Vikram sir is so much older than didi. I just don’t understand why didi agreed… especially when papa is still in the hospital." Suhani’s voice trembled with confusion.

Vikram’s grandparents approached them.

Suhani, unaware of the storm brewing, was asked by Vikram’s grandfather, "Are you happy with your sister’s marriage?"

"Yes, Dadaji," Suhani answered softly.

Vikram’s grandmother smiled, "After all, you two are like family now. Tara and Suhani have been visiting this house for the last two years. Now Tara will stay here forever. We’re all so happy."

Tara’s mother gave a weak smile, and Suhani mirrored her.

As the guests left, the mansion fell silent.

Tara stood alone in front of the mirror in Vikram’s room, staring at her reflection.

This isn’t the wedding I dreamed of… this isn’t the first night I ever imagined… but papa… I had to…

The door creaked open. She turned quickly—Vikram walked in and silently sat on the bed.

Tara finally gathered the courage to ask, "Why did you marry me? You never told me."

Vikram snapped, "Why should I tell you? Do I own you? No. So stay quiet." His sharp voice echoed in the room.

Tara, her voice shaky, her eyes filling with tears, whispered, "I just want to know the truth."

Vikram stormed toward her, gripping her cheeks tightly. "What do you think? That I married you because I love you? Never. I hate you."

Something flickered in his eyes, a memory, a deep-rooted anger.

"I can’t even stand you in this room. I’m only keeping you here because of Dadaji and Dadiji."

He grabbed her wrist and dragged her toward the balcony.

"This is where you belong," he spat.

Tara, crying, pleaded, "If I’m so disgusting to you, why did you marry me?"

"To watch you suffer. To give you pain."

Tara, wiping her tears, said, "Careful, Mr. Suryavanshi… if you give me pain, don’t be surprised if the pain finds its way back to you."

Vikram slammed the balcony door shut.

He tried to sleep but found no rest. After tossing and turning, he got up, grabbed a blanket, and threw it over Tara’s face through the open balcony door.

Without missing a beat, Tara caught the blanket and threw it right back at him.

"You wanted to see me in pain? Look at me. Watch me freeze to death in this December cold. Maybe that will finally make you happy!"

Vikram angrily shut the door again but soon opened it.

Tara was shivering violently now.

Without a word, Vikram stormed to her, lifted her in his arms.

Tara struggled. "Let me go! You can’t treat me like this!"

He dropped her roughly onto the couch.

"I can do whatever I want. And don’t you dare think I feel any pity for you." He threw the blanket over her and turned off the lights.

Tara cried herself to sleep.

—

The Next Morning

In her sleep, Tara smiled. It was just a bad dream. My wedding didn’t actually happen. I’m still waiting for my K-drama CEO who will truly love me.

Suddenly, cold water splashed on her face.

Tara gasped. "Who did that?!"

She opened her eyes and saw Vikram standing there.

Oh no… this isn’t a dream. That was the dream. This… this is my nightmare.

"Why are you making that face, Tara?" Vikram mocked.

Tara stood up, shoved him hard with both hands. "Why should I tell you? You never told me why you married me!"

Vikram’s eyes darkened. "Stay in your limits, girl. Or else—" he moved closer step by step, "—or else I’ll teach you what limits mean."

Tara quickly ran into the bathroom, slamming the door shut.

"Tara! I’m not done talking to you!"

Tara turned on all the taps to drown out his voice.

After some time, she carefully opened the door and peeked outside. Vikram was no longer in the room.

"Thank God! That monster is gone. I can finally change out of this heavy bridal lehenga."

Just as she finished changing, there was a knock on the door.

"Ma’am, Dadaji and Dadiji are waiting for you at breakfast."

"Okay, I’ll come," Tara replied.

As she descended the stairs, Vikram’s eyes followed her silently.

His grandmother smiled. "Tara looks beautiful in pink, doesn’t she, Vikram?"

Vikram, caught off guard, stuttered, "Uh… what did you say, Dadi?"

"She looks beautiful, right?"

"I’m heading to the office," Vikram quickly said, shooting a sharp glare at Tara, who returned the look with equal fire.

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Author’s Note....

He aimed for hearts. She aimed for his head. 🎯💢 read my new story CUPID LAST ASSIGNMENT 💘 #Enemiestolover #fantasy

✨ “They can’t decide whether to kiss or kill—so they settle for both."✨️

Read my new story "A MATCH MADE IN MISMATCH" on Inkitt. #Arrangemarriage #Enemiestolovers #slowburnromance

Khushi😊