Seven Years Ago – A Promise Sealed

Aarav Malhotra stood in his grandmother’s garden, watching the frail but sharp-eyed woman sip her tea. Despite her age, Savitri Malhotra still carried the same regal presence that commanded respect.

"You will marry her, Aarav," she said, setting down her cup.

Aarav, barely twenty-two at the time, exhaled sharply. "Dadi, we’ve talked about this—"

She fixed him with a look, one that had silenced businessmen, politicians, and even his father. "No, you argued. I decided."

Aarav clenched his jaw. "She doesn’t even like me."

Savitri smiled knowingly. "That’s because she doesn’t know you yet. But she will. And she will be yours."

Aarav shook his head. "She refused the engagement."

"Then make her say yes."

He turned to face her fully. "Dadi, why is this so important to you?"

Her sharp brown eyes softened. "Because I promised Dheeraj Sharma that you and Anaya would be together. Because her family and ours are bonded not just by business, but by trust. Because you—" she paused, her voice lowering, "need someone who will never bow to you, but stand beside you."

Aarav looked away. He had spent his life controlling everything, ensuring no one could ever manipulate or betray him. But his grandmother? She was the only one who could command him, the only one who had ever made him feel small and invincible at the same time.

"You love her," Savitri said suddenly.

His head snapped back. "I don’t."

She chuckled. "Then why do you watch her like a man waiting for something to be his?"

Aarav said nothing.

Savitri sighed, standing up. "You’ll understand soon, beta. And when you do, it will already be too late to deny it."

Present Day – The Real Reason

Aarav sat in his penthouse office, fingers steepled as he watched the city lights below. His grandmother’s words from years ago echoed in his mind.

Anaya Sharma had rejected their engagement once.

She wouldn’t get that choice again.

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Aryan Rathod, his best friend and right-hand man, entered.

"She signed the marriage contract," Aryan said, tossing the file onto Aarav’s desk.

Aarav smirked, leaning back. "Of course, she did."

Aryan studied him for a moment. "You know, you could’ve just told her the truth."

Aarav raised a brow. "Which truth?"

Aryan crossed his arms. "That you’re doing this for your grandmother. That this isn’t just about revenge or control."

Aarav’s smirk faded slightly.

"You and I both know Anaya doesn’t respond well to being forced into anything," Aryan continued. "She’s not the type to be controlled. So why not—"

"Because she wouldn’t have listened," Aarav interrupted, his voice calm but firm. "She made her choice years ago. Now, I’m making mine."

Aryan sighed. "You really think forcing her into this marriage is the right move?"

Aarav’s eyes darkened. "It doesn’t matter if it’s right. It only matters that it’s done."

Anaya’s Fury

Anaya stormed into Aarav’s office, slamming the door behind her.

"You bastar—"

"Careful, Sharma," Aarav drawled, not looking up from his laptop. "You’re about to be a Malhotra soon. Watch your words."

Her fists clenched. "You planned this. You had this whole thing set up, didn’t you?"

He finally met her gaze, his brown eyes gleaming with amusement. "You think I leave things to chance?"

She wanted to slap that smug look off his face.

"You forced me into this marriage," she hissed. "I will never forgive you for this."

Aarav stood, walking around his desk until he was right in front of her. He leaned in slightly, his voice low.

"You refused me once, Sharma. You don’t get to refuse me again."

Her breath hitched. The heat between them was undeniable, even when laced with anger.

"You hate me," she whispered.

Aarav tilted his head. "Do I?"

She swallowed. "Then why? Why force me into this? You could have married anyone."

Aarav’s smirk was slow, dangerous. "Because, Anaya, I keep my promises."

She frowned. "What—"

"Our marriage was decided a long time ago," he continued. "And I don’t break deals. Not with my enemies, and definitely not with my family."

Understanding dawned in her eyes. "This… this is about your grandmother, isn’t it?"

Aarav’s jaw tightened slightly.

Anaya took a step back, shaking her head. "You did all of this for her."

His silence was her answer.

Anaya exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples. "You’re insane, Malhotra."

Aarav chuckled. "You’ll get used to it, wife."

She shot him a glare. "I’m not your wife yet."

He leaned in, his lips just inches from her ear.

"You will be," he murmured.

And Anaya hated that her pulse betrayed her.

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