Arranged Marriage

2. a not so meet cute

Meera

I still had not seen Rudra Mehrotra's picture. The message my mom had sent me was kept unseen.

Maybe because I thought that not seeing him would make this all less real. But no such luck.

I'd never show it, but I was scared. What if my family would start pressuring me?

My age is completely fine.
I am well settled in my career.
I earn good enough money for myself, and have lots of savings.

The only thing I'm scared for is my heart. Because I know it won't survive other another heartbreak. That's the reason I've stopped looking for relationships. I am happy as I am, and I don't need anyone else to complete me.

I was currently working on a project in my office. This was the same project, for which I had worked my ass off and had finally convinced the clients to give us a chance.

Even though this is my dad's company, me and Kunaal were never spoonfed. We had to work to achieve what we have today. Both of us went to business schools, studied for our bachelor's and master's degree, did our respective diplomas in our fields of interest.

Kunaal worked for an interior firm as an employee for 1 year and then another firm for the next year. I got an internship as a coordinator in an MNC and then did my job for a year as well.

After that, when Dad finally thought that we were capable, he allowed us to start working for his company.

Kunaal works as the CEO, I am the Corporate Team Leader whereas Dad is the Managing Director.

I hear a knock on my door, "Come in."

Vedika gets inside and closes the door behind her, "Is what I heard actually true?"

Vedika Mehra was a stunning woman with dark brown hair and feline hazel eyes. She was wearing a navy blue skirt with a light blue blouse tucked in. Her style was immaculate and I was ever so glad that she was my best friend. Along with Naina, Vedika knows almost everything about me and I have not known a more comforting person.

"Depends on what you heard," I say, smiling as she moves to sit on the chair in front of me.

"You better stop evading the question," she threatens.

"Fine. Yes, I am meeting my prospective groom and you are going to be beside me."

Her eyes widens and she puts her hand on her chest, "Oh, your brother just told me about tonight's dinner and my eyes literally popped out."

I laugh, despite myself.

She always has been able to make situation better than they are.

"Yeah, my reaction was slightly similar as well. But," I put my hands on the table in front of me, "I think I'm going to reject the proposal when mumma and papa ask me."

She smiles and lays her hand on top of mine, "I am with you on whatever you decide to you. But, I really think you should meet Rudra Mehrotra first, and then decide later. Maybe he's different."

I sigh shakily. Vedika also knows about my past and hence my reluctance to this marriage.

"What if he's not different? What if he's just the same? What will I do then?"

"You can't know how a person is in just one meeting, you'll have to give them time."

I inhale, "You're right, Vedika."

She stands up and moves to leave, "Well, I am off. If your brother gets back from the meeting before me, I'll have to deal with his gloating. And frankly, I'd rather die."