"Send me the contract"
"I'll marry you", Dhruv said.
The next moment, he briskly walked away as continuing further would only hurt his pride.
This was a strange feeling for Riya.
Her heart raced with joy, she couldn't be more delighted for anything. Her major problem got its solution and additionally, it wasn't even for real. She could just concentrate on her business as always and end it in six months. She'd be completely free after that. Free to rule!
She grinned maniacally and went to the board room again. "Collect my belongings and ask the driver to get the car", she ordered Kamu and was out in a wink. In her hind sight she noticed Dhruv holding his head low typing on his laptop. She started drafting the contract as soon as she got inside her car. That was one of her favorite activities. Drafting contracts, negotiating with the other party, but getting her way at the end of the day.
Anyways she had the worst quote for this acquisition project as the company wasn't doing very good in the last few years and the promotor was involved in multiple suits. She wouldn't have won that. She only came in to provoke Dhruv and it went very well. Good job, she commended herself. But it was bizarre as to why Dhruv would want that deal so bad in spite of it being trashy.
'Maybe the business has a hidden future prospect I don't know about?' she mused.
Anyways it shouldn't matter now. All that mattered was her marriage and showing it off to her father to secure her CEO position in the company. She could never let Sharan or some other moron snatch it from her. Never!
Finally, he got the deal done. With Riya out of the picture, it was a simple cake walk. Before he could leave, an old man in a business suit came rushing to stop Dhruv on his way. He was surprised to see the Promotor Director himself in front of him with a big smile on his face. It wasn't like they had never met. After all, this was Tanya's father and they had met during different occasions in the villa. But it was his first time seeing the old man in his own company.
He took Dhruv's hand in his. "Thank you very much, Dhruv! I'm so grateful to you. I really can't begin to express my gratitude in words". He smiled gleefully. His small eyes became almost invisible with the big smile. His soft grey hair displayed age and wisdom whereas his posture and kindness showcased his experience in the industry.
"It's my pleasure, uncle." Dhruv softly patted his hand and flashed a smile at him. "Tell me what you want, I'll do everything in my capability", he said seriously.
'I want to be the one marrying your daughter', was what he wanted to say but instead replied with a simple nod. "It's okay, uncle. You please take care. I heard your BP shot up again?" he smoothly changed the topic.
"Yes. I was worried of the business. I'll be fine. But thanks once again! I know you'll be busy. I wouldn't keep you late anymore" he dropped Dhruv's hand and left with a goodbye.
Maybe if this would've happened before their parents arranged for Tanya and Niranjan's wedding, he would've been the one marrying her. But now, it was too late and all he could do was live in regret and pain. He was about to step out of the office when he received an email from Riya.
From: riya.ravichandran@riyaschoice.in
To: dhruv0712@gmail.com
Sub: The Wedding Contract
Hey Loser,
Here you go. I've already covered most of the clauses. Signing & Register marriage scheduled after a month. See you then.
P.S I still hate you!
Riya
'Woah! She is fast' he rolled his eyes and opened the attachment. He raised his head for a moment 'She knows this contract is not legally binding, right?' he thought. "Whatever" he told himself and went back to reading it.
She was indeed meticulous when it came to contracts. Riya was defined as Party A and Dhruv as Party B. He went through all the clauses, some were meaningful as in -
"Party A and Party B to have separate bedrooms and act like they sleep together only when a third party as defined in Annexure-A decides to stay with the Parties"
And some weird ones which read -
"Party B to not touch, eat or smell Party A's food items including but not limited to ice creams, chocolates, pudding, yogurt and diet supplements"
He snorted at that. 'What does she take me for? I'm not interested in her stupid food anyways', he made a funny face before jumping to the next one -
"Party B will never touch Party A without seeking prior permission"
Woah! He knew she was narcissistic but wasn't aware she'd take it this far. "Crazy bitch... For a minute there, I thought she was fine", he grumbled to himself.
"Did you say something, Sir?", his driver asked confused.
"No... Please carry on"
He was almost done reading the contract by the time he reached office. Marrying the devil was one of the things he never imagined would happen, even in dreams. But, as he already promised himself, 'Anything for his love', so time to go through this hell for Tanya.