When Veer received the message that Pari wanted to see him, he felt a mix of surprise and curiosity bubble within him. What could she possibly want to discuss? It wasn't often that young women sought him out for a conversation.
In the lush garden—its vibrant flowers swaying gently in the warm breeze—Pari awaited his arrival alongside her maid. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, and Pari felt a wave of calm wash over her as she breathed in the sweet aroma of blooming jasmine. This garden feels like a refuge, she mused. A little piece of paradise away from everything else.
As Veer approached, his heart began to race for reasons he couldn't quite understand. "Miss Pari, what do you want to talk about?" he inquired, maintaining a tone that was both courteous and curious.
Pari took a deep breath, ready to be straightforward. "I don't want to live here after marriage," she declared, her voice clear and resolute.
Veer felt the air shift around them. Did I just hear that right? His brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?" he asked, unable to hide the incredulity in his voice. Is she serious?
"I want to build our own house. In the future, we will live there," Pari said.
His surprise deepened. Build a new house? It was an unexpected. But when she said "our," an unfamiliar warmth flickered through him. What is this feeling?
Veer's interest sharpened. "Miss Pari, then what type of house do you want? I will order my people to build it," he offered, captivated by her determination.
Pari pondered for a moment before replying, "I haven't figured out the location yet."
"What type of place are you looking for?" he pressed, eager to immerse himself in her vision.
"Just like this place, with a beautiful garden and amazing scenery," she replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Veer contemplated her wish, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Then how about this place?"
Pari's eyes widened in astonishment. He's willing to break down his palace for our new home? The palace had the finest gardens and a stunning lake—truly a dream location.
Though Veer felt no particular affection for Pari, he was intrigued by her boldness. "Then I will not reject your kind offer," she said, a bright smile lighting up her face. "I promise you will love our new house. It will be even better than this one!"
Veer chuckled, his heart lightening at her enthusiasm. "It seems like you've put a lot of thought into this. Well, I am looking forward to it."
Taking a deep breath, Pari ventured further. "Also, for now, let's postpone our marriage."
Veer's expression froze, shifting from curiosity to confusion and then to concern. "You don't want to marry me?" he asked, his tone laced with disquiet. Is she really in love with that Reyan? What's so great about him?
"No, no! It's not that," Pari rushed to clarify, sensing his sudden coldness. "I just want to prepare for our marriage properly."
Veer raised an eyebrow, skepticism creeping in. "You don't have to prepare for it; I can arrange everything through my people," he pressed, trying to maintain control of the situation.
Pari shook her head, her resolve firm. "No, I want my marriage to be special. Different."
He relaxed slightly, intrigued yet still cautious. "But our marriage is only an agreement. You don't have to take it seriously." Despite himself, a faint smile tugged at his lips. Still, it's nice to see her care about it.
"I know that," she replied softly, her gaze unwavering. "But marriage is a significant life event. I want to do it in my own style, and by then, I hope our home will also be complete."
"Then I am looking forward to it," Veer said, genuinely interested. "I'll send my people to discuss the designs and postpone our marriage."
As Pari turned to leave, Veer couldn't help but reflect on their conversation. She is so straightforward, unwilling to pretend to be generous. A sly grin crept onto his face. Maybe this marriage isn't going to be so bad after all.