The next morning, Mumbai awoke with its usual vibrancy. The sun spilled golden light over the city, casting long shadows of the towering buildings that defined its skyline. Lila sat at her small kitchen table, nursing a cup of strong masala chai, her mind racing with the implications of her impulsive decision. The aroma of spices filled her apartment, mingling with the faint sound of honking horns and the distant chatter of street vendors setting up for the day.
Mia bustled around the kitchen, flipping through her phone. "So, have you thought more about this whole contract marriage thing?" she asked, glancing over at Lila. "Because if you're serious, we need to move quickly."
"I know, I know." Lila rubbed her temples, trying to ease the tension that had settled in overnight. "It just feels so… surreal. Am I really going to marry a stranger?"
Mia chuckled, her enthusiasm infectious. "You're not marrying him for love; you're entering a partnership! Besides, it's a smart move. Look at all the benefits: less pressure from your parents, someone to share the apartment expenses, and a built-in partner for social events. It's practically a win-win!"
Lila sighed, setting her cup down with a clink. "I guess. But what if it goes wrong? What if we end up hating each other?"
"Then you just walk away after the contract is up! Think of it like a trial run for marriage. And you know Ethan; he's charming and easy-going. Plus, he could use a little structure in his life, too."
Lila had known Ethan Sharma for a few years. He was the kind of guy who lit up a room with his smile, a successful entrepreneur who ran a tech start-up that had taken off in recent months. While she admired his ambition, she had always found him a little too carefree for her taste. But she couldn't deny the spark of chemistry between them, which made her stomach flutter with uncertainty.
"Let's just text him," Mia suggested, tapping on her phone. "We can set up a meeting. You can lay down the ground rules, and we'll see how he responds."
Lila hesitated but knew Mia was right. This wasn't something she could put off. "Okay, fine. Let's do it."
Mia grinned and began typing furiously. After a few moments, she looked up with a triumphant expression. "Message sent! Now we wait."
The day dragged on as Lila attempted to focus on work, but her mind kept wandering back to the contract marriage. She couldn't shake the feeling that it was a reckless decision. What was she thinking? But the prospect of freedom from her parents' expectations was intoxicating.
Around lunchtime, her phone buzzed with a notification. It was Ethan's response: **"Sounds intriguing! Let's meet at Café Leopold at 5 PM."**
"Wow, he's quick!" Mia exclaimed, peering over Lila's shoulder. "This is happening!"
By the time evening arrived, Lila's stomach was a whirlwind of nerves. She dressed carefully, choosing a stylish yet comfortable outfit—a fitted black dress paired with her favorite leather jacket. She wanted to look confident, but not too formal. After all, this was a business meeting, not a date.
As she walked through the bustling streets of Colaba toward Café Leopold, she couldn't help but notice the vibrant atmosphere around her. Couples strolled hand-in-hand, groups of friends laughed together over plates of delicious food, and the sounds of street musicians filled the air. It was a quintessential Mumbai evening, and yet, she felt out of place.
Arriving at the café, Lila spotted Ethan seated at a corner table, scrolling through his phone. He looked effortlessly handsome, with his tousled hair and casual attire. He wore a navy-blue shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders and a pair of jeans that looked both stylish and comfortable.
"Hey!" he greeted, looking up with a wide smile that made her heart skip a beat. "Thanks for meeting me."
"Of course," Lila replied, taking a seat opposite him. "Thanks for agreeing to this. I know it's a bit unconventional."
Ethan leaned back, his expression relaxed. "Unconventional is my middle name. I think it's a fascinating idea, to be honest. It's like we're business partners, but with the added benefit of being married."
"Exactly," Lila said, feeling a little more at ease. "I thought we could outline what we want from this arrangement. You know, set some boundaries."
"I'm all in," he said, leaning forward, his eyes sparkling with interest. "What do you have in mind?"
Lila took a deep breath, trying to organize her thoughts. "First, I think we should establish that this is a temporary arrangement—something like six months. We can extend it if we both agree, but let's keep it simple for now."
"Agreed," Ethan nodded. "Six months sounds fair. What else?"
"Next, we should discuss living arrangements. I have a two-bedroom apartment in Bandra. You can stay there, and we'll split the rent and utilities."
He raised an eyebrow, a playful grin on his face. "You're offering me a room in your place? Bold move, Monroe."
Lila smirked. "I'm just being practical. Plus, it'll make it easier for us to navigate this whole thing."
"Fair enough," he said, leaning back again. "So, what about social appearances? We'll need to attend family gatherings, parties, and all that jazz. How do you want to handle it?"
"I think we should present a united front," Lila replied. "We can be friendly but not overly affectionate. Just enough to convince our families that this is a legitimate marriage."
"Got it. And what about dating? Are we allowed to see other people?" Ethan's tone was light, but Lila could sense the seriousness behind the question.
"Honestly?" she replied, meeting his gaze. "I think it's best if we don't date anyone else. It'll complicate things. We can still be friends, but I want to keep the focus on this arrangement."
"Fair point," he agreed, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I'm in. Anything else?"
"Just one more thing." Lila hesitated, her heart racing. "We need to be honest with each other. If there's ever an issue or if one of us wants to end this early, we should communicate openly."
Ethan nodded, his demeanor shifting to one of sincerity. "I can promise you that. I value honesty, and I'm not looking to make this complicated. I just want to enjoy the ride."
"Great," Lila said, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "So, are we actually doing this?"
"Why not?" Ethan grinned, extending his hand across the table. "To new beginnings."
Lila took his hand, a mixture of excitement and apprehension coursing through her. They shook on it, sealing their unconventional agreement. As she withdrew her hand, she felt an unexpected spark between them, igniting her curiosity about what this contract marriage would truly entail.
Over the next hour, they chatted about everything from their careers to their favorite spots in the city. Lila found herself laughing more than she expected, enjoying Ethan's easygoing nature and charm. He shared stories of his start-up, and she revealed her aspirations and dreams.
But as they left the café, a nagging thought lingered in the back of Lila's mind. Was this really just a business arrangement? Or was there something deeper waiting to unfold?
Walking side by side through the lively streets of Mumbai, Lila felt a strange sense of comfort in Ethan's presence. It was as if their fates were intertwined, the promise of this new chapter beckoning her forward into the unknown.