**Kabir's POV**
I was getting ready for work when I heard a knock at my door. "Come in," I called out. My mother walked in, her expression a mix of determination and worry.
**Mom**: "Son, can I talk to you for a moment?"
I turned to her, surprised by the unusual seriousness in her tone. "What happened, Mom? Is everything okay?"
**Mom**: "Listen, Kabir, I know the past has left scars on your heart. I know you don't want to marry anyone after what happened, and I understand your hesitation. But I want you to give life one more chance. There's a girl—your dad's friend's daughter. I'd like you to meet her. Just for me, please give her a chance."
Her words caught me off guard. I stared at her for a moment before nodding. "Okay, Mom. Just for you, I'll meet her. You know I can't say no to you."
Her face lit up with relief. "Thank you, son. I'll send you her details. We'll visit their house this afternoon. Make sure to finish your work by 3 PM."
I nodded again, kissed her forehead, and left the room, heading for the office.
---
**Later that Day**
As I wrapped up my morning work, my phone buzzed with a notification. It was from Mom—a PDF file with details about the girl. Curious, I opened it.
Her picture caught my attention. Her innocent face stirred something in me, and I found myself smiling unknowingly. Shaking off the sudden wave of emotion, I reminded myself to stay cautious.
What if she's like the others? The thought gnawed at me, and I decided to get answers. I called my private investigator to gather more information about her. Once the call ended, I returned to work, but my thoughts kept drifting back to her.
By 2:30 PM, another call from Mom reminded me it was time. "I'm coming," I assured her, grabbing my keys.
Our family arrived at the Sharma residence soon after. Just as we entered, my phone rang—it was the investigator. Excusing myself, I took the call outside.
His words confirmed my fears. According to his findings, she wasn't as innocent as her photo suggested. My resolve hardened. I would convince her to refuse this marriage herself.
---
**Meeting Her**
I walked into the living room, where she sat next to my parents. She had a cold, detached expression, as if this situation was just another formality for her. My mom's voice broke through my thoughts.
**Mom**: "I think they should talk privately."
We moved to the backyard. Neither of us spoke at first. I decided to break the silence.
"Why do you want to marry me?" I asked bluntly.
She looked at me, unflinching. "Why do you want to marry me?" she countered, her voice equally cold.
"I don't," I admitted. "This isn't something I want. So, if you feel the same, just tell them no."
Her gaze hardened. "I can't do that."
Her response surprised me. "Why not?"
After a moment of silence, she spoke again. "Let's make a deal. We'll get married, but live separate lives. You stay out of my business, and I'll stay out of yours. We won't interfere in each other's lives."
Her words caught me off guard, but they made sense. It was a practical solution. "Fine," I said. "But we'll have a court marriage. I don't have time for elaborate nonsense."
She nodded. "It's getting late. Let's head back inside."
---
**The Agreement**
Inside, we informed everyone of our decision. I made it clear that we wanted a court marriage. To my surprise, no one objected. Mom looked relieved, perhaps sensing that pushing me further would backfire.
After dinner, we returned home. Exhausted, I headed to my room to freshen up. As I lay in bed, her face flashed in my mind again.
There was something familiar about her, something I couldn't place. Despite everything I had learned, I couldn't bring myself to refuse her outright.
Why? I didn't know. But one thing was certain—this wasn't going to be an ordinary marriage.
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