𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 ✓

• 21 •

<<<<In the present time.>>>>

ARYA POV:

Aryan and I find ourselves in a unique situation, bound by a contract of fake marriage. It's been a whirlwind of emotions and challenges since that day when we decided to embark on this unconventional journey.

As we stand before everyone, the priest's words echo in my mind, "Now, you are husband and wife." It's all for show, a façade we must maintain to fulfill the terms of our contract. Our families, friends, and the entire world believe in this union. They see a loving couple, but behind closed doors, it's a different story.

My mind raced with a mixture of emotions and thoughts. I had always dreamt one day of getting married, like in the fictional worlds I loved to read about. However, the reality I found myself in was far from those fantasies. I had married a man who seemed to embody the handsome and successful characters I'd encountered in books, yet I couldn't shake the feeling that something weird or wrong going to happen soon.

Amid my thoughts, someone offered their congratulations, pulling me back into the present. "Congratulations, Mr. Roy and Mrs. Roy, on your new journey," they said. My mind scoffed at the idea of congratulations. My life had taken a complete U-turn, and I had no idea what lay ahead. We were only here to pretend, to continue with our charade.

But then, conflicting thoughts began to churn within me. My evil side whispered that he was undeniably attractive, unlike anyone I could have ever imagined being associated with in my real life. It suggested that maybe I should just enjoy the ride, and be his lover instead of helping him find one. Yet, my good side reminded me of the stark reality—I could never be on his level.

Suddenly, I felt a jolt as he called my name, snapping me out of my daydreams. "Arya, Arya," he said, his voice breaking through my thoughts. I blinked and replied, "Huh?"

He seemed impatient. "Are you even present here?" he asked.

I apologized, "Sorry, I was..." but before I could explain, he cut me off.

"Everything is over. Let's go sit in the car; we're getting late. Dadi is waiting for you." His words brought me back to my new reality, one where I had to navigate this unusual marriage and the expectations that came with it.

***

We arrived at his home, and his dadi instructed me, "Beta, drop this rice kalash with your right foot." I followed her guidance, feeling a bit awkward in the midst of these unfamiliar traditions.

Aryan whispered to me, "Touch Dadi's feet." We both bent down to touch his grandmother's feet, seeking her blessings. She blessed us with warm words, saying, "Kush raho mera bache" 

"Be happy, my child. Soon, give me a healthy offspring."

Dadi then performed some rituals in front of the gathered guests, and after that, she instructed me to rest and wait for Aryan. My mind, however, had other plans. I thought, 'Huh, wait for him, Dadi. I'm going to dive into a deep sleep, the only place where I feel at peace.' With that in mind, I made my way to his room 'Uh sorry sorry' 'our' room.

I entered his room and couldn't help but think, "Wow, his room is more spacious than the others." I had been in this room once before, but I didn't pay much attention at that time. My mind wandered back to the day I fainted. However, as soon as I touched the bed, sleep engulfed me. You can guess it now; I have the special talent of being able to doze off or sleep anywhere.