BOUND BY FATE : A Marriage of Dreams And Deception

Chapter 2: A new perspective

As Sathi and Khushi walked out of the café, they chatted about what they had just seen.

"That proposal was so sweet," Khushi said, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Yeah, it was," Sathi agreed, a small smile on her face. "Maybe love isn't so scary after all."

Khushi nudged her playfully. "See? I told you. Love is out there, waiting for you."

As they walked home, Sathi couldn't stop thinking about what Khushi had said. Maybe it was time to rethink her views on marriage.

Later that evening, Sathi found her mom waiting for her at home.

"You seem different, beta," her mom said, noticing the change in Sathi's expression.

Sathi took a deep breath, trying to put her feelings into words. "I think I've been looking at things the wrong way. Maybe I should be more open to the idea of getting married."

Her mom smiled, pulling her into a hug. "I'm proud of you, beta. Whatever you decide, we'll support you."

Feeling a sense of peace wash over her, Sathi climbed into bed, excited to see what the future held. As she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the new perspective that had opened up before her.

- Next Morning -

The next day bright and clear, and Sathi woke up with a newfound sense of purpose.

She was determined to embrace the possibility of love and marriage, ready to see where this new path might lead her.

Arriving at work, Sathi threw herself into her tasks, the events of the previous day still fresh in her mind.

As she worked, her phone buzzed with a message from Khushi: "Emergency coffee date at Zen Café. ASAP."

Excitement bubbled within Sathi as she quickly wrapped up her work and headed to the café.

Upon arriving, she found Khushi waiting for her, a knowing grin on her face.

"Hey, Sathi!" Khushi greeted her enthusiastically. "Ready for some girl talk?"

Sathi chuckled, taking a seat across from Khushi. "Always."

As they sipped their coffee, Khushi leaned in, her eyes dancing with mischief.

"Okay, spill. What's the deal with you and marriage? I can tell something's changed."

Sathi hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to frame her newfound perspective. But then she took a deep breath and began to speak.

"You know, Khushi, I've been thinking a lot lately," she started. "Maybe I've been too quick to dismiss the idea of marriage. Maybe there's room in my life for both love and career."

Khushi's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly recovered, a smile spreading across her face.

"Wow, Sathi. I'm proud of you for being open to new possibilities."

As they continued to chat, Sathi felt a weight lift off her shoulders. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she was moving in the right direction – towards a future filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.With a renewed sense of purpose, Sathi left the café.

As Sathi walked into her house, she spotted some unfamiliar faces chatting with her parents in the living room. She greeted them politely, but she was puzzled because she didn't recognize them.

"Hey, Sathi," her dad said, catching her attention. "These people are here to meet you."

Sathi was taken aback. Meet her? But why? She smiled nervously at them, feeling confused and uneasy.

After excusing herself, Sathi went to her room where she found her sister, Anaya.

"What's going on?" Sathi asked, feeling anxious.

Anaya looked serious as she explained, "They're here to see you for marriage."

Sathi's heart skipped a beat. Marriage? She hadn't even thought about that yet. The idea of an arranged marriage made her feel scared and overwhelmed.

"No way," Sathi thought to herself, feeling completely shocked.

Anaya tried to reassure her, but Sathi couldn't shake off the feeling of fear and uncertainty.

Reluctantly, Sathi did as Anaya said and got ready to meet their guests. As she made tea for them, she couldn't help but feel angry and upset. Why were her parents deciding her future like this?

With a heavy heart, Sathi prepared the tea, hoping against hope that the Ahuja family wouldn't choose her. But deep down, she knew that her fate was no longer just in her hands.

As she entered the room, the conversation came to a halt, and all eyes turned to her. Sathi forced a polite smile as she offered the tea to their guests, her mind racing with a million thoughts.

After what felt like an eternity, the guests finally took their leave, leaving Sathi feeling drained and emotionally exhausted. She retreated to her room, seeking peace in the familiarity of her own space.

Anaya followed her, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.

Sathi shook her head, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I don't know, Anaya. I just feel so lost right now."

Anaya wrapped her in a comforting hug, offering silent support. "I know it's overwhelming, but we'll figure this out together, okay?"

The next day, Sathi headed to the Batra wedding venue, determined to work as hard as she could. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the preparations, her phone rang, displaying an unknown number.

Curious, she answered, "Hello?"

"Is that Miss Sathi Arora?" came the voice from the other end.

"Yes, how can I help you?" Sathi replied.

"I'm Ravee Ahuja, the second heir of Ahuja Industry. Our parents met yesterday, remember?" he said.

Sathi's heart skipped a beat. Was this the guy her parents wanted her to marry? "Yes, I remember. How did you get my number?" she asked.

"Oh, we have our ways," he replied casually.

Sathi braced herself, sensing an awkward conversation coming. "What did you want to talk about?" she asked tentatively.

He surprised her with a strange question, "Do you prefer tea or coffee?"

Confused, Sathi stuttered, "Um... tea, I guess?"

Then he asked something completely inappropriate, "Underwear or no underwear?"

Sathi was taken aback. "Excuse me?" she exclaimed.

"Just asking," he replied nonchalantly.

Feeling uncomfortable, Sathi quickly made an excuse. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ahuja, but I'm busy right now. It's my duty hours," she said, before abruptly ending the call.

As she hung up, Sathi couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. What kind of man was Ravee Ahuja? His questions were ridiculous and inappropriate, leaving her wondering what she had gotten herself into.