Chapter 9: chapter 9

Vihaan sat at his desk, the glow of his laptop screen casting harsh shadows over his tired face. He had barely slept the night before, his mind still trapped in the chaos of his father’s words. He couldn’t get rid of the thought of Aarohi, the woman he was supposedly meant to marry. It was absurd, and the more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

His thoughts were interrupted by a loud knock on the door. Vihaan didn’t even bother to look up.

“Come in,” he muttered, not caring who it was.

The door creaked open, and a familiar voice called out. “So, the great Vihaan Malhotra is finally taking a break from his empire?”

Vihaan groaned. “Karan, not now. I’m not in the mood.”

Karan, Vihaan’s best friend since childhood, strolled into the room with his usual cocky grin plastered on his face. Karan was everything Vihaan wasn’t—laid-back, approachable, and always ready with a joke or a word of advice, whether Vihaan asked for it or not.

“Oh, come on. You’re always ‘not in the mood’ for something,” Karan teased, flopping onto the couch. “Besides, I’ve got some news that might change your mind.”

Vihaan raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. “News? I doubt it’s anything I care about.”

Karan grinned, clearly not deterred by Vihaan’s indifference. “Oh, but you will. You see, your dear old dad just called me.”

Vihaan’s eyes narrowed, his stomach tightening. “What does my father want now?”

“Apparently, you’re being a bit of a stubborn mule about this marriage thing,” Karan said, eyes twinkling with mischief. “And it seems like you need some... persuasion.”

“I don’t need persuasion,” Vihaan snapped, his temper flaring. “I’ve made it clear I’m not marrying anyone, especially not someone I’ve never met.”

Karan raised his hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay. I’m not here to force you into anything, but I think you’re missing the point. Your dad’s got his reasons. And... well, I think you might be overreacting.”

Vihaan glared at him. “Overreacting? Karan, this is my life. I don’t want to marry some stranger because of some old promise my father made. It’s not about reaction, it’s about control.”

Karan chuckled. “Ah, there it is. You and that control freak of a personality. But listen, I get it. I know you like being the one in charge. But sometimes, it’s not all about you.”

Vihaan shot him a look that could freeze anyone in their tracks, but Karan only laughed louder. “I’m serious, Vihaan. Think about it. Aarohi isn’t just some random girl. She’s someone your father trusts, and honestly, she could be the one who helps you... I don’t know, loosen up a little.”

Vihaan opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Karan pulled out his phone with a flourish.

“Oh, and speaking of Aarohi,” Karan said with a mischievous grin, “I happen to have a little something for you.”

Vihaan frowned, unsure of where this was going. “What now?”

Karan slid his phone across the desk. “Here, check this out.”

Vihaan glanced at the screen, his eyes immediately narrowing when he saw the image. It was a photo of a woman—Aarohi, he assumed. She had soft, dark hair, a kind smile, and eyes that seemed both warm and distant at the same time.

Vihaan looked away quickly, a pang of irritation rising in his chest. “What the hell, Karan? Where did you get this?”

Karan leaned back, clearly enjoying himself. “I found it on your desk. I didn’t know you were such a fan already.”

Vihaan stood up abruptly, pacing across the room, his frustration mounting. “It’s not like that. I’m not interested in her. I don’t need to look at a picture to know I’m not marrying her.”

Karan raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Really? Because it looks like you’ve been staring at it for a while.”

Vihaan shot him a sharp glance. “Stop teasing, Karan. I’m serious.”

Karan ignored him, still grinning. “Oh, come on, don’t tell me you don’t see it. She’s pretty. Smart, too, I bet. And your dad thinks she’s perfect for you. Plus, she’s got this whole ‘good girl’ thing going on, which I know you’re always into.”

Vihaan clenched his jaw. “Not this again. I don’t care about that.”

Karan leaned forward, his grin widening. “I don’t know, man. I think deep down, you’re just scared. Scared that she’ll actually be good for you.”

“Scared?” Vihaan snapped, his temper flaring again. “I’m not scared of anyone.”

Karan shrugged nonchalantly. “You say that, but I think you’re just running from something. Maybe from someone who might actually understand you.”

Vihaan stood in silence for a moment, his back stiff. The truth was, Karan’s words stung, and he didn’t like the way they made him feel. He had worked so hard to get to where he was—building an empire, keeping everyone at arm’s length, and making sure no one could ever control him. The thought of someone else, especially a woman, coming into his life and changing that... terrified him.

He didn’t want to admit it, but Karan was right about one thing. He was scared.

After a few tense seconds, Vihaan forced a laugh. “This is ridiculous. I’m not going to marry someone just because my father wants it. I’ve got better things to do.”

Karan simply smiled, seemingly content to let Vihaan think he’d won this battle.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, man,” he replied with a wink. “But just so you know, you’re not as in control as you think you are.”

Vihaan glared at him, but this time, there was no anger in his eyes. Instead, it was a cold, calculating look—one that said the game wasn’t over.

Karan left the room with a wave, and Vihaan sat back down at his desk, staring at the picture again. His fingers hovered over the screen, the image of Aarohi still haunting him. He didn’t know why he felt this way, but he couldn’t help but wonder if Karan was right.

Maybe, just maybe, this marriage wasn’t as simple as he’d convinced himself it was.