Cold War

Rajawat Mansion — Living Room

Ridhima paced back and forth, frustration clouding her face. She finally made her way to the kitchen, where Kusum was overseeing dinner preparations.

Ridhima: (determined) "Mom, I can't marry Veer."

Kusum turned to her, shocked.

Kusum: "What? But why, beta?"

Ridhima crossed her arms, looking down.

Ridhima: (firm) "I can marry anyone... but not Veer Arora."

Kusum's brows furrowed in confusion.

Kusum: "But what's wrong with him? Did he say something? Or... Is there something I don't know?"

Ridhima shook her head, unwilling to explain.

Ridhima: "Please, mom, just talk to Dad. I can't do this."

Kusum sensed Ridhima's resolve and sighed, pulling out her phone.

Kusum: "Okay, beta, we'll talk to your dad."

She dialed Vijendra, who was in his study, discussing some paperwork with his assistant. Within minutes, he joined them in the living room.

Vijendra: (seriously) "What's the issue?"

Kusum glanced at Ridhima nervously.

Kusum: "Ridhima doesn't agree to marry Veer."

Vijendra's sharp gaze flicked to Ridhima.

Vijendra: (firm) "Why?"

Ridhima's throat tightened. She knew why but couldn't reveal the tension between her and Veer.

Ridhima: (pleading) "Please, Dad... I just can't. I'll marry anyone, but not Veer."

Vijendra sighed deeply, rubbing his temple in frustration.

Vijendra: "It's too late, beta. The contract has already been signed. If this marriage doesn't happen, Rajawat Industries will be in a huge mess. This project is my life's biggest deal — four months of critical work."

Ridhima's mind raced, torn between her principles and loyalty to her father. She glanced toward the hall, where Veer stood near the doorway, casually leaning against the wall, his piercing gaze locked onto her.

He had been silently watching the conversation unfold, his expression unreadable but intense.

Their eyes met, and a tense energy crackled between them.

Ridhima's heart pounded, but her father's desperate words echoed in her ears.

Vijendra: (softly) "Beta, I need you to do this... for us."

Ridhima swallowed hard, her gaze flickering back to Veer, who didn't look away. His lips curved into a faint, knowing smirk, as though daring her to refuse.

Taking a deep breath, Ridhima clenched her fists.

Ridhima: (whispering) "Yes... I'll do it."

Kusum's eyes widened in relief, while Vijendra nodded, reassured.

Veer's smirk deepened. He straightened, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve, his victory evident without a single word.

Veer (thinking): "Welcome to the game, future Mrs. Veer Arora."

Rajawat Mansion — Dining Room

The grand dining table was beautifully set, filled with traditional and continental dishes. Veer and his parents sat on one side, while Ridhima, her parents, and her younger sisters, Meera and Aarini, filled the other side. Light conversation floated through the room.

Mahendra Arora: (curious) "Vijendra ji, you mentioned you have four daughters, but I see only three here."

Vijendra: (proudly) "Ah, Devika! My second daughter. She's on a business trip right now. Brilliant mind, just like her mother."

Kusum: "Yes, Devika has always been ambitious, never misses a chance to expand her knowledge."

Mahendra: (chuckling) "Must be a true go-getter."

Veer, sitting next to Ridhima, leaned slightly toward her, his voice low and teasing.

Veer: (whispering) "What happened, sweetheart? My dream came true."

Ridhima's expression hardened, irritation flickering across her face.

Ridhima: (whispering back) "Don't try to act oversmart. Nothing has happened yet, and we're not married."

Veer smirked, clearly enjoying her frustration.

Veer: (mock innocence) "Not yet? Hmm... I'm good at deadlines."

Before Ridhima could retort, Veer suddenly turned to Vijendra, raising his voice enough for everyone at the table to hear.

Veer: "Uncle, just curious—when is this marriage going to happen?"

The table went completely silent.

Ridhima's hand froze midway to her plate as her gaze shot toward Veer, eyes wide in shock.

Ridhima (thinking): Is this man out of his mind?

Kusum exchanged a startled glance with Vijendra, while Mahendra nodded approvingly.

Vijendra: (clearing his throat) "Well, we haven't finalized a date yet, but I suppose sooner is better, right?"

Mahendra: "Absolutely. It'll be a great start to our project collaboration."

Ridhima's lips pressed into a thin line, barely able to contain her fury. Veer, however, looked completely at ease, even entertained by the situation.

Ridhima (thinking): This arrogant man!

Meera and Aarini exchanged mischievous glances, sensing the tension between their sister and Veer.

Aarini (whispering to Meera): "Looks like Di's found a worthy opponent."

Meera stifled a laugh.

Veer leaned slightly closer to Ridhima, his voice low and smug.

Veer: (smirking) "Now you're thinking about it, aren't you?"

Ridhima shot him a glare sharp enough to cut through steel.

Ridhima: (through gritted teeth) "Enjoy your dinner, Mr. Arora. That's the only thing you're winning tonight."

Veer chuckled, clearly unfazed.

The dinner continued, but the silent battle between Ridhima and Veer had only just begun.

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