I was pacing around; a groan would leave my mouth now and then, which I couldn't stop, no matter what. I was agitated thinking about my situation, and trepidation about everything. I was annoyed like hell because nothing had happened yet, still, I am overthinking, and I am not able to stop myself. "Stop pacing, Rowan," Davis grumbled. I want to, but my mind won't let me, leaving me restless. "No one believes me or supports me. What do you expect from me?" He sighed at that. "You have to meet her, then you will come to know why I am behaving this way." "You have just met her once." Oh, come on, not that card. "Don't use that card. We met once, and I could come up with many things. She is annoying as hell, uptight, and a damn dictator." I shouted those words. "Love of God, Rowan, stop whining." I abruptly stopped my pacing at his outburst. What the hell?
I stayed in the spot, watching his face, and he looked angry. I am not getting the reason. "You have met her once; you can't judge her just by one conversation and stop acting like it's the end of the world." I wanted to argue at that, but wisely I held back. "Your dad doesn't make any decisions, just trust him." "But he is hell-bent on forcing me to connect with her and let me remind you she is a selfish control freak," I shouted, too. No one was taking me seriously; this is my future we are talking about. "Will you please stop complaining?" He looked more annoyed, and I'm pretty sure for, I am not the reason behind it. "Do you want to reconnect with Isabella? She is desperate to reconcile with you." "Like hell, I would, no, never." "No one is perfect, Rowan, and stop fussing over things." He snapped at me, and I glared in return.
We stood in silence for a while. He was angry and frustrated. I am pretty much sure I am not the reason behind his emotions. "What's going on with you?" By crossing my hands over my chest, I questioned him. He was taken aback at that and sighed deeply. "Nothing." That came in a low, dejected voice. "Is everything ok at your company? Are you facing any problems after taking over your dad's company?" "No, no, it's fine. I am handling things very well." He rambled; well, something is bothering him. "Anything happened recently. Anyone getting on your nerves?" He shook his head at that. "Who broke your heart?" That should be it. He averted his eyes at that. "No one." "That's a fat lie. Did someone reject you?" I was really baffled and horrified. "You look surprised." He snorted at my reaction. "Can you blame me? Unlike me, you are successful, charming and handsome. Who in the right mind would do that?" He chuckled at that. "Maybe I am not enough for someone." "Wow, you were seeing someone?" I don't know why the sentence provoked me more. "It was one night stand, and I wanted more, but that guy was on a different page." "When were you going to share with me? For how many months has this been going on? I think lately I don't know what's going on in his life. "When your list of complaints and whining beats mine." He snapped, and I shut my mouth at that. Well, jerk and ouch, it hurts.
I slowly walked over and sat beside him, not knowing what to do other than that, right now. I cleared my throat, contemplating. "Sorry," The words left with remorse. "Well, our personal life looks like shit, congratulations." He smiled at that. "Looks like it.""Thank you for joining me on this path, too, and also for proving you are my only best friend in this lifetime." He laughed at that and pushed me harder. I almost would have fallen if he hadn't pulled me back. Silence occupied around us, and I could conclude he is in deep shit with this random one-night stand. Well, at least he has managed to fall for someone. I always thought he was heartless, given the way he rejected the proposals and offers on the spot. Hilarious, someone made sure to taste his own medicine and broke his heart. Davis is a humble guy, easy to mingle with, and like a magnet, anyone could be drawn to him, but he has a superiority complex. His pride matters the most and would never let anyone walk on his ego, never, ever. It's a good thing up to some extent, but he prides himself too much, and that exactly makes him blind. I am still stupefied that someone has rejected him; it's harder to believe.
"Who is the guy?" I was damn curious now. "Well, someone is successful in making you taste your own medicine." I chuckled, to which he groaned in return. "Shut up." He groaned and whined. "You are really enjoying this." "Can you blame me? My vision was clear from a young age, but you were on a different page. Rejecting with no remorse, prideful and shit." "Rowan, shut it." "Only if you give me the damn name." "Let it be, Rowan." I give up. He looks truly heartbroken, and I am not of any help.
"We should keep code or something, it shouldn't always be about me." I was really ashamed; damn, how could I do this to him? He was always around, listening to my ranting, and I took him for granted. "Yeah, Rowan, leave it for now, don't dwell." How could I? "Listen, about Shreya...." I immediately cut him off. "No, no, no, no Shreya anymore. Let's give it a rest about me for now. Clearly, you are disturbed." He reluctantly nodded. "Looks like we both need therapy. What a pleasant way of welcoming adulthood, right?" He laughed at that which wasn't reaching his eyes. He is into someone too much. Till today, I didn't had a clue. "Shit happens." His voice croaked a little. I never saw him this way, not even once. "Our souls aren't blessed for love, lucky us." My memory served me with the memories of my pathetic love story. "Yeah," We stayed silent, I in my own thoughts and Davis with his.
I entered my home, where my mom and sisters gathered for a round table conference, except my dad. I groaned as I saw them, the very reason I need my own space, but they aren't letting me go from the mansion unless I get engaged. They are giving me all the freedom I want in this mansion, but moving from the mansion is out of the syllabus for now. "Hey darling, how was your day?" My mom questioned me in her sweet voice, and I melted at that. Her voice always cheers me, making my bitter day better. "Good." I smiled at her, and she hugged me in return. "I will get something to eat, get freshened up and join us." I sighed at that. Here we go.
I took my time, letting things settle before going downstairs. Davis was right, I am not getting it's just one meeting, but I am making a big deal out of it. She is seriously freaky. I don't know how many more times I need to meet her to conclude the obvious.
I descended the steps and joined my family. who were on the couch. My mom placed snacks in front of me along with juice and joined us. I took and nibbled the biscuits just to please my mom; my appetite is quite occupied by anxiety. "I have met Shreya before." Audria slowly spoke, bringing the topic to light. Her name gave me goosebumps. "Two years back." She finished my unasked question. "Where?" "Paris, I was at a modelling event." I hummed at that. "Because of her, I got two more major contracts, you know, she is not that bad." She added slowly. "I mean, she has commanding behaviour, other than that I don't think there is any other red flag." I let it sink, but her persona is a red flag; she has more negative features. "We are with you, Rowan." Elder sister, Ameria, spoke. "I would never let dad force you into anything.""Me too," Second sister, Amelia, added. "But I think she deserves a chance, I mean, you can't conclude anything in one conversation." I nodded at her, clearly confused. Am I misjudging her? Why do I need to give her a chance? That means taking her out and shit, God spare me with that bullshit. "She can't be that bad, right?" Once again, Audria chipped in. She is really smitten with her. What magic has she used, and why has she failed to use it on me?
My mom took her place beside me, snatched the biscuit from my hand and placed it on the plate. She made me lie on her lap, and she always does that to soothe me. This always works when I am distressed, confused and lost. She began to massage my hair, and my sisters, one by one, left us. They know when to leave us alone. My bond with my mom is stronger than my sisters'. I am too attached to her, and everyone in my family knows that. "What do you want me to say?" I chuckled hearing that and snorted too. "Talk to me, dear." I culched her thigs at that; same old shit repeating in return, draining my energy. "I don't know anything anymore," I replied to her. Seriously, I began to question my decision. Was it too harsh to decide in one conversation? "What do you feel about her?" "Freak, uptight and a dictator." Those were the words that revolved in my mind when I think of her. "Doesn't it balance, dear?" "Hun?" "First of all, you met her only once. Only daughter of a billionaire running a hotel chain is not a small thing. She has to be strict, and I don't know about dictating, but I am sure she is not a freak." "Mom," I whined when my only card was switching the side at this point. "Ok, ok, just get to know her better. I will make sure your dad doesn't hurry things, ok?" I sighed. Meeting her, again and again, is not such a good idea for my sanity. That one freaks hell out of me. "Should I?" "You know your dad, and this time, he is not giving in that easily. He thinks she is the best choice for you." Like hell she is. I never hated my dad, and he is doing everything so that I should start hating him. I am going to do just that if he is so abundant to tie me to that freak. She is not good for my family; they are too good for her. She can't adjust to them, and I am sure she will make sure that I keep my distance from them as the days pass. I can't let this happen, but I don't know how to stop her either. I am trying my best to stop her from every side, but she is making her space, barging in.
It was my birthday. My mom, as usual, was the first one to wish me, followed by my dad and sisters. Half of the day went into selecting my outfit, along with a watch and other things. Shreya personally took care of everything.
I observed her behaviour, which was outstanding, in front of my family. Too cute, good girl behaviour and too nice and smart. I was shocked to see her this way. Her shy nature hit me harder, her soft voice made me gag, and she alone didn't make any decisions; she made sure to involve my sisters while arranging this whole thing. She would wink at me when she found my eyes on her, teasing, way annoying. Her soft-spoken words started to irk me, but I couldn't act on it. Already, I am in deep shit for speaking negatively about her, and today she is just making sure to turn everyone against me. She is successful.
It was evening. The mansion was glittering for my birthday bash, arranged by Shreya. VIPs were more, who were invited once again, by Shreya and her dad. My grandfather wished me for the first time. I never knew he had a cell phone and was using it on his deathbed. How can he manage to play the whole thing without a cell, right?
Shreya entered more elegantly, wearing a dress of the same colour as my outfit. She was shining in her black dress, revealing wherever necessary, that's her seduction ideology. Trust me, it's working; her blossoms were calling me to poke them, pinch them and gesturing for me to do many other things. Her waist was too curved, perfect, and it's getting hard to hold my hands in the spot. I gulped when I saw her thighs, hypnotizing my eyes, rendering me speechless. I am ready for a one-night stand, if necessary, a few more nights, but not more than that. Now, I couldn't risk that too; she would definitely block my paths from every side. I would lock my member not only for the night but whenever I am with her. I would never risk anything with her.
After greeting everyone, including my family, she approached me with a sly grin on her face. She wrapped her hands around me and spoke. "Baby, I am all dolled up just for you. Is it working?" She spoke with the same sly grin. "We can ditch this at the earliest if you want?" Tempting suggestion, I wish I could grab it. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her, for which she pouted. "Well, you are no fun, darling." By saying that, she closed the distance by hugging me. "Baby, from today onwards, just surrender to me." She whispered words in my ear. "Hold my hand, let me lead you." Once again, she whispered by kissing my ears. "Rowan, you want me more than you know. Let's make things easier for everyone. What do you say, baby?" She watched my face; the smile was replaced with a smirk. "I can be a really good girl only if you are obedient, trust me, honey." Her lips twitched, and I tried to fake my smile, but I was shuddering a little. She is a freak; I shouted, but no one listened to me. "Let's get over with today's bullshit, and you are taking me on a date. Call my assistant and get an appointment, ok?" She pecked me on my lips. "Happy birthday, baby," She shouted, and everyone cheered. "I am happy to be by your side." Once again, she sprouted the words like she had rehearsed a thousand times before. There were no emotions, nothing, just control and trying her best to corner me.
She guided me toward the cake, along with my family. I stood in front of my 25th birthday cake. I objected to this, but Shreya wanted this event to be memorable. According to her, this is binding her more to my family and me. I don't know how.
The environment felt familiar. There is an odd feeling that I have gone through this before, except that the number on the cake was different. I don't quite remember anything other than getting a familiar vibe. I was in a daze, not knowing how to escape this situation. Shreya is making her grip strong from every side, and I am not able to untie or escape from the situation. My words are turning futile, and I feel helpless. The fear is getting intensified, and I am trapped without any loopholes.
"Baby, make a wish and blow the candles." Shreya, with her charming smile. Everyone was watching me, with a smile on their face, clearly missing my internal battle. Until I turned 18, I wished for my family's happiness; after that, I was against cake cutting. Now, I don't know what to wish anymore. My family's happiness depends on me, and my happiness matters to them the most. What do I wish for? When my wish was tangled with my family and me. This is not fair. I have everything I wanted, only that I always wished for, not more than that and now, it's in my hand, the happiness of my family, making sure of it never fades from them. Giving in will destroy them, not now, but in the future, but also not giving in too. What can I possibly do? Giving in is out of the question at the same time; not knowing how to escape is a drawback in the current situation.