The proposal....

Chapter 3 : The Proposal That Wasn’t Meant To Be

Aarohi couldn’t stop smiling. For the first time in forever, something had actually gone right. She kept replaying those magical words in her head — “You’re hired, Miss Birla.”

The way Reyansh had said it… calm, confident, and with that dangerously composed look of his. He didn’t smile much, but there had been something in his eyes — a flicker that said he saw her potential.

Her steps felt lighter as she walked out of Malhotra Enterprises. The world suddenly looked brighter, the wind softer, even the honking traffic couldn’t dull her happiness. She had landed a job — under Reyansh Malhotra himself.

She whispered to herself, grinning like a maniac, “Thank you, Mr. Malhotra. You just changed my life.”

By the time Aarohi reached home, she was practically glowing.

“Maa! Papa! Atharva bhai!” she yelled as she rushed in, tossing her bag onto the couch. “I did it! I got the job!”

Her mother looked up from the kitchen, eyes lighting up instantly. “Aarohi! That’s wonderful news!”

Atharva, her elder brother, grinned from the dining table, where he was half-buried in his laptop. “Finally! Guess my little sister just made the Birla family proud.”

Aarohi rolled her eyes playfully. “I was already making you proud, Bhai.”

Their laughter filled the house. And then her father, Mr. Birla, stepped in with his calm yet firm tone. “Congratulations, Aarohi. You’ve worked hard for this.”

“Thank you, Papa,” she said softly, smiling.

He nodded… then added in a tone that instantly changed the air, “And since we’re celebrating, there’s one more reason to smile today.”

Aarohi frowned slightly. “What reason?”

Her father hesitated for a moment. “My old friend and his family are coming over for dinner tonight. I’ve been talking with him about a proposal.”

Her smile faltered. “Proposal? Papa… as in marriage?”

He nodded. “You’re of age now, Aarohi. And I think it’s time you start thinking seriously about your future.”

She sighed, glancing at Atharva, who looked just as surprised. “Papa, I just got a job today. Can we not jump to marriage already?”

Mr. Birla smiled patiently. “I’m not forcing you. Just meet the boy. If you don’t like him, we won’t push. But I’d be happy if you at least give it a chance.”

Aarohi crossed her arms. “Fine. I’ll meet him. But I’ll say yes only if I actually like him.”

That evening, the house buzzed with excitement. The dining table was set with Aarohi’s favorite dishes, candles flickered softly, and her mother’s voice floated from the kitchen.

Aarohi stood in front of the mirror, smoothing her pastel peach kurti. Her heart was restless — not with excitement, but nervousness. “It’s just dinner,” she muttered to herself. “Meet, greet, and done.”

The doorbell rang.

Her father’s cheerful voice echoed, “Ah! You’re here!”

Aarohi took a deep breath and stepped out.

And then her entire world stopped.

Standing in the living room — tall, composed, and devastatingly handsome in a black shirt — was Reyansh Malhotra.

For a moment, she forgot how to breathe.

“Miss Birla,” Reyansh said smoothly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Didn’t expect to meet again this soon.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she muttered under her breath.

Her father beamed, completely unaware of the tension. “Aarohi, this is Mr. Reyansh Malhotra and his younger brother, Vivaan. They’re family friends — and I was thinking…”

Aarohi’s heart dropped. No way.

Reyansh gave a polite nod. “Pleasure to meet you again, Mr. Birla.”

Vivaan, who seemed more cheerful and easy-going, smiled at Aarohi. “So you’re the famous Aarohi my brother couldn’t stop talking about after work.”

Reyansh shot him a quick glare, but it was too late — Aarohi’s eyes widened. “He talked about me?”

Vivaan grinned. “Only about how you made his morning… unforgettable.”

Aarohi wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole.

Dinner passed painfully slow. Every time she looked up, Reyansh’s eyes found hers — calm, unreadable, but filled with something she couldn’t name.

When dessert came, her father happily said, “I think this match is perfect.”

Reyansh finally spoke, his tone steady but his gaze locked on Aarohi. “Maybe we should discuss that in private.”

Later, when the families were distracted, he leaned toward her slightly. “You’re not the only one shocked tonight, Miss Birla.”

She folded her arms. “Then what are you doing here?”

His voice dropped, low and deliberate. “Saving both of us from this arrangement… and I have an idea.”

She raised a brow. “What kind of idea?”

Reyansh’s expression turned serious. “Let’s meet tomorrow. I’ll explain everything. It’s… about a six-month contract marriage.”

Aarohi blinked, speechless. “You’ve lost your mind.”

He smiled faintly. “Maybe. But it might just work.”

✨ To Be Continued… ✨

Next Chapter Preview:
Reyansh reveals the logic behind his shocking six-month contract marriage plan — and Aarohi must decide whether to play along with the biggest risk of her life… or walk away from the man she can’t seem to stop thinking about.