Chapter 2 - The Proposal He Couldn't Refuse
Aarav Malhotra had always been in control. Of his life, his business, and his emotions. Nothing and no one could shake him. That was until his grandfather, virendra Malhotra, dropped a bombshell on him.
"Get married within the next few months, or I will strip you of your CEO position."
The words echoed in his mind, his jaw tightening as he sat in his office, the skyline of Mumbai stretching beyond the glass walls.
"Marriage?" Aarav scoffed. "You want me to tie myself down just to prove something?"
Virendra leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "This is not about proving anything. You might be the best businessman of your generation, but you lack stability. A leader needs a family. Investors, board members-they trust a man who has a home to return to, not just a penthouse filled with deals and numbers."
Aarav clenched his fists. He had built Malhotra Industries into an empire, working harder than anyone else. Yet, his grandfather was willing to take it away over something as ridiculous as marriage?
"And if I refuse?" Aarav challenged.
His grandfather's expression didn't waver. "Then step down as CEO. The board will see you as reckless and immature. I'll make sure of it."
It wasn't an empty threat. Virendra Malhotra was the man who built the company from the ground up. If he wanted to, he could turn every investor against Aarav in a heartbeat.
Aarav exhaled sharply, dragging a hand down his face. Marriage was the last thing on his mind. He had seen what love did to people-how it made them weak. His own mother had suffered at the hands of it, left alone when his father walked away. Aarav had sworn never to follow in those footsteps.
But this wasn't about love. This was business.
"Fine," Aarav said finally, his voice laced with determination. "I'll get married. But on my terms."
His mind immediately went into calculation mode. If he had to marry, he would make it a contract. A temporary arrangement. Six months, no emotions, no complications. He would give his grandfather what he wanted, and once the time was up, he would walk away-untouched, unaffected.
Now, he just needed to find the perfect candidate.
---
Meanwhile - Ira Sharma's Drowning Reality
Ira Sharma was used to struggle. It had been her constant companion since her father's health took a turn for the worse.
She worked tirelessly, juggling part-time jobs and handling endless medical bills. Every day was a battle against time and money. She barely had time to breathe, let alone dream.
Tonight was no different.
Sitting beside her father's hospital bed, she clutched his frail hand, her throat tightening. The doctors had given her another warning-more tests, more expenses.
"We need at least five lakhs for the next stage of treatment."
Five lakhs. It might as well have been fifty.
Ira felt the weight of reality crushing her. She had applied for a high-paying job at Malhotra Industries, hoping for a miracle. But miracles weren't meant for people like her.
Her phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.
"Meet me tomorrow. 9 AM. Malhotra Industries. -Aarav Malhotra."
Ira stared at the screen, her heart pounding. What did the CEO of one of the biggest companies in the country want from her?
Little did she know, this meeting would change her life forever.