This chapter will have a flash back read carefully.)

ADHRIK'S pov

My thoughts got interrupted when my mother called me."Adhrik beta?", she entered my room.

"Yes, maa," I said forcing a smile.

"You got home early today?" She sat on my bed and gestured me to sit next to her.

"Come sit here".

I walked slowly and sat next to her.

"You look tired beta", her tone was gentle.

I nodded, looking down.

"You didn't want her to go away from you na?", she said smiling.

My eyebrows narrowed. "What are you talking about maa?".

Her smile widened , her hand traced my head, "I know you".

"I don't know what are you talking about ", I denied her words and tried to get up from my bed.

"Sit ", this time her voice got little serious.

I sat back down.

"Remember, when I have to go to Mumbai, when you are 10 years old ,for 3 days, I have to take Aarushi because she was very little at that time , you and papa stayed ...you didn't cry, you didn't ask me not to go instead you threw the toys everywhere and made a mess" she said looking at me dearly.

"What does that topic have to do with now?" , what is she implying anyway.

"You are not the type to admit your feelings easily, after seeing Shanaya's face and the mess in your room , I can guess what happened.

Moreover Aarushi called me and said Shanaya is crying", her voice was soft yet pierced my heart.

I am an organised man , I don't make a mess unless I'm really mad.

Now I know what she was implying earlier.

"Ever wondered why we arranged this marriage?" She asked me while my heartbeat was raised.

✨3 years ago, At Shanaya's 20th birthday party.

ADHRIK'S pov

After two fucking years I landed in India today. Italy is such a great place, Advit and I are pursuing our Master's degree there. This will be the last year in Italy.

I was forcefully summoned by my parents and Adhvit to Shanaya's Birthday party.

The party was arranged in the lawn of Gour's mansion. Familiar faces greeted me, making me uncomfortable. I forced a smile and greeted them back.

Advit and I, minding our own business totally ignoring the drama around us .Cool wind breezed my skin and I turned towards the direction.

Shanaya.

In a red colour frock, that colour is complimenting her in every possible way.

Her presence is impossible to ignore.

She's grown into a woman... Last time I saw her, she wasn't like this.

She is walking towards us with a big smile.

I can hear my own heart beat getting louder with each step she took.

"Hi ", she looked happy to see me.

" Happy Birthday Shanaya", I extended my hand looking straight into her eyes.

I couldn't bring myself to look away even for a moment.

" Thank you", she locked my hand with hers, looking down tugging her hair behind her ear.

What are you thinking Adhrik? She is your best friend's sister and so much younger than you. Don't ruin everything, over stupid little crush. My mind gave me a reality check.

With that my smile dropped and my grumpy face had returned. I excused myself from there.

Author's POV

Gowthami and Rachita are watching Adhrik and Shanaya from distance. "Don't they look beautiful together?", Gowthami said.

"Yes" Rachita replied.

"Shall we ask them to get married?", Rachita asked smiling.

"If my daughter gets a mother in law like you, I would be the most happiest person Rachita."

"Then you have my word Gowthami".

Flash back ends.

✨Present

ADHRIK'S pov

"I still remember that look on your face that day because it seemed like you didn't want to look away" , my mother smirked.

HOLY SHIT.

Everything makes sense now.

Why didn't I lash out on my parents like I did with Sheya's proposal.

When they fixed my marriage with Shanaya, my mind should've gone wild .

Yet it stayed quiet.

My first thought should've been why I have to marry her but instead, it was, what if she gets hurt because of me.

Women had thrown themselves at me before, but I never even cared.

But even her fingers touched mine, I was a mess of feelings that I couldn't name.

I lived in such a denial, my ambitions had taken over every corner of my mind.

Maybe I'm falling for her............

Or maybe I already have.

Fuck.

I did hurt her so badly.

Advit was right. Now a days my asshole behaviour is taking over me.

My deep thoughts are interrupted by my mother. I almost forgot she was here.

"Don't worry, beta. You've only had your first fight -- fights like these often make you both strong in your relationship"

And now.. how do I even tell her that in last two last days the only thing we did together is this fight? .

My mother will kill me for sure.

I hide my face with my hands ..... Out of shame maybe.

"Thank you maa" I hugged her,

( Thank you for making me realise what I couldn't on my own) That's what I have to say actually.

"Now come on cheerup, make it up to her" ,

She said teasingly. I just gave her a smile.

Looks like I have to start from scratch.

Making my own wife fall in love with me is not tough.

A smirk formed on my lips.

SHANAYA'S POV

At first a woman treats you

How she wants to be treated

And then she treats you

How you treated her.

He is not interested in me?

Fine.

That doesn't change my feelings for him.

But my feelings have nothing to do with my self respect.

I won't lose myself at any cost.

I WILL NOT throw myself at him , desperate for his attention.

"Shaanu..... Shaanu", Aarushi shaked me interrupting my thoughts.

"Y-yes what happened?", I asked her.

"Let's go out na, we had plans for spa and shopping, don't tell me you forgot", she pouted.

"Sure, let's go right now", I smiled , dragging her out of my room.

I need a break from thinking about him anyway.