Hi everyone, thank you for picking up this story. I love creating scenarios in my head and have a passion in reading and writing stories so I decided to write one. Thank you for giving this story a chance. I might put a song playlist for each chapter if you want to read while listening. It's not important but it is just for the vibe. 

This won't be a sappy story but rather a romantic one if you stay for long. 

Playlist: RAAZ AANKHEIN TERI

The sprawling mansion of the Mehra's family stood in front of me. It's pristine white walls gleaming under the sun making it look nothing less than a palace. The gardens were impeccably manicured, no doubt as famililes like these are bound to have their own gardeners to take care of it. What caught my eyes were the beautiful fountain that was in the middle of the garden, the statue of swam and the melody coming from it. It was too perfect and I had no idea what I was doing here. 

I definitely don't belong here. I tell to myself. 

I have stepped into a world so far removed from my own, a world of high society, grand expectations, and relentless tradition. Most importantly, a family that loved each other, something that Naina and I was not blessed with. 

I took a deep breath and murmured under my breath, this is all for you, Naina. 

As I made my way up the steps, the sound of my heels clicking against the marble floor seemed louder than ever, as if they were echoing my doubts, my insecurities, my hesitation. I had promised myself that I would be strong, that this was a temporary step toward securing a future for my sister and me. But even in the grand entrance hall of the Mehra mansion, I felt like a stranger—an outsider in a world that was miles away from everything I had ever known.

A soft voice interrupted my thoughts. "Welcome, dear."

I turned to see an elderly woman standing at the top of the staircase. Her smile was warm, her eyes twinkling with a kindness that instantly put me at ease. She had the aura of someone who had lived a full life of both the beauty and struggle. She was dressed in a flowing saree, the colors of which matched the soft golden hues of the sun pouring in from the grand windows. 

"You must be Meher," she said, her voice gentle, yet commanding. "I was waiting for you. I hope your journey was pleasant."

I smiled shyly, my nerves still knotting in my stomach. "Yes, ma'am. It's an honor to meet you."

She chuckled, a sound full of wisdom and affection. "Oh, no need for formalities. You can call me Dadi. We're family now, after all." Her eyes twinkled mischievously, as though she had seen through my stiff posture. "Come, come, don't stand there." 

I nodded, following her as she led me into the living room. The space was grand but surprisingly inviting, decorated with a mix of contemporary art and traditional pieces that made it feel both timeless and comfortable. The soft hum of classical music played in the background, filling the air with a sense of calm that made me feel like I could finally exhale.

She smiled at me, as though she understood the depth of the weight I carried on my shoulders. "Aarav... well, he's a quiet boy. Stubborn, too. But I know he's a good man, deep down. It's just that... sometimes, people need a little nudge, a little push to see what's right in front of them." Her eyes softened as she spoke of her grandson. "He doesn't always see the good things when they come his way, but I have a feeling this will be different. You'll see."

I nodded, unsure of how to respond. In that moment, I was struck by how much Dadi loved Aarav—how much she cared for him, how much she believed in the goodness of his heart. It was a love that I couldn't relate to. Not in the way she did, anyway.

But I wasn't here to question it. I wasn't here to probe into the depths of Aarav's heart or mind. I was here because Naina needed me. And I would do whatever it took to ensure her happiness.

"Let's have some tea, shall we?" Dadi suggested, clapping her hands lightly.

I smiled at her gesture. "Yes, thank you. That sounds lovely."

As we sat together, sipping the tea, the conversation shifted naturally. Dadi shared stories of her younger days, of how she and her late husband had built the family business together, of the many grand celebrations and the ups and downs that came with it. I couldn't help but admire her strength. Despite her age, she radiated a presence that was impossible to ignore.

"Family is everything," Dadi said with a faraway look in her eyes. "We don't always show it the way we should, but we are here for each other, always. You'll see. You'll be part of this family, Meher. I know it."

Her words felt like a gentle promise, and for a moment, I almost believed them.

But deep down, I couldn't shake the feeling of being a temporary fixture in a world I didn't belong to.

Just as the conversation began to take on a more comfortable rhythm, the door to the living room opened with a soft creak. I turned my head instinctively, and there he was.

Aarav.

He stood at the doorway for a moment, his tall frame silhouetted against the light pouring in from the hallway. His eyes met mine for the briefest of moments before he turned his attention to Dadi.

"Dadi," he greeted her with a nod. His voice was deep, measured. His gaze flickered toward me again, and something—something unreadable—passed between us. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Dadi's face lit up with a soft smile. "Of course not, dear. Come join us. Meher and I were just getting to know each other better."

Aarav gave me another quick glance, his expression unreadable. "I see." He moved toward the seating area and sat down, but there was an air of distance, as if he had already mentally detached from this situation.

I couldn't help but wonder: What was he really thinking?

Dadi continued, oblivious to the tension in the air. "Meher was just telling me about her family."

She was being so kind, so welcoming but I wasn't sure if I could keep up this charade for long. I can't imagine the feeling of hurt she would feel once she found out about us. 

Aarav looked at me again, this time his gaze holding a little more intensity. "I see," he repeated, his tone neutral, but something in the way he said it made my stomach churn. I took a deep breathe, I knew this wasn't going to be easy and this whole situation just confirmed it again.

"Aarav, why don't you show Meher around the house?" Dadi said brightly, setting her teacup down with a soft clink. "Make her feel comfortable. After all, this will be her home too, soon enough."

That single sentence — her home too — hit me harder than I expected. I managed a polite smile, though my fingers tightened slightly around my cup.

Aarav gave a curt nod, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly. "Of course, Dadi."

He stood and gestured toward the hallway. I stood too, brushing down the soft folds of my saree, trying not to let the silence between us settle too heavily.

As we walked through the wide corridor, lined with antique portraits and polished flooring, neither of us spoke. The silence was thick — not angry, but weighted. Like there were too many unsaid things sitting between us.

Finally, he stopped outside a large door at the end of the hallway.

"My room," he said simply, pushing it open.

I blinked. "You're showing me your room?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Would you rather I give you the garden tour?" he said dryly.

I stepped in hesitantly. The room was everything I'd expect from Aarav — sleek, minimal, spotless. Dark wood, clean lines, a faint trace of expensive cologne in the air. It was stylish without trying too hard, but also... cold. Like it hadn't been lived in fully for a while.

He shut the door behind us, then crossed the room to lean against his desk, arms folded.

"So," he began, voice cool and composed, "Dadi wants a big fat wedding."

I looked at him, unsure how to respond. "She's really excited about it."

"She's been dreaming about it since I was twenty," he said flatly. "And now that she's finally picked a bride, she wants the whole nine yards — rituals, media, dancing, the works."

There was no bitterness in his tone — just quiet resignation.

"She thinks this is real. That I finally fell in love again and that I want this."

A pause hung between us.

"And you?" I asked before I could stop myself. "What do you want?"

His eyes met mine, steady, unreadable. "I want this done cleanly. Quietly. No drama. One year, just like we agreed. But if Dadi wants a grand wedding..." He trailed off, shrugging. "Then we give her one."

I looked down at my hands, fingers twisting together. "You're okay with that?"

Aarav didn't answer right away. He seemed to weigh the question, as if trying to figure out if it mattered.

"She's happy. I'd do anything for her." he finally said. "So, yes. I'm okay with it. After all we have already agreed to this Rishta for both our benefit. Putting up a show for her is nothing in front of her happiness."

A grand wedding meant spectacle. Pretending not just in front of dadi but also in front of everyone. 

But then I thought of Naina. Her school feels. Her custody. The house I could no longer afford. And I though of Dadi, her warm smile, her kind eyes, her faith in something that didn't exist.

"Here is the signed contract." I said, pulling the envelope from my bag and holding it out to Aarav.

His fingers brushed mine for a second. Barely a touch, but still enough to make me go still. 

He flipped through the pages quickly, efficiently. There was nothing romantic about it. Nothing sentimental. Just black ink on paper. An agreement between two people who had no intention of falling in love. Two people who had more to lose than they dared to admit.

"All looks in order," he said finally, setting the papers aside. "You're officially Mrs Aarav Mehra. Congratulations."

There was no humor in his voice, only cold irony.

And just like that, the line was drawn.

The wedding would be a show.

Our marriage — a performance.

That's a wrap for the first episode. Let me know your thoughts, I would love to hear them. Stay tuned for more.

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