DAKSH 𐙚

If that marriage would have been completed by now then I will die today at the hands of my dear mother.

She had told me to come on time but what should I do, the meeting got extended a bit.

As I stepped out of the car, the grandeur of the mansion hit me like a ton of bricks. I adjusted my cufflinks, straightening my back.

I stepped into the grand hall, scanning the room for familiar faces.

I spotted my parents standing and I sauntered towards them. Mom's eyes locked onto mine, and she discreetly nodded. Dad followed suit. I raised an eyebrow.

"What's going on?"

Something's up, as I reached beside them my dad announced.

"....and I'm thrilled to announce the union of our families through the marriage of Daksh and Dhvani!" Dad declared, beaming with pride.

WHAT THE FUCK!

My mind stuttered. What? Did I just hear that right? Daksh and...who?

My gaze followed my father's outstretched hand, and that's when I saw her - the girl in the bridal lehenga, her eyes downcast, tears still glistening on her cheeks.

Dhvani.

But why was dad announcing my name? Ah, he must have mistakenly taken my name instead of her groom's.

Relief washed over me. I think it's just a mix-up.

Then, my parents' eyes locked onto mine, and their smiles grew wider.

"Abhishek, you already know Daksh, but Dhvani, meet him - he's your to-be husband."

"YOUR WHAT?" My eyes widened in horror

My mind reeled. What is happening? Am I getting married to her? Who is she? I don't even know her!

Panic set in, my heart racing like a runaway train.

"Mom, koi itni badi saza deta hai kya jhooth bolne ki?" I whispered, desperation creeping into my voice.

(Mom, does anyone get punished this severely for lying?)

But mom's expression remained resolute.

"No, Daksh, we're serious. You're getting married to her," she replied, her voice firm.

My world crumbled. What have my parents done? I felt like I was drowning, unable to breathe, as the room spun around me.

Dhvani's gaze lifted, our eyes meeting for the first time. She squinted her eyes as she looked at me from head to toe and then mumbled something which I couldn't hear.

Her gaze piercing through me but what did I do?

What was that? A second ago she was crying! I think she is having a hard time god save her and me too.

The hall, once filled with laughter and music, now seemed suffocating, a prison I couldn't escape.

── .✦

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑 𐙚

As Daksh stood frozen, Dhvani's gaze locked onto his, her eyes flashing a silent message. She subtly shook her head, her eyebrows furrowed in distress.

Daksh's confusion deepened. What was she trying to convey? Was she rejecting him, or was this some sort of desperate plea for help?

Abhishek, sensing the tension, intervened. "I think we should explain Daksh about the wedding," he suggested, his voice measured.

Shikhar and Sara nodded in unison, ushering Daksh toward a nearby room. "Let's discuss this in private," Shikhar said.

As they exited, Dhvani's gaze lingered on Daksh's retreating back. Her expression transformed, a mixture of anxiety and determination etched on her face.

Anvita, her friend, stepped closer. "Hey, are you okay?" she whispered.

Dhvani's mask slipped back into place. "Let's go to my room now," she said, her voice low and urgent.

Anvita nodded, and together they slipped away from the bustling hall.

Meanwhile, Abhishek returned to the gathering, pasting a warm smile on his face to reassure the guests.

In the secluded room, Daksh's parents began their explanation.

"Daksh, we know this comes as a shock," Sara started, "but we've arranged this marriage with Dhvani for your own good."

Daksh's eyes widened. "My own good? What are you talking about?"

Shikhar's expression turned stern. "We'll discuss this later. First, you need to understand the situation."

Daksh's mind reeled, questions swirling like a vortex. What had his parents gotten him into?

"Is this a prank? I don't understand what's going on, but I'm not marrying someone I don't know," Daksh said firmly, shaking his head.

Sara's expression softened, her voice gentle. "Daksh, beta, please understand. This is for your benefit. Dhvani is a wonderful girl from a respectable family."

"I don't care," Daksh insisted, his tone rising. "I won't marry someone I've never met. It's absurd."

Shikhar's face hardened. "Daksh, you'll do as we say. This is not a request; it's a decision we've made for your own good."

Daksh's eyes widened in disbelief. "You can't force me into this. I'm not a child."

Sara's voice took on a stern tone. "We're not forcing you, Daksh. We're guiding you. You'll see this is the right choice once you get to know Dhvani."

Daksh's frustration boiled over. "No, Mom. Dad. I won't do it. I refuse."

Shikhar's voice dropped to a low warning. "Daksh, don't embarrass us in front of Abhishek and his family. You'll marry Dhvani, and that's final."

Daksh felt trapped.

"Call Kunal and tell him to arrange a nice outfit for you, wedding will be in few hours"

Daksh's mind reeled with possibilities how can he escape this wedding?

Just then, a soft knock on the door interrupted the tense standoff.

"Come in," Shikhar called out.

The door opened, revealing Abhishek, his face etched with concern.

"Is everything alright?" he asked, his gaze flicking between Daksh and his parents.

Sara forced a smile. "Yes. Just a minor misunderstanding. Daksh is willing to proceed with the wedding."

Daksh's eyes flashed a protest, but his parents' stern expressions silenced him.

Abhishek's face lit up with relief. "Excellent!"

As Abhishek exited, Daksh felt the noose tighten around his neck. He was being pulled into a marriage he didn't want, with no escape in sight.

── .✦

𝐃𝐀𝐊𝐒𝐇 𐙚

Ughh!!!

Why did I even agreed to attend this wedding? Bhagwaan ji aapko koi personal dushmani hai mujse?

(God do you have any personal grudges with me?)

No no no! I just can't get married to anyone. I'm Daksh Kashyap, a CEO! I have to think something to escape from here.

I paced back and forth in the opulent room, my mind racing with desperation.

My parents had been crystal clear: sit tight and wait for Kunal to bring my wedding outfit. The wedding would proceed as planned, and I had no choice but to comply.

But I had other plans.

As I glanced around the lavish room, my eyes landed on the clock ticking away on the nightstand. Time was running out. I had to think fast, and come up with a plan to escape this prison.

And then, it hit me. A spark of genius, or so I thought. I'd wear a disguise, something to conceal my face and fool the guests and my parents.

But as I rummaged through the room, my hopes were dashed. There were no clothes, no masks, no nothing. Except......except

A saree.

I stared at the intricate fabric, my mind recoiling in horror. How could I, Daksh Kashyap, wear a saree? It was absurd, ridiculous. But as I stood there, the clock ticking away, I realized I had no choice.

With a sense of resignation, removing my blazer and folding shirt's sleeves I picked up the saree and began to wrap it around my body, awkwardly draping it over my clothes.

It took me a good half hour to manage a semblance of decency, and even then, I looked like a clumsy, cross-dressing disaster.

I approached the door, my heart racing. I peeked through the peephole, scanning the hallway for any signs of life. The coast was clear.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly turned the handle and pushed the door open, my eyes scanning the hallway for any signs of danger. The saree rustled around me as I moved, and I winced, hoping I wouldn't trip and make a scene.

I began to make my way downstairs, my movements slow and deliberate. I didn't want to draw attention to myself, not yet. I had to make it out of the mansion undetected, or my plan would be ruined.

As I descended the stairs, the saree swishing around me, I felt like a character in a bad Bollywood movie.

But I didn't care. I was determined to escape, no matter how ridiculous I looked.

I stood in front of the guests, my heart racing as I peeked out from under the pallu that covered my head. Some of them gave me weird stares, but I tried to ignore them. I was almost at the door when disaster struck - the saree started unraveling, and I panicked.

I looked around frantically, relieved to see that no one seemed to have noticed. I grabbed the drapes to steady myself, just as a guy yelled "Arehhh behan ki ijjat!"

("Oh, sister's honor!") and rushed towards me, his jacket wrapped around my waist.

I was relieved that no one seemed to have noticed my predicament, but now, a guy no one but my best friend, Kunal's dramatic entrance, all eyes were on us.

But thankfully, my parents were nowhere to be seen.

"Let me help you to that room," Kunal said, pointing to a corner of the hall.

As we reached the room, Kunal asked, "Behan ji aap thik hai?"
("Sister, are you okay?")

I rolled my eyes, removing Kunal's jacket. "Behan ji hogi teri chachi saale," I retorted. ("The sister would be your aunt)

Kunal looked confused. "Hein? Sheila ki jawaani aur aawaz mardaani?"
("What? Like Sheila's youth and masculine voice?")

I finally removed the pallu, revealing my face. Kunal's eyes widened in horror as he took in my appearance.

"Bhai tujhi itni jaldi thi kya shaadi ki jo tu tere kapdo ka wait nahi kar paaya aur saree pehen li?"

("Brother, were you in such a hurry for the wedding that you didn't even wait for your clothes and wore a saree?")

I glared at him. "Are you mad? That's not the reason."

As I removed the saree, Kunal burst out laughing. "Daksh mujhe pata nahi tha tu aise shauk paalta hai"

("Daksh, I had no idea you had such a hobby").

I shot him a withering look. "I was trying to escape."

Kunal's laughter only grew louder. "Toh ismein saree pehn ne wali konsi baat thi?"

(So what was the point of wearing a saree in this?)

I shook my head. "Don't laugh and let's get out of this mansion now. I don't want to get married"

We both nodded and made our way out of the room, which was conveniently located near the exit. I felt a surge of hope - we might actually make it out of here undetected.

But just as we reached the door, Abhishek, Dhvani's father, appeared in front of us.

"Daksh, where are you going?" he asked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

Kunal and I exchanged a panicked glance. "Uncle, I forgot his outfit in my car, so we were going to get it," Kunal said quickly.

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. uncle nodded. "Ah, okay. But Daksh, you go and freshen up. Your friend will get the outfit."

My heart sank. It was over. I had no choice now. I had to go through with the wedding.

And that's it, I thought, my fate sealed.

── .✦

𝐃𝐇𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐈 𐙚

I paced back and forth in my room, my irritation boiling over.

"Ullu kahi ka!" (Idiot) I muttered under my breath.

"Kisne usko invitation diya meri shaadi ka? Acha khasa plan bigad diya usne!"

(Who invited him to my wedding? He ruined my perfect plan!)

"Idiot!" I exclaimed, frustration etched on my face.

Anvita, my best friend, chuckled from the couch, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "But he's so hot, Dhvani! He's way better than Advait."

I glared at her, but she continued, undeterred.

"Didn't you look at him when he was coming towards us? His broad shoulders, muscled arms, and that handsome face... those brown eyes...OMG, he's perfect for you!"

Anvita's dreamy tone grated on my nerves.

"I accept him as my jiju!"
(brother-in-law) she declared, grinning.

My patience snapped. "Are you crazy? Yaha meri jaan ja rahi hai, aur tu bakwaas kar rahi hai!

(My life is being ruined, and you're talking nonsense!)

"Itna hi pasand hai toh Tu karle shaadi"

(If you liked him so much then why don't you marry him)

"Wait it's a good idea! Anvita let's get you dressed like a bride" I said as if she will do it as I say.

"Hey! No no no no!" Anvita shook her head.

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted our conversation. My father entered, his expression stern.

"Dhvani, get ready. The pandit is waiting. It's time for the ceremony."

My heart sank. This was it. No turning back now.

"Dad, please..." I began, but he cut me off.

"No arguments, Dhvani. You'll do as promised. His family is waiting."

With a deep breath, I steeled myself for what lay ahead.

"Okay then, I'm ready. But I want to talk with him in private."

"Why?" He asked.

"Okay then, I won't marry-" I began and he cut me off agreeing.

"Wait i'll tell him" Dad said and left the room.

"Don't tell me you're going to tell him that you're lesbian" Anvita laughed smacking my shoulder.

"You know what you're perfect Anvi but just some brain you're lacking in."

"Sometimes you should get serious too" I continued shooting a glare silencing her.

"Okay do whatever you want I'm leaving bye!" She said stomping her foot.

"Thank you" I smiled.

Minutes passed, and a knock on the door broke the silence. "Come in," I called out.

Laksh entered, his expression hesitant. "You wanted to talk?"

I gestured for him to sit. "So Laksh, why are you ready to marry me?" I asked point-blank.

I crossed my arms, studying him. "Do you like me?"

"It's Daksh not Laksh and Miss.....whoever you are, I'm seeing you for the first time. How can I like you? But..."

He stood up and slowly stepped closer to me "I think you do like me, that's why you're ready to marry me."

I rolled my eyes. "Itne bhi khaas nahi ho tum!"
(You are not that special)

"Toh tum konsi mere sapno ki rani ho jo Mein tumhe like karunga! "

(So which angel are you that I will like you)

I sensed desperation in his eyes. "You can't cancel?"

He shook his head, a sad nod. I leaned forward, a plan unfolding in my mind. "I have an idea. Contract marriage."

Daksh's confusion was palpable. "What do you mean?"

A sly smile spread across my lips.
"Listen, Daksh. We both don't want this marriage. But our parents....they won't listen. So we'll play along and pretend to be happy, and after a few months...or years....we can divorce."

Daksh's face reflected his inner turmoil. His eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

I nodded. "It's perfect. We'll fulfill our parents' expectations, and then we're free."

Daksh hesitated, weighing his options. Finally, he spoke, "Okay...I'll get the papers ready after the marriage."

Relief washed over me. "Good. Let's make this mutually beneficial."

With a nod, Daksh stood, our contract marriage settled.

A thrill of excitement ran through me. I had him right where I wanted.

Ah! I'm so smart, right?

"So...We will be in contract marriage for a year" I announced.

"So unfortunately you'll be my wife for a whole year" He sighed.

I glared at him wanting to give him a reply but I hold it back. I'll make sure he divorce me before this year completes.

── .✦

𝐃𝐀𝐊𝐒𝐇 𐙚

What have I just gotten myself into? This woman is crazy! A contract marriage? Pretending to be a couple for a year? I must be out of my mind for agreeing.

As I left Dhvani's room, my thoughts swirled. How am I going to spend a whole year with her?

I shook my head. I had to focus on surviving this farce.

One year. Twelve months. Three hundred sixty-five days.

I could handle it. I'd play the dutiful husband, and then...

Divorce.

I'd get the papers ready, make sure everything was ironclad.

As I descended the stairs, the grandeur of the mansion seemed suffocating. I felt trapped in a gilded cage.

Dhvani's words echoed in my mind: "Let's make this mutually beneficial."

Beneficial? I highly doubt it.

── .✦

𝐃𝐇𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐈 𐙚

I sat in front of the mirror, my makeup artist busy perfecting my look again.

Ugh! Oh God I'm so done with his lehenga. Anvita stood beside me, her eyes wide with incredulity.

"I thought you must be planning to run, but seriously? Dhvani, whose ghost possessed you now that you're ready?" Anvita whispered, her voice laced with concern.

I smirked, "Shut up, it's just a deal of one year."

The makeup artist hesitated, sensing tension. "I'll just...give you two a minute."

As she exited, Anvita's confusion deepened. "Deal?"

I nodded, my eyes locked on my reflection. "Yes, contract marriage for a year. After a year, we'll divorce, and then I'll be free."

Anvita's eyes sparkled. "OMG! Are you serious? You know what I have read so many stories like this, the bride or groom is being replaced and contract marriages. Dhvani you're so lucky."

I chuckled looking at her squealing and antics. What's so exciting in this?

Just then, my father appeared out of nowhere, his expression stern.

"What?" he said, his glare piercing.

Anvita and I exchanged horror-stricken glances. I think Dad heard everything.

My heart sank. How much did he hear?

My world crumbled again. My plan, my escape - all threatened.

Anvita's worried gaze met mine. I knew she was thinking the same thing - we were in trouble.

── .✦

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐃𝐡𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐤𝐬𝐡? 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬?

𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 <𝟑