"ABHIMAAN'S POV"

She looked at me opening her mouth for another argument.

"Non negotiable" I deadpanned

"I can't join" She argued and I raised a brow.

"Just because your ex and his girlfriend are working there doesn't mean you'll hamper with your ambitions." I stated and she looked at me shocked but covered it soon enough.

"Ho.. How do you know" She asked

"I won't have just asked you to marry me without knowing tip to toe about you. Right madam" I mocked

Though that's a lie. I don't know anything about her right now other then she's from Delhi. My informer is to get me thr whole filed detail about her till tomorrow morning.

"Tip to toe. Sounds disgusting. Use another adjectives next time" She sassily replied

"Soch tumhari ghatiya hai meri galti nahi hai (You think dirty isn't my mistake) " I smugly told and she sighed.

"I'll work somewhere else." She told

"Oh you mean the second biggest, Wilson corporation which by the way is my biggest rival, wife" I mocked again

"I'm still not your wife. Stop calling me that" She snapped where as I smirked.

"You wanna work against me" I asked

"So? You don't expect me to give up on my career just because I'm not working in your firm patidev (husband) " She mocked and a chuckle left my mouth.

"Sounds good from the mouth which opens only for mocking" I sneered

"That's not the only thing for which my mouth opens" She said and I looked at her eyes meeting mine when a smirk again left my mouth.

The mouth which speaks first and then thinks. This is going to be one crazy hell ride.

"Eating food. I was talking about eating food" She cleared her throat but that red tint wasn't unnoticed by me.

"When did I say anything" I asked

"You gave me that look" She whined

"What look? You speaking as if you know me since years" I mocked again

"No. But this look when you're yourself converting anything in dark humor" She said

"Isliye bola tha, soch hi ghatiya hai (that's why I said, your thinking is dirty) " I sarcastically said and she sighed

"I'm not working here" She stated

"Except for your Ex boyfriend and his girlfriend is there any other reason" I inquired

"Of course not. I kissed the boss. That's it" She mocked the situation.

"Well, the boss is practically your would be husband who've created a story of being in relationship with you since long hence, no awkward situation. So now this becomes lame reason " I declared

"God why are you so pestering me to be here" She asked annoyed.

It's very easy to annoy her. And I'm so going to enjoy it.

"First, you can't work in a rival company. Come on,just imagine you loose a case against AKs and you'll be accused of helping your husband or vice versa" I reasoned

"You're such a.. Ugh." She muttered

"Decide fast Ms. Shah. I'm not free. Unlike you" I said and she sighed.

"Look Mr. Kapoor, I really can't. Call it my weakness, I can't" She mumbled and I looked at her.

"Weakness? " I let out a dry chuckle

"Weakness would've been when you would've had forgiven him and still be with that man. Him, me Or anyone else can't craft and be a hurdle in your dreams for which you've worked so hard. You were selected as a senior lawyer in the department in AKs that means you have some different potential. You going to waste it because of some shit face? So no, him or me aren't your weakness. You are going to be your weakness if you do this to yourself. " I stated and honestly I was shocked.

This is the most I've spoken in a go till today.

And why did I do so. Why the fuck do I care if she works or not!!

"Mr. Ka.. " She was saying before which I added.

"5 million dollars as the clause states or the in the team of senior assistant criminal lawyers for AK associates. On you" I deadpanned standing up buttoning my coat and she looked at me annoyed.

"Fine" She muttered and I smirked as I guided one of my lawyers to change that term and in another ten minutes I had the contract in my hands which she signed.

"Abhimaan Kapoor never loose a case" I boasted

"One day, remember this, one day I'll make you loose in front of me. I'll win over you" She said standing up and I gave her a tight smile and walked to the door while opening the same.

"You've to meet my family " I informed as she was at the door.

"Text me time and place" She said stepping out and I followed.

"Tonight. Dinner" I replied as we walked towards the elevator and as it's door opened, we saw Neil.

"Vri.. " He spoke

Wasn't he my best friend, addressing her first that too Vri. What the hell is wrong in adding nda to it.

"Neil" She smiled and it's now I realized, since an hour, it's only now when she has smiled.

What the fuck. Why am I noticing this much.

"You okay" He asked while giving a glance at me.

"I'm not murdering her" I scowled

"Who knows. You murder me and put me somewhere in your closet. Neil won't even get to know. And I'll rot there" She said and I looked at Neil while he chuckled.

"Senseless" I told

"Oh you talking about yourself" She asked and I heard a chuckle from side and I glared that dog.

Before anyone could speak, Vrinda's phone rang.

"Excuse me. I've to take this" She said and stepped aside while I looked at Neil.

"She has agreed right" He asked getting serious now and I nodded.

"Just, don't be a shithead " He added

"Why do you care so much about her Neil" I chided

"Because she's my sister. Not by blood but by heart. And you dumbass, you're my best friend, my brother. And I can't choose between you both ever so I want you both to be happy. Don't make me choose a side please " He said and I just nodded while my eyes went to the woman who was over a call with color of her face almost drained.

"What happened" I asked as she came back.

"My family is here" She replied tensed.

"So? " I asked again

"They're here Mr. Kapoor" She pressed the words.

"Heard that Vrinda. And it's a good thing. Bring your family at dinner too" I replied and with that went back inside the cabin.

"Is this man mad" I heard her voice where as I shrugged the thoughts off and got back to my work.

"Eleanor private reservation for family dinner at Carlyle and inform Vrinda about it as well " I told my secretary after a while as I picked up my coat and left for home.

"There he is. Abhi, we've been calling you. Why aren't you picking up the calls" She questioned

"Relax Ma. What happened. " I asked

"The conversation from last night is pending" She said and I looked at her with a small smile.

"We've decided to get married mom. Her name is Vrinda. Let's make you meet her and her family" I told and she looked at me as a big smile broke on her face.

"Thankyou" She said as she hugged me and I chuckled.

"Get ready. I've a video meeting with some client. I'll finish that" I told and she nodded and picked her phone from table of course dialling Aadi.

As I reached my room, I got done with the meeting and took a bath.

Meanwhile putting a song on the gramophone ,I got ready in white shirt & dark blue trousers with dark blue blazer.

Stepping downstairs, I found mom sitting with Aadi already ready in an Indian suit.

"Let's go" I said and they nodded and hence we left for the hotel.

As we reached, I saw one more car entering and it didn't take seconds to recognize the woman on the passanger seat.

Giving the car keys to valet, I stepped out and glanced at Vrinda whom I found nervous as hell.

Her face spoke of the nervousness as she said something in her mom's ear and they looked at me.

"Abhi, is she the one" Mom asked and I looked at the woman wearing a grey turtle neck and over coat. Packed again from head to toe.

"Yes. She's the one" I replied walking towards her.

"Hey" I mumbled

"Hi" She replied

"My parents. And my brother" She added and I looked at them.

"Mr. & Mrs. Shah " Mom spoke surprised where as I looked stunned at her.

She knows them.

"You know them" I asked

"Mrs. Kapoor, it's good to see you" Vrinda's mom spoke

"Abhi, Mr. & Mrs. Shah were good friends. Your dad met Mr. Shah at a meeting and then in a common function. You kids weren't in India with us since so many years so you all never got to meet. But that came as a surprise. It's so good to see you too" Mom said and I kept looking in front of me.

"What happened" Mom asked and I shook my head.

What am I even doing!!

"Nothing" I said and bent down touching their feet.

"God bless you" They said

Her dad looked at me with keen eyes where as my mind just drifted to my dad.

Father! The one I don't have now.

I shook hands with her brother who was two years younger then her.

"Vrinda, my mom and brother Aditya" I introduced and she looked at them with a smile.

"Namaste aunty" She wished bending down to touch her feet when mom stopped her.

"Daughters doesn't touch feet" She said and hugged her where as the faint smile on her parents face didn't go unnoticed by me.

"Hey bhabhi" Aditya grinned and pulled her into a hug while she was too shocked to react.

"Aditya" I said pulling him a bit away where as everyone else chuckled.

"The world is really small. It's good to know that Vrinda is your daughter" Mom told

"Shall we" I asked and with a nod we all moved inside.

As the order was placed, I looked at Vrinda rubbing her palms under the table.

"Is something wrong" I whispered

"Everything" She muttered

"It's just a family dinner Vrinda. They'll talk. They even know each other. So it's good. That's it. Relax a bit" I said and she looked at me.

"Love birds busy in what" Aditya teased when I glared him.

"Haw. Look everyone, he's scaring me." He dramatized where as everyone against shared a chuckle.

"Where's your dad" Vrinda asked and I looked at her clenching my fists.

"He passed away an year ago" I said and she looked at me.

"Oh. I'm so sorry" She whispered

"Don't be " I replied not wanting to snap at her.

The soup and starters were served and our parents and siblings were talking where as we both silently were focused on food.

"So, where did you and Vrinda meet" Mom asked all of a sudden and I looked at Vrinda's spoon stopping just near her mouth.

"Office"

"Court"

And every eye on the table was on us now.

"I saw her at court and asked her to join office" I covered and she sighed

"But she didn't join" Her dad spoke

"Her college was still remaining and then uncle, we all know Vrinda. She wanted it to be done on her own. No help from even me too" I said looking at her where as she was still more focused on the food.

"So how many years now" Her mom asked

"5"

"4"

I passed a glare to her where as she was already glaring me.

"Again" Aditya asked raising a brow.

"5 of he proposing me you know. And I took an year to think if he's the one. Zindagi bhar ka maamla hai (Its the matter of life). And then I agreed" She said with a small smirk and I rolled my eyes.

Me? Proposing? In Her Dreams only.

"So now you're sure he's the one " Her mom asked smiling and she looked at me again.

"Yes mom. He's the one" She said looking at me while I raised a brow with a small smirk.

The families discussed everything. Even dad was talked over the table but I dismissed it. Mom was very sensitive about it hence nothing was talked.

Where as we both were just getting bored wanting it to get over as soon as possible.

"So, let's call a priest. " Her mom said

"We'll do destination wedding. India" My mom suggested

"No" This was me and Vrinda at the same time.

"What" Her dad asked and I clenched my teeth.

Why everyone has so many questions.

"I.. Mean, we've some pending cases which needs our attention more then ever. And then we both aren't a fan of a grand wedding." I lied

"Is it? But Vrinda you always talked of your wedding like a fairy tale" Her brother spoke with a small frown.

Vrinda didn't speak anything for some seconds and then smiled at him.

"Things change Jay. We'll just get it done with temple wedding" She said

"But why so hurry" Mom asked this time

"Seems like bhai is too much desperate to get married to Vrinda bhabhi" Aditya teased

"Very much" I said with a tight smile

"Okay then. We're here for a week. Let's get you married. We don't want any more names in media. " Her dad said and she nodded.

The dinner completed with the chit chatter of family as they walked out where as I and Vrinda were left behind.

"That went good" I said

"Yeah. You're a smooth lier" She scoffed

"As if you aren't" I replied

"Lies doesn't last more Mr. Kapoor" She said with which she stood up and was going when I held her hand stopping her.

"Same goes to you. You equally are responsible in what I spoke there" I warned

"Tomorrow. 10 am. AK firms" I said and she huffed.

"I need sleep. You can call me at 9 in morning" She yawned

"Naukar nahi hu tumhara ( I'm not your servent) " I mocked

"Then stop giving lectures. I know when to come" She frowned as we walked out when I saw everyone looking at me.

Hence I did what first came in my mind. I held her hand in mine and she looked at me just about to protest as usual.

"Sush. Don't protest. We've all the eyes on us. " I whispered when she looked around and saw everyone including families.

"Ah look. Our priest sent us the auspicious date. Oh my God, it's day after tomorrow only" Mom exclaimed and we both looked at each other shocked.

"That's great. " Her parents too happily agreed.

"Why are you two looking white like ghosts" aditya asked

"No. We're happy. Right Vrinda" I lied to which she faked a big smile nodding.

"Let's get going then. Atleast tomorrow we'll do some preperation" Her mom spoke to which the elders agreed.

I looked at the woman who was lost in different world.

"Bye Vrinda" I mumbled and she looked at me.

"Bye.. Abhimaan" She whispered and this time my gaze fixed at her.

Abhimaan.

Don't comment anything on this sub concious. I dare you don't!!

_____________________________

Hey readers!!

So, The lawyer Abhimaan Kapoor never loose a case. He won this too.

And families met. Wedding in a jiffy.

Let's see how this journey starts.

Vote, like, share & reviews are welcomed.

Until next...

Hugs 🫂