The grey skies stretched endlessly over Delhi, casting a somber mood across the bustling city. Rain tapped rhythmically against the grand windows of Minister Rajesh Thakur's palatial mansion, a fortress of political power wrapped in luxury. The scent of marigold garlands lingered from a morning prayer, mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed chai.

Inside the opulent dining hall, Rajesh Thakur sat at the head of a long, polished table that gleamed under the warm light of crystal chandeliers. His crisp white kurta was as immaculate as his carefully cultivated public image — a man of the people, or so he claimed.

Opposite him, his daughter, Anvika Thakur, was slouched in her chair, a picture of casual rebellion in a simple kurti and jeans. Her long, wavy hair framed a face that was strikingly beautiful but currently etched with boredom. She stirred her bowl of oats with little enthusiasm, wishing she were anywhere but here.

Her mother, Kavita Thakur, a graceful woman with streaks of silver in her long hair, sat quietly beside her, sipping chai from a delicate porcelain cup. The silence was thick, broken only by the clink of spoons and the occasional rustle of newspapers.

Rajesh cleared his throat, his voice cutting through the stillness. “Anvika.”

She looked up, eyes wary. “What now? Another charity event where I have to play the dutiful daughter?”

He chuckled, though his eyes remained sharp. “No, this is a bit more... personal.”

Anvika arched a brow. “Personal? Since when do you care about personal matters?”

Ignoring her sarcasm, Rajesh leaned forward, folding his hands on the table. “I’ve received a marriage proposal for you.”

The spoon clattered against the ceramic bowl as Anvika froze. “Excuse me? Did you just say marriage proposal?”

Her mother shifted uncomfortably, but Rajesh remained unfazed. “Yes. And it’s from Akaay Rathore.”

Anvika blinked, as if the name hadn’t registered properly. “Akaay... Rathore? As in the CEO of Rathore Enterprises?”

“The very same,” he confirmed, pride evident in his tone.

Anvika’s mind raced. Akaay Rathore — the arrogant, cold-hearted businessman who walked through parties like he owned the air people breathed. The same man she had humiliated at a high-society event six months ago.

Her lips curled into a bitter smile. “Oh, this is rich. You want me to marry that heartless man?”

Rajesh’s expression hardened. “He’s one of the most powerful businessmen in the country. Having him as my son-in-law would be a privilege — not just for this family, but for my political career. People will see this alliance as a symbol of progress and stability. It will strengthen my voter base.”

Anvika’s jaw dropped. “So this isn’t about me at all, is it? It’s about your politics.”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” Rajesh said dismissively. “This is a win-win for everyone. You get a husband who is smart, successful, and respected. I get a powerful ally.”

Anvika let out a bitter laugh. “Wow, what a beautiful modern fairy tale. Does he come with a glass slipper too?”

“Enough with the sarcasm,” Rajesh said sternly. “This is happening.”

“No,” she said firmly, pushing back her chair. “It’s not.”

Rajesh’s face darkened. “Sit down, Anvika.”

Kavita placed a calming hand on her husband’s arm. “Rajesh, maybe we should—”

“No, Kavita. This is final.” He turned back to Anvika. “You’ve been running around playing social activist and rejecting every decent proposal that came your way. This time, you will listen to me.”

Anvika’s voice shook with anger. “You can’t just decide my life for me!”

“I am your father, and I know what’s best for you,” he said coldly. “You will marry Akaay Rathore.”

Tears pricked the corners of Anvika’s eyes, but she refused to let them fall. “Why don’t you just sell me to the highest bidder while you’re at it?”

Her mother’s face softened. “Beta, please don’t say such things. Your father only wants what’s best for you.”

Anvika scoffed. “Yeah, sure. Best for him.”

Rajesh stood up, towering over her. “This conversation is over. The proposal has already been accepted on my behalf.”

Anvika's heart raced. “You didn’t even ask me?”

“I don’t need your permission,” he said coldly.

With that, he stormed out of the room, leaving a tense silence in his wake.

---

Later that evening, Anvika sat by the garden, her arms wrapped around her knees. The scent of jasmine filled the air, but even its sweetness couldn’t soothe her turmoil. She had always imagined living life on her terms, free from the chains of societal expectations. Marriage had never been part of her plan — especially not to a man like Akaay Rathore.

Her mother approached quietly, a shawl draped over her shoulders. “Beta,” she said softly, sitting beside her.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Anvika said, her voice hollow.

“I know it’s sudden,” Kavita admitted. “But your father isn’t entirely wrong. Akaay Rathore is a good man.”

Anvika let out a bitter laugh. “You don’t even know him. What if he’s a complete monster?”

Kavita sighed. “Sometimes, marriages start as arrangements but grow into something meaningful. Your father and I—”

“Please spare me the love story,” Anvika interrupted. “This is different. I don’t want to marry some stranger.”

“I understand,” Kavita said softly. “But maybe... give it a chance? You might be surprised.”

Anvika shook her head. “I can’t believe you’re siding with him.”

“I’m siding with you,” her mother insisted. “Life doesn’t always go the way we want, but sometimes it leads us to places we never expected — places that are better than what we imagined.”

Anvika remained silent, her heart heavy with confusion and frustration.

---

Meanwhile, back at Rathore Enterprises, Akaay stood by his office window, watching the rain cascade down the glass. His decision to send the marriage proposal had been purely strategic. Rajesh Thakur held information that could bring down an entire corrupt network, and marrying his daughter was the most efficient way to get close to him.

Love? That was a luxury he had never indulged in. This was just another mission.

Or so he told himself.

Dhruv walked in without knocking, as usual. “What’s with the brooding face? You look like you’re plotting world domination.”

Akaay shot him a glare. “I’m thinking.”

“About what? Oh wait — let me guess. The marriage proposal you sent to Thakur’s house?” Dhruv smirked.

Akaay’s jaw clenched. “Yes.”

Dhruv plopped onto the leather couch, grinning. “So, you're ready to start your new life with you soon to be lovely wife ?”

Akaay’s eyes darkened. “shut up.”

Dhruv laughed. “Oh, this is going to be fun. Imagine her face when she finds out she’s marrying the heartless man himself.”

“Go away if you have nothing better to do,” Akaay said coldly.

“Fine, fine,” Dhruv said, standing up. “But I have a feeling this is going to be the most entertaining mission of your life.”

As Dhruv left, Akaay’s thoughts returned to the task at hand. He had tried to find a way around this marriage, but there was no other option.

This was the only way to complete the mission.

And so, the proposal had been sent.

___