Chapter 4
I was piqued
by his words and what sounded like the most absurd business proposal, but I
intently listened to every word he had spoken, even though I would often get
distracted by his thick black eyebrows furrowed above his eyes or his
disheveled mop of unruly hair. I think he found this conversation frustrating,
at least to some extent because he would every now so often rake his hand
through his hair, making it more disheveled than it already was.
Damn it, Vadhera.
If he, even
in the slightest, was uncertain on how to go about this conversation he didn't
show, because he was without a shadow of doubt a very confident and charismatic
person. Although, he had for most part of our meeting been very reserved and domineering,
but I think it was the age difference between the two of us and the fact he
towered above me a little over half a foot. But that didn't stop me from
suppressing a smile when he proposed marriage as the best solution to this predicament.
He gave me an
icy glare when he saw struggling not to throw my head back laughing, but I quickly
reminded myself that I need to attempt a more civil conversation. While I found
this greatly ludicrous arrangement bemusing, the gravity of the situation
sobered me up and I decided to determine my position in this arrangement.
But I don't want
to marry you,' I muttered, although I was wanted to articulate it as a question
rather than a statement I decided against it, to prevent him from getting even
a slight indication that I was interested in this proposal. Either way it would
serve the purpose equally well; I will know whether or not I have a choice.
I anticipated
he'd be offended at my open rejection, but he smiled. Yes, a smile. His mouth twitched into a soft smile and for once the
sardonic expression left his face. I think he was surprised or amused? I can't say for certain because he
blinked a couple of times while looking away; the smile not once leaving his
face. He ran his hand through his hair again and looked at me. Although the smile
was now gone, the soft look in his eyes suggested he wasn't angry. He shifted
his weight and rested his elbows on his knee, while his hands came forward to
take mine in his.
His thumb
brushed the rings adorning my fingers, before settling on my knuckles. He didn't
say anything for a while but tightened his hold on my hands. When he finally
looked up he said, Don't worry, this is temporary, sweet heart.'
I opened my
mouth to speak, but gasped when he suddenly pulled me towards him with a jerk
of his hand. I felt very aware of his presence, whether it was his transfixed
gaze or his close proximity - I know not, but I'm certain a blush rose on my
cheeks because I could feel my face heat up. I think he sensed my uneasiness, because
his smile deepened and he his hand went up to my forehead to wrap a loose
strand of hair around his finger. He tucked it behind my ear, making sure he traced
the parameters of my face. His left hand still tightly held onto my hand, while
his right hand cupped my face and his thumb grazed my jawline, slowly pulling
me closer to him. You don't have to worry about anything. I will take care of
you, but I will not force you to be bound in a loveless marriage. While the
purpose of the wedding is to help both the families overcome their financial
and political problems, it can't come at the cost of destroying two lives.'
He studied my
face for a second and moved back. His hand left my face and I straightened back
in my chair. Is there no other way?' I muttered. Viren, I...'
His face tensed
and he interrupted me, Prince Viren, Jeevika. And I'm afraid no. I'm sure I am
no where close to your approximation of a Prince Charming nor am I promising to
fit your bill, but I don't want to hurt us.' The playfulness was gone and he
was back to his old serious self. I understand you're too young to get married.
Even I would not want a quick witted, hot blooded, feisty 20-year-old for a
wife, when I already have a lot on my platter. The last thing I want is to go
through the inconvenience of getting myself a wife.'
My cheeks
heated in anger and embarrassment at this Janus-faced, insolent man. Just when I
thought he wasn't as cocky as he sounded he rubbed his actual feelings in my
face.
I am
surprised despite your apparent lack of interest in this nuptial, you are
rather insistent upon getting my approval. Might I take the liberty to remind
you, Prince Viren, what you just did
is reprehensible especially for dignified person you claim to be. While I appreciate
you taking out time to come and talk to me personally, it breaks my heart to
tell you have failed to convince me. You're right, you are not my Prince Charming
and never can be. Now if you will please excuse me, I need to get ready.'
His jaw
clenched and he scowled at me. You don't dismiss me like that Jeevika. No one
does and I'm not finished as yet. I think we have already established the seriousness
of this situation and had there been any other way, believe you me I would have
been more than happy to take that up. I think its important you don't forget
that we belong to a Royal family and it is crucial we put the monarchy and our
families before us. It has always been about the monarchy and shall remain
about the monarchy. This wedding has been prearranged for us and while this
might not go too well with you, there is little that can be done. I would
expect your cooperation and respect.
As I previously
mentioned, I respect your incredulity to this news, and I'd suggest you sort it
out with your parents.'
I rolled my
eyes at his business-like tone and asked, So what's up with the temporary
thing?'
Well,
considering you're not very keen to have me as your husband, the most I can do
for you is suggest a temporary set up for the duration of eighteen months. And don't
argue, because I'll accept no less. In this duration, you're expected to live
like my wife. However, I'll make sure our families are aware of this.'
You mean
they are not aware of this?'
No. This is
my decision. And I'm afraid you don't have choice.' Saying this he got up and
walked to the door. I was seething with anger, when I heard him say in a low
tone, You have to trust me and you can.'
____________________________________
Hey guys
Sorry this isn't a very long update, but blame my sick, lazy self. This update however is very important to establish the characters of Viren and Jeevika. Hopefully you're liking Viren. Sorry for the short replies again I've been feeling down these days.
Viren's POV
I have decided to write Viren's POV as Viren's diary, which I will be posting randomly on my twitter account. (@sightbasis) If you want to read his POV then follow me on twitter. I'll be posting some sneak peaks as well there so be sure to follow me.
Hit the like buttons and please leave a comment. I'd really appreciate it!
Cheers Juju
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