I will make you my wife

Surbhi removed her backpack and settled into the seat beside Sharvik. This was their first face-to-face meeting.

She had heard much about this man, yet none of it did him justice. He was far more captivating than she had imagined—his mere presence could make other men question their own existence.

Sharvik switched off his tablet and glanced at Surbhi, who was focused on her phone screen. A call from Sumit was flashing on the display.

"You can take the call," Sharvik said calmly.

Surbhi gave a slight nod and answered.

From the other end, Sumit's voice rang with mischief. "Big Big Sister, I know you're lazy, but this is a new level! The other students are already home, and you haven't even left school. Should I bring a palanquin for you?"

Surbhi's gaze flickered toward Sharvik, who was watching her intently.

Despite his composed demeanor, there was something undeniably formidable about him. People feared even stepping into his presence. Yet, Surbhi seemed utterly unmoved, unaffected by the weight of his existence.

"I'm busy today. We'll talk some other time," she said simply, then ended the call before Sumit could respond.

Slipping the phone into her pocket, she raised her languid gaze to meet Sharvik's. His piercing black-and-white eyes seemed intent on dismantling the walls around her, as if seeking a way into her very soul.

"Why did you call me here?" she asked, her voice neither sharp nor sweet—just effortlessly composed.

Rather than answering, Sharvik leaned back and smiled. Very few had the audacity to address him so directly on a first meeting.

Especially women. Most went out of their way to present themselves as paragons of grace in his presence, hoping to leave a favorable impression. But the girl before him, dressed in her Delhi Public School uniform, seemed utterly indifferent.

Surbhi took in his smile—one that could drive both men and women to madness.

Her fingers curled into fists.

"I asked you a question, Sharvik Singhania."

Still smiling, he replied, "In five days, we are to be engaged, and soon after, we will be married. Before that, I thought it wise for us to meet. A lifetime together warrants at least a passing acquaintance, don't you think?"

Surbhi's striking admiral-green eyes turned cold.

From the driver's seat, the man behind the wheel was struggling to believe what he was witnessing. His employer—smiling? It was unfathomable. The man had not smiled in a hundred years.

Surbhi's voice was calm but resolute. "I have no intention of marrying you. Inform your grandfather not to spread baseless rumors about me. I'm here for some much-needed peace."

Yet, Sharvik's smile did not falter.

The driver, however, was in utter disbelief. Someone had actually refused his boss? He was tempted to bow down and touch Surbhi's feet.

Sharvik, unperturbed, spoke with ease. "But I intend to marry you. In fact, I already consider you my wife. Only a few ceremonial formalities remain, and then you will be mine in every sense."

A faint crease appeared on Surbhi's otherwise smooth forehead.

She had heard the tales of Sharvik Singhania—stories that painted him as anything but a gentleman. Every woman who had dared to approach him had seen her life crumble in his wake.

And yet, they still pursued him.

The world called him a ruthless king—cold as ice, devoid of emotion.

But the man before her was something else entirely. Shameless.

He wasn't just rejecting her refusal. He was claiming her as his own.

Surbhi narrowed her eyes, making her look irresistibly charming.

"You dream too big for your small eyes," she remarked.

Sharvik loosened his tie and replied, "I don't believe in dreams. I think, and then I turn my thoughts into reality. Like today—I decided I like you, and in a few days, I will make you my wife."

"That will never happen. I will not marry you. I despise your family and would never tie myself to them under any circumstances."

"Hatred?" Sharvik's gaze darkened. "May I know the reason?"

"When I expose your family, you'll know soon enough."

"I see. Then I'll wait for that day. But let me make one thing clear—your revelations won't change my decision to marry you."

His composed response made Surbhi clench her fists. She had expected him to abandon the idea of marriage after hearing this, but instead, he seemed even more resolute.

Sharvik suddenly shifted the conversation. "How exactly are you connected to Anantpur Case 69? From what I've learned about you, there's no direct link. Yet, your people have been investigating it for days."

The moment he mentioned Anantpur Case 69, Surbhi's expression turned to stone. She stared at him, her beautiful features unreadable.

Sharvik, dressed in a crisp white shirt, black trousers, and a loosened tie, looked effortlessly alluring. The slightly undone tie hanging around his neck gave him a relaxed yet dangerously charming aura, a stark contrast to his usual reserved demeanor.

Surbhi averted her gaze, turning to the window with a cold expression.

Sharvik understood she wasn't going to answer, so he didn't press further.

For reasons unknown, he found himself leaning closer to her. Sensing the shift, Surbhi tensed.

His distinct, masculine scent filled her senses, and for a fleeting moment, her heart skipped a beat.

For the first time in her life, a stranger had invaded her space so intimately.

Sharvik stopped just short of her face. The usual sharpness in Surbhi's eyes faded, replaced by an emotion she couldn't quite define.

He reached over and fastened her seatbelt.

Relief washed over Surbhi, though she couldn't explain why.

Leaning back, Sharvik commanded the driver, "To Moonlight Restaurant."

"Yes, boss." The driver started the engine.

The journey was steeped in silence.

Surbhi gazed out of the window, while Sharvik, without a word, observed her.

Even in the quiet, there was an inexplicable pull between them.

When they arrived, the guards conducted a thorough twenty-minute security check before finally opening the car door for Sharvik.

Stepping out, Sharvik personally opened the door for Surbhi and extended his hand like a gentleman.

Without a word, Surbhi placed her hand in his and stepped out.

Yet, even then, Sharvik didn't let go.

"Are you planning to have lunch while carrying your backpack?" he asked.

"Yes. I don't trust you," she replied coolly.

At her words, Sharvik smirked but said nothing.

The guards and driver nearby exchanged stunned glances. Their boss… smiling? It was unheard of.

Still holding her hand, Sharvik led Surbhi into the restaurant.

She glanced around. Other than the staff, the restaurant was empty.

A single table was elegantly set for two. The ambiance was refined yet understated, mirroring Sharvik's taste perfectly.

Pulling out a chair for her, he said, "Your uncle mentioned you don't like crowded places. That's why I booked the entire restaurant. You can be comfortable here."

Without a word, Surbhi took the seat he offered.

Sharvik settled into the chair across from her as the staff began serving their meal.

He meticulously placed a napkin on his lap and another at his collar, adhering to impeccable table etiquette. Surbhi, in contrast, paid no mind to such formalities. She simply picked up her knife and fork and began eating.

Sharvik watched her for a moment before asking, "Why did you enroll in high school?"

Surbhi continued eating, her voice composed. "For a new experience."

Sharvik's gaze sharpened. "Who is Surbhi? What is your relationship with her?"

Her delicate fingers, poised over the knife and fork, stilled.

Lifting her eyes, she met his penetrating gaze.

For a few moments, neither spoke. Then, without answering, she resumed eating, making it clear she had no intention of responding.

Sharvik didn't push further.

Silence lingered between them throughout the meal. While Sharvik ate at his own pace, Surbhi stopped after just a few bites.

Afterward, he rose and said, "Let's go. I'll drop you at Mehta Residence."

She gave a small nod. "Hmm."

As they exited the restaurant, a sudden dizziness overcame Surbhi.

Her vision blurred, her steps faltering.

She struggled to steady herself, but the weakness was overwhelming.

Losing control, she felt her body give way.

Sharvik turned just in time to see her collapsing.

His face darkened instantly.

In a swift motion, he caught her in his arms.

Mehta House,

"I have no idea where that girl has been all this time. Let her step foot in this house today, and I will teach her a lesson she will never forget."

Late into the night, Mrs. Mehta paced the grand hall of Mehta House, muttering under her breath, her unease evident in every step.

Seated on the couch, Mr. Sanjeev and Siya remained silent, their expressions clouded with concern.

Surbhi was still missing—there was no sign of her, no call, no message. Anxiety loomed in the air, but it wasn't merely her absence that troubled Mr. and Mrs. Mehta. Their real fear lay elsewhere—in the Singhania family.

The girl Anand Singhania had chosen… if anything happened to her, what would the Singhanias do to them? The mere thought sent shivers down their spines.

Breaking the heavy silence, Siya spoke, "Mom, I overheard something at school today. Several students were saying that Sumit got into a fight with someone because of Big sister. If I had to guess, big sister is probably with him right now, caught up in something so consuming that she hasn't even noticed your calls."

_____________________________

What happens next?

What is Anantpur Case 69?

Why does Surbhi despise the Singhania family?

What has happened to Surbhi?

Will the Mehta family uncover the truth?

To know…

To be continued…