A Forced Marriage – The Unwanted Bond

About 20 minutes later, ten luxury cars stopped in front of a grand hotel. Security personnel stepped out from the other vehicles first, scanning the area cautiously.

Then, from the sleek black Lamborghini in the center, a bodyguard walked up and respectfully opened the door. A tall, well-built man stepped out, dressed in a black business suit, his hair neatly styled with precision. He was none other than Advik Trivedi—the CEO of Trivedi Enterprises and the eldest son of Vinay Trivedi.

At 30 years old, standing 6 feet tall, his broad shoulders and chiseled features made him a striking presence. His piercing deep blue eyes had the power to captivate anyone at first glance, but his cold demeanor made him unapproachable. People feared his intense aura and ruthless personality. Whatever Advik desired, he would get it—no matter the cost.

As he walked into the hotel, Devji, an elderly yet influential businessman, was already waiting for him. Seeing Advik, Devji immediately stood up and walked forward with a warm smile.

Hugging Advik, he said, "I was sure you would come."

Advik smirked slightly and replied, "If you keep emotionally blackmailing me like this, I have no choice but to show up. Now tell me, why did you call me here? I don't have much time—I need to leave for London soon."

Hearing this, Devji's expression turned serious. "You can leave for London, but only after getting married first."

Advik froze, narrowing his sharp gaze. "What? Do you even realize what you're saying?"

Devji remained firm. "Yes, I do, and I am not changing my decision."

Advik clenched his jaw. "You know very well that I have no interest in marriage. I despise these relationships. And yet, you expect me to ruin someone else's life by marrying them?"

Just then, Usha Ji, an elderly yet graceful woman, walked toward him, holding his hand. "Please, my child. If you don't marry today, an innocent girl's life will be destroyed… and I cannot let that happen because of us."

Advik sighed and gently held Usha Ji's hands in his own. "Grandma, if I marry her, her life will be ruined anyway. You know I do not believe in these bonds. Why are you forcing me?"

Devji, who had been silent, finally lost his patience. "Fine! If you refuse to marry, then leave this place right now. But remember this—your grandparents are dead to you from this moment onward!"

His words struck Advik hard. His once confident gaze faltered as an unfamiliar hopelessness took over. After a long silence, he muttered, "Fine… I'll do it."

Without another word, he walked toward the mandap (wedding altar) and sat down, his face blank, his emotions hidden behind an iron mask.

Meanwhile, Usha Ji walked towards Anya, the bride, and gently pulled her veil over her face before leading her to the mandap. Anya, in contrast, felt completely numb—like a puppet whose strings were being pulled by others. Her mind had stopped processing anything.

The wedding rituals began. When the priest placed Anya's hand in Advik's, for a brief second, a strange feeling passed through Advik, but he quickly brushed it aside.

"Now stand up for the sacred vows," the priest instructed.

Hearing this, Usha Ji requested, "Pandit Ji, please explain the meaning of each vow in Hindi too, so that both of them can understand."

The priest nodded in agreement. Advik stood up, his face unreadable, while Anya remained seated, her body frozen in place.

Advik clenched his fists, feeling irritation rising, but for the sake of his grandparents, he tolerated it in silence.

Seeing Anya unmoving, Devji signaled Usha Ji, who then gently helped Anya stand up.

The sacred seven vows (pheras) began:

1️⃣ First Vow – The bride walks ahead and asks her husband to always take her along for every sacred ritual and pilgrimage.

2️⃣ Second Vow – She promises to respect his family just like her own, but asks him to do the same for hers.

3️⃣ Third Vow – She vows to stand by him in all phases of life—youth, adulthood, and old age.

4️⃣ Fourth Vow – She asks him to take responsibility for their household and family.

5️⃣ Fifth Vow – She requests that he consider her opinion in all financial and household matters.

6️⃣ Sixth Vow – She makes him promise never to humiliate her in public and to stay away from bad habits like gambling.

7️⃣ Seventh Vow – She asks for his lifelong loyalty and respect toward their sacred bond.

After the vows, the priest announced, "Now, the groom shall apply sindoor (vermilion) in the bride's hair parting."

Advik picked up the silver sindoor box and, without lifting her veil, marked Anya as his wife. As the sindoor touched her forehead, silent tears slipped from her eyes.

"Now, the groom shall tie the mangalsutra (sacred necklace) around the bride's neck."

Advik followed the priest's instructions and secured the black-beaded necklace around Anya's neck—a symbol of their forced union.

"The wedding is now complete. You are officially husband and wife. Seek blessings from the elders," the priest declared.

Advik immediately stood up and took blessings, but he did not look at Anya. His tone was cold as he spoke, "I have done what you asked. If there's nothing else, I need to leave now."

And just like that, their unwanted bond was sealed—one that neither of them wanted, yet neither could escape from.

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To be continued…