I stretch, rubbing my eyes as the sun filters in through the curtains, casting soft, warm patches of light across my bed. It takes me a second to realizing it's Sunday.

No office today. I sigh in relief, sinking deeper into my pillow, ready to drift back to sleep. I deserve this break, and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.

Just as I'm about to close my eyes, A memory flares in my mind-my father's text from last night. I need to talk to you about something important. My stomach twists, curiosity clawing at me. Knowing him, it could be anything. Maybe he needs my advice on a project, or maybe,I don't know. But now I'm wide awake.

With a resigned sigh, I slip out of bed and head to the bathroom, deciding a quick shower should wake me up enough to brace for whatever's coming. A simple white kurti and jeans seem like the right choice for a laid-back Sunday visit, and after running a brush through my hair, I'm on my way, driving to my parents' house with a mix of curiosity and slight nerves.

The doorbell chimes, and I barely wait before pushing the door open and stepping into the familiar warmth of my childhood home. The scent of my mother's cooking hangs in the air, bringing a soft smile to my lips.

But my steps falter as I step into the living room. There, leaning back on the sofa with an annoyingly relaxed air, is Araav Raghuvanshi.

His gaze lifts, and for a moment, time feels like it slows. His eyes lock onto mine, lingering in a way that feels heavier than it should. There's something in that gaze,something I can't quite read, but it makes my heart beat just a bit faster, against my better judgment.

Snapping myself out of it, I lift my brow, sarcasm slipping into my voice. "What exactly are you doing here on a Sunday morning, Araav? Ran out of people to pester?"

A smirk tugs at the corner of his lips, his expression far too amused for my liking. "Maybe I just missed your charming presence, Tanvi."

Rolling my eyes, I scoff and head for the kitchen, the one place that offers guaranteed answers.

"Maa," my voice sounds more tense than I'd like, "what's he doing here?"

My mother raises her eyebrows, looking a little too casual as she stirs the chai. "Oh... Araav?" She glances towards the living room and gives a dismissive shrug. "I'm not sure," she says, but there's a spark in her eyes that betrays her. She's definitely hiding something.

"Maa, is Araav joining us for breakfast?" I ask, not bothering to hide my sarcasm.

Before my mother can reply, Araav's voice drifts from behind me, annoyingly smooth. "I wouldn't want to impose, Tanvi, but your family asked for my charming presence"

I roll my eyes, heading to the dining table as my mother calls everyone to join. I slip into a chair, forcing myself to ignore the fact that Araav takes the seat directly across from me, a smug glint in his eyes.

As we begin eating, I see my father descending the stairs. He joins us, exchanging quick greetings, and for a moment, all I can hear is the clinking of plates and cups. Then, my father clears his throat, breaking the silence.

"Tanvi and Araav" His tone has a weight to it, one that catches everyone's attention. I pause mid-bite, glancing between him and Araav. "I want to talk to you both about something important."

I nod, though there's a slight tension in my chest. But nothing could have prepared me for his next words.

"I believe it's time that you two get married." He says it simply, as if he's just suggested we should go out for coffee.

The words hit me like a punch, and I choke, my eyes widening as I look around the table. When my gaze lands on Araav, he's casually eating his breakfast, as if this was all perfectly normal. My shock quickly turns to irritation. Did he know about this?

"No. Absolutely not," I manage, wiping my mouth and glaring at my father. "You can't be serious, Papa."

He sighs, looking at me with the patience only he has. "Tanvi, I know your last marriage wasn't what you hoped for. But think about it,this union isn't just about the two of you. Our companies would gain substantial advantages, and our families" He trails off, and I can see the thoughts working behind his gaze. "You'd both gain the stability that I know is important to you."

I'm about to argue, to say that I don't need a marriage for stability, but he cuts me off with a calm but pointed reminder. "Remember the last time I gave you a choice? I let you decide on your own, and I respected that. But, beta, things didn't quite go well." His voice is gentle, but his words sting, pulling me back into silence.

Before I can dwell on my failed marriage, Araav's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. "Alright, let's not ruin breakfast over this." He gives me a look, almost reassuring, and for a second, I appreciate the way he shifts the mood, taking the weight off the situation.

When breakfast wraps up, I don't wait any longer. I turn to him, leveling a look that makes my decision clear. "Araav, can we talk? Privately."

Without a word, he follows me upstairs, and I lead him to my room, closing the door behind us. I cross my arms, looking at him with the full force of my irritation. "What exactly are you doing?"

He chuckles, raising a brow. "You mean, what are we doing?"

"Cut the sarcasm, Araav." I glare, waiting until his smirk fades and he takes on a more serious expression.

"It's simple, Tanvi. A merger between our families would benefit both our companies. The resources alone would place us miles ahead of our competitors. And we're both... practical enough to handle this as a business arrangement." His voice is calm, almost persuasive, but it's the last line that throws me off.

"So, you're saying this is purely business?" I say, more to myself than him, absorbing the reality of it. It makes sense, and yet...

"Exactly." He watches me, giving me the space to think. "It's business, nothing more. We can draw up a contract, outline all the terms we need. Nothing personal. Just business."

I nod slowly, feeling a mix of relief and resignation settle over me. "Fine. Send me the contract. And if I feel the need to add a few clauses of my own"

"Go ahead," he replies with a slight grin. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

We head back downstairs, where my parents wait, hope shining in their eyes. I force a small smile, glancing at Araav. "We're ready to move forward."

The smiles that spread across their faces could light up the room. My mother's eyes well up with tears of happiness as she immediately begins passing out sweets, her excitement filling the air.

"Now that that's settled," Araav says, glancing at his watch. "I'll be taking my leave."

"Oh, Tanvi, walk him to his car, please," my mother insists, her gaze soft but commanding.

I open my mouth to protest, but she silences me with a single look. Reluctantly, I follow him outside, my annoyance clear as I cross my arms once we reach his car.

He chuckles as he opens the door, glancing back at me. "You know, if this marriage is purely business, you could at least try to pretend you're not completely against it."

"Don't push your luck, Araav."

He smirks, raising his hands in surrender. "Just a suggestion. Anyway, enjoy the rest of your Sunday, Mrs. Almost-Raghuvanshi."

With one last teasing look, he climbs into the car and drives off. I watch him go, releasing a deep sigh. I have no idea what I've just agreed to.