Destined to Be Yours

It was a quiet Sunday morning, but the storm raging in Shourya's mind was anything but serene. The soft hum of the city outside his window failed to mask the intense thoughts swirling inside.

He sat on the edge of his bed in his room, his gaze fixed on the wall in front of him, where a framed photo of his younger self and his father hung. The memories of his father's legacy weighed heavily on him, especially now, as he faced the pressure of breaking away from Malhotra and making Verma Industries stand on its own.

His phone buzzed with constant media notifications: "Shourya Verma Breaks Partnership with Malhotra: What's Next for Verma Industries?" one headline read.

Another, more damning, declared: "Can Verma Industries Survive Without Malhotra's Support?" The headlines were relentless, feeding the public's need for drama and speculation. Gossip about his decision to part ways with Malhotra was spreading like wildfire, and the media seemed eager to paint him as another failed businessman.

He tossed the phone onto the bed beside him, its screen glowing with unanswered messages. Everyone had questions. Everyone wanted a statement. But Shourya didn't have answers—not yet.

Shourya rose from the bed and moved to the window, his gaze falling on the distant city skyline. The familiar view failed to comfort him as it once did. His father's voice echoed in his mind: "Strength isn't measured by how you avoid adversity, Shourya. It's measured by how you face it."

But this adversity wasn't just a storm; it was a hurricane. Every move from here would define not just his career, but the future of Verma Industries.

Could he reassure the investors who were already wavering? Would the employees who once saw him as a visionary still believe in his leadership? How would he retain clients tempted to align with Malhotra's new ventures?

Meanwhile, Vedha sat by her window, her chin resting on her knees as she stared blankly at the garden outside. The weight of the past few days bore down on her, filling her mind with questions she didn't have answers to. Why did he marry her? Why couldn't she feel like she belonged in her own life anymore?

Her phone buzzed on the bedside table, and she reached for it, seeing Pooja's name flash across the screen. She hesitated but picked up, knowing Pooja wouldn't stop calling until she answered.

"Vedhaaa!" Pooja's energetic voice rang out, as bright as ever. "What's wrong with you? Skipping college for so many days? Are you trying to break my attendance record or what?"

Vedha sighed softly, her voice distant. "I've just been… busy."

"Busy?" Pooja laughed. "Don't tell me you've joined a secret cult or something. Or wait—have you become a rebel? Living some exciting double life without me?"

Vedha's lips twitched into a small, tired smile, but the weight in her chest didn't lift. "It's nothing like that, Pooja. I just… I don't think I'm coming back."

Pooja gasped dramatically. "You're WHAT? Dropping out? Are you insane? Who's going to compete with me for the highest grades? I mean, come on, you're the one keeping me in check here!"

Vedha let out a shaky breath. "I'm not joking, Pooja. I… I got married."

There was stunned silence on the other end before Pooja burst out laughing. "You? Married? That's the worst excuse I've ever heard! Nice try, but you'll have to do better than that if you want me to believe you."

Vedha closed her eyes, her voice trembling. "I'm serious, Pooja. I really got married."

The laughter on the other end stopped abruptly. "Wait, wait, wait. Hold on a second. You're not joking? Like, actually married? To who? When? How did this even happen? And why didn't you tell me?"

Vedha's throat tightened, and her words came out in a rush. "It was arranged. I didn't even have a choice, Pooja. One day, I was just Vedha, a college student. And the next… I'm someone's wife. It all happened so fast that I didn't even have time to understand it myself."

Pooja tried to lighten the mood, though her voice was tinged with worry. "Okay, okay, slow down. Are you sure this isn't a prank? Because if it is, you're really going all in."

Vedha's voice cracked as she replied, her emotions spilling out. "It's not a prank, Pooja. I… I don't even know why I'm telling you this. I feel like my whole life has been turned upside down. I'm married to someone who doesn't even love me. I'm just… there, like a responsibility he couldn't say no to."

There was a pause, and then Pooja spoke, her teasing tone softening slightly. "Wait, wait. Are you telling me your husband doesn't even like you? What kind of idiot is he?"

Vedha couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her, though it was tinged with sadness. "It's not that simple. He… he was in love with someone else. And now, I'm here, in a marriage that feels like it doesn't belong to me. I don't even know if he cares about me or if I'm just someone he had to marry because of family expectations."

Pooja clicked her tongue, her voice playful but with a hint of seriousness. "First of all, who does he think he is, ignoring you? You're Vedha, my brilliant, amazing best friend. If he doesn't see how incredible you are, he's blind. And second, why are you letting this loser get to you? You're better than this, Vedha."

Vedha wiped a tear that slid down her cheek. "You don't get it, Pooja. I feel invisible. Like… like I don't even exist in this marriage. It's like I'm just filling a role, not living a life. I don't know what to do anymore."

Pooja's voice softened further, though her teasing edge remained. "Listen, Vedha. I can hear you're really hurting. But let me tell you something: you're not invisible. You're strong, you're smart, and you're way too good to just fade into the background of anyone's life. If this guy doesn't realize that, then screw him."

Vedha sniffled, trying to hold back her tears. "I just… I don't know how to make him see me. Or if I even want to try anymore. I feel so lost, Pooja."

Pooja's voice was firm but warm. "Hey, hey. You don't have to have all the answers right now. It's okay to feel lost. But don't you dare give up on yourself, okay? If this guy can't see what an amazing person you are, then it's his loss. You don't need to bend over backward to make anyone love you, Vedha. You're worth so much more than that."

Vedha let out a shaky breath, her emotions finally settling. "Thanks, Pooja. I needed to hear that."

Pooja's teasing tone returned. "Of course you did! I'm the best friend who gives tough love and amazing advice. Now, promise me one thing—next time, at least invite me to the wedding if you decide to get married again."

Vedha laughed, the sound breaking through the heaviness in her chest. For the first time in days, she felt like she wasn't completely alone.

"As Vedha poured her heart out, she couldn't help but wonder if speaking her truth would bring her clarity—or leave her even more lost in the shadows of her own life."