An Arranged Love Story

Krisha leaned her head against the cool glass wall and took a deep breath. “You can't get nervous now. It's all set up. Just work up the courage.” She looked through the glass and stared hard at the envelope lying on her dressing table. It had taken every bit of her will power to not open it and tear it into bits, flushing the remains down. Hell, her mother would be pleased she had shown some 'restraint' for once. She looked at herself one last time in her full length mirror and gave a low appreciative whistle. Her deep red halter blouse clung appreciatively to her full bosom with the cream saree draped around revealing her slim waist and back in a tantalizing show of skin. Not something her mother would approve again, but today was all about rebellion, wasn't it?  Her dark hair fell in a soft wave across her shoulders and glinted with deep brown highlights at every turn of her head. She still felt wobbly in her four-inch high stilettos but they would be well worth the pain. The thought made her frown as she grabbed her purse, stuffed the envelope in it and strode out ready to meet her prospective future husband.

Anish looked around the fancy restaurant wishing he was anywhere but here. He loved the place where he had spent many evenings with buddies but the very thought of spending this evening answering inane questions and baring his life before strangers had his stomach in knots. The set jaw and glint in his eyes barely did justice to his anger as he clenched his hands under the table trying hard not to shatter the expensive glass crockery lining their table. Arranged marriage. His mother wanted him to enter an arranged marriage! Who in this day and age even thought of it? He brushed his dark hair away from his forehead in a gesture of impatience and glanced at the Cartier framing his masculine yet elegant wrist. Krisha was already late. Krisha. The name rolled off his tongue like rich wine and he acknowledged he would love to meet her under different circumstances. But not tonight. He would politely answer her queries and leave as early as his “Work. Sorry.” excuse permitted. As he fidgeted with the tissues, his eyes fell on the dusky beauty across the room. Dark eyes appraising her elegant frame, he wished her to turn and look his way. Almost as if she heard him across the room, she turned, their gazes locked. She strode towards his table with her jaw set and seated herself across him. He barely had time to register her parents trailing after her when his hand was grasped in a smooth, firm handshake that left his skin tingling. Krisha. He wasn't sure if it was the realization or her beauty that took his breath away.

Damn! He was hot! His gaze scorched her back as she felt his eyes on her and when their gazes locked, she could feel a faint blush rising. “Behave”, her mind warned and with a set jaw she seated herself opposite him. Mistake. Big mistake. Her eyes took in his light blue checkered shirt, his tousled hair and her fingers itched to run through the silken locks. Did he have to look so good? She couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. His eyes shamelessly roved over her body and she basked under their appreciation. Before she knew it, her parents were ushering them out to another table so they could talk in “private”. Wait. What? When did the last hour pass? She needed to get control of herself and put her plan in action. So what if he resembled a Greek God? “Looks are not everything”, she darkly mumbled and politely excused herself needing to freshen up. It was now or never. But first, she needed to fortify herself. She beckoned a passing waiter and quietly slipped him a bill, with her instructions.

He sat, impatiently waiting for her to return, all excuses of work out of his head. He couldn't wait to get talking to her, quiz her, run his fingers down that back, breathe in her fragrance... Wait! What was he thinking? He didn't even know the woman! He smiled at his train of thoughts as she emerged and walked towards him... Unsteadily... Was she drunk? She stood before him, took in a deep breath and before he could say a word, placed an envelope in his hand. What the....? “Listen Amit...”

“Anish”, he corrected. Didn't she even know his name? The realization affected him in a disturbing way. “Yes, whatever. Look, I am least interested in marrying you. It's the 21^st century, and the last thing I believe in are arranged marriages.” She went on before he could interrupt, “I'm returning the pic your parents gave me in that envelope and it's still sealed. Do with it as you wish. I'm getting late for a meeting so goodbye. Hope you get your 'perfect' bride.” And she stormed off, pulling the rug from under his feet as he slowly exhaled. He didn't even know he'd held his breath while she spoke. His excuse. And she so effectively used it against him! He saw her whisper in her mother's ears before gathering her belongings and hurriedly leaving. He grinned as he saw her cast him a glance before stepping out. He was determined to have her now. His perfect bride.

A week passed. Krisha couldn't get Anish out of her mind. Her dreams were filled with his forbidden images and his deep voice,  his touch, the way he looked at her, his lopsided grin still haunted her. She couldn't focus on any task at hand. The man was driving her nuts! She cursed her folly in returning his picture for the hundredth time as she logged on the internet and typed his name under Google. Bingo! FaceBook. She seemed to spending half her time on the social networking site these days, just staring at his pictures. He managed to look good even in comic poses. Damn him! She knew she'd need to do something soon enough and get him out of her system. Or she'd be insane by the end of it. Her fingers hovered over the 'block' button as she muttered an expletive and shut the browser, only to re-open it and continue looking.

Anish knew he needed to do something and do it quick. So far his efforts hadn't payed off. The woman still haunted his nights, leaving a deep unsatisfied feeling and he was constantly waking up to grouchy mornings. The mere thought of her brought a stupid grin on his face, making his blood roar. He wanted to hold her close and kiss those luscious lips senseless till he wiped all her cheekiness off and she submitted to him. He was the man damn it and her rejection still rankled. Frowning darkly, he considered the only option that made sense to him. It would drive her wild he knew, but she'd left him with no choice. And this time he hoped she remembered his name...

The phone rang just as she stepped out of the shower and she heard her mom answer it. She heard her mother coo “Yes Anish beta...” and felt goosebumps along her skin. He'd obviously called to reject her. The thought hurt her more than it ought to. Wasn't it just what she wanted? Why was the knowledge hurting her so much now? Did she really want to put her pride aside now and run into his arms.  Suddenly, her musings were interrupted by shouts of joy from her mother as she pulled her into a warm hug. What was happening? “Anish said yes!”, her mom went to get a box of sweets as she sat on her bed stunned. He said yes! Her heart somersaulted and a feeling of warmth spread through her. Married to Anish. Just the thought unleashed a fire in her belly and her blood turned to honey. But wait! Slowly, anger began to replace the feelings that were awakening within her. She'd rejected him. It had been more than obvious. And yet, the man he was, he thought she'd jump to marry him if he just said yes? The chauvinist!  But... Could it be? Was it possible that he was really interested? He truly liked her? She quickly quenched the thought and ran into the kitchen to confront her mom. “Mother, No-one asked my opinion, and my answer is NO!”, she almost screamed before storming off.

So he'd been rejected. A second time. Wild hot fury ripped through him at the thought of her name and at the same time doing wonderful things to his heart that he couldn't fathom. He just wanted to crush her to him and shake her till she saw sense. How could anyone be so stubborn? “Ok, calm down, calm down. You at least have her number. Think of something.” And slowly, an idea began to formulate in his mind.

“Hi Krisha. Anish here.” She almost fell off her chair as she heard his deep voice. She wanted to run to him and hug him, instead she managed a curt “Yes?”. “Krisha, I don't know why you seem intent on pushing me off, but I wanted to meet you once. And just have a regular conversation with you. Can you meet me today at Rollitone's for a coffee at 7?” He managed to say before he gave in to his urge to howl and scream with joy at hearing her voice. Her hesitation told him he'd caught her by surprise and when she timidly agreed to his plan, it was all he could do from dancing like an idiot.

That evening, she couldn't resist looking her best. For him. The thought made her smile and frown at the same time. Suddenly she spied him entering the cafe and breath left her in a whoosh. He looked gorgeous! Dressed in a deep maroon t-shirt that outlined his muscles and jeans that looked they'd been customized for him, he looked delicious. If he could do this to her from far, what would...? “Hey beautiful!” His deep, husky tones sent a shiver down her spine. Could we talk somewhere private? He saw confusion in his eyes as her held her hand and gently guided her to one of the closed booths. “Krisha, I haven't been able to get you out of my mind. I know arranged marriage isn't your thing and isn't mine either, but could we at least...” Suddenly, she licked her lips and the speech he'd laboriously prepared went out of his head. He took in her brown eyes wide with surprise and against all logic pulled himself closer to her leaning in for a kiss. Gently at first but when her tongue probed his lips, it was all the encouragement he needed and pushed his hands in her hair, as she let out a groan. Heart thudding, he pulled himself from her and before he could say a word, she brought a shaky finger to his lips. “Anish...” Hearing her say his name, he pulled her closer, but she restrained him. “Anish... I haven't been able to forget you either. I thought you were a typical chauvinist male... I would like to give us a chance too”, she whispered, “But, I need love for marriage. I can't marry you now. Are you willing to give me that?” He could give her the mountains if she asked for it, but realizing the seriousness in her question, he whispered softly in her ear, “Krisha, will you date me and make me fall madly in love with you before marrying me?” He loved the stunned look on her face as the words sank in… And then, his brazen woman pulled his collar leaning in for another kiss before whispering, “Only if you return the envelope. It's my property now!”