Nitya was sitting in her cabin, checking all the previous emails she received. Her eyes fell on one particular email:

Subject: Invitation for a Conference Meeting at Oberoi Group of Industries

Miss Aurora,

I hope this message finds you well. This is the CEO of Oberoi Group of Industries. I am reaching out to explore potential opportunities for collaboration between our organizations.

I am inviting you to a conference meeting at our company. There will be other investors present, and we would be glad if you joined us. We won't disappoint you.

This meeting will be regarding our new upcoming project.

DATE: 01/06/2024

TIME: 11:00 A.M

VENUE: Conference Hall of Oberoi Group of Industries

Warm Regards,
Mr. Oberoi
CEO of Oberoi Group of Industries

[A/N: I'm not a CEO or anything, but this is based on the formal letter writing tasks given by my English teacher. If there are any mistakes, let me know.]

Seeing the date on the email, Nitya checked the current date on her laptop and found it was the 1st of June.

"Oh my God, this meeting is today, and I didn't even know about it!" she exclaimed. She checked her watch; it was 10:30 A.M.

"The company is 15 minutes away, it takes 5 minutes to get downstairs, 5 minutes to take the car out, and 5 minutes to reach there. LETSSSSSSSS GOOOOOOOOOOOOO, NITYAAAAAA!" she said, grabbing her handbag and rushing out of her cabin.

Informing the reception, she got into her car and drove to Oberoi Group of Industries.

Exactly 15 minutes later, she arrived. After asking for directions at the reception, she walked towards the conference hall.

"Excuse me, may I come in?" she asked, knocking on the door.

"Yes, come in," came a voice, and she stepped inside.

"It's Miss Aurora. Sorry for being late!"

"It's okay, please take a seat. We haven't started yet," he said.

"So, should we start?" he asked, ensuring everyone was ready. As everyone nodded, he began.

"So, everyone. I am Shivansh Oberoi, the CEO of Oberoi Group of Industries. I'm glad you all showed interest in this project. I assure you, we won't disappoint you."

"This project is beneficial for both us and the people in society," he continued, detailing the plans he made for the project.

Nitya was impressed by his presentation, his hand gestures, and his confidence.

"So, that's all," he concluded.

"Well, I also have a deal for you all..." he said, shifting his gaze towards the investors. They looked a bit confused, but Nitya seemed clear.

"Yes, Mr. Oberoi, you were saying something," she said. He quickly looked away.

"Yes, actually, I was saying I have a deal for you all if you invest in this project. The deal is, I will transfer 20% shares of this company to the one who invests," he said.

Listening to the deal, everyone started whispering among themselves.

"No worries, everyone. You can think it over and get back to me later. You're free to come to me," he said. Everyone stood up, shook hands with Shivansh, and left, except for Nitya, who remained seated.

"Excuse me! Don't you want to leave?" asked Shivansh, looking at her.

"I want to invest," she said.

"Oh, do you really?" he asked.

"Yes, but I have a deal for you," she said without any expression.

"What do you mean? What deal?" he asked.

"I'll invest in this project, but in return, I want 25% shares of this company," Nitya said, standing up.

"I think Miss... I forgot your name," he said.

"It's Nitya, Nitya Aurora," she replied.

"Yeah, Ms. Aurora, I think you misunderstood something. I said I'll give 20% shares," he clarified.

"But I said I want 25% shares," she insisted.

"That's not possible," he stated.

"Why not? Mr. Oberoi, don't think I don't know anything. I know this company is currently going through a big loss, and this project is important for you. So, it's better if you accept this deal," she said. Before he could respond, his phone rang.

"Excuse me," he said, walking aside to check his phone.

SONAKSHI CALLING...

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before answering.

"Hmmm," he said.

"Darling! Why were you not picking up my calls? You know how much I was worried," came a voice.

"Ahmm, listen, I'm in a meeting," he said.

"So? Can't you leave me alone?" she said irritably.

"Very funny question!" she said. "This is not possible, Shivansh. As you know, I love you a lot. If you were married earlier, I would have left you alone because then you would be busy with your wife. But unfortunately, I'm going to be your future wife... anyway, continue with the meeting. I'm waiting in your cabin," she continued and hung up.

Listening to her last sentence, Shivansh was shocked. He looked at his phone and then a devilish smile appeared on his face. He got an idea and returned to Nitya.

"You want 25% shares, right?" he asked.

"Yes, you got me right," she replied.

"30%," he said.

"What?" she asked, confused.

"I'll give you 30% shares, but only if you accept my deal," he said.

"Well, I can do anything for shares," she said, adjusting her glasses.

"You have to marry me," he said.

"What? Me? You? Marry?" she asked, bewildered.

"Don't worry! It will be a contract marriage, only for one year. At the end of the contract, I'll transfer the shares to you," he explained. Nitya was lost in her thoughts. Getting married for 30% shares? Was it right? But getting 30% shares of Oberoi Group of Industries was a big deal. Many big business tycoons had tried to get them but failed. And now she was getting an opportunity, she didn't want to lose it.

"But Mr. Oberoi, you are already engaged, right?" she asked.

"Yes, but I never wanted to get married, especially not to that girl. It's actually a forced marriage. And the only solution to escape it is to get married to another girl, which I don't want to do. So, it's better to do a contract marriage with a girl. And that too for one year, so everyone believes I'm married! Got it?" he said in one breath and sighed.

"Well, I don't understand much except that I'll get 30% shares and we have to do a contract marriage," she said.

"Who made you a businesswoman?" he asked.

"I'm a self-made girl!" she said with attitude.

"That's why..." he murmured.

"What? Did you say something?" she asked.

"No! Well, will you answer?" he asked.

"I'm ready! Just like you can do anything for your company's profit, I can do anything for mine. But on one condition," she said.

"What condition?" he asked.

"You will have to convince my parents because I won't do it," she said. Listening to her, he thought, "It would have been better if I hadn't proposed this to her."

"Did you say something?" she asked.

"Nope. I said we can get married first and then inform our families. We'll tell them we love each other, so we got married," he suggested.

"Good idea. So, where is the contract?" she asked.

"Just a moment," he said, taking his phone and calling someone to come to his cabin.

"Come, we'll go to my cabin and then talk," he said. They moved out of the conference hall and headed to his cabin on the top floor of the building.

Entering the cabin, Shivansh opened the door for Nitya. As they were about to move forward, Shivansh saw Sonakshi sitting there.

"How could I forget about her?" he murmured.

"Shiv! Why did it take so long?" she said, walking towards him and hugging him. "I missed you," but Shivansh didn't react or hug her back.

"Umm, Sonakshi, I have a meeting right here with her, so I think you should leave," he said. Sonakshi glanced at Nitya, then at Shivansh. "Okay, but let's meet right after the meeting," she said. As she was about to kiss him on the cheek, he stepped back, almost causing her to fall, but she balanced herself and, with an awkward smile, left the cabin.

"Was she your fiancée?" asked Nitya.

"Well, yes, she was. Anyway, leave her. Please have a seat," he said, and she sat in the client chair while he sat on the head chair. Five minutes later, someone knocked on the cabin door.

"Come in," he said.

"Boss, did you call me?" asked Manav.

"Yes, I did. Call the lawyer and ask him to prepare the contract papers for marriage," he said.

"But boss, for whom? Why?" asked Manav, confused.

"Just do as I say. I don't have time to answer your silly questions. I want the contract ready in the next hour," he continued, and Manav left the cabin.

---

Shivansh placed the contract papers in front of Nitya on the table and sat in his chair.

"So, Ms. Aurora, ready to be Mrs. Oberoi?" he asked with a smirk.

"Yes, my hubby-to-be!" she said dramatically, grabbing the papers. As she was about to sign, she realized she didn't have a pen. Her eyes fell on the pen tucked in Shivansh's blazer pocket. She quickly grabbed it.

"What are you doing?" he asked, surprised.

"Mr. Husband-to-be, I don't have a pen, so I'm borrowing yours," she said, signing the papers. Shivansh followed suit, signing after her.

"So, boss, does this mean you're married now?" Manav asked hesitantly. Shivansh glared at him.

"Sorry," Manav quickly said, taking the papers.

"Why are you apologizing? And why are you glaring at him? He just asked a simple question," Nitya interjected.

"Leave it. Here, take this saree and go change into it," Shivansh said, handing her a bag.

"Saree? I don't know how to wear one. And why do I need to wear it?" she asked.

"Do you plan to show up like this? Just look at yourself. You don't look like a married woman from any angle. Go to that room and change. Manav, ask Sofia to help her," he ordered. Nitya moved into the room to change.
____________________________________

A black Lamborghini sped through the gates of Oberoi Mansion. No one stopped it because it was the car of Shivansh Oberoi, the CEO of Oberoi Group of Industries.

He gracefully exited the car, the sun's rays kissing his face. Putting on his sunglasses and adjusting his coat, he walked to the passenger door and opened it, extending his hand. A beautiful girl in a simple red saree, vermillion in her hairline, and red bangles in her hand stepped out, holding a flower varmala. She looked graceful, her attitude clearly visible.

"Shall we go inside?" he asked, looking into her eyes and offering his arm. She tucked her hand around his arm, smirking, and they walked toward Oberoi Mansion.
_______________

"Mom, Dad, Badi Maa, Bade Papa, can you please come downstairs? I have something important to discuss," Shivansh called out. Hearing his voice, Urvashi and Avantika came out from the kitchen, while Manish and Sanjay came from the study room.

They were shocked to see another girl with Shivansh but didn't say anything, assuming the situation was different.

"What happened, Shiv? Why are you shouting? And aren't you supposed to be at the office?" Avantika asked.

"Yes, Badi Maa, but..." he started.

"And who is this girl beside you?" Urvashi interrupted.

"And why is she holding your hand?" Avantika added.

"And why is she in bridal attire?" Urvashi asked again.

"Can you explain all this, Shiv? What's going on?" Manish demanded.

"Bade Papa, Badi Maa, Mom, can you please give me a chance to speak? Let's sit and talk..." Shivansh suggested.

"No! Tell us right now, right here," Urvashi insisted. Shivansh looked at the girl beside him and said,

"She is my wife, Mrs. Nitya Shivansh Oberoi," he said, taking a deep breath. The family members were shocked.

"Shiv, you're joking, right?" Urvashi asked.

"No, Mom, I'm not joking. I'm serious. We've married each other," Shivansh confirmed.

As his words sank in, Urvashi quickly sat on the sofa behind her. Shivansh was about to run to her, but Urvashi stopped him with a hand gesture. He was shocked by her reaction and glanced at Nitya, who looked confused and tense.

"Shiv, we didn't expect this from you! You're already engaged. Have you forgotten that?" Manish asked.

"How could you marry someone else while being engaged?" Sanjay questioned.

"Dad, we love each other, that's why we got married," Shivansh began to explain, but before he could continue, there was a loud slap...

THAAAAADDDDDDD.......... ssssssssssss

____________________

Both of them entered Shivansh's room. Nitya quickly sat on the sofa and sighed.

"OMG, my legs are killing me. They didn't even offer me a seat," she complained, checking her phone and gasping at the time.

"Ohhh, shit!" she almost screamed. Shivansh, alarmed by her outburst, quickly ran towards her.

"What happened? Why are you shouting?" he asked, standing in front of the sofa with a shocked expression.

"Mr. Hubby, just look at the time!" she said, covering her mouth with one hand and showing him her phone. It was 5:30 P.M.

"It's 5:30 P.M. Is there something special you need to do at this time? Do you need to take any medication?" he asked. She shook her head.

"Thennn?" he asked.

"New episodes of Shinchan are on Hungama channel at this time, and now I won't be able to watch them," she said with puppy eyes and an innocent expression.

"Whhaaatttt?" he asked, bewildered.

"Shinchan! It's my favorite cartoon!" she said with an innocent face.

"Like seriously, Ms. Aurora?" he replied, exasperated.

"Correction!" she said, showing him her palm, which confused him even more.

"Make a correction in your last sentence. I'm not Ms. Aurora anymore; I'm Mrs. Oberoi," she said with a smirk, looking straight into his eyes. He raised his left eyebrow.

"Kyaa aap bhi, pati dev! We just got married, and you already forgot your twelve-month-old bride! Not fair," she said, standing and getting close to him. He stepped back.

"Washroom?" she asked, getting even closer and raising her eyebrows. He pointed towards the washroom door, still looking into her eyes. She leaned in closer, then quickly turned and ran in the opposite direction.

"I'm just your contract wife, Mr. Oberoi! Kuch toh sharam kariye," she said, running into the washroom.

"Ajeeb ladki hai! Pehle toh khud ashleelta karne aa gayi, and now she's blaming me! Hey Bhagwaan, kis aurat se palla pada hai mera!" he muttered, looking towards the ceiling. He grabbed his laptop and sat on the sofa, checking his emails. Suddenly, the events from earlier replayed in his mind.

FLASHBACK

"Shiv, we didn't expect this from you! You're engaged already. Have you forgotten about that?" Manish had said.

"How could you marry someone else while being engaged?" Sanjay had questioned.

"Dad, we love each other, that's why we got married," Shivansh had tried to explain, but before he could continue, there was a loud slap.

THAAAAADDDDDDD.......... sssssssssssss

Avantika had slapped him. Everyone was shocked; no one had imagined she would do such a thing. Nitya, in shock, had covered her mouth with her hands, while Urvashi had looked once at Shivansh, who had placed his palm on his cheek, and once at Avantika, who had slapped him.

"Agar pyaar karte the toh tabhi bata sakte the, chupaya kyun," Avantika had said, controlling her anger.

"If I had told you, would you have seriously arranged my marriage with Nitya?" Shivansh had asked, controlling his anger, as he had never been slapped by anyone before, and today his Badi Maa had slapped him.

"Have you thought about what Sonakshi will go through? She was so happy about her engagement to you, and you ruined it all in a minute," Avantika had continued.

"Whatever happens, I don't care anymore. Nitya is now my wife, and nothing can change that! Now, please, end this Sonakshi topic and just welcome this new bride! This is her first time here as your daughter-in-law. Won't you perform her grihapravesh?" he had said, getting close to his mom and putting a hand on her shoulder. Urvashi had quickly removed his hand and glared at him, anger clear in her eyes.

"Shivansh, remember one thing: I will never accept this girl as my daughter-in-law, even if God Himself asks me to," Urvashi had said. The others had then retreated to their rooms, leaving Shivansh and Nitya alone in the living hall.

FLASHBACK ENDS

"I've got to do something to make everyone accept Nitya so they can forget about Sonakshi," he said to himself, making a call.

_________________________________

Samaira was sitting in a café, waiting for someone, checking her phone every few seconds. She had been waiting for over two hours and was growing impatient.

"Where is he? How much longer is he going to take?" she muttered to herself. Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice.

"Naksh! Do you know how long you made me wait?" she exclaimed.

"I'm so sorry. I was stuck in traffic," Naksh said, settling into the chair across from her.

"Okay, so tell me why you called me here. You know how busy I was," she said.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, but this is an emergency. I need to tell you something," he said.

"And what's that?" she asked.

"Sam, don't take this the wrong way, but I don't think this relationship is working anymore," he said.

"What do you mean? Be clear," she said, her heart skipping a beat and starting to race. She was in shock, drops of sweat forming on her forehead.

"To be more clear, I want to break up. Whatever we had isn't working anymore. I'm fed up with your habits. You're always playing with your bikes, acting childish, or becoming a total bad boy, picking fights with anyone who crosses you. I don't want my girl to be like this. Just let me go. I don't want to stay in this relationship. Breakup," he said, grabbing his phone and walking away without giving her a chance to respond.

She was left in shock. They had been in a relationship for four years, and he had just left her without a word. She quickly grabbed her phone, ran out, and got on her bike. Wearing her helmet, she started the engine. She didn't know where she was going but kept increasing her speed.

As it was a highway, other vehicles were moving along the same route. Suddenly, a speeding car hit her bike, causing it to slip. She and her bike skidded across the ground, and another car hit her. Her bike flipped and landed on the other side of the road. Her helmet was crushed under the car's wheel. She rolled and fell to the other side of the road, her forehead bleeding, her pants torn at the knees. She cried for help, but no one came. She tried to get up but couldn't. She closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the pain.

________________

Shivansh sat on the couch, engrossed in his office work on his laptop, while Nitya was immersed in watching Shinchan on her own laptop from the comfort of the bed. Suddenly, Nitya's phone rang, jolting her out of her animated world. It was her mother calling. Her heart skipped a beat, and her face turned pale. She immediately thought her mother was calling to inquire about her whereabouts and what time she would be home.

"Mr. Oberoi, Mr. Oberoi!" she quickly stood up and rushed to Shivansh.

"What happened? And why do you look like you've seen a ghost?" he asked, noticing her distressed expression.

"Ghost jaye bhaad mein, ye dekhiye," Nitya showed her phone to him, her voice trembling.

"It's your mom calling, right? Just go and pick it up," he said, glancing at her before returning his gaze to the laptop.

"It's not just a phone call. Mummy ka call aya hai, which means she'll ask where I am and why I'm not home yet," Nitya exclaimed dramatically, pacing back and forth.

"Drama classes jati ho kya?" he asked, raising an eyebrow with a hint of amusement.

"Nahi toh, aisa kyun puch rahe hain aap?"

"Kyuki tum ye jo overacting ka kaam kar rahi ho na, ise dekh ke lagta hai tumne overacting mein P.H.D ki hai," he said, typing furiously on his laptop.

"Yaha meri shamat aane wali hai aur aapko drama vama ki padi hai? Seriously, Mr. Oberoi? Dekhiye, mummy ka call bhi kat gaya. Ab aur bada hungama hoga," she said, her anxiety evident. Meanwhile, her phone rang again, this time it was her P.A., Priya.

"Yes, Priya, kya hua?" Nitya picked up the call, her voice still shaky.

"Ma'am, Samira ma'am ka accident hua hai. She is admitted in the hospital," Priya informed her, her voice filled with urgency.

"What? How's that even possible? Matlab, kaise hua?" Nitya shouted so loudly that Shivansh quickly put his laptop aside, stood up, and walked towards her.

"Pata nahi ma'am, but she is in the I.C.U right now. Aapki mom aapko call kar rahi thi but aapne call nahi pick kiya," Priya continued, her words laced with concern.

"Tum mujhe hospital ka address bhejo, mein abhi aa rahi hun," Nitya said, quickly tying her hair with a rubber band, her hands shaking.

"What happened, Ms. Aurora? Is everything fine?" Shivansh asked, his concern deepening as he saw the panic on her face.

"Nothing is fine, Mr. Oberoi," Nitya replied while tying her shoelaces. "Mr. Oberoi, if you don't mind, may I borrow your car, please? It's an emergency," she requested, her eyes pleading.

"Hua kya hai ye toh batao pehle," he insisted, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Samaira had an accident this evening and she's admitted in the hospital," Nitya explained, her voice breaking.

"Okay, okay, don't panic. I'll also join you. Don't go alone," Shivansh said, quickly wearing his flip-flops and grabbing the car keys. "Let's go." Both of them hurried out of the room, the urgency in their steps palpable. As they reached the living room, everyone was seated in the dining area having dinner.

"Shiv, come have dinner," Urvashi called out, but her words fell on deaf ears as Shivansh rushed out with Nitya. Seeing Nitya following Shivansh in such a hurry, Urvashi felt a pang of sadness, thinking Shivansh had planned to go out and ignored her invitation.

As they reached the car, Shivansh was about to sit in the driver's seat but was stopped by Nitya. "Mr. Oberoi, if you don't mind, can I drive the car, please?" she pleaded, her eyes wide with desperation.

Shivansh hesitated. He loved his cars too much to let anyone else drive them, but looking at the situation, he agreed. "Alright, but drive safely," he said, handing her the keys, his voice filled with caution.

Nitya started the car and sped out of the mansion. As they reached the highway, Nitya accelerated. She didn't think about how risky it would be; all she had in her mind was reaching the hospital as quickly as possible. Shivansh, noticing her panic and the speed at which she was driving, grew increasingly concerned.

"Ms. Aurora, stop the car," he commanded, his voice firm.

"But Mr. Oberoi, we don't have time to stop and talk..."

"I said stop the car and get out. I'll drive," he insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"But you gave me the permission to drive, right?"

"Yes, I did. But just look at the speed you're driving at. I can't risk it."

"Fine!" Nitya stopped the car beside the highway. Shivansh quickly got out, but before he could reach the driver's seat, Nitya locked the car, started it again, and sped off, leaving Shivansh standing there, stunned.

It took a moment for Shivansh to realize what had happened. As he did, he called out her name loudly, but it was no use. She had already left. Frustrated, he kicked a stone on the road. "Damn," he muttered angrily, looking at the empty road ahead.

Back in the mansion, Urvashi watched through the window, her heart heavy with worry. She couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling that something was terribly wrong. The house, which was filled with the aroma of dinner, now felt empty and cold without Shivansh and Nitya's presence.

Meanwhile, Nitya drove like a woman possessed, her mind solely focused on reaching the hospital. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white with tension. Every second felt like an eternity. Her thoughts raced as she imagined her sister lying in the hospital bed, injured and alone.

As she sped through the streets, she barely noticed the other cars honking at her. Her mind was a whirl of fear and anxiety. "Hold on, Samaira. I'm coming," she whispered to herself, her eyes filling with tears.

Nitya reached the hospital and rushed inside, her heart pounding. She quickly found her way to the I.C.U. and saw her mother and Priya waiting anxiously. Her mother, Mrs. Aurora, looked up and saw Nitya, her eyes filled with relief and worry.

"Nitya, thank God you're here," Mrs. Aurora said, her voice breaking.

"Mom, what happened? How is Samaira?" Nitya asked, her voice trembling.

"She's stable but in critical condition. The doctors are doing everything they can," Mrs. Aurora replied, tears streaming down her face.

As they waited anxiously for news about Samaira's condition. The minutes felt like hours as they sat in the hospital corridor, their hearts heavy with worry and hope.

Finally, the doctor came out of the I.C.U., his expression serious. "Ms. Aurora, your sister is stable for now. We've done everything we can, but the next 24 hours are critical. She needs to be closely monitored."

Nitya nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you, doctor. Can I see her?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"Only for a few minutes," the doctor replied.

Nitya entered the I.C.U., her heart breaking at the sight of her sister lying on the hospital bed, hooked up to various machines. She took Samaira's hand in hers and whispered, "Hold on, Samaira. We're all here for you."

___________________________

Ig - sia_wrts