Here you are girl".Patricia stepped into Kavya's room

" I heard ." She sat down next to her friend on the large bed

" And just like that, I'm loosing control of my life. Classic". She sinks deeper into the bed

" Don't say that, your mom loves you. Whatever she does is for your own good. Come on Kavya, you of all people should know that". She said, while stroking Kavya's head.

" A marriage." she snaps "An arranged fuckin marriage" She yells.

Patricia stood and walked towards the table for a class of water . "Breathe, girl." She hands the glass to her

Kavya looked up at her, her voice barely a whisper. " I can't believe this is happening to me, THE Kavya."

" Can't blame her ," Kavaya shot her a look " Okay maybe she went a little overboard "

Kavya laughed bitterly. "You think I've built everything just to be handed over to someone I don't even know?"

"No," Patricia said. "But maybe this guy is just as pissed off about it as you are."

Kavya leaned deeper into her bed,eyes narrowed. " Oh I highly doubt that, I'm sure Gerald Van Dyke must be please about this whole arrangement, elated even--

Patricia Screeches " Gerald? the Gerald of V.D groups? OMG babes you've just hit a jackpot"

" Will you stop fanning over him? " She throws a pillow at her

" He's so hot," she giggles catching the pillow

" Really stop, you're not helping". Get's out of bed. " His coming with his family for dinner next week." She sighs

Walking towards her friend " I'm sorry Kavya, truly I am. It's all happening so fast." She wraps her arms around Kavya.

Van Dyke's mansion

" She's pretty," He sets the picture aside

" Not to mention hardworking, ambitious and confident". Mr Charles, Gerald's father chips in

" You know how I feel about women, I'm sorry dad but I can't go through with this".

" Oh son", He spoke calmly " I understand you, which is why I've gone to great lengths in insuring I find the perfect bride for you"

" I won't do this and you can't make me" She spoke firmly

" Kavya's mother and I have known each other since our college days. She's an amazing woman. She has been through so much yet, she raised an incredible daughter and an amazing business woman".

" I am doing so well, infact I'm one of the top CEOs in the world, so I don't need a spoilt princess who would ruin my life"

" This is about your mother and I, isn't it"?

"You gave her a kidney, you gave her a better life, damn it dad, you gave that bitch everything! " He bellows."Yet she chose to run off with your business partner"

"Gerald you will get married to Kavya and that is final, she's not your mother or my ex wife." He stood up with his hands behind his back

" This union isn't just for business but also for your legacy" He sighs

" I'm a grown man". He stood up facing his father " You can't order me around pops

Laughs dryly " Perhaps, but I'm still your father". He gently makes his way to leave

" We'll be having dinner at her place next week,You'll get to meet Kavya and her mother. I highly suggest you propose to her---

" That won't happen " interrupting his father.

" Oh well, prepare to organize the grandest funeral America has ever seen then"

" What are you saying dad?" There was a hint of panic in his voice

" If you insist on going against this marriage and becoming a bachelor for the rest of your life then, it will be over my dead body".

" Dad come on " He moves towards his dad

"If you do not marry Kavy, His voice hanging in the air

" I will donate my last kidney to the hospital".

The soft click of heels echoed down the grand staircase as Kavya descended slowly, elegance wrapped in defiance. She wore a sleek, form-fitting black dress. It was simple, stunning, and unapologetically sharp.

Her mother, waiting at the foot of the stairs, looked up and sighed. "Black, Kavya? Really? This is a dinner, not a damn funeral."

Kavya raised a brow. "Well, it feels like one."

"You could at least try to wear a smile, you look like you're being held hostage," her mom said, forcing a smile. "Put on a happy face, darling."

"I'd rather be anywhere else but here, besides you are blackmailing your daughter, so technically, I am being held hostage." Kavya said, reaching the last step.

The front door opened.

In stepped Gerald Van Dyke, dressed in a crisp navy suit, flanked by his father, Mr. Charles Van Dyke, who carried himself like a man always ten seconds from delivering a TED Talk.

"Kavya," Charles said warmly. "You look absolutely radiant."

Kavya gave him a polite nod. "Mr. Van Dyke, it's a pleasure to meet you sir"

Gerald stood a few steps behind, hands in his pockets, jaw set. "Evening," he said coolly.

Kavya didn't move. "Hello," she returned, just as dry.

Their parents exchanged glances for some time . Charles gave her mom a warm embrace.

"Shall we?" Kavya's mom said, gesturing toward the dining room.

Just then, her phone rang.

"Saved by the bell," she said dryly, stepping away to take the call ,swiping to answer. "Yes Claire?"

"Hey, boss. Just a quick reminder-your winter line strategy meeting is in twenty minutes. The creative director from Paris just landed and is already at the office."

Kavya's face lit up with false hope. "You're telling me there's still a chance to escape this torture?"

"Wouldn't recommend it," Claire replied, chuckling. "Unless you want your mother to storm the office and drag you back."

She sighed. "Fine. I'll suffer through it. Keep them warm until I'm back tomorrow."

She hung up, turning back toward the hall, only to find her mother standing with arms folded.

"No more work tonight," her mom warned. "Kavya, do you need me to remind you that we have guests ? Please I need you to be physically and mentally present."

They met up with Mr Charles and Gerald at the dining hall.

The four of them took their seats. A table dressed in candlelight, floral centerpieces, and fine china stretched between them. A five-star meal none of them really wanted.

For a few moments, it was painfully civil.

Until Gerald said, "I appreciate you squeezing out time from your busy schedule just to host us Ma'am"

"I was more than happy to," Madam Anita replied cheerfully.

Then he muttered "Nice of you to dress like you're in mourning." Referring to Kavya

Kavya didn't miss a beat. "I am."

Charles raised a brow. "Everything okay, kids?"

"Wonderful," Kavya said sweetly. "Absolutely thrilling evening."

Gerald leaned toward his plate, voice just low enough to be heard. "Didn't think empires were built on attitude."

She cut into her steak. "Didn't think tech boys were this boring."

Both parents were chatting heartily to notice the knives and daggers being thrown between their children.

"So Kavya, I hear you have a new line coming up " He enquired

"Yes sir" she affirms

"How is it going?" He asked with a hint of curiosity.

" It's been hectic, especially when most people don't share your work ethics" She sips her wine

" Kavya is a workaholic. I keep telling her that she needs a break once in a while"

" Same here, Gerald travels a lot. It's always work, work and work."

But the tension was palpable-and every servant who walked into the room felt it. If the table were any colder, it'd be a crime scene.

Then came the final course-dessert, champagne, and awkward silence.

Until Charles raised his glass. "To new beginnings."

Kavya didn't lift hers. Gerald stared at his glass for some time

"To a new beginning " Kavya raised her glass lazily.

Gerald groans and does the same

That was when it happened.

" You have been a fantastic host ma'am, I wonder why your daughter didn't take after you"

Raising an eyebrow " What are you yapping about tech boy?" Kavya folds her arms.

Mr Charles gave Gerald a look " Behave yourself som" He smiles anxiously

"My dear please be calm" Anita tried to appease Kavay

"Oh I meant no disrespect. But you must have gotten that attitude from your dad"

" You're such a jerk, I'm sure you got that from your mom" Kavya fires back angrily

Kavya stomps out of the dining hall angrily, while her mother calls out to her

" Kavya, Kavya come back here" she didn't even turn back, instead she hastens her step

Gerald all but broke the front door as he left " I am terribly sorry for my son Anita's behavior, I promise I'll make this right". His words held a lot of guilt

" This isn't on you Charles, I too should apologize for my daughter's outburst."

"We need to fix this this"

"Kavay can be stubborn at times, but I'll convince her" she sighed "This was not how I imagined the night to go".

Charles pecks Anita goodbye and goes after his son.

Madam Anita paced the length oKavya's room, arms folded, expression tight. She paused, turned sharply to face Kavya, who had dropped into an armchair, her lips pressed into a firm line.

"What were you thinking?" Anita asked, voice low but laced with frustration. "Why would you bring up his mother? Of all things, Kavya."

Kavya blinked up at her mother. "He started it."

"That's not the point.His mother ran off with another man, abandoning him and his dad when he was Ten. He barely even talks about the woman. You saw his face."

Kavya looked away, folding her arms. "Well, maybe next time, he should think twice before dragging my father into the conversation."

Anita let out a tired sigh. "Your father abandoned us when you were just a child. I've spent my whole life trying to protect you from that wound, why let him reopen it?

Kavya didn't answer. The room was too still, the air too thick. She wasn't proud of what she'd said, but she wasn't ready to apologize for it either.

Meanwhile, across town, in the dimly lit study of the Van Dyke mansion, Charles stood facing the fireplace while Gerald slouched into a leather chair, his jaw tight.

"You crossed a line, Gerald," his father said quietly.

Gerald exhaled. "She pushed me."

"You don't mention a girl's father when you know he walked out on his family. Especially not at a dinner meant to bring you closer."

"I didn't know about her father," Gerald muttered. "She's got an attitude problem."

Charles turned, his voice now stern. "And you've got a temper. You were insensitive. This entire arrangement is delicate. And now you've gone and made it personal."

Gerald looked away, biting the inside of his cheek. "Maybe I shouldn't have said what I said... but she's difficult."

"You're not exactly a walk in the park, son." Charles paused. "This union isn't just about business anymore-it's about healing old wounds. And like it or not, you helped tear one open tonight."

Gerald shifted uncomfortably. "So what now?"

Charles smirked faintly. "You fix it. You were the one who stirred the hornet's nest. It's your job to calm it."

"I'm not apologizing."

Charles gave him a long look. "You don't have to apologize with words. Sometimes action speaks louder. Maybe... a proposal."

Gerald blinked. "You can't be serious."

" Oh you bet I'm damn serious, you better hold yourself accountable for this and take responsibility for your actions"

---

Back at her office the next day, Kavya leaned against her desk, venting to Claire and Patricia.

"I mean, who even says that?'You must have gotten your attitude from your father' Like that's a casual dinner conversation?"

Claire raised an eyebrow. "Gerald said that?"

Kavya nodded, arms folded tightly across her chest.

Patricia, sipping her iced latte, let out a long whistle. "That's cold, even for a Van Dyke."

"And then I said he must've gotten his personality from his mother."

"Oh no," Claire murmured, wincing.

"Oh yes," Kavya muttered.

I'm on your side, but... maybe he didn't know. I mean, your mom being a single parent? That's not a secret, but it's not exactly in Forbes either."

Kavya's expression softened, just slightly. "Maybe."

Claire glanced at her tablet. "As much as I love the tea, you've got the Winter Line strategy meeting in fifteen minutes."

"Perfect," Kavya said, grabbing her iPad. "Time to focus on something that actually matters."

---

Meanwhile, Gerald was in his penthouse office, glaring out at the skyline.

"She thinks she's better than everyone," he muttered.

Fabian, his assistant, typed quietly at his laptop. "She's confident. Not always a bad thing."

"Confident?" Gerald scoffed. "She's arrogant. annoying and Impossible."

"She also owns one of the most successful beauty brands in California," Fabian pointed out, not looking up.

"And she's got an attitude that could cut glass."

Fabian finally looked up. "Maybe. But you're not exactly sunshine and roses either, boss. Still-"

"Still what?"

"You're supposed to propose."

Gerald stared at him.

"Your dad said you need to make it up to her. So. Flowers and an apology... or go big."

Gerald frowned, but something flickered in his eyes.

"Oh no, I know that look" Febian points out

" She'll witness first hand how utterly intense I can be" He smirks

Febian flinches "Boss whatever you're thinking, please refrain from--

Holding up a hand " She wants a proposal right? I will give her one "