The Prince's Indentured Bride

him, or him?

“You basically mean to say she is sharp, hardworking and presentable but doesn’t have a natural charm in her delivery which can become a loophole to her downfall someday.” Husna summed up my thoughts very accurately, which didn’t surprise anyone for she was one of the best reporters out in the field to tackle.

“Oh!” Is what Rosa managed to say, which made me realise I have come so far in this journey and Rosa, and Yash are the only ones who had truly stayed by my side from the hurdles to happiness phases. The days of bitter handmade coffee to espresso of today is our go to difference.

“So, why were you here?” I asked Husna, although I was supposed to do it the minute she had arrived and hijacked my meeting room thirty minutes back, but I didn’t because it wouldn’t hurt to spend some extra time with her now that I will be gone for good, and I still haven’t broken the news to her.

Of course, I will not do it also. There is a letter waiting in the back of my third drawer of the second table in the home office in my flat.

“Can’t I just come to meet my best friend?” She complained, which she was quite good at. “You know the password to my house. You may leave.”

“Gladly. But I have news.” I exhaled softly, imagining the worst already, because Husna with news to me is a heart-breaking combination. “Julian had a big fight with Lily Aunty, and even the lady from CBI.”

Was the teamwork in secret of mother and Jules already not working? I cared less, and lesser about what Jules was up to because of the things he has kept hidden from me, and god knows what he wants to achieve with this mistrust between us. But, for now, I am not going to go and clear things with him.

“He is adult enough to take care of himself.” Husna gave me a pined stare which I didn’t dodge, “Something happened between you two. Right? I know it. That guy has started collecting news on you as if preparing to fight a plague.”

I ignored all her information conveniently, not wanting any variable to affect my decision-making ability. I cannot let Jules change my plans, directly, or indirectly.

Then she continued her search inside my eyes and dropped the bomb. “You are hiding things from me.”

Did she already find out? How?

Only Rashmi knows but she isn’t aware to how I am going to go, and why.

Who else?

Ganesh. He knows it all. “What are you talking about?” I tried playing the innocent card hoping it would do the magic.

“Ganesh told me not to tell you.” Husna did further elucidation as if she was cheating on her boyfriend with cheese. That some JA guy scribbled in her car’s handkerchief. I must find him to use in situations like this.

But it’s been a month or near, so it isn’t safe to assume if she is till with him or not. That reminds how easily time passes by. It’s already this much time that me and Kriag have started doing the lover things officially after that dinner date.

“He did.” I commented, more like questioned, while Rosa dropped her head in piquing curiosity.

“You asked about s*x dolls!”

I took a breather of relief. “Oh!” I exclaimed and laughed heavily, as if it was possible.

So, it was about this.

“You did what?” Rosa couldn’t hide her astonishment to my unladylike approaches to life, did she ever though? Maybe sometimes when I offer her Tessa’s puddings.

“We should have a girl’s night out.” I declared and was immediately greeted by straight and loud NO’s.

“I am very happy with my husband.” Rosa defended for I couldn’t fathom the reason. “Me too.”

I gave a confused stare to her, “being single.” She concluded. I nodded and looked at both of them thoroughly, from head to toe, trying to figure out what had gone so wrong.

“Did I suggest something wrong?”

“No, my dear bestie.” Husna reassured me after a second, “And remember that I will stand by you no matter whatever the situation is, but I must be informed beforehand. Applied to everything in your life!” I chuckled at how serious she was being all of sudden.

“Vhrea Mam, someone is waiting for you in the 5th floor lounge.” Prateek, the intercom boy’s voice echoed in the silent room.

Oh. The s*x dolls!

I laughed realising how little trust they had in my planning, but I did mean the night out part genuinely.

“Rosa, maybe you can suggest a skirt look for Aishwarya’s promotions. Make sure it isn’t vulgar to the point of sexualisation of underage. I will cut their throats!”

“On it!” Rosa shared my enthusiasm.

I gave my resting orders and went straight for my phone on the table, to exit, and meet this supposed waiting person. Hopefully it is someone I want to meet.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, as my heart drummed dramatically.

“I was missing you and I thought you had something to tell me.” Kriag said which rocketed my heart rate to mount Everest.

No, he couldn’t be possibly knowing that I have agreed to marry his brother. But the surname will still remain the same, I will be Mrs Mendel, be it him or, him.

I fathom he wouldn’t like this reasoning if presented. So, I decided to keep it for myself.

But the ‘or’ was strong. Why am I always bought to the point of choosing between hi,. Or him?

Was it in my horoscope to be scapegoat between blood brother’s?

I must’ve practised for like ten to fifteen times already with different approaches on how to break my decision to him. And none of them was okay, and I always felt something kissing, and man I really didn’t want break his trust.

He was a cheerful and happy man, who was keeping me smiling, and didn’t deserve this shock. But life is a twister game and I am a poppy seed.