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The next morning rose with a turning point of Avantika's life. The morning cold breeze hit her face as she stood outside the café where Reyansh was going to meet her. She took a deep breath before opening the door of cafe to meet Reyansh.

As she entered she was greeted by the workers who were already informed about her arrival. A lady lead her way to upstairs which was an other part of their cafe.

The cafe was quiet, tucked away from the prying eyes of the public. Reyansh Singhania sat at a corner table, his posture impeccable, his presence commanding even in this intimate setting. He had agreed to meet Avantika here, away from the formality of his mansion, away from the expectations of their families. But deep down, he knew this was not going to be a conversation of mutual interest. This was merely a meeting between two people caught in a situation neither had chosen.

Avantika entered, her steps tentative. Her eyes scanned the room until they landed on him. A man in his late 20's. Clothed in all black. Sharp jawline which can cut a glass. Well build body which was popping out of his shirt. She hesitated for a brief moment before walking towards his table. She was dressed in simple blue kurti but with an understated grace, her demeanor distant.

As he felt someone's presence he tiled his head to face the person. This eyes stuck on the girl walking timidly towards him in blue kurti. Her anklets making jingle sound in quit cafe. Some bangles on her wrist. A small purse in her hand. Her flawless face was was void of any color but a small smile she carried on her face she walked towards the table.

Reyansh didn't stand up when she arrived, as though it were just another meeting with another person. He motioned for her to sit, his voice neutral as he spoke.

"Please, take a seat, Avantika."

She sat down, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her eyes not meeting his.

The silence lingered for a moment before Reyansh spoke again, his voice calm, even. "This is not a long meetingso I'll make it quick. So you are approve for this marriage?"

Avantika nodded, though she didn't speak.

Reyansh's gaze remained fixed on her, his expression unreadable. "This marriage... it's not about what you want, or even what I want. This is about your role as the future queen. It's about the responsibilities you'll carry with me."

Avantika felt a pang of unease. She had heard this all before, but hearing it from him, the man who would soon be her husband, made it all the more real. "And what role would that be?" she asked, her voice steady but quiet.

Reyansh leaned back slightly in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. "As queen, you'll be the face of the kingdom. You'll represent the people, manage their concerns, and be the heart of the royal family. But beyond that, you'll also be expected to carry yourself with a certain dignity, a grace that reflects our status." His tone was matter-of-fact, as though discussing a business arrangement. "Your actions will be scrutinized, your every move will be watched. This is not a life of choice, it's a life of duty."

Avantika's chest tightened as the weight of his words sank in. She hadn't asked for any of this. Her family's expectations, the burden of a title she hadn't chosen-none of it had been her decision. But she wasn't naive enough to believe there was any other option. Her place had already been decided for her.

"You'll also be involved in the management of the affairs of the Singhania legacy," Reyansh continued, his voice unwavering. "From charity events to public functions, your role will be both public and private. There's a certain responsibility that comes with being tied to a family like mine."

Avantika finally lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes holding a mixture of resignation and curiosity. "And you... do you want any of this?" she asked quietly.

Reyansh's expression remained unchanged, but there was a flicker of something-perhaps a trace of frustration, or maybe just the weight of his own obligations. "It's not about what I want. It's about what has been set in motion. My family has their expectations, and so do yours. This marriage will solidify the Singhania legacy, and together, we'll ensure it remains unchallenged."

Avantika absorbed his words in silence. There was no warmth in his voice, no sense of personal connection-only duty. She had known this would be a marriage of convenience, but hearing him speak so bluntly about her role, about the life she was about to enter, made her feel even more like a pawn in a game she never asked to play.

"So, this is my future," she said softly, her voice a little more composed now. "A life of duty, of expectations, of playing a part."

Reyansh didn't answer immediately. He watched her for a long moment, as if weighing her reaction. Finally, he nodded. "Yes. A life of duty. And if you can accept that, then we can move forward with this arrangement."

Avantika felt a wave of uncertainty wash over her, but she knew there was no other path for her. This wasn't about love or choice-it was about survival, about fitting into a world that demanded perfection and sacrifice.

"I understand," she said quietly. "I'll do my part."

Reyansh's gaze softened ever so slightly, but there was still that underlying detachment. "I don't expect you to do anything other than your duty. And I won't pretend that I'm looking for anything more from this marriage. This only a marriageof convenience. "

Avantika nodded, though a small part of her had hoped for something different-for a spark, for some recognition of the person she was, not just the role she was meant to play.

"Can I ask you something?..." Avantika asked in timid tone which was barely above a whisper.

Reyansh nodded signalling her continue.

"Can I..I mean after marriage..can I continue my work...or i have to quit it...?" She asked with unsure tone.

Reyansh studied her nervousness then spoke, "You can continue your work there but not in any hospital. We own a hospital there you can continue there."

Hearing Reyansh a small smile tugged her lips as atleast she can continue her job of doctor which was her dream from childhood. They both sat in silence which was soon broken by Reyansh.

"Thank you for your time, Avantika," Reyansh said as he stood up. "I'll see you when the time comes."

Avantika stood as well, the weight of their conversation settling heavily on her shoulders. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was walking into a life that wasn't her own. But she had no choice.

Reyansh pass her a piece of paper and says, "This is my number. Save in your phone and tomorrow my family is coming to meet your family."

She looked at pice of paper than at him. "I'll be ready." She said taking the paper in her hand.

Reyansh gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable, before turning to leave. As she watched him walk away, Avantika couldn't help but wonder if this was the beginning of something far more complicated than either of them had anticipated. A marriage of convenience, yes-but perhaps, somewhere in the shadows, it would evolve into something neither of them could control.

As Reyansh leaves the café he was somehow impressed by her look and way of conversation. When he saw Avantika for first time something in his heart felt different. But he shook of this thoughts and again continued his cold demore.

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The afternoon sun filtered through the large windows of the café where Avantika sat with her two best friends, Siya Sheevastav and Raghav Mukherjee.

Raghav Mukharjee the CEO of 'Mukharjee and Sons' was her friend from when she shifted Mumbai when she was 13. Siya Shrivastava was a well known name in stream of Fashion Designing. She built and owned a company 'Voguecraft'. She meet Avantika and Raghav in high school. Since then they share an unseparateable bond.

The trio often gathered here to catch up, and today, the conversation had taken an unexpected turn.

Siya, ever the curious one, noticed the distant look in Avantika's eyes. She had been unusually quiet from yesterday, and Siya had been wondering why. Raghav, too, had noticed the change. He leaned forward, his concern evident.

"Come on, Avantika," Siya said gently. "What's going on? You've been avoiding us lately. Something's on your mind."

Raghav, too, picked up on the shift in Avantika's energy. His business, a successful tech company, had been growing steadily with Siya by his side as his trusted business partner. Their relationship had always been one of mutual respect, and they were a well-known power duo in the business world. But today, even Raghav's usually calm demeanor couldn't mask his concern.

"Yeah, you've been avoiding us," he added, his voice gentle but firm. "Tell us what's really going on."

Avantika took a deep breath, knowing it was time to finally let her friends in on the truth. She looked down at her hands before speaking, as if weighing her words.

"I... I don't know how to say this," Avantika began, her voice barely above a whisper. "But there's this... marriage proposal. My bua, Sayli, and Digvijay uncle have arranged it for me. And it's not just any marriage-it's with Reyansh Singhania."

Siya's eyes widened, and Raghav sat up straighter, both of them shocked by her words.

"Wait," Raghav said, leaning forward. "You mean... the Reyansh Singhania? The CEO of Singhania and Co.? The one who's about to be crowned king of Jodhpur?"

Avantika nodded, her fingers nervously twisting the cup in her hands. "Yes, that Reyansh. My bua and uncle... they've decided it's time for me to marry him. It's all been arranged."

Siya's expression was a mixture of disbelief and concern. "But... why? You don't even know him! You didn't even have a say in this, did you?"

Avantika shook her head. "No. It's not about what I want. It's about what my bua and uncle want. They think this will secure my future, that it's the best thing for me. But all I see is a marriage of convenience, nothing more."

Raghav's jaw clenched. "This is the kind of thing I hate-business deals disguised as marriages. You're not a pawn for their plans, Avantika."

Siya placed a comforting hand on Avantika's arm. "You deserve more than this. You deserve a choice. And Reyansh Singhania-if he's anything like his reputation-he doesn't seem like someone who would even care about you, about what you want."

Avantika let out a shaky breath. "That's the thing. I met him. We spoke. He made it clear that this marriage isn't about love. It's about duty-his duty to his family, to his legacy. And frankly, I don't think I matter to him at all."

Raghav looked at her, his expression softening. "That's the problem with these arranged marriages. They're not about who you are, what you want, or what you deserve. They're about securing alliances, securing power. But you're more than just a pawn in someone else's game, Avantika."

Siya nodded. "You've always been strong, Avantika. You don't need to accept this. You have us. We'll figure something out."

Raghav leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. As the owner of his business, he had always fought to control his own destiny, and now seeing his best friend in this position ignited something in him. "We're not going to let this happen, Avantika. You don't have to go through with this. I know you think you don't have a choice, but we'll figure something out. You're not alone in this."

Avantika smiled faintly at her best friends' support. "I don't know what to do, though. I'm stuck. My family has already made their decision, and I'm the one who has to live with it. But it's late to change anything."

Raghav frowned. "It's not too late to change things. You don't have to go through with it. There are other options. You don't have to marry someone just because your family says so."

Siya's voice was full of conviction. "You deserve love, not a life of duty and obligations. We'll find a way to help you, Avantika. You're not alone in this."

"You both are not gonna do anything stupid. I know you care for me but it will affect your career which you have built by your own. And I'm ready for this marriage." Avantika says not wanting to involve them into something that would affect their lifes as the power of Singhania's was well known by everyone.

"You don't have to if you don't want to." Raghav says with firmness in his tone.

"Raghav, Siya, you can see it in positive way too. This can change my life. The love I craved will be given by his family. During some seminars I had met his mother and chachi. They both are really loving and I'm sure his family is too. His family is really good. And spending some time together we can know each other. We can also be at good terms." Avantika says to assure them when in her heart she wasn't sure would it be true.

Siya and Raghav exchanged a glance then looked at Avantika still not completely convinced at her words. "This can be also agreed but remember if anything happens to you you'll be first calling me. I don't care if they are Singhania's or what but you matters." Raghav says in calm tone.

Siya too joined him, "We are always here for you no matter what. Never hesitate to call us."

Avantika felt a rush of gratitude for her friends. Their support meant the world to her, but deep down, she knew the path before her was difficult. She was bound by family, by tradition, and by the life her bua and uncle had planned for her.

"I don't know what I'd do without you two," Avantika said, her voice thick with emotion.

Raghav grinned. "We're not going anywhere. You're stuck with us, whether you like it or not."

Siya added with a mischievous smile, "And we'll make sure Reyansh Singhania knows that we're watching. If he's going to be part of your life, he better understand what that means."

Avantika laughed, the first genuine smile in day breaking through her worried expression. But even with her friends by her side, the reality of the situation still loomed large. The marriage was still on the horizon, and whether she liked it or not, it seemed like there was no turning back.

She still didn't know how everything would unfold, but with Raghav and Siya by her side, she felt a little less alone in this struggle.

As they finished their drinks and continued to discuss plans, Avantika realized that while her life might be changing in ways she hadn't expected, she wasn't facing it alone. With her best friends backing her up, she had the strength to stand up for what she wanted, even if it meant going against everything her family had planned for her.

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