Shreya
It had been two days.
Tanmay was acting strangely and not in an obvious way. We hadn't met face to face, but his energy felt off. I could sense it even through silence. Not that I was expecting sweetness or attention just because we had agreed to marriage. Absolutely not. That wasn't my nature, and certainly not the nature of this arrangement.
First he didn't answered my call, I thought might be busy, will call later. That late in night he texted me "I am busy on one project, we will talk later on."
So second day I sent "?" ...he didn't replied.
Wow. I don't mind that also. But
Now it was already the third day evening, and he replied " we will meet today at your house". Irritation sat heavy in my chest. I contacted him because I had genuine corrections to make in his clauses. This wasn't emotional drama , this was practical.
I went through his terms once more, Most of them were predictable, as expected like
(No interference in his personal space or belongings, No emotional bonding,No unnecessary communication, No expectations, Cooperation in public to maintain a "good couple" image, No unnecessary interference in career,
Clear boundaries with family and friends, no gossips
If separation happens, it should be quiet, without drama.
Respectful companionship) These all are ok for me.
But few clauses are problematic:
No cooking in the house, to avoid disturbance.
Weekly cleaning only. No daily house help , to reduce entry of person.
No friendship with neighbours, as it might cause issues after separation.
No inviting friends home, no making new friends during the entire period, and minimal social gatherings.
I stared at the paper for a long moment, blinking slowly.
My fingers curled slightly, nails pressing into my palm.
What was this?
This wasn't a marriage contract.
This felt like a classified national investigation protocol.
No cooking.
No house help.
No neighbours.
No friends.
No human contact.
I exhaled sharply, rubbing my forehead.
Does this man even know how people live? This isn't some spy mission where no one is allowed to enter the premises. Only serial killers, criminals, or undercover agents live like this. If you want to stay unnoticed, you have to look normal, not suspiciously isolated.
I felt irritation rise in my mind.
I wanted to discuss it properly. Calmly. Like adults.
But he wasn't responding.
As if he was single-handedly running an empire. As if one hour less out of his 13–14-hour workday would make his company collapse.
And tomorrow?
Both our families were meeting to finalize the marriage date.
Yet the man who was supposed to be part of this decision hadn't bothered to respond.
Tanmay--
I had been avoiding Shreya for three days. Because of that dream.The first day she called, my phone vibrated on the desk. I stared at it, frozen, until the ringing stopped. My chest felt tight for no reason I could explain. I finally typed a message with stiff fingers, telling her I was busy with a project and would call later.
The second day, she sent just one symbol:
"?"
I didn't reply.
I knew she was waiting. I knew she wanted to discuss the agreement clauses. But the thought of seeing her and o
hearing her voice, oh it made my stomach twist. That dream wasn't something I could just shrug off.
My parents informed me that they'd be meeting her family tomorrow and asked me to come directly from work.
I felt absurdly embarrassed. Nervous. Like a teenager before meeting his crush.
Finally, I picked up my phone and texted:
"We will meet tomorrow at your house."
Her reply came after a short while:
"Don't forget to read the hard copy I gave you. We'll discuss everything at once. Everyone's time is precious."
There it was.
Reality.
This was the real Shreya (direct, sharp, faintly sarcastic)Not the Shreya from my dream who looked at me like I mattered to her a lot.
And strangely… that hurt.
I opened her clauses and read them carefully, line by line:
(No restriction on work timing,
Equal respect for personal space,
No routine disturbance,
Shared responsibility for the house, Neutral behaviour in front of family and friends
No crossing boundaries__physical, emotional, or mental (absolute dislike for PDA)
No expectations of emotional bonding, Respectful behaviour and safe distance
No change in agreement even if either enters another relationship until her relocation (within two years)
Right to end the contract without consent if it causes her mental stress) )
They sounded fair.Direct.. Typical her.
Shreya--
The house was full. All members of both family are present.
His family parents, sister, brother-in-law, nephew.
My family parents, siblings, in-laws,their children.
I never understand this excitement but for me its exhausting.
Voices overlapped. Laughter echoed. Plates clinked.
Our family jyotishiji ( Vedic Astrologer) is also present, I served everyone tea. After sipping tea, jyotishiji and
Everyone insisted on engagement first, then marriage after six months. But delaying wasn't practical, Tanmay's startup required his presence and I also want to start job there ASAP.
Still, the one person whose opinion mattered the most was missing.
My stress kept building.
Why was I handling everything?
And then ,he arrived.
Smiling. Calm. As if nothing had happened.
He avoided my eyes.
That irritated me more than his absence.
Tanmay--
The moment I entered Shreya's house,I heard laughter, chatter, familiar snacks, happiness everywhere.
Then I saw her.
Standing slightly aside.
Mustard yellow dress. Hair tied back, it's a regular workday. A few loose strands framing her face. She looked tired, but composed.
My eyes lingered for a second on her lips, and quickly look away.
My heart betrayed me, replaying a kiss that never existed.
She brought me a glass of water. Our eyes met. She stared for a beat, then pressed her foot on my toes showing her irritation, let out a sarcastic sigh and about to go back to kitchen,
Her sister Mirali smiled, amused, calling us "cute." Obviously shreya made face.
After dinner, amidst the chaos, Shreya asked me to walk with her to the terrace.I could see irritation simmering behind her calm exterior.
Tanmay--
Terrace--
We watched view for minutes and then she turned to face me.
Her arms crossed instinctively.
Shreya: What's your problem? Why are you acting weird and avoiding eye contact?
(I wanted to say Am I obliged?
Instead, I swallowed.)
Tanmay: Nothing's wrong. Why?
She exhaled sharply, frustration evident.
Shreya: You're acting like we're getting married for real , like I forced you into this.
I finally looked into her eyes.
Annoyance. Confusion. Anger.
But no softness. No dreamlike affection.
Ok, this is good. Relief washed over me.
Tanmay: Sorry. I zone out sometimes. It's not about us. I can't control it.
Shreya: Then learn to control it. This agreement is about cooperation, not emotional detours. Look at your phone.
( I opened her text, and I read her objections.)
Tanmay: These rules are necessary. If we let people in, how is it any different from here?
Her voice rose.
Shreya: Tanmay, you're applying your "leave me alone rule" to basic living. I won't live in a house that isn't cleaned daily. I won't eat outside food every day. I can cook and it won't disturb you locked away in your room.
(She paused, eyes narrowing.)
Shreya: Are we on a national secret mission? No person allowed? Huh?
I sighed.
Tanmay: Fine. Manage house-help timing yourself.
She murmured, "Typical Indian man."
Tanmay: And neighbours, what if they contact our parents later?
Any new friends, gathering... You exactly know we are not real couple and this is risk. People can notice. After we get divorce, they can inform our family, that we were so normal, why we are getting divorce? Will you able to handle then?
( Her voice stiff, angry)
Shreya: It's just a mere probability that. It's illogical. You know me. Do I look like someone who do kitty party at home, invite friends
, throwing parties ? It's Just normal interaction with people. They can help in little things whenever needed. I will definitely not invite anyone to home. But we don't know necessity in future. Anybody can be helpful in new city tanmay. And I promise I won't involve you.
(I hesitated.She' serious.)
Shreya: We're here to improve, not isolate ourselves become depressed person. I am social person. I can't just avoid because you hate humans.
( I don't hate humans but I can't trust. Any ways she's right, but if she promise,I can trust her on that. So I nodded.)
Then she added sharply:
Shreya: One more clause. No alcohol, drugs, or non-veg in the house. I don't trust depressed loners.
I smirked.
Tanmay: Don't worry. It's same at my parents' house. I won't do that there.
(She still looked irritated.)
Shreya: Shopping will begin soon. Behave. Respond on time.
(Shopping ? That's time waste basically)
Tanmay: I'm not going to any shopping.
She pressed her tongue against her cheek.
Shreya: Oh please. I don't want you too. But in case you forgot our family thinks this marriage is happening because we like each other. Don't worry.Not more than twice. You know, we need to pretend.
(I sighed and nodded. Suddenly she put her palm on my shoulder, and I froze)
Shreya: Go. I'm tired.
( Ok ...she just want me to go away, )
Tanmay: Badminton this weekend?
Shreya:Huh... Now I will be zone out for weeks. #DND
She turned to leave.
I laughed. She is really upset about that.
Tanmay: Shreya.
She turned back.
Tanmay: We will visit Mumbai in two weeks. We'll meet Nilay. You check apartment, furniture.I'll be working. One day only.
Shreya: Fine. Text beforehand. I need to take leave from office.
Straightforward. Professional.
No warmth.
And suddenly I realized,
I had been afraid for no reason.
Reality was nothing like the dream.
And somehow… I felt hurt in heart.