Riya Sen never believed in love. For her, life was simple—study hard, get a stable job, and take care of her family. Dreams of romance felt like a luxury she couldn't afford.
But everything changed the day her father fell seriously ill.
The hospital bills were piling up. Medicines, tests, doctor visits—everything needed money. A lot of it. Riya tried everything—part-time jobs, loans, even selling her jewelry—but it wasn't enough.
One evening, her mother sat silently beside her and said,
"There is… one more option."
Riya looked up. "What option?"
Her mother hesitated before answering,
"Your uncle knows someone… a rich businessman. He is looking for a contract marriage."
Riya froze. "Contract… marriage?"
"Yes," her mother continued softly. "Just for one year. You'll get financial support. Enough to cover all the hospital expenses."
Riya's heart pounded. Marriage was supposed to be about love, trust, a lifetime bond—not a deal.
"No, Ma. I can't do this," she said firmly.
But that night, as she watched her father struggling to breathe, her determination started to break.
The next day, she agreed to meet him.
Arjun Malhotra.
That was his name.
Tall, calm, and impossibly cold. He sat across from her in a quiet café, his expression unreadable.
"I'll be direct," he said. "This marriage is purely a contract. No emotions. No expectations. Just a legal agreement for one year."
Riya clenched her hands. "Why me?"
He looked at her for a moment before replying,
"Because you need money. And I need a wife—for appearances."
"Appearances?"
"My family," he said shortly. "They want me married. This is the easiest solution."
Silence filled the space between them.
Then he added,
"I'll cover all your father's medical expenses. In return, you'll stay with me, act as my wife in front of others, and follow the rules."
"Rules?" she asked quietly.
"No personal involvement. No interference in my life. And after one year, we divorce. Clean and simple."
Riya felt a strange mix of anger and helplessness.
Marriage… reduced to a deal.
But then she remembered her father in the hospital.
After a long pause, she said,
"I have one condition."
Arjun raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"My family must never know this is a contract."
He nodded. "Agreed."
Riya took a deep breath.
"Then… I accept."
That night, Riya stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection.
In just a few days, she would become someone's wife.
Not for love.
Not for dreams.
But for survival.
And somewhere deep inside, she couldn't shake the feeling—
This decision would change her life forever.
To be continued… (Part 2?)