Page 15 of Always With You

“It’s none of…” I gaze at Grandpa, but when he glares at me, I shut my mouth and gulp down the words ‘your business’.

“What my grandson is saying is, none of his past matters. He wants to give this wedding all his honesty.” He glares at me, making sure the point is taken by me and then looks back at them. “And I assure you that your daughter will be treated with respect and love,” Grandpa states, his eyes full of sincerity.

“I want to hear it from Ranveer,” Alisha’s dad gives no credence to Grandpa’s words.

I grit my teeth. Ah… he’s a stubborn mule. No point in prolonging this torture. I might as well give him what he wants. “I openly admit that I have things related to my past that I am not proud of. Also, I may not be the ideal man who you would consider for your daughter. But infidelity is something I don’t believe in.” Glancing Alisha’s way, I notice her stare at me with something I am unable to read. My eyes remain locked on her as I add, “I promise to be the best version of myself,” I say the words to her dad, but I don’t know why I want Alisha to hear them.

What the hell, Ranveer? I don’t know why I even uttered those words. What’s happening to me? I am here to dodge the bullet, not to take it straight on my chest.

“I am proud of you, Son!” Grandpa coos, clapping his hands victoriously while Alisha’s mom’s eyes fill with tears. At least it made Grandpa happy.

Alisha’s dad keeps staring at me, not voicing his pleasure. This man is driving me up to the wall. God forbid if his daughter has the same temper running in her blood.

“As I mentioned to Mr Seth earlier, I would like you to sign a contract before we further discuss the wedding dates.”

“Contract?” I stare at him blankly.

“Yes, I have drawn a legal document, stating that if at any point my daughter is unhappy in the marriage, then she can walk out, without prolonging the matter.”

What the hell is he talking about? I know this should be an olive branch for me. This is exactly what I want, but all of a sudden, the idea of divorce doesn’t sound appealing.

I sober up instantly and sit up straight. Staring at her dad, I speak, “There won’t be any divorce or a contract, for that matter. One thing you should know about me is none of my relationships that hold value in my life involve a contract or any form of certification to ensure that they continue, or qualify to the other person how I feel and that I’ll be there for them always — these are things that are just understood.”

“Why should I even trust your words? You have nothing to lose. It’s my daughter’s future which is at stake.”

My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. I glance at Grandpa at my side to find his gaze locked on Alisha’s dad.

“Mr Kapadia, I understand where this is coming from, but you need to trust my grandson here,” Grandpa reassures.

“I still need him to sign the documents for my peace of mind.”

Risking a glance at Alisha, I see her squirm in her seat, silently observing the unfolding drama.

“I am ready to sign,” I reply. I know it’s difficult to get through his thick skull.

Grandpa finally says, “That’s like my son.”

“Just know that I’ll chop you into pieces if you ever happen to bring tears to her eyes,” Alisha’s dad states, pinning me with a stare while I can see Alisha looking at him with her jaws dropped and eyes wide. Yeah, she might as well be shocked about her dad’s uncouth behaviour.

I huff and shrug my shoulders. “I don’t expect anything less.”

Grandpa lets out a hearty laugh. “Well, my grandson is smart enough to not pay heed to the warning.”

“Are you okay with the marriage now?” I ask before turning to Alisha’s dad.

“I suppose,” he grumbles. “I will send you the papers soon which you’ll sign here.”

I glare right back at him, letting him know I’m not excited about it. “She will also need a name change as soon as we get married. Why don’t you ask your lawyers to get those papers as well?” I smirk.

“That’s not necessary,” her dad retorts.

I level him with a look that tells him this isn’t up for discussion. “With all due respect, Uncle, she will have my name. Mrs Alisha Ranveer Seth.”

“Please excuse me for a minute.” Saying that, Alisha lowers her eyes, hurriedly gets up, and escapes.

I look at her receding back and feel that my words must have scared her. But sooner or later, she will have to face this reality of her life, which, by the way, was not my decision. Now there is no way I am letting her go. I don’t let myself brood over why am I suddenly all excited about getting married to someone whom I didn’t even know before this meet.

Before I can go track her down, my phone rings. Pulling out my mobile from my pant pocket, I look down and see Akshay’s name flash on it. Now what the hell does he want? What is it today… ‘Torture Ranveer Day?’ Everyone is hell-bent on getting on my nerves.

---