My parents asked me to visit home tomorrow. I know something is fishy cause mom was very happy, I could feel it from her voice.

At home »

My parents were behaving normally except for the fact - that my great and loving mom was over excited, for what? I don't know.

Finally after whole day, my dad decided to end this suspense. He asked me to come to his study before going to bed.

When I thrusted the study room door open, I was welcomed with strong smell of coffee. Mom was sitting on couch while dad like usual was sitting on his majestic chair.

What left me speechless was - mom's presence at the study room. She never ever enters the study room unless it's important.

"What's the matter dad?! " I ask making my way towards the couch.

"Take your seat zayden... I and your mom have something to tell you. But before to that I have to ask you something. Do you have any girl in your life?! " Dad asked plopping his elbow on the desk.

I stare at my dad with confusion laced on my face. Slowly I tilt my head towards mom who was now batting her eyelids with hope swimming in her eyes.

Don't they know me ? I don't like to waste my time on relationships, I only want to concentrate on my future. All this relationship kind of stuffs can be done once I'm settled in my life.

"No I'm not seeing anyone and for the time being I'm not intrested in getting into relationship...But what's the matter? Why did you ask me this question?!.."

A ghost of smile crept on my mom's face, her eyes gleamed with delight. My dad lips curled up into a small.

Wait! What?

Something is seriously wrong with my parents!

Which parents feel elated when their son says he isn't intrested in doing relationships...?

"God... I knew it, I just can't wait to meet Harriet now. " Mom chirped whilst clapping her hands.

Now who is Harriet ?

"Harriet...?! " I stare at mom waiting for answer but all I receive is cheeky smile.

"Seriously? " I shrug unable to understand reason behind her happiness.

"Zayden, you know at what age I married your mom? " Dad voice echoed in the room making me snap my head in his direction.

I know dad married at very early age since grandpa health wasn't good, dad had to take this responsibility.

But why is he asking me this question? What does it have to do with me?

"I'm not getting dad. What exactly are you trying to convey? "

"Zayden, Since you ain't seeing anyone for now nor you have any plans of getting into relationship ; I want you to marry my friend's daughter.!" Dad stated as if it wasn't a big deal.

Like seriously?

Get married so early that too with a girl whom I don't even know.

"Why do you want me to marry so early. ?!" I asked

"Your mom and I have decided that it's high time I take a break from all the office work. I had started at an early age so I want to leave the responsibility of this company on your shoulder now. I want you to get settled fast, I want you to take over my company after you complete your college. " dad said

Did I hear it right? Dad doesn't wants to work anymore, he wants me to take over his company and that's why he is asking me to marry some random girl.

What on earth is wrong with my parents?!

"But I'm still 22 dad! "

"No baby, you will be turning 23 tomorrow... " Mom interrupted.

Great!!

"But I don't like this girl hatty, Harriet or whatever she is. Hell! Like is too far dad, I don't even know her. How can you expect me to marry a stranger.. ?! " I huffed brushing finger through my hair.

"You will get to know her soon. She is very sweet Zayden.! " I have no idea about others but my mom is very fond of this girl.

Sighing in defeat I look at my dad and questioned, "Whose daughter is she?! "

"She is Tag 's niece... "

Tag Uncle is someone whom I respect a lot. He is almost like our family member.

"I thought you wanted me to get married to some billionaire's daughter so that we could expand our business.. " I really thought dad would search a rich girl for me.

"Our business doesn't need anyone's support son. I believe in your capabilities, you will surely take our business to another level without anyone's help and moreover your mom doesn't want a business girl to be her daughter-in-law..." dad said with an amused smile which I couldn't exactly comprehend.

"Yes I want someone who will take care of you. I want someone who will understand you and this girl is best for you... Zayden you do trust my choice right? I would want only the best for you! So, do you agree with us? " mom looks at me with hope in her eyes.

"I'm okay with this marriage as long as she doesn't expect anything from me. You people know me I am not like other guys; so if she is expecting me to be like husband in fairy tale stories then her dreams will be crashed like anything..." I really wanted my parents to know that they are doing a mistake, I seriously have no interest in getting married.

At the end of the day, I'm okay with my parents choice since I wasn't exactly interested in finding me a girlfriend or a wife.

"Oh dear, I believe harriet. I know she will change you." Mom voice held a sense of confidence as if she has already seen my future.

"Change me huh? Mom could you please stop reading novels." I shrugged standing up from my seat. Slipping my hand inside pocket I huffed turning around to leave.

"So, is it a yes from your side?!" Mom curious voice pierced my eardrum.

"Yes, " I roll my eyes walking away but before I could close the door I heard mom saying ‘ I can't wait to bring Harriet home...’

So Harriet it is!

~~❤~~

I was scrolling through insta feed when I heard knock on door.

"It's open mom!" I said while my eyes remained glued on phone screen.

Mom placed juice glass on nearby table and cleared her throat, I raised my head to look at her.

"Um, thank you Zayden... I never knew you will agree for this proposal but I'm really happy you believed in your parents decision." she said with happiness swimming in her eyes.

"How could I not agree mom? You guys didn't give me another option!" I pointed out.

"Well, we asked if you have any girl in your life. If you were dating someone. I and your dad would have never asked you to accept this marriage proposal... "

"Yeah, whatever... You guys didn't call me here to ask but instead you called me here to inform about my marriage," I roll my eyes whilst leaning against the headboard.

"We wouldn't have forced you if you had said no." Mom shrugged.

"Really mom? I know you for how long now? Two decades! I know to what extent you would go to make me agree... God, marriage is better than your emotional drama and speeches. You've caught my weakest nerve. Just cause I love you a lot, you use your powers in very wrong way... "

"Aww, I love you too my son and now tell me when are you going to meet Harriet?!" she asked.

"I'm busy until next week mom. I have inter college basketball." I say returning my gaze back on phone.

"Oh, which college are you going for match?!" Mom asked plopping down on the edge of bed.

"Springfield High."

"Oh, wait what? Really?" Suddenly mom voice was filled with excitement.

I kept my phone aside and diverted my entire attention towards her. I studied her face for good three seconds trying to predict reason behind her sudden happiness.

"Yeah and why are you so happy? From when did you gain interest in basketball matches? "

"Aish! It's not about basketball match. It's about college... You will be happy to hear this — your would be wife and my future daughter in law studies at Springfield High."

Springfield High! Not bad, I mean interesting...

"So?" I raised my brow, I don't know what exactly my mom is planning.

"You can meet her Zayden!" she gushed like a child who has got her favourite candy. I stared at mom with my brows furrowed.

"You've got to be kidding right now! I'm not going to meet anyone there, if you are so much interested; you can call her home but I will not go there and search for that girl... I'm fine even if I won't meet her, " I shrug rolling my eyes.

Mom narrowed her eyes at me... Here she goes again! Emotional blackmail.

"Please zay!"

"No mom, not this time... You very well know you can't change my decision in this matter. "

Muttering under her breath she stood up, "You are so boring! I'm going to speak with your dad about this matter and ha if you accidently see her at college — a simple hye will be better... I'm keeping her picture on the table."

Mom is super fast in matters like this. " I can't believe you even got her picture!" Shaking my head at her I strolled towards rest room.

"She has very pretty eyes!" Mom spoke, I turn my head to see mom staring at picture in awe.

"Drink you juice before sleeping zayden! " Saying this she placed the picture next to juice glass and walked out of room.

After a quick shower I picked up the juice from table and that's when my eyes darted towards the picture on the table. Placing the glass back on table I picked the photo and stared down at my would-be-wife.

Like mom said — her eyes are very intense just like angel eyes. A unique kind of glow radiated from her eyes. It wasn't completely blue or green, it was a mixture of green and yellow... Her eyes are the softest eyes I have seen till now. They scream about her being pure soul.

I hope she doesn't act like other typical girls, I hate girls who throw themselves on me. For good few seconds I stare at her picture and then place it inside the drawer.

It's not like I feel in love with Harriet after looking at her picture but I'm sure about one thing, she isn't like others... Atleast she won't disturb me, she seems silent just like I am!

~~~❤~~~

Next week rolled out very soon, I was getting ready for Inter college basket ball match with Springfield High.
When our college boys entered the court, the crowd roared cheering, all I could hear is sharp piercing screams of girls.

I lazily darted my eyes scanning the entire crowd and like always this court was filled till brim with mostly girls.

I sit down on the cool hardwood floor as I lace up my basketball shoes noticing the opponent team.

Match started with the ball in hands of opponent team cause they had apparently won the toss. I kept my gaze on the boy who dribbled the ball while battling with his thoughts whom to past next and that's when I move forward and in no time the ball was finally in my hand. I play in power position.

And to be honest, I was pretty shocked with the score cause our college team is like strongest in basket ball and nobody gets more than 3 points against us but this college got around 5 points against us and we were on 8 points. They had quite a good players, I was specially impressed with the guy who played in centre.

I was stuffing my towel inside my bag when a voice rung in my ears.
"You might be Zayden Harley?!"

I turn around to see it's a guy who played match against our team.
I just nodded, he moved his hand forward "I'm William Granger "

"Nice to meet you!" I shook his hand.
Granger? He is Harriet's brother probably.

"Your last jump shot was quite impressive, I never knew we could do it that way!" He said whilst walking next to me.

"Thanks, you too played well there," I replied.

Both of us walked out of the changing room, "So zayden why did you agree to marry Harriet?!" he asked.
Judging by his voice I felt he is confused with my answer, "Well, is there any problem?"

"Yes, Harriet is a problem." He started making me halt, I tilt my head to look at him with confusion laced on my face, "A guy like you deserves someone more better than her... She isn't your type... " He said making me blink my eyes. Is he really her brother? One thing is sure — he doesn't like his sister.

"I saw her picture if you are speaking about looks then I must say she isn't that bad... Moreover she is my parents choice and I don't judge or go behind beauties!" I replied, I don't know why I said that but I felt it's my responsibility to ask Harriet brother to stop looking down at his sister.

Dude, she has angel like eyes for God sake...

He was about to reply me something when his friends came by,"See you around..." saying this he left.

I was hungry so I went in search of cafeteria...

❤..

Always go with the choice which scares you the most, cause that is going to help you grow..!