Makeup Studio

Ishan Chaudhary jumped out of the quirky taxi, heart racing excitedly. Two weeks ago, life was routine, He was struggling to stay afloat while skipping lunch, walking 2.5 km daily to catch the bus all to save his fathers life. Now that he is healthy he has gotten yet another life to save, His husband's.

As he got out of the taxi he remembered how weird it was to tell his parents about the deal

Ishan: "Ma, Baba, I've accepted Harivansh Raichand's offer: 80 crore rupees to marry Aryan!"

"Wow, 80 crores! How's Aryan?", Ma eyes sparkled,

'I just told you about the money and you are focused on the man?'

Ishan: "Rich, handsome, wheelchair-bound...and my future husband!"

"But Ishan, marriage?" Baba asked standing up with the help of his wife, "Are you prepared for this?"

"Pretend marriage, Baba", Ishan explained "Ma Your elder son's becoming someone's daughter-in-law, Why are you so excited?"

"I always wanted a daughter! So I see it as an Absolute win", Ma said while cupping her sons weeks, "Can I plan the wedding?"

"Ma, focus", Ishan said irritated, "It's pretend wedding"

"But you will wear Lehanga right", Ma asked with sparkles in her eyes.

"Yes", Ishan sighed.

"Bhaiya's going to look glamorous", Rohan teased, " Sorry My sweet didi will be, Haha".

As Ishan approached the hotel's grand entrance, guards formerly blocking his path snapped back to attention, curiosity and respect mingling on their faces.

Their transformed demeanor wasn't lost on Ishan; they now viewed him as Mumbai's elite. Awkwardly returning salutes, Ishan felt his newfound status weighing heavily.

Whispers of his impending union with Aryan Raichand spread rapidly, earning strangers' deference.

"Tell me, bushy brows," Ishan teased, addressing the head guard, "why the warm welcome? Two weeks ago, I was just a humble salesman."

The guard's expression transformed from formal to surprised.

"Sorry, sir," he murmured, eyes downcast. "We weren't aware."

"Take a chill pill guys I am not an asshole", Ishan replied with smile.

Rohan, Ishan's energetic younger brother, sprang from the taxi, eyes aglow. "Come, Ishan bhaiya," he teased, emphasizing Ishan's impending role. "Let's prepare you for marrying the boss's son!"

Ishan rolled his eyes, amused by Rohan's mischief.

Sandhya Sharma, the epitome of elegance in her sharp business suit, spotted them from across the lobby. She was as professional and poised as ever, but Ishan could see the hint of amusement in her eyes as Rohan's jaw practically hit the floor.

"Holy fuck, is she real?" Rohan Let out a big gasp in surprise looking at Sandhya, his voice a mix of awe and disbelief.

Ishan nudged him playfully, "Keep it in your pants, dumbo. And watch your mouth."

He turned to Sandhya, "I'm sorry, he's not used to such... refined company."

He looked at his brother and thought,

"Atleast you proved you are my blood'

Sandhya's laugh was like a tinkling bell, lightening the tension in the air.

"It's alright, Mr. Chaudhary," she said, her smile warm and genuine. "We're all a bit nervous, aren't we?"

Ishan couldn't help but admire the way she handled his brother's crudeness with grace.

As they made their way to the makeup studio, Rohan leaned in close to Ishan, whispering, "Bhaiya, seriously, why are the Raichands after you when they have a bombshell like Sandhya working for them?"

Ishan's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt his cheeks heat up. He cleared his throat and replied, "Believe me Rohan, I've wondered the same thing."

As they approached the makeup studio, Ishan felt the weight of his decision pressing down on him, heavier with each step.

The mall was bustling with activity, the smell of fresh popcorn wafting from the food court and the distant sound of children's laughter echoing through the corridors.

The studio was nestled on the top floor, surrounded by luxury boutiques and high-end jewelers. It was a world apart from the cramped apartment he shared with his family back in the slums.

Rohan looked at his watch, his eyebrows shooting up.

"But bhaiya," he said, his voice filled with mischief, "why are we so early? The wedding isn't supposed to happen for like six hours from now."

Sandhya chuckled, the sound as delicate as the fine china that adorned the hotel's dining halls.

"Well, Rohan," she said, her eyes twinkling, "the bride and groom are the main characters of the wedding, so it takes time for their makeup to be just right."

Ishan felt a blush creep up his neck as he took in the grandeur of the hotel.

As they approached the makeup studio, Rohan winked and said, "So I will see you at the wedding, Didi," teasing Ishan before saying eventual good bye and leaveing them outisde the studio.

Sandhya and Ishan exchanged a knowing look, and she gently ushered him into the studio.

"So ready, Mr. Chaudhary?" Sandhya asked, her tone a blend of professionalism and sympathy.

Ishan took a deep breath, the air in the plush hallway feeling thinner than ever before.

"Yes, I guess," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.