Chapter 13: Unraveling the Knots

The car moved through the city streets, each passing scene mirroring the complexity of Aria's thoughts. The weight of the staged betrayal lingered, a heavy shroud of confusion and hurt enveloping her.

Aria couldn't shake the questions that echoed relentlessly in her mind. Why had her parents resorted to such a drastic measure? Was it merely a lesson, or was there something deeper beneath the surface? The car's rhythmic motion seemed to mimic the relentless churn of her thoughts.

Memories of her time as Arjun replayed like a haunting film. She recalled the careless words, the defiance, and the influence of misguided friends. Regret gnawed at her as she acknowledged the impact of her actions.

The real puzzle, however, lay in the unexpected act of being sold. The metaphorical knots tightened around Aria's understanding as she grappled with the reasons behind her parents' seemingly heartless decision.

As the car pressed on, Aria's internal turmoil intensified. She stared out of the window, the passing cityscape reflecting the tangled emotions within. The journey became a labyrinth of introspection, each turn revealing a new layer of confusion, regret, and the desperate need for answers.

As the car journey continued, Rohit's voice cut through the silence with a tone of authority that sent shivers down Aria's spine.

Rohit, calmly: "Aria, let's get one thing straight. I know you're a boy. Your parents briefed me about the whole charade. You're under my care now, and there are rules you must follow."

Aria, on the edge of tears, nodded, unsure of what awaited her.

Rohit, laying down the rules: "First and foremost, you are not to reveal your true identity to anyone. You'll play the part assigned to you. Second, my wife and son are to be treated with utmost respect. Obey their orders as if they were mine. Understand?"

Aria, reluctantly agreeing: "Yes."

Rohit, continuing: "You won't step outside this house without my permission. Your place to sleep is on the floor – no beds for you. You'll attend to my guests, entertain them if necessary, and do whatever it takes to maintain the image we've set up. Clear?"

Aria, choked with emotion, nodded again.

Rohit, imposing more rules: "You'll address me as 'Sir' in public. Your primary duty is to keep up appearances. Failure to comply will have consequences. Do I make myself clear?"

Aria, her voice barely audible, managed a shaky "Yes."

The car moved through the city, each passing moment sealing Aria's fate with an invisible chain of rules. The rules, like a cruel script, set the stage for a life where she was bound not just by the expectations of her new family but also by the orders of a man who considered himself her owner.