A Perfect Mismatch Read Online Free PDF Page B

someone I liked and vice versa. That would defeat the purpose, as I have no intention of staying married at all. Marriage is an outdated institution and is used as a smokescreen by most people to satisfy their needs be it physical, emotional or materialistic. I amnot interested in it and do not intent to pander to the needs of another human being. I cannot reciprocate the same emotions if a woman foolishly falls in love with me in the process. The damage caused would be irreparable and that I cannot allow! You seem sensible.”
    “Finally, I agree with you on something. You are right. I am sensible and I do dislike you. It is kind of you to think only of your mother and sacrifice your noteworthy principles for her!” She shrugged, smiling coldly.
    “Are you being contemptuous when you seem to want the same from me?”
    “I don’t want anything from you. Not even your generous offer of a much-touted alimony.” She seemed to look within for a few moments and then said, “I want to take off the burden of obligation towards my aunt. I am ready to marry you because she wants to wash her hands off me as soon as possible. I have nothing against her,” she shook her head. “At least after this I might be allowed to lead an independent life without being berated for being a burden on her.”
    In a flash Armaan saw a fragile vulnerability suddenly shorn of all anger. Maybe he was imagining things! He wanted to probe further against his will but curbed the urge. It wasn’t his business anyway. And knowing her, he felt that she would probably shut him out. They were both silent for a while and then Armaan said in a matter-of-fact manner, “We might as well order something to eat.”
    They ate in silence for the next half an hour. After the meal, they discussed the dates to be set for the engagement and the wedding according to the convenience of theirofficial calendars. They sat consulting their schedules as if it were nothing more than a dentist’s appointment. Zara felt a mixture of sadness and anger at the lack of emotional involvement in the whole process. What should have been the most important day of her life did not seem any better than an auditors’ seminar, she reflected cynically. At least he seemed courteous enough to include her need for preparation for the day.
    Armaan insisted that the wedding should commence before the month was over. Zara raised her eyebrows at such inordinate haste. He replied rather moodily, that it is what his mother wished for. In the end, Zara agreed that there was no use delaying the event. She might as well get it over with as soon as possible and get on with her life.
    “Well, that’s it then. I will discuss and finalize everything and inform you as soon as possible. Call me if there is any change in the plans,” he said, signing the bill as the waiter brought it over.
    They rose from the table together and Armaan could not help but notice that she barely came up to his shoulders. For a moment he stood and watched her through hooded eyes as she picked up her handbag. He couldn’t put a finger on what it was that arrested his attention every time they met. There was an unconscious grace and dignity in her movements. The tilt of her head was pure haughtiness as she sailed ahead of him towards the door.
    Armaan held the door open before she could reach for it. Zara moved away jerkily to avoid his muscled frame as he followed her out into the night. She could not stop the thudding of her heart when his cologne hit her senses.
    “Well, I should be going now. Keep me informed about things,” she said coolly.
    “Come, I will drop you home.” He strode towards the car, expecting her to follow him.
    She wasn’t going to sit with him inside the close confines of the car!
    “Don’t bother! I will take a taxi,” she called out rather testily.
    Armaan lowered his voice to keep it steady, “I said I will drop you home!”
    “No thanks!”
    “Why not?” He came closer and glowered