Arnav stood in front of the glass window of his large office on Park Street, Kolkata. Below him, the city was busy as always—cars moving endlessly, people rushing everywhere. But to him, it all felt ordinary.
Arnav Sen, 29 years old. A successful businessman. He had money, power, and a luxurious life.
But there was one thing that constantly irritated him—his family's pressure to get married.
Almost every day his mother said the same thing.
"Arnav, it's time for you to get married. Everyone keeps asking."
Arnav would sigh and reply,
"Mom, I'm not ready for marriage right now."
But his family refused to listen.
That afternoon, his best friend Rohit came to his office and sat across from him with a mischievous smile.
"I have an idea for you," Rohit said.
Arnav raised an eyebrow.
"What idea?"
Rohit leaned back in the chair and said casually,
"A contract marriage."
Arnav frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"Marry someone for one year. Your family will stop pressuring you. After a year, you both get divorced peacefully."
At first Arnav laughed at the idea. But the more he thought about it, the more it started to make sense.
At the same time, in another part of the city, Meera was sitting quietly in her small room.
Meera Dutta, 24 years old.
Her dream was to study abroad and build a successful career. But after her father's business collapsed, their financial situation became terrible.
That night her father spoke softly,
"Meera… a family has sent a marriage proposal for you. I think we should consider it."
Meera felt her heart sink.
"But Baba… I want to study."
Her father sighed heavily.
"We can't afford it anymore."
Meera couldn't sleep the whole night.
A few days later, through Rohit, Meera heard about a very unusual proposal.
She met Arnav for the first time at a quiet café.
Arnav spoke directly.
"I want a contract marriage. One year. After that, we get divorced."
Meera stared at him in shock.
Arnav continued calmly,
"During that one year, I'll pay for all your education expenses. But our relationship will only exist on paper."
Silence filled the table.
Thousands of thoughts rushed through Meera's mind—her dreams, her family, her future.
Finally, she spoke slowly,
"I agree… but on one condition."
Arnav looked curious.
"What condition?"
Meera replied calmly,
"You will not interfere with my freedom during that one year."
Arnav smiled slightly.
"Deal."The wedding happened much faster than Meera expected.
Within two weeks, everything was arranged. Arnav's family was extremely happy. His mother finally felt relieved that her son was getting married.
Relatives filled the large house with laughter, music, and endless conversations.
But for Arnav and Meera, everything felt strangely different.
They both knew the truth.
This marriage was only a contract.
On the wedding day, Meera looked beautiful in her red bridal saree. Gold jewelry sparkled under the lights, and everyone kept praising her beauty.
Arnav stood beside her in a cream-colored sherwani. Calm, confident, and composed—just like always.
But inside, both of them felt a strange awkwardness.
During the rituals, when the priest told them to look at each other, their eyes met for a brief moment.
It felt strange.
They were becoming husband and wife in front of everyone…
yet both of them knew it wasn't real.
After hours of rituals and celebrations, the wedding finally ended.
Late at night, Meera was escorted to Arnav's room.
The room was beautifully decorated with flowers, candles, and soft lights—just like a traditional wedding night.
Meera sat quietly on the edge of the bed, feeling nervous.
A few minutes later, the door opened.
Arnav walked in.
For a moment, the room was silent.
Then Arnav cleared his throat and said awkwardly,
"Relax… you don't have to be nervous."
Meera looked at him, confused.
Arnav walked toward the sofa and sat down.
"This marriage is just a contract," he reminded her gently.
"So nothing will happen that you're uncomfortable with."
Meera felt a wave of relief.
"Thank you," she said softly.
Arnav pointed toward the bed.
"You can sleep there. I'll take the couch."
Meera immediately shook her head.
"No, that's not fair. We can share the room… just normally."
Arnav smiled slightly.
"You're already negotiating on the first day?"
For the first time that day, Meera smiled too.
The tension in the room slowly disappeared.
That night, they slept in the same room… but like two strangers sharing a space.
Before turning off the lights, Arnav said quietly,
"One year, Meera. After that, we both go back to our own lives."
Meera looked at the ceiling and replied softly,
"Yes… just one year."