MY INDIAN WIFE

The wrought-iron gates of the Knight Estate swung open, and a scarlet Audi R8, limited edition, swept smoothly along the gravelled drive.

Christian Knight stepped out, immaculate in a tailored charcoal-grey suit.

He shut the car door with controlled force and adjusted his cufflinks, though the tightness in his jaw betrayed his agitation.

Without acknowledging the staff, he strode across the courtyard, past the tiered marble fountain, and towards the grand Italianate façade of the house.

The house steward opened the heavy mahogany door at once.

"Good afternoon, sir."

"Where is my grandfather?" Christian asked curtly.

"In the drawing room, sir. With Mr. Luke."

Christian gave a brief nod and proceeded down the corridor.

In the drawing room, Leonard Knight sat opposite his son, Luke, both men sipping espresso and discussing forthcoming acquisitions. The air was calm-almost deliberately so.

Christian entered without ceremony.

"Grandpa, may I ask why I have just learned of an engagement I never agreed to?"

Luke's head lifted sharply. Leonard, however, merely placed his cup upon its saucer.

"I assumed you would appreciate decisiveness," he replied mildly.

"Decisiveness?" Christian let out a humourless laugh. "You have arranged my marriage without so much as consulting me."

His gaze flickered towards his father.

"Surely this concerns my life as much as the company's."

Luke shifted uncomfortably but remained silent.

Leonard regarded his grandson steadily.

"If you intend to take the position of CEO of Knight Group, you will marry the young lady I have selected. If you do not, the position shall pass to Jake. He has expressed both readiness and enthusiasm."

Christian's composure fractured.

"I have devoted years to getting that role," he said tightly. "You cannot attach marriage as a condition of employment."

"I can," Leonard replied evenly. "And I have."

Christian exhaled sharply. "I am already in a relationship. You met Lia yourself."

"I did," Leonard said. "And I was not impressed."

A brief silence settled over the room.

"The woman I have chosen for you," Leo continued, "is accomplished, well-educated, and from a respectable family. She possesses qualities that endure beyond charm and flattery."

Christian's voice hardened. "And if I refuse?"

Leonard folded his hands. "Then you forfeit the company, the estate, and any claim to the Knight legacy. You will have two hours to gather your personal belongings. Nothing more."

Luke rose from his seat. "Father-"

"The decision is made," Leonard said calmly.

Christian stared at his grandfather, disbelief giving way to wounded pride.

"So that is it? Years of hard work reduced to a transaction."

"No," Leonard corrected. "Years of preparation culminating in responsibility."

Christian straightened.

"Very well. If I must choose between your empire and the woman I love, I choose Lia. I shall build something of my own."

Leonard studied him for a moment, something unreadable passing through his eyes.

"I wish you every success," he said. "You have two hours."

And with that, he left the room.

Christian stood motionless, staring at the doorway long after his grandfather had disappeared.

The man who had mentored him since childhood had just cast him aside for a woman he had met during a recent visit to India.

A flicker of anger returned. Without another word, Christian turned, swept a decanter from the bar, and left the estate exactly two hours later.

***

Three Hours Later – Lia's Penthouse

"You did what?" Lia's voice rose despite her attempt to remain composed. "You left everything?"

Christian removed his jacket and draped it over a chair.

"I won't be coerced into marriage," he said quietly. "Not even for the company."

Lia stared at him.

'If that coffin dodger forfeits the company, everything changes. The penthouses. The lifestyle. The security. I can not afford to lose any of this. Christian has to go back!' She forced a concerned expression.

"Oh, Chris... you shouldn't have done that for me."

"I did it because I love you," he replied. "I'll build my own firm. It will take time, but I'm capable."

She stepped closer.

"I know you are. But why sacrifice what you've worked towards for years? I can't let you sacrifice everything for me!"

He looked at her searchingly. "What alternative do I have? Return and marry that Indian bitch?"

Silence lingered.

Then, slowly, Lia's expression shifted.

"There may be another option," she said thoughtfully.

Christian arched a brow. "Go on."

"You marry her," Lia said carefully. "But only in name. A private agreement. A contract. Once you secure the position of CEO, you dissolve it."

Christian stared at her.

"You're suggesting a sham marriage."

"A strategic one," she corrected smoothly. "No one needs to know the details. Your grandfather receives the alliance he desires. You receive the company. And when the time is right... You end it."

"And if he discovers it?"

"He won't," Lia replied, her tone confident. "Provided discretion is maintained."

Christian considered the proposal, tension visible in his posture.

"I resent the very idea," he muttered. "Being manoeuvred like a chess piece."

Lia reached for his hand.

"Then ensure you are the one making the moves."

Christian fell silent, unaware that in attempting to regain control, he might already have surrendered it.

"Fuck, I already hate her so much. She is pushing me to do things I never wanted to do!!"

Christian left the house that afternoon following a heated argument with his grandfather and did not return. Yet Leonard remained as calm as the sea.

It was already late evening. Resting against the headboard of his bed, Leonard was speaking to the photograph of his late wife, Rosella.

He was telling her about the Indian girl and why he had chosen her for their grandson when Dr Agnes entered the room with a bottle of wine and two glasses.

"Evening, old man. Boring Rosella again?" Dr Agnes chuckled.

"Yes," Leonard laughed. "I was telling her about the girl I met in India."

"Oh, that same girl you've chosen for Chris?" Agnes asked.

"The very same," he answered, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.

"Well, I must admit I'm curious. What is so exceptional about this Indian girl that you admire her so much?" Agnes enquired as she sat down on the sofa and poured wine into the glasses.

Leonard placed Rosella's photograph carefully on the bedside table and joined Agnes on the sofa.

"She's a remarkable young woman," he began thoughtfully. "She understands relationships. She knows how to keep a family together with love and patience, and that is precisely what this family has forgotten."

He paused before continuing.

"She is ideal for Chris. She can give him the stability and warmth he longed for in his childhood - a successful career and a loving home."

Agnes nodded quietly.

"You know, Agnes," Leonard continued, his voice lowering, "I'm afraid. Truly afraid for this family. The family Rosella and I built with so much love is on the verge of falling apart, and I feel powerless to stop it."

His eyes drifted towards Rosella's photograph.

"This girl is my last hope. I am certain she will reunite this family. She will succeed where I have failed. I only wish to see us together again before I close my eyes. That is my final wish."

He took a slow sip of wine and discreetly brushed away the tears gathering at the corner of his eyes.

"I understand, Leo," Agnes said gently. "But you know Chris. He's clever. He'll be searching for a way out of this arrangement."

Leonard chuckled.

"Oh, I'm certain he is. But trust me, he won't escape this one." His smile widened. "And I have complete faith in Lia. That silicone-filled doll will undoubtedly leave him the moment she realises there's nothing to gain."

Both of them laughed.

"I must admit, I shall rather enjoy watching Chris cornered for once," Agnes said. "But tell me, where exactly did you meet this girl in India?"

"Do you remember I travelled there two months ago for business?" Leonard asked.

Agnes nodded.

"Well, someone mentioned a city called Varanasi, a place where souls are said to find peace and salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered the spiritual capital of India."

Leonard's voice softened.

"I decided to travel there from Mumbai. I cannot describe the serenity of that place. There was something almost mystical about it - a pure, powerful energy you could feel in the air. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there... and that's where I met-"

A knock interrupted him. They turned their attention towards the half-open door.

"Dad... may I come in?" Luke, Christian's father, asked cautiously.

"Leo, I think I shall leave you to it," Agnes said, rising to her feet. "I'm very much looking forward to meeting this mysterious young lady." She smiled.

Leonard nodded before turning to Luke.

"Of course. I expected you."

Luke entered and closed the door behind him as Agnes left.

"Why are you forcing Chris to marry that girl?" he demanded, folding his arms.

"It's quite simple," Leonard replied evenly. "I want her as my granddaughter-in-law. And that can only happen through your son."

"But an Indian girl? Their culture is entirely different from ours. Why not choose Lia or someone from our own background?"

Leo's expression hardened.

"Because," he said sharply and sighed, "you wouldn't understand. And what sort of father are you? Can you not see that Lia is unsuitable? She is a gold digger just like your girlfriend, and she will ruin Christian's life the way that woman ruined your marriage."

Luke clenched his jaw.

"Enough," Leo continued firmly. "This discussion is over. I want that girl in this family, and that is final. Tell your son to prepare himself for the wedding."

He gestured towards the door.

"Now leave. I wish to speak to your mother. And do close the door on your way out."

Luke left, slamming the door behind him.

Leonard picked up Rosella's photograph once more and resumed speaking softly to her. He was explaining why the girl was perfect for their family when suddenly the door burst open.

Christian stood there.

Leonard stared at him in exaggerated shock.

"Good heavens. Are you truly standing before me, or am I hallucinating? I assumed you would return in a month, perhaps when your credit cards stopped working. Yet here you are after merely ten hours."

Christian's jaw tightened.

"What happened? Did Lia leave you when she discovered you stepped aside from the CEO race?"

"You were right about her. The moment she learned I withdrew from the CEO position, she ended things."

He inhaled sharply.

"So here I am. Ready to marry the girl you've chosen. But I want to know why her? Why not someone from our own country?"

"First," Leonard said calmly, "stop glaring at me like your father. And second, you and I both know that every woman you have dated thus far has been after your money. The girl I have chosen is not like that. She is a rare gem, and I want that gem in this family."

Christian rolled his eyes.

"Fine. I've heard enough praise. I said I'll marry her."

"You will not regret this," Leonard replied confidently.

Christian said nothing, though a darker thought crossed his mind. 'She, however, may regret marrying me.'

"What's her name?" he asked casually.

"Mishka," Leonard replied, smiling fondly.

"Mi... what?"

"Mishka," Leonard repeated slowly. "It took me some time to pronounce it properly as well. But you'd best practise because she dislikes it when people mispronounce her name."

Christian gave a curt nod, though inside he simmered with frustration.

"Since you've agreed, I should tell you - Mishka arrives tomorrow."

Christian stared at him in disbelief.

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes. So off you go. Practise saying her name correctly. MI-SH-KA."

Leonard clapped his hands lightly.

"Now close the door on your way out. I'm exhausted."

"Good night, Grandpa."

"Good night, my boy. Tomorrow is an important day."

Christian switched off the lights and left the room.

The next morning,

Christian crossed the room and stopped before the mirror. His reflection stared back at him - composed, immaculate, controlled.

"You can handle this," he muttered quietly to himself.

He repeated it until his breathing steadied, though the tension beneath his calm exterior never truly left.

'How does one marry a woman whose name he cannot even pronounce properly?' He wondered. 'There must be another way out of this.'

His phone began to ring.

The screen lit up with Lia's name.

Christian exhaled and answered.

"Good morning," Lia's cheerful voice came through. "Did you have a good night's sleep?"

"What exactly is good about this morning?" he replied dryly. "I spent half the night attempting to master her name. I cannot remember when I eventually fell asleep."

Lia laughed softly. "What is her name again?"

Christian frowned. "Mi... no. Maika... no. Wait."

He searched his bedside table and found the small sheet of paper he had abandoned there.

"Mishka," he read at last, exhaling slowly. "It's Mishka."

Lia chuckled again, knowing he was feigning annoyance, and although he didn't appreciate being amused, he let it go.

"If you've finished finding this entertaining," he said coolly, "I need to shower. She could arrive at any moment, and Grandpa expects me at breakfast. Apparently, he has something 'important' to discuss."

"All right," Lia replied, her tone softening. "I only called to say I love you. Once she arrives, it may become... complicated."

Christian's expression hardened slightly.

"No one complicates my life without my permission," he said calmly. "You needn't worry."

"I love you, Chris."

"And I love you," he replied before ending the call.

He showered quickly and changed into a fitted grey T-shirt and black jeans.

Composed once more, he left his room and made his way to the dining room.

Leonard sat at the head of the table, reading a message on his phone. A wide, unguarded smile spread across his face.

Christian took his seat beside him and reached for a glass of orange juice.

"What has put you in such high spirits, Grandpa?" he asked.

"It's Pasha," Leonard replied. "Her flight has landed. He is bringing your soon-to-be wife."

Christian nearly choked on his drink.

Leonard patted his back. "Steady, boy. Are you quite all right?"

Christian nodded after a moment, regaining composure.

"Aren't you eager to meet her?" Leonard asked, observing him carefully.

"I hardly slept," Christian replied evenly. "Naturally, I'm... curious."

One by one, the rest of the family entered.

Luke arrived with Jennifer.

Berry followed with her husband, Dan Matthews, and their son Jake.

Rony entered with Rose and their adopted eight-year-old son, Daniel.

Christian surveyed the room. "Is this a family summit? Why is everyone present so early?"

"I have an announcement to make before my granddaughter-in-law arrives," Leonard said, sipping his black tea.

"Future, grandpa," Christian corrected smoothly. "Nothing has occurred yet."

Leonard gave him a knowing look. "It will."

He then addressed the room.

"I expect every one of you to treat her with respect. There will be no raised voices, no profanities, and no unnecessary hostility in her presence. She is to feel welcome in this house."

His gaze shifted pointedly to Luke and Rony.

"And the two of you will refrain from arguing."

Luke gave a short laugh. "Is she to govern the estate already?"

"No decent woman wishes to live amidst constant conflict," Rony replied quietly, feeding porridge to Daniel.

"Nobody is requesting your opinion right now, so I recommend you stay silent," Luke retorted irritably as Jennifer observed their argument.

"Enough. You guys started again? Can't you both sit quietly during breakfast?" Leonard said in a high-pitched voice. "I remember a time when both of you used to fight for each other, and now you both fight with each other!"

Silence settled over the dining room.

Christian rose smoothly.

"Daniel," he said lightly, "finished?"

The boy nodded eagerly.

"Good. Let's go outside. We'll play basketball."

They left the tension behind and went out to the side courtyard near the entrance while everyone at the breakfast table seethed.

***

Christian had long since learned to remove himself whenever his father and uncle began arguing. Whatever had fractured their bond remained a mystery to him, though he remembered a childhood when they had been inseparable.

Yet Rony had never allowed that bitterness to affect his affection towards Christian. He had always treated him as a son.

"Brother!" Daniel shouted, throwing the basketball toward him.

Christian turned too late and sidestepped. The ball sailed past him at alarming speed.

It was about to strike her face when a slender hand intercepted it effortlessly right in the moment. The girl stood frozen for a moment, holding the ball right in front of her face.

Jake reached her first. "Are you all right?" he asked anxiously.

She lowered the ball and smiled. "I'm perfectly fine, Jake."

Christian stopped in his tracks. For a moment, he simply stared.

Daniel tugged at his T-shirt. "Let's go inside," he whispered urgently. "If Grandpa finds out-"

"He will do nothing," Christian replied absently, his attention still fixed ahead.

"Come inside, Mishka," Jake said gently. "Grandpa is waiting."

The name struck Christian like a sudden gust of wind.

'Mishka?' He had expected something traditional, conventional, predictable. Instead, she stood there with effortless composure.

A white top. High-waisted black jeans. Nothing extravagant yet everything deliberate. Her long brown hair fell in a smooth cascade down her back, catching the faint morning light. She did not fidget. She did not look flustered.

There was nothing excessive about her appearance. Nothing ostentatious. Yet she commanded attention without trying.

"My luggage?" she asked.

"Staff will bring it in," Jake assured her. As they walked inside, Mishka's eyes met with Christian's.

For a brief, unguarded second, the world around him seemed to fall strangely silent. In that suspended moment, Christian realized this woman would not be easily managed.