The Idol's arrange marriage

Priya's POV

The alarm was ringing continuously. I opened my eyes and was shocked. It was 8 am and I was still in bed. I got up hurriedly, finished my morning routine, and got ready for work. At the bus stop, there was no sign of a bus coming, so I started running. I was late but still somehow managed to reach it before the ceremony. We were welcoming new students into our laboratory.

After the ceremony, I was talking with the new students who will work with me; suddenly someone called me, none other than the director of the laboratory, Dr. Lee Wang Chung.

I think you all must wonder, "Who I am?" So let me introduce myself, I am Dr. Priya Shah, an Indian neuroscientist working in a famous research laboratory in South Korea.

Dr. Lee and I started talking about the project that I wanted to start and today I even got the team. The whole day I was with my team discussing how we would start and what we are going to do in the project.

In the evening, I was too tired that I didn't wait for the bus and booked a taxi. I reached my small 1BHK rented apartment. I got freshened up and had dinner. While I was reading a book, I got a call from MiSun, my only Korean friend. She is very close to me and her family also knows me well. I picked up her call and started talking with her. She invited me to her parents' silver wedding anniversary which was next week. I talked with her for a while and then slept.

The next day, I got up with the alarm ring. The whole week was the same, from flat to the lab and vice-versa, only work. I was too exhausted from work, so for a change, I decided to go shopping on weekends.

While I was waiting for the bus, I saw a small puppy, struggling to walk. I picked it up and found that it was injured. I took it to a nearby pet clinic. There I saw a lady who was in her forties with pale skin, with a dog. The dog started to jump from her lap when he saw me. The lady said to me, "Why don't you hold him for a few minutes? He looks excited." I took the dog from her and the dog calmed down in my hold. The lady told me that the dog's name is Molly and it seemed that he likes me. After a few minutes, the lady left with the dog. I too left the clinic after leaving the small puppy at the animal shelter, which is beside the clinic.

As I didn't have many friends, I was alone doing the shopping. I called MiSun to give me company, but she was busy with the arrangements for the party. I bought one dress for the party and a few necessary things. And then I went to watch a movie. After having dinner outside, I returned to the flat and spent some time reading, and then slept.

******

I was working in the laboratory when suddenly I remembered that today I have to attend the anniversary party of MiSun's parents. So, I left work early and got ready for the party.

My days were going normally, too busy with my laboratory work. One day, when I was listening to Hindi songs, a thought came into my mind to practice dance. As I had learned classical dance in the past, so I thought it was a good idea to practice at home. I planned to buy "Musical Anklet" (Ghungroo) on weekends.

I was standing in front of the big musical shop in the market hoping that I will get ghungroo. I entered the shop and asked for it, but got to know that the shop owner does not know any other language except Korean. I was trying to explain by showing him a picture of it, but nothing got it. At the same time, one lady entered the shop that looked familiar to me, but I didn't bother. She was looking for a guitar. She noticed how much I am struggling to buy something. So, she came to me and asked about the thing. I showed the picture to her. After that, she talked with the owner in Korean. While she was talking with the owner, I remembered that she is the same lady I met in the pet clinic. After a few minutes, that lady told me I can buy the ghungroo as the owner had it. In the end, I didn't buy it, as it was too expensive. I was standing outside the shop with a sad face, thinking of other options to buy it. That lady came to me and asked, "What happened?" I told her that I couldn't buy it as it was too expensive. She offered me some money and told me that I can return her later. I was shocked at how this lady could offer money to a stranger and how can she be sure that we will meet in the future. I was not ready to take money but then she told me that she remembered me from the pet clinic shop that's why she is offering money. I was in deep thought, and then the lady shrugged me off and said, "You can take my mobile number and when you get money, pay me back." I was convinced and took the money from her. In the end, I got the ghungroo with the help of that lady. When I was leaving the shop, I saw the lady waiting for me outside her car. I went near her and thanked her for helping. She offered me a ride, but I refused politely, saying I was going in the opposite direction.

After a few days, I got the money and was ready to return the money to the lady. I was thinking to transfer her money online, but I thought it would be rude to return it like this. I was in dilemma, so decided to ask MiSun. I called her and told her everything. She was amazed too and suggested me to not transfer money like this. She told me to meet the lady. I called the lady and asked for the day when she would be free to meet. The lady politely accepted and said that any day is fine for her, so I suggested meeting on weekends. We decided to meet in the evening at a restaurant.

I was waiting for her outside the restaurant. When she arrived, she told me she had already reserved a table for us. I was stunned and embarrassed too because I didn't think about this. We entered the restaurant and sat at the reserved table. I was feeling awkward sitting with her as I was wearing a very simple dress and she was in branded clothes. She read my situation and to make me comfortable, she said, "You are looking good." I smiled at her words. Then she said, "We meet twice but didn't introduce each other properly". She told me that her name is Kim Sumi Joon (Mrs. Joon) and is a realtor by profession; her husband is Kim Wonbin Joon (Mr. Joon), an employee of Telecom Company. I also told her about myself and by looking at her expression; I could surely say that she was quite impressed with me.

"Since when are you living in Korea?" She took one sip of her coffee.

"For six years, I came here for studies and after my degree, I got a lab to start my research, so I stayed here," I explained

"Where do you live here in Seoul?" I asked casually.

"My son lives here. After every 3-4 months, I come to visit him. This time I thought to spend some time with him, but he is always busy with his work." She replied with disappointment.

"Oh, I see. So you are not happy to come this time?" I asked as a curious kid.

"Well, in the beginning, I was complaining, but not anymore." She said while smiling at me.

"I live in Ilsan. Have you visited this place?" She asked after a few moments.

"No, I didn't explore much. Whenever I visited any place, was because of college activities. But yeah, I have explored some famous places near Seoul." I roamed my finger in the rim of the cup.

"Oh....then I would suggest you visit Ilsan once. It's a beautiful place." She sipped her coffee again.

"I would love to come if I get time," I said.

Then we talked about some random things. I told her that I can understand Korean but can't speak it fluently. I am still learning. She assured me that one day I will be fluent in Korean. While talking, she asked me what I am doing with that ghungroo. I told her what is the use of it and why did I buy it. And then we talked for a few hours, I returned the money back and then we left the restaurant.

While coming back, on the bus, I was thinking about Mrs. Joon. She is very kind and polite and in the end, when she hugged me I got emotional because I felt like my mother took me in her embrace.

That night I curled up on my bed, hugging a pillow, and wrapping it inside my mother's blanket. I decided to call my mother the next day. I dreamt of my mother smiling and talking with me.

SeoJoon's POV

Running my fingers through my hair, I sat on the sofa. We all were exhausted after the successful last day of the concert. After the final greetings, we all left for our homes. While on the ride back home, I saw my Mom hugging a girl in front of a restaurant. I couldn't see her face, as she was standing back facing towards the road, but still, I can tell that she was a young girl. Shortly, after I reached home, my Mom also came home. My Mom asked me, "How was your concert?" I replied, "It was good". Then I told her that I saw her with a girl in front of the restaurant. She didn't reply to anything, so I didn't bother about it. Then I went to my room and after getting freshened up, I slept.

Oh sorry, before I sleep, let me introduce myself. I am Mr. Kim Seo Joon, a K-pop Idol and the leader of the famous boy band "DTM" (Drop the Mic). There are other four members along with me. Basically, I am a rapper in the group and also write and produce songs. The band "DTM" is under the company "Chords King". The "DTM" is the only best thing that happened in my life and all my bandmates are like my family members.

The next day I woke up to the sound of noise, I saw my Mom explaining to the maid, what work she has to do in her absence. She is going back to her hometown. I hugged her from back and kept my head on her shoulder.

"I am sorry, Mom. You came to spend time with me but I didn't get any time." I said in a sleepy voice.

"Awww..... My sleepy baby. It's okay, but don't be a workaholic and take complete rest." She kissed my cheek.

"Why are you going, don't go today. I have some time today." I said.

"Oh..... Is it? Then take a rest in that time. You were continuously working for the last month." She said.

"Is it important to go today?" I asked.

"Yes, your naughty sister is skipping classes too much. And your father is also busy, so he is not able to look after her." She explained.

"It's okay; next time I will come along with your father." She said, looking at my upset face.

Then I went to my room to get freshen up and get ready for work. I had breakfast and left for work. I was in bad mood, I felt like I am not fulfilling the duty of being a good son. I reached the company and saw bandmates. They were laughing at the pictures; we took yesterday at the concert. I joined them. After a while, we started getting ready for the recording of the song. I was upset, and perhaps Jin hyung (Mr. Kim Ye Jin) must have noticed it.

"What happen, SeoJoon?" He came to me and asked. He is the eldest among all of us and also the closest to me, so I told him everything whatever I was feeling. He patted my shoulder and said, "Don't be upset. We all are trying our best to make our parents proud. And I am sure Mr. and Mrs. Joon are proud of you. You are working very hard so that they can enjoy their life happily. So don't be sad." He cheered me up and left for his turn for recording.

The whole day, we all were busy recording the song; the choreography was a little bit complicated, so it was taking longer time than usual to record different scenarios of the song. And the days were going like this, recording songs, choreography practice, press conferences, fan-sign events.

Due to last night's rain, the weather was a bit cold. I was feeling lazy and didn't feel like getting up, but still, I got up and got ready for work. On my way to the company, when the car stopped in traffic, I saw a beggar crying, probably because of hunger. I was thinking about how to help that beggar, and at the same time, I saw a girl who would be similar to my age come and started talking to that beggar. That girl gave her lunchbox to the beggar and left from there. I tried to see the face of the girl, but couldn't as the traffic was released.

Later in the evening, I didn't go back home and stayed with the company. I was working in my studio; I thought to interact with fans via V-live. When I was talking to them, I remembered the morning incident. I told them how one girl helped a beggar and also I requested them to help people who are in need. I interacted with them for around an hour. That night I didn't go back home and was working in the studio till late at night. Then, I slept in the given room of the dorm.

I was getting ready to visit an art gallery on weekend. I called other members to join me, but none of the ones got ready. First, I thought to go by bicycle, but the location is too far so I called the driver, as I don't know how to drive. I reached the art gallery. There, I saw many arts, designs, and paintings and clicked many pictures. After that, I went to the central library of Seoul. The library is too big and it has many floors. I was looking for a book on the fifth floor. As soon as I got the book, I extended my hand to take it. At the same time,e a girl came and she also extended her hand to get the same book. Our hands touched each other, I looked at her and she was looking at me. I was wearing a mask, but still thought she would recognize me, because "DTM" has made its mark all over the world and almost everyone knows all the members of the band. But to the surprise, that girl didn't do anything. She was also wearing a mask, but looking at her eyes, it seemed that she couldn't recognize me. She removed her hand and apologized to me. I observed that, the book we both wanted to have only one copy at that time. She was about to leave, when I said, "You can take this book, I will take another one." I said in Korean. She looked at me with confused eyes, as if she didn't understand what I said. I lifted my brows and was about to say something, but someone called her from behind. She apologized to me and left from there. I took that book and left the library.

******

I was wandering in the streets and admiring the beautiful ancient buildings of Palermo city, along with the other members. We came to Italy for a music festival. Although we are famous, still there are some places in the world where we could roam without any guards. We entered the restaurant for the lunch. The staff of the company already booked a private dining room for us. The other members were ordering food.

"Let's order some seafood also. I am craving it." Jay (Mr. Park Jay) said.

"Okay then, I also want to eat crabs. We are going to eat a lot." JongSeok (Mr. Jeon JongSeok, the youngest) teased me.

"But SeoJoon doesn't like seafood. And crabs are his friends. So today he will eat his friends." Yohan hyung (Mr. Min Yohan) said. And everyone started laughing.

I knew they were teasing me. Moreover, I enjoy their laughter because I am the reason behind it. The order came after some time, and we thoroughly relished it. We were waiting for our car while standing outside the restaurant. While I was on the phone, a girl who was entering the restaurant bumped into me. I apologized to her, and she did too. However, as she was entering the restaurant, I noticed that her bracelet had become entangled with my wristwatch. She stopped for a while. She later apologized to me and attempted to take the bracelet off of my watch. Despite her efforts, nothing materialized. So I pulled my hand away a little bit harshly, which broke her bracelet. She looked at me with shocked eyes. She was wearing a mask, so I couldn't see her face, but I could see her eyes. Her eyes were wet. I apologized and left; my car had already arrived and other members were calling me.

"What were you doing with that girl? Do you know her?" Jin hyung enquired.

"No, I'm not familiar with her. Simply stranger. Let it be." I answered.

"What's going on? I heard both of you are discussing girls." Jay chuckled as he said.

"Who is discussing girls? Where are the women?" Like a lost child, JongSeok spoke.

"I'm done with both of you. Let's move on." I was indignant.

While on the ride, I was thinking about that girl and her eyes. The eyes seemed familiar to me, but I was not sure where.

Priya's POV

I was standing in front of the restaurant with my broken bracelet. It was my father's final gift, and it was very valuable to me. Furthermore, that guy had left before I even realized it. I came to Italy, along with one colleague, for a conference, to which we got an invitation. Before the conference, we intended to eat outside. We spent two days in Italy.

I received a call from Mrs. Joon while I was in the laboratory. I could feel the warmth when she spoke in a soft voice. She wanted to invite me to the festival in Ilsan. I agreed to her invitation and told her that if I got left I would come. I dialed MiSun and said everything to her. She became excited and prepared to accompany me. We planned to go on the weekend, and I used my leave of absence for three more days. We were going to take the train to Ilsan City. We arrived there in the evening and took some time to rest in the hotel. We took a stroll through Ilsan City later that evening. I was unsure if I should let Mrs. Joon know I was there. I was completely lost in the thought that I lost MiSun in the crowd.

"What happened? What do you have in your mind?" She inquired when she found me.

I explained my predicament to her.

"Are you stupid? She invited you and you are still thinking. You should let her know." She said.

I promised her I would do it the following day.

The weather was pleasant and sunny. After breakfast, we visited some nearby locations. I called Mrs. Joon in the afternoon to let her know that I was in Ilsan. She was cheerful and invited to her home. She insisted on coming even after knowing that I was with my friend. We decided to go to Mrs. Joon's house in the evening after I asked MiSun if she was okay with it. Mrs. Joon assured us that she would send a car to pick us up from the hotel. In the evening, we both were ready, but I was a little bit anxious. I was experiencing a different feeling, but I wasn't sure why. I was still on the fence about visiting her house.

We arrived at her house. She gave us a warm welcome, and I experienced warmth once more. We got to know Mr. Joon and their daughter, Kim Darim. We had a long conversation and because they were excellent English speakers, I felt at ease around them. They invited us to join them for dinner. We initially refused, but she persisted, so we had to join them for dinner. We were about to leave when she told us that she would join us and would take us to nice places in Ilsan.

The next day, she sent the car again. We first went to her home and had breakfast with them. Then she led us to new places. She shared her memories of those places with us. We enjoyed our time with her. When we got to her house that evening, she invited us for dinner, but we declined because we had other plans. We also refused to let her driver drop us off, as we didn't want to bother them any longer. Mr. Joon forewarned us and instructed us to contact them if there were any problems. We hugged and said our goodbyes. Before leaving, Mrs. Joon informed us that she would be taking us to a religious place the following day and asked us to wear some traditional attire.

The next day, I wore a long top that was knee-length, which I paired with pants and stahl, and MiSun opted to wear a mid-long dress. When Mrs. Joon noticed our distinct appearances, she smiled. She led us to Ilsan City's oldest and biggest temple. She told that she visits the temple once a week and that she is well acquainted with the local priests. We entered the temple. Mrs. Joon and MiSun performed the god-worshiping rituals. I was standing on the back side and observing them. Mrs. Joon called me and asked me to perform the rituals with them.

"Why are you not performing rituals with us?" She questioned.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Joon, but I'm not sure how to go about doing it, and I don't want to worship God incorrectly because of my lack of knowledge," I answered.

"It's fine, don't be alarmed. Simply follow me as I do it with you." She stated.

MiSun was smiling while glancing at both of us. Additionally, a priest was also observing us from the corner. He called us all when we were done. According to Mrs. Joon, the priest is well-known and respected, and that whatever he says will undoubtedly come to pass. We all went to him and gave him our greetings. He gave us his blessings. He subsequently inquired about me from Mrs. Joon. I was a little bit nervous. I assumed he would say something to me because I might not have performed the rituals correctly or perhaps only natives were permitted to perform rituals. But he made no mention of it in his speech. He asked my name and the name of my nation. I gave him the information he asked for, but I wasn't sure why he was asking for it. After that, MiSun and I left, while Mrs. Joon stayed and spoke with the priest. After some time, Mrs. Joon came back to join us. We took a stroll around the temple before leaving.

"When do you plan to return to Seoul?" She asked.

"The day after tomorrow, we will return," I responded.

"What additional plans do you have?" She inquired.

"Yes, we had been considering a shopping trip, tomorrow," MiSun replied.

"Oh, it's nice, go ahead and enjoy your shopping day together. But tomorrow, I'd like to invite the two of you to dinner." She stated.

"Mrs. Joon, It's all right. There's no need; you've already had a lot of trouble with us. Let it be." I said.

"Why? Do you dislike homemade meals?" She questioned.

"That is not the case. We enjoy food, but..." Mrs. Jun stopped MiSun before she could finish.

"Then, stop making excuses. You two will join us for dinner tomorrow. And it's over." Mrs. Joon said, raising one hand to stop further discussion.

We told the driver to drop both of us near the hotel. Before getting down from the car, Mrs. Joon made sure that we would come to her house for dinner, and if needed, she could send the car to pick us up, but we said that there was no need to send the car; we would come ourselves.

The following day, we went shopping together and purchased some gifts for Mr. and Mrs. Joon as well as their daughter. One thing I noticed in Ilsan was that there were wall paintings or posters of a single celebrity everywhere. I had no idea who he was, but I figured he must have some connection to the city.

Later that night, we had dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Joon at their home. We spent some time with them and gave them their gifts. When I was about to leave, I said, "Please let me know if you plan to visit Seoul." We bid farewell to everyone and departed from their residence.

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Mrs. Joon's POV

In the evening, both the girls visited us and spent some time. They had become like family to me, and I especially liked Priya, so I was sad when they left. She is a lovely and sweet young girl. They were going back to Seoul.

I recalled that I wanted to talk to my husband, Mr. Joon, about a few things. During our conversation, I told him everything the priest had said to me. "It would be best to ask him directly. He'll make it clear. Next week, we'll visit the temple." Mr. Joon advised.

We both went to the temple to meet the priest the following week when Mr. Joon was on holiday.

"Why did you tell me to bring my husband with me? What happened? Is something wrong?" I asked.

"There is nothing wrong, so don't be alarmed." He confirmed

"So why did you inquire about the girl on that day?" I questioned

"To be honest, I wanted to speak with both of you about that girl." He responded.

"What?" We were both confused.

"Back then, when you were instructing her in how to perform rituals, I was paying close attention to the girl. That girl, what did she tell her name?" He continued.

"Priya," I said.

"Yes, Priya. She is from India, the land of diversity, where love and family value the most." He spoke while closing his eyes. He remained silent for a short while.

"She is the one. I can see clearly." He spoke with closed eyes and a smile.

"What is the matter?" Mr. Joon asked.

"She will undoubtedly play a very important role in your family, I can tell. She will become the reason for your family's happiness." He said after a few minutes.

There was a long silence among us.

"We are not getting anything. What does it mean?" Mr. Joon asked.

"Is she... is she going to marry my son?" I asked while stuttering

"Maybe." He chuckled.

"But..." I lost my words.

"According to the Korean Tradition, the First child should get married to a Korean. And Priya is from a different country. How is it possible?" Mr. Joon stated.

The priest smiled and remained silent.

"And, if this happens, what will society say? Everyone will point fingers at us. No, it can't happen." I said anxiously.

"Please say something." Mr. Joon said.

The priest stood up from his place and a walk to a short distance, he turned towards us and said,

"Whatever has to happen will happen surely. No one can change that. God did not create rules; rather, humans did. If breaking some rules brings good results, then it's okay to break them. I've already told you what I saw. Now it's up to you. But keep in mind, God is supreme and no one can erase what the Creator has written." And then he left.

My husband and I were speechless. We also left the temple after some time.