It was a bright early morning in Bangalore, but Khan's mansion was a bit gloomy months after the demise of Mr. Shahzaib Khan, the well-known real estate businessman, the founder of the Khan's empire.

His elder child, his daughter, Mrs. Meerab Khan, the CEO of the Khan's Fashion world, was sitting on the couch in the living room, gently rocking her 1-year-old daughter to sleep peacefully on her lap while watching the news in murmurs.

Her husband, Dr. Junaid Ahmed Khan, owner of Multi-speciality hospital, was sitting with his mother-in-law, the Queen of Khan's empire, Mrs.JahanAra Khan, who is looking for the bride of one and only, the youngest child, the now CEO of the Khan's real estate empire, Mr. Shaizaan Khan.

" I think she will be best for my son. " JahanAra said, looking at the biodata.

" I cannot believe this, Mom. You asked my husband to contact all the MRs to search for Shaizaan’s bride... I mean, who does that... " Meerab said while passing her daughter to her husband’s arms.

" You found your love in college. This is my last chance to choose a match for my children. I won’t get to do this again. He's the last one I have. " Meerab looked at the biodata and read the details,

" Dr. Iram Khan... Beautiful name...Nice... Studying in LNCT Bhopal. Mom, that's far from Bangalore. " Meerab shared her worries.

" But a few hours by flight... " Junaid suggested.

" Flights are expensive, Junaid. "

" Not if love is more important, Sweetheart. " Junaid replied to his wife sweetly. Meerab smiled and scoffed,

" That workaholic man with a serious face can never fall in love... " Meerab was finding her statement funny, but the entry of his younger brother made her scared.

" Who said so, Aapi? " A deep voice cut across the hall.

{Aapi, referring to elder sister}

The scary, tall, well-dressed man entered.

" Nothing... " Meerab denied.

" I told you, Mom, I don't want to marry now. " Shaizaan said, eyeing the biodatas spread across the table in front of her..

" You are already 27, Shaizaan. I want you to marry before 28."

" I will not... "

" My decision is final. You will marry the bride of my choice, Dr. Iram Khan. " JahanAra declared and stood up.

" Why are you obsessed with marrying your children to doctors? "

" So that they can take care of you when you fall ill... I am worried about your health, Shaizaan. This workaholic life will destroy you. "

" I am fine, Mom. No need to worry. And we will talk about this later. I have a flight to catch. " Saying that, Shaizaan walked towards the door of the mansion.

" You are taking a private jet. " Meerab said casually, which made Shaizaan stop and reply,

" But I need to arrive on time. " The side eye of Shaizaan sent goosebumps to Meerab, who whispered,

" I wish Iram the best. She will be dealing with this man... "

“ I know. But I think Iram will be perfect for him.” JahanAra replied.

“ How do you know that, Mom?”

“ Maybe a mother’s instinct…” 

*****

A few hours later, the City of Lakes welcomed Shaizaan. Walking out of the Airport, he sat in his Mercedes with his PA, Zain, already waiting.

" Sir, we will reach the destination before time. " Zain informed.

" Okay. " Shaizaan nodded.

The 25th annual function began with bouquets and polite smiles. Shaizaan was one of the chief guests. 

" Thank you. " He replied to the students, accepting the bouquet. 

The ceremony started with lighting the lamp and was followed by a welcoming dance.

Shaizaan was present physically, but his mind was elsewhere, busy with the deals he would be making the next day. From songs to dances and ramp walk, the chief guests were called upon the stage to give the certificate to the students for different activities. Shaizaan was called to distribute certificates for academic excellence. He gave each student a polite smile and a sweet "Congratulations" 

" Now, I'll call upon the stage, Miss Iram Khan, for achieving 2nd rank in the 3rd year. "

Shaizaan felt he had heard this name before. 

After a short pause, the anchor said,

" Since she is not present here, I'll request anyone from her batch to receive the certificate. " 

Her friend, Alyna Kapur, walked to the stage and received her certificates.

Minutes after a short motivational speech, Shaizaan requested to leave. 

As he stepped out of the hall, he recalled the conversation he had with his mother in the morning.

" ...You will marry the bride of my choice, Dr. Iram Khan..."

" Wait! " Shaizaan stopped and whispered to Zain, ‘Call Alyna’.

Alyna walked to the parking lot with Kriti hurriedly.

" Yes, Sir? " They asked Shaizaan.

" I need those certificates. " Shaizaan demanded.

Kriti and Alyna were confused.

" Why, Sir? We will give her the certificates when she returns from home. " Alyna replied.

" If she cannot be present to accept and respect her achievements, she doesn't deserve them. " Shaizaan said in a deep voice and a straight, expressionless face. He extended his hand to get the certificates.

" But sir... " Kriti tried to convince.

" No buts. Hand them over to me. " Kriti passed the certificates, sadly.

" Tell her to contact me if she wants her certificates. " Shaizaan said while passing his business card and walking away. 

" What will we do now? " Kriti and Alyna asked each other, worried.

Zain heard that and said, 

" It's for her best. " 

Zain sat in the Mercedes and asked Shaizaan,

" Why did you do this? "

" My Mom is planning my marriage to her. She won’t listen to me. So, I'll scare Iram away. " Shaizaan replied and placed the certificates in the pouch on the car seat cover. 

" I'll inform JahanAra Mam about your plan. " Zain said, taking his phone out from his coat pocket.

" I dare you. " Shaizaan warned in his deep voice, sending goosebumps to Zain.

" May Allah bless Iram. She has no idea what she's about to face. " Zain whispered. Shaizaan smirked as silent schemes began to weave in his mind.

" I need a clever, calculated way to push her away before she ever steps into my world. " Shaizaan whispered to himself, leaning back in his seat.

" Miss Iram Khan, you wait and watch..."