She was dressed as a bride for someone else…<br /> Dreams filled her eyes, but fate had written something else entirely.<br /> <br /> And just when her world was about to be made—<br /> Fate played such a game that everything changed.<br /> She, who... She was dressed as a bride for someone else…<br /> Dreams filled her eyes, but fate had written something else entirely.<br /> <br /> And just when her world was about to be made—<br /> Fate played such a game that everything changed.<br /> She, who was blameless,<br /> Was bound to someone—<br /> Who neither knew her,<br /> Nor wanted to accept her.<br /> <br /> That marriage… was out of compulsion, not love.<br /> For Shantanu, she was just a burden—<br /> A relationship that was against his will,<br /> Bound only by the force of fate.<br /> <br /> Every day, contempt,<br /> Every moment, distance…<br /> Every breath, the feeling—that "I am his, yet I am not."<br /> <br /> But they say—<br /> What fate binds, cannot be broken by wanting or not wanting.<br /> Time passed…<br /> And behind that cold wall,<br /> Something slowly began to melt.<br /> <br /> The relationship that began with denial,<br /> When it reached the threshold of confession—<br /> Neither she knew, nor did he.<br /> <br /> Sometimes fate takes away what we want…<br /> And gives us what we need.<br />
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Shantanu Malhotra, The Famous Director and Producer. He runs his own production house named "STAR ANGEL MEDIA HOUSE".
One of India's best Directors, who was once a great artist himself. His acting was famous throughout the country. He has a charming personality that knows how to attract anyone towards him.
He was a successful actor himself a few years ago, a handsome face, and on top of that, his grey eyes, wow, they seemed ready to kill anyone who looked at them. His thin, rosy lips, when he smiled, girls would lose their hearts to them.
His killer smile would strike like lightning in their hearts, but perhaps he himself didn't know the last time he smiled. His body is also amazing. Girls are crazy to catch a glimpse of him and flock around him. He seems to have a rivalry with the media, as he is never ready to face them.
The last time he had an encounter with the media, he was an actor, not a director. He last worked in a play that became very famous all over India. What happened after that that he completely stopped acting is still a mystery that no one knows anything about today.
His life is like an unsolved riddle for everyone. Yes, there is one thing everyone knows about him: his flirtatious nature. In public, he has the image of a Casanova, but this is normal in the film industry.
Whenever his character was questioned about this, his only response was: "He doesn't like breaking the hearts of beautiful girls, so to make them happy, he carves out some time from his busy schedule and dedicates it to those beauties."
Besides movies and serials, he has earned a lot of fame in dramas and plays, not just in India but also in foreign countries, and that too in just five years, which is an inspiration for youngsters.
Mr. Shantanu Malhotra considers girls as time pass. He doesn't believe in words like love and marriage. Now, to know why this is the case, you will have to continue reading the story.
Now, let's talk about our hero later. Let's get to know our heroine.
Arvi, a simple middle-class girl. But her beauty is unparalleled, as if God had brought an Apsara down from heaven. Her complexion is fair like milk, her eyes are big and golden, her cheeks are full and like ripe red tomatoes, and her lips are soft like thin rose petals.
She is a queen of beauty, but she doesn't boast about her beauty. She doesn't have a father, only a mother, and her life's purpose is to complete her studies as soon as possible and get a job to help her mother. Her mother teaches in a nearby private school to run the household, and Arvi helps her by giving tuition after college. She also goes to dance classes because she is passionate about dancing. There is no place for love in her life either, because she has dedicated her life to her mother.
She just wants to live a simple life with her mother, a peaceful life for which she works hard day and night. Many boys in college have proposed to her, but she never gives any attention to any boy. An independent girl who does not like to bow down to anyone without reason. She cannot tolerate wrongdoings.
She has principles that she lives by. Oh, and one more important thing: she never disobeys her mother. Whatever her mother says is like a written decree for her, which she cannot cross under any circumstances. She understands relationships deeply and believes in nurturing them with complete honesty.
Now, you will learn more as the story progresses. Let's start our story.
To be continued...
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Shan avoided the topic and left. After a while, Suyash ji also left. Chhaya took Anshika to Subhash ji's room.
Anshika went and sat beside him and said in her sweet, sweet voice with great affection, "Daddu, baby is here. Baby wants to hear a story. Will Daddu tell baby a story?"
There was such enchantment in her voice that anyone would be drawn to her. As soon as Subhash ji's ears heard her sweet voice, he opened his eyes. As soon as he opened his eyes, her dear face appeared before them, and his lips curved into a smile.
"Our doll has arrived. Daddu was waiting for you. Today Daddu will tell you a special story."
Hearing his words, Anshika became excited. When the nurse helped her to sit, Anshika sat in his lap, and he began to tell her a story with great love. Chhaya sat there, watching them with a smile on her lips.
Anshika was the life of every person in this house; she gave everyone a reason to smile, especially Subhash ji, who never smiled but would become happy seeing her.
Arpita ji had asked Chhaya to look after Anshika and Subhash ji here and then left for her friend's house.
Bandra West, Mumbai
In this area, there was a house, three bedrooms and two floors. The house was neither too big nor too small, and it was currently decorated very beautifully. The entire house was filled with guests, and the decoration work was underway. On one side, the caterers were busy making sweets.
The courtyard of the house was beautifully decorated with yellow and green curtains and yellow flowers. To the right of the stairs, a diwan was used to create a stage, from which a chandelier made of flowers hung. The stage, adorned with garlands of flowers, looked extremely beautiful. To its right, a dholak player was playing the dholak. Haldi songs were also being sung. In front of the diwan on the stage, a table was set up with all the ingredients used in the haldi ceremony, neatly arranged.
Guests were busy working here and there. Among them, a woman wearing a white saree was seen managing all the work, running from one place to another. Going up the stairs, in the room on the right, a girl wearing a yellow floral print lehenga-choli was sitting. Her fair complexion looked radiant in yellow. Her curly golden hair reached her waist, with a few curly strands playing flirtatiously on her cheeks.
Her large eyes, lined with kohl, held a strange emptiness and sadness. Her thin lips were like petals of a rose, colored pink. A small yellow bindi adorned her forehead, with a mangtika made of flowers hanging just above it. She also wore flower earrings. Her entire adornment was made of flowers, and the girl adorned in yellow looked like a blooming sunflower, but her face was filled with a strange pain and sadness. Her large eyes were trying to convey something, but there was no one there to understand their language.
Several girls were sitting around her, laughing and joking, but the girl sitting among them was completely silent, as if she wasn't hearing anything, or as if she wasn't really there. She just kept staring at the ground.
After a while, a girl came downstairs, who appeared to be around the same age as the girl upstairs, meaning around 20-22 years old. Seeing the aunt, she walked towards her and said with a smile, "Namaste, Auntie."
Hearing her voice, the aunt turned towards her and smiled, "Namaste, dear. It's good you're here. Go to Aarvi. When the haldi from the groom's side arrives, we'll inform you, and then you can bring them downstairs."
"Yes, Auntie, I was going to her, but first, please tell me if there's any work I can do." The girl asked them with a gentle smile. They touched her cheek affectionately and said, "You are very sweet. If we need any help, we'll let you know. For now, go and check on Aarvi to see if she's properly ready. And where is your mother? Didn't she come?"
"How could we not come? It's the wedding function of our dear friend's daughter. How can the function be complete without us?" As they asked, a voice came from behind. Both of them looked back and saw a woman wearing a yellow silk saree and a smile on her lips, walking towards them. Seeing them, the first lady, Anupama ji, smiled and walked towards them.
"Is this the time for you to arrive? You say you are my dear friend and you are arriving like a guest," Anupama ji said in a complaining tone. Then Rajni ji, meaning Rashmi's mother, said with a pout,
"Leave it. We should have complained. What was the hurry to marry off Aarvi so quickly, like a 'chatt mangni aur patt byaah'? No preparations are being made. You should have given a little time."
"You know, Rajni, how much I worry about Aarvi's future. By God's grace, a very good family approached with a proposal. The boy is also a gem. I liked the family and the household, so I thought I should finalize the proposal. They asked for the wedding to be soon, so I said yes, thinking that such a good proposal might slip away."
"Anyway, she had to get married one day. If Aarvi finds a good family, all my worries will end. You understand, it's not easy for me to manage everything alone, but Aarvi is my responsibility. Sending her to a good home is my dream. That's why everything had to be done quickly."
Anupama ji laid bare all her dilemmas. At that very moment, Arpita ji stepped in. She had heard everything. As soon as she finished speaking, Arpita ji smiled and said, "You are not alone anymore. You have your friend with you. See how grandly we will get your daughter married."
Hearing her voice, both women turned around. Anupama ji smiled upon hearing her words.
"Who is this? I've never seen her here before," Rajni ji asked, looking at Arpita ji. Anupama ji replied with a smile, "She is our college friend. We have a very deep friendship. We separated after marriage. We met again yesterday in the market, so we invited her to the wedding. She is very wealthy. We didn't think she would come at our request, but she did, and we are happy to see that."
"Oh, how could I not come? It's my friend's daughter's wedding. I may be wealthy, but I am also your friend, so I had to be here. And now, you all should stop worrying and look after your daughter's wedding rituals. The responsibility of this wedding is ours. We will get it married so grandly that people will be amazed."
Arpita ji said with a smile as she approached them, and the two women smiled. Some servants also came with Arpita ji, and they all stood to one side.
Anupama ji introduced Rajni ji to Arpita ji. Then Arpita ji smiled at Anupama ji and said, "I don't have a daughter, but your daughter is my daughter. I've brought some servants with me. If you don't mind, they can handle all the work here. Just tell them what needs to be done. I want to help you. Will you give me this right?"
"Aarvi is also your daughter. You can do whatever you wish," Anupama ji's eyes welled up upon hearing her words. Arpita ji hugged her and said, "Now you don't need to worry. We won't let there be any shortage in Aarvi's wedding."
Rashmi, Aarvi's friend, whose mother is Rajni ji, had been listening to their conversation. Now, looking at the three of them, she smiled and said, "You three friends talk. I'll go and see my friend."
She walked towards the stairs. After a while, she was standing outside the room where the sad girl was sitting with other girls.
Rashmi's smile had vanished. She sighed deeply and opening the door, she said, "You all are being called downstairs to dance and sing."
As soon as she said this, all the girls ran away from there. Rashmi turned and closed the door and walked towards the sad girl, who was still sitting there like a lifeless statue, looking at the ground.
Rashmi stood in front of her, but the girl didn't lift her gaze. Rashmi silently watched her sad face for a few moments. Seeing her sad eyes, her own eyes welled up with moisture, and she called her in a low voice, "Aarvi."
As soon as she called her name, Aarvi's eyelids blinked, and a few drops of tears rolled down her cheeks. But she didn't even look up at her. When she didn't respond, Rashmi said again, "Aarvi, look at me. Will you hide your pain and suffering from me now?
Tell me, why are you getting married? You know what Vihan is like. Your life will be ruined by marrying him. Tell me, what is your compulsion that you are ready to make your life hell, knowing everything? You never paid attention to him in college. What happened suddenly that as soon as college ended, you agreed to marry him?"
Hearing her questions, tears began to stream from Aarvi's eyes. She squeezed her eyes shut in helplessness. Not a word escaped her lips. Seeing her cry like this, Rashmi hugged her and said with a heavy voice, "Aaru, there is still time. Refuse this marriage. He is not human; he is a demon. He will make your life worse than hell. Don't do this to yourself."
Saying this, she herself started crying. Aarvi cried, hugging her. After a while, she composed herself, separated from her, and wiping her tears, said, "Nothing can be done now, Rashmi. Everything is over. I have to get married. I am helpless. I cannot tell you anything.
And I cannot refuse the marriage either. I know he wants to possess me. I am his stubbornness, and he can go to any extent to fulfill it.
I can't do anything. Even knowing everything, I have to jump into this hell. And I have no other way. Also, Mom is happy with this marriage. I cannot break her heart. After marriage, I will only be ruined. At least for a few days, let me let my mother live in peace."
Saying this, she sobbed. Tears also flowed from Rashmi's eyes. They are childhood friends whose relationship is deeper than sisters. Both were crying when there was a knock at the gate, and a voice from outside said, "Arvi didi has been called by Big Mom downstairs. The haldi has arrived from the groom's side."
Aarvi covered her mouth with her palm and burst into sobs. Rashmi, composing herself, replied, "I'll bring her down in two minutes."
Hearing her, the girl left. Aarvi composed herself and stood up. As she turned to leave, Rashmi grabbed her wrist and stopped her. Without looking at her, Aarvi said, "Please, Rashmi, I have to go."
Helplessness and compulsion were evident in her voice. Rashmi said with a heavy voice, "I'm not stopping you. I know you. If you've made such a big decision, there must be a very big reason behind it.
I won't force you. I will just wait for the day you share your pain with me. And now I won't say anything to you. I will say to that God who gave birth to all of us, that if He truly exists and is watching everything, He will save you from that monster. And if He doesn't do so, and my friend's life is ruined, I will turn away from Him forever.
They say that good things always happen to good people. Now it is His test to see if He truly blesses the good or if He only supports the bad. I was just stopping you because if you go down like this, Auntie will get worried."
Hearing her, Aarvi looked at her with teary, confused eyes. Rashmi picked up the makeup kit and fixed her makeup, saying, "For her happiness, it is important to hide your sadness."
Hearing her words, a painful smile spread across Aarvi's lips. The two friends, burying their pain in their hearts, went downstairs.
To be continued...
The story continues in the next chapter.
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The next day began just like the previous one. Everyone in Shan's house finished their meal and left for their respective work. Today, Anshika was with Subhash ji again, and both were coloring. Arpita ji informed her and left for Aarvi's house. On the other hand, there was a lot of hustle and bustle at Aarvi's house since morning.
Today was her mehndi ceremony, and Rashmi was getting her ready. Although both friends didn't have the heart for it, it was a compulsion.
Soon, all preparations were done. Downstairs, music and dancing to the beat of the dholak had begun. Thanks to Arpita ji, all the arrangements there were handled smoothly. Arpita ji also arrived, and the mehndi function began.
Rashmi sat there heartbroken, but she was so angry that she flatly refused to have mehndi applied. Aarvi, with teary eyes, watched as mehndi was applied to her palm. As soon as the mehndi artist asked her for her future husband's name, she fell into thought.
Hearing the word "husband," she felt something strange, as if she were being caged, from which escape was impossible, and she felt suffocated.
She didn't reply, but Rashmi quickly said, "Write S, my brother-in-law's name starts with S." As soon as Aarvi heard her voice, she looked at her in surprise. Rashmi, annoyed, said in a low voice, "I can't tolerate that scoundrel anywhere near you, so how can I let his name be written on your palm? Therefore, S will be written on your palm, the S of Shiva's name. Anyway, you respect him a lot, so get mehndi in his name, maybe he will send his own reflection for you."
Aarvi averted her gaze from her. Rashmi stayed with her the entire time, taking care of her food and drink. Gradually, everyone got their mehndi. As evening approached, all the ladies got busy preparing for the sangeet. Arpita ji left, saying she would come tomorrow.
It was nighttime. Suyash ji was not in sight; only Arpita ji, Anshika, and Shan were present. Shan was feeding Anshika when he heard Arpita ji's voice, "Shan, your uncle had to go for party work, he won't be able to come tomorrow, and the wedding is tomorrow. If we go alone tomorrow as well, it might not feel good, so can you spare some time and come with us? Just for a little while."
Hearing her, Shan's extended hand froze. He looked at them in surprise, "What will I do there, Big Mom?"
"Son, please come with us, we won't feel good going there alone tomorrow. We'll just give the gift and return home. Please come for our sake," she requested. Shan didn't like this, and he politely said, "I respect you a lot, Big Mom. You don't need to request. For you, I will come with you tomorrow, but only for a little while. Then I will come back, otherwise Anshika will have to stay alone."
Arpita ji was extremely happy. The next day, Shan was to come home early, as the wedding was in the evening. Meanwhile, at Aarvi's house, there was a lot of activity. Since morning, preparations for the wedding and small rituals were being completed. After noon, the beautician also arrived, and Aarvi started getting ready for her wedding.
Rashmi was also there, and now her heart was pounding. It was 7 in the evening. The guests were busy getting ready; some, especially the men, had already arrived at the venue. Rashmi was ready and was helping Anupama ji downstairs. Although she still wished for the wedding to break somehow, she couldn't see any way. Moreover, Aarvi had made her swear not to create any commotion.
Therefore, the poor girl, out of helplessness, was watching her friend's life turn into hell. Only Aarvi knew how she had held back her tears, because at that moment she felt like crying a lot, but she was compelled not to cry.
Anupama ji was very happy today, after all, it was her only daughter's wedding, for whom she had dreamt many dreams. The baraat was expected to arrive at 10 o'clock.
A large bungalow near Juhu Beach in Mumbai had been decorated like a bride; many people were present there. Preparations for the baraat to depart had begun. Ashima ji, meaning Vihan's mother, asked an aunt to go upstairs and call him, so the elderly woman went upstairs.
She knocked on the door, but there was no response from inside. She knocked two or three times, but there was no sound. Now she gently pushed the door inwards, and it opened. The aunt looked everywhere inside, but he was nowhere to be found. After that, the news spread like wildfire: "The groom is missing."
Meanwhile, at Aarvi's house, most of the preparations for welcoming the baraat were complete. Aarvi sat alone in the room. Suddenly, a fast-moving car started speeding towards their house. The car stopped abruptly near the house gate, and a young man stepped out of the car.
He was wearing a light yellow sherwani, had mehndi on his palms, and his fair face was completely red with anger. The fire of anger blazed in his eyes, and he clenched his fists.
He got out of the car and walked towards the gate with quick steps. The young man stormed angrily from there towards the stairs. The women present there watched in utter shock. Some tried to stop him, but no one could withstand his anger. He reached outside Aarvi's room, and at that very moment, Rashmi and Anupama ji stepped out of the kitchen.
All the women were talking and looking towards Aarvi's room, so their gazes also turned in that direction. As soon as Rashmi saw the young man's back, she softly murmured, "Vihan." Her eyes widened in surprise. Anupama ji called from downstairs, "Vihan, son, you..." She had barely finished saying this when Vihan, in anger, kicked the door hard, making Anupama ji and the other women tremble. They looked at him nervously, but Vihan seemed not to have heard them at all.
He entered and slammed the door shut. Seeing this, Rashmi and Anupama ji ran towards the stairs. The other women also started gathering, and all sorts of conversations began among them.
Meanwhile, hearing the sound of the door being kicked, Aarvi, who was inside the room, got startled and stood up. When she saw Vihan entering, her body trembled with fear. When Vihan closed the door, she became even more nervous and, with trembling lips, asked in surprise, "Vihan, you're here. What are you doing here at this time?"
Hearing her question, Vihan turned towards her and, glaring at her angrily, said, "Why, should someone else have been here instead of me?... Or did you call some friend of yours here, and I arrived in his place, which is why you are surprised?"
"What are you talking about? You know I've never had any relationship with any boy. I am surprised because I didn't expect you to come here. I can't even think about any other boy. I am getting married to you, so how can you even think such vile things about me?"
Hearing his vile accusations, Aarvi also flared up in anger. Seeing her anger, a crooked smile spread across Vihan's lips. He moved towards her and said, "Uff, it's this quality of yours that makes me crazy about you."
Hearing him, Aarvi turned her face away, looking at him with hatred. Seeing this action, Vihan's face once again flushed with anger. He had reached her. He angrily grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him, making Aarvi look at him in fright.
To be continued...
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We had just read that Shan and Aarvi were married. While Shan was doing it all for show, just for the sake of it, Aarvi had accepted the marriage wholeheartedly, thinking perhaps this was her destiny, which is why she ended up with Shan even in these circumstances.
After their wedding, they went to Aarvi's house to seek her father's blessings, with Shan doing all this silently for Arpita Ji.
When the time for departure arrived, Aarvi couldn't stop her tears. How could she? The mother who gave birth to her, who raised her so well despite all the pain and hardships, who educated her so much, she was their everything. Besides each other, what other support did these two mother and daughter have?
Now she had to leave her beloved mother and go to an unknown place where she knew no one. Yes, she knew Arpita Ji, but a mother is a mother, and only a daughter can understand the pain of leaving her mother. No argument could lessen her sorrow at that moment.
Anupama Ji felt the same way. After all, her beloved daughter was going to be far away from her, forever. She now belonged to someone else's home, and she would be alone there. Thinking this, both mother and daughter shed tears.
Somehow, with a heavy heart, they parted with Aarvi. Her farewell was done, and as the car moved away from the courtyard, the speed of Aarvi's tears increased. She was crying profusely, and Arpita Ji was comforting her. On the other hand, Rashmi and Rajni Ji took Anupama Ji inside, comforting her.
Arpita held Aarvi close to her chest, and Aarvi sobbed uncontrollably against her. Arpita Ji was trying to console her, while Shan drove the car silently, without any emotion.
The car sped on. As Aarvi cried, her eyelids grew heavy. She hadn't slept properly for days and was also exhausted from the wedding, so she drifted off to sleep.
About an hour later, the car entered the Malhotra Mansion through the large gates and stopped in front of the inner gates. Shan looked back at Arpita Ji, and she caressed Aarvi's head with great affection and said, "Aarvi dear, we have arrived."
Aarvi wasn't deeply asleep, she had just dozed off. As soon as she heard Arpita Ji's voice, she snapped her eyes open and sat up abruptly, saying, "Sorry, I don't know how I fell asleep."
As she lowered her gaze, Arpita Ji gently touched her cheek, and Aarvi looked at her with anxious eyes.
Arpita Ji said with a gentle smile, "It's alright dear, you don't need to be nervous or apologize to us. We know you must be tired from the wedding rituals, so you must have dozed off. It's okay, come, we want to welcome our daughter-in-law into our home."
Hearing her words, Aarvi lowered her gaze, adjusted her clothes, and then stepped out with her. Shan had already gone ahead, so Arpita Ji called out to him from behind, "Shan, wait."
As soon as his voice reached Shan's ears, he stopped. He turned towards them, questioning her with his eyes why she had stopped him. Understanding his question, she smiled and said, "Today, for the first time, our daughter-in-law is going to step into her home, and she will enter this house with you as your life partner."
"Big Mom, it was a matter of your honor that I went through with this marriage in name only. But I told you before, you will bring your daughter-in-law into this house, not my wife. For me, this marriage was just a drama I performed for your happiness. So, she can stay in this house as your daughter-in-law from today.
But nothing more than that. This marriage means nothing to me, nor do I have any relationship with this girl. You can welcome her as you please, but don't even think about dragging me into all this, because I am not going to participate in any more of your dramas. Besides, I don't have time for these useless things, as yesterday was wasted anyway." Shan replied curtly and walked ahead.
Arpita Ji's face fell upon hearing his words, while Shan's words felt like shards of glass piercing Aarvi's ears. She couldn't believe what she had just heard was true. All her dreams shattered in an instant before her eyes. Tears welled up in her big brown eyes. It felt as if someone had cruelly struck her heart.
Arpita Ji composed herself and then gently stroked her head, saying, "Don't feel bad about his words, dear. Give him time and trust us. Even though he is denying this marriage right now, he will very soon accept this relationship wholeheartedly. He will give you the status of his wife, and the love you deserve.
We can't tell you much right now; there's a lot you need to know, but we'll tell you later. For now, understand that you are indeed his wife, and now you have to take care of him and this house. We have full faith in you that you will be able to do this. Come inside, your new home awaits your arrival."
Aarvi's eyes welled up, but she didn't say a word and moved forward with them silently. At the threshold of the house, Arpita Ji asked her to stop, and by then, Chhaya had arrived with the Aarti plate.
Shan's words were still echoing in Aarvi's ears. She was lost in her thoughts when suddenly a sweet voice reached her ears, "Mamma..."
There was so much sweetness in this voice that Aarvi snapped out of her thoughts, and her gaze instinctively turned towards the source of the sound. However, due to her veil, she couldn't see anything. Before she could understand anything, a pair of tiny arms wrapped around her feet, and once again, the same melodious voice fell on her ears, "Mamma, you're here!"
To be continued...
"Mamma!"
There was so much sweetness in this voice that Arvi came out of her thoughts and her eyes automatically turned in the direction of the voice, but due to the veil, she couldn't see anything. Before she could understand, someone's tiny arms wrapped around her legs and that melodious voice fell into her ears again, "Mamma, you came."
Arvi bent down to look, but before she could do anything, Shaan's angry voice echoed there, "Anshika!" The voice was so loud that Anshika trembled with fear, Arvi also got scared, and Arpita Ji looked in the direction of the voice. Shaan was standing right in front of her, his eyes red with anger, staring at Anshika and Arvi.
Before she could understand, Shaan reached Arvi and forcefully took Anshika away from her. He said angrily, "How many times did Daddy tell you that you don't have a mamma and she will never come? How can you call anyone Mamma?"
"Big Dadi said she would bring Baby's mamma, Anshu wants to go to Mamma, Daddy. Mamma came, now Anshika will never let her go." Anshika tried to get down from her lap and said while crying. Hearing this, Shaan's anger increased, and he scolded her angrily, "She is not your mamma, did you hear?"
"No, she is Anshu's mamma, Big Dadi said she brought Anshu's mamma." She burst into tears. Before Shantanu could say anything, Arpita Ji took Anshu from his lap and consoled her, "Why are you crying? Didn't Dadi say that today Daddy would bring Mamma for our Princess? Look, we brought your Mamma."
"Badi Maa," Shantanu wanted to say something in protest, but she interrupted him and said, "Enough of your obstinacy, don't break our innocent child's heart for your stubbornness. Can't you see how happy she was, and you made her cry for no reason. The sooner you understand this, the better it will be for you. Your marriage is done, Arvi is your wife, and now she is also Anshika's mother."
Hearing this, Shantanu wanted to say something, but looking at Anshika, he remained silent and left the place angrily.
Arpita Ji smiled and said to Anshika, "Your Daddy gets angry over small things, let's leave it, we'll make him understand later. First, let's introduce you to your Mamma."
She took Anshika and moved towards Arvi, whose eyes were filled with tears. She had just realized that Shantanu didn't accept this marriage, while he had put Sindoor in her part and dedicated himself to her. She had assumed him to be her husband from the heart.
And now she knew that the person for whom she left her home and her mother didn't consider her as anything. Moreover, the boy she was married to already had a daughter, and that too so big. This was a shock for her. She knew he had a child, but she didn't think he would have a grown-up daughter.
Arpita Ji stood in front of her and said with a smile, "Today, let's introduce you to the most important person in our home. This is our life, our granddaughter, Anshika, who is now your daughter, and you have to love and nurture her like a mother."
In the last few days, she had understood that her heart was very pure, and there was only love for everyone in it. That was why they didn't think once before making her their daughter-in-law.
They hoped that with her arrival, their innocent child, who had been craving her mother's love, would now have her life's biggest void filled. They believed that she would give her mother's love to Anshika. "Take off your veil and look at your daughter, who has been waiting for you for so long."
Arpita Ji said it with love. Hearing this, Arvi composed herself. Then she heard that sweet voice again, "Mamma, are you also angry with Anshu?"
There was sadness in her voice. Arvi immediately lifted her veil and looked at the girl. Her eyes stayed on her face. The girl had a beautiful face like a moon, deep blue eyes like a lake, thin pink lips, and curly hair from her shoulders to her back. Her hair was styled with two small braids in the front, and some strands were falling on her face, making her even more cute.
Her face was so innocent that anyone would love her. She was wearing a beautiful black dress that reached her knees. She was looking at Arvi with her blue eyes filled with sadness.
Arvi felt so much love for her that she smiled and said, "Does anyone get angry with their so cute daughter?"
"Are you angry with Baby like Daddy?" Anshika blinked her eyelashes innocently.
"No, beta, you didn't do anything like that. (After pausing, she said) Mamma is not angry with you, and Daddy was also not angry with you; he is angry with Mamma." (As she said this, sadness appeared on her face, but she hid it behind her smile and said) "Okay, tell me, what is this little princess's name?"
"Anshika, but everybody calls Baby Anshu. Mamma will also call Baby Anshu, and Baby will like it." Now she spread her cute smile on her face and said while looking at Arvi. When she smiled, dimples appeared on her cheeks, making her even cuter.
Arvi smiled while seeing her beautiful face, "Mamma will call you Anshu, but you have to love Mamma first."
She turned her cheek towards Arvi, who immediately kissed it. Then she wrapped her arms around Arvi's neck and hung there. Both Arpita Ji and Arvi smiled.
Arvi took her in her lap and removed her curly hair from her forehead, then kissed her forehead. Anshika hid her face in Arvi's neck and said, "Baby missed you so much. Never leave Baby alone again; Baby doesn't like it without you."
She started sobbing again. Arvi took her away from her and cleaned her tears with love, "No, Mamma will never leave you alone. I will always be with you and give you lots of love."
Anshika again leaned against her chest. Today she met Anshu for the first time, but for some reason, she felt a strong bond with her, as if she was her own daughter. Seeing the child's longing for her mother, she felt a pang in her heart. She couldn't bear to see her tears. She caressed her like a mother.
Now Arpita Ji lovingly placed her hand on Arvi's head, and Arvi looked up at her.
She smiled and said, "You proved our trust right. We were right; we could never find a better daughter-in-law for this house than you and a better mother for Anshika. We have to tell you so many things; you must have many questions in your heart. You will get answers to all of them, but not now. The marriage ceremony went on all night; you must be tired. Go and freshen up, and then we will introduce you to your new family and tell you many things."
Arvi wanted to ask many things, but listening to her, she remained silent and quietly followed her. Arpita Ji had already asked the servants to bring her belongings.
Arpita Ji took her to Shantanu's room, and by then her belongings had also arrived. She smiled at Arvi and said, "This is your room. Now freshen up; we will come in some time. If you need anything, just call us. Our room is after three rooms."
"Okay, Aunti," Arvi said very politely. Hearing this, she smiled and said, "We were your Aunti, but now we are your mother-in-law. But you are our daughter, so from now on, you will call us Maa."
"Yes, Maa, I will take care from now on," Arvi said with a smile. She kissed her forehead and said, "Go and freshen up." She left the place with Anshika, that they would make food for Arvi.
...To be continued...
Arvi began to look around the entire room. How big and luxurious that room was! Decorated with antique items, a large king-size bed was placed right in front of the door, on which a white bedsheet and some white pillows were neatly set.
On both sides of the bed, there was a small table with a lamp. The wall behind the bed had a beautiful painting with many pictures displayed above it. On the right-hand side, there were two wooden wardrobes, which looked quite large and beautiful. Next to them was a door, followed by a glass door that opened to the balcony, on the other side of which was a pool. Small plants were planted around it, and that view was also amazing.
To the right of the bed was the washroom, and next to it was the changing room, meaning a walk-in closet. A short distance from the bed, a glass table was placed, and next to it, a large sofa set was arranged.
Everything was in that room; at first glance, one could tell the reputation of the person living there. Arvi was seeing all this for the first time. She stood in front of the dressing table. There were things placed there whose names she didn't even know. For a few moments, she silently looked at herself in the mirror.
The bridal red attire, the vermilion filled in her hair parting, and the mangalsutra around her neck were screaming at her that she now belonged to someone else, was someone's wife, but whose? The person who had outright refused to acknowledge this marriage. For whom she had no existence, nor did this relationship hold any value.
Shan's words echoed in her ears, her eyes welled up, but then she wiped away her tears. Anshika's innocent face came before her eyes.
Her calling her "Mamma" with so much love made her feel, for a moment, as if she were her mother. Wiping her tears, she told herself, "You cannot give up. You know your mother's happiness lies in your happiness. You have to live for them, fight for them."
"For your destiny, if this relationship is connected, then you have to nurture it. So what if he doesn't give you the status of his wife? You are still Anshika's mother, and no one can take this relationship away from you. You will stay here for her now. From today, from this very moment, your only purpose in life is to shower all your motherly love on her, to give that innocent child mother's love. God knows how long she has been yearning for this love. She has given you the status of her mother, and now it's your turn to give her the love of a daughter."
Now she walked towards where her bags were kept. Then she picked up her bag and placed it on the bed. She took out her clothes and went into the bathroom. After some time, she came out after bathing and moved towards the dressing table. She took out some things from her smaller bag and started getting ready. In a short while, she was ready.
She looked at herself in the mirror once again. A light red umbrella suit with yellow leggings and a red and yellow combination dupatta draped closely around her neck. Peeking from beneath it was the mangalsutra she wore. A light vermilion was applied in her hair parting.
Her curly hair was tied in a braid. She wore a few bangles on her hands. She was very simple and hadn't done anything else, but her beauty was incomparable. She was creating havoc even in this simple attire. As she turned, the door of her room opened, and little Anshika stood there, a sweet smile on her lips and sparkle in her eyes, looking at Arvi.
Seeing her, a smile also settled on Arvi's lips. As she moved towards Anshika, she said, "What are you doing there? Come here."
"Mamma, Grandma has called you downstairs," Anshika said with a smile. Arvi picked her up in her lap and walked out of the room. As she left, the door of the room next to the dressing table opened, and Shan stepped out.
His face had no expression, but as soon as his eyes fell on the jewelry on the dressing table and Arvi's belongings, his face turned red with anger. His eyes blazed like lava. He moved angrily towards where Arvi's bags were kept, intending to pick them up and throw them away. But then something struck him, and he dropped the belongings right there. He took clothes from the cupboard and went into the bathroom.
Meanwhile, Arvi went downstairs with Anshika. Arpita Ji was waiting for her in the hall downstairs. Arvi went and stood in front of her, then bent down to touch her feet. Arpita Ji stopped her and gently touched her cheek, saying, "May Mahadev grant you every happiness in the world. May you always remain a suhagan and continue to adorn our home with your smile."
Arvi smiled slightly at her words. Then, looking her up and down, she said, "What is this, dear? You are not wearing anything around your neck, nor in your ears. Your hands also look bare, and your feet are empty. You are a newlywed bride; people should be able to tell that you are our daughter-in-law."
"Badi Maa, I am not used to all this. Mother used to say that after marriage, a girl should never leave sindoor and mangalsutra, and her hands should not be bare. So, I have put on some bangles, I am wearing the mangalsutra, and I have also applied sindoor. If I wear more than this, I won't be comfortable. However, if you still insist, I will wear everything."
She said it with such love and innocence that Arpita Ji couldn't help but smile. She affectionately patted her head and said, "No, dear. If you don't feel right, then don't wear them. We won't force you. You look beautiful just the way you are. Anu was right, and you have honored her words and this relationship."
"Seeing your understanding, we like you even more. Now we are even more confident that you will live up to our expectations. Just do one thing: along with these bangles, wear those bangles too that we gave you during the wedding. Those are our ancestral bangles, and we want our daughter-in-law to always wear them."
"I will wear them right away," Arvi said and took a step to leave, but Arpita Ji stopped her, saying, "You can wear them later. Come with us now; we have a lot to tell you and someone to introduce you to."
To be continued...
Arvi stopped upon hearing her words. Anshu had already been sent to Subhash Ji's side, and now only she and Arvi were there.
Arpita Ji, leading her forward, said, "Come, now we will tell you about our family, which is now your family too. There are only five people in our house - Anshika, Shan, and you have met us, and you must have understood that we are not Shan's mother, but his paternal aunt.
Now you must be wondering where his mother is, we will tell you about that later when the time is right. For now, just know that we have raised Shan, and you must never, ever mention his mother in front of Shan. Understand that he hates his mother; we cannot tell you the reason yet.
Do not mention Anshu's mother in front of him either. We too have never understood who Anshika's mother is, but we know that Shan's life is in Anshu, and at the slightest sneeze from her, he drops everything and rushes to her side. If Shan is alive today, it is perhaps only because of Anshika. He has seen a lot in his life, which is why he has become so hardened.
He has bitter memories associated with every form of woman, so he no longer believes in relationships, but we believe that you will soon make a place for yourself in his heart, and you will transform the poison filled in his heart against women into sweetness with your love. You will make him understand the meaning of relationships. Not every woman is deceitful, so only you can give him faith.
You have to erase all the bad memories for him; it won't be easy, but we believe you will do it, and we are with you. Now you have to stay here, so we will tell you everything slowly. For now, we are taking you to meet your father-in-law. Your elder uncle has gone out for work and will return by tomorrow. For now, let us introduce you to Brother.
In these conversations, they reached the room where Subhash Ji lived. Many things were running through Arvi's mind, many confusions, questions, but for now, she silently walked with them. She opened the door and went inside with him. Inside, Subhash Ji was talking to Anshika.
When the sound of the door opening reached their ears, they turned their heads and looked. As soon as Subhash Ji's gaze fell on Arvi following behind Arpita Ji, he started looking at her face intently, as if trying to recognize her.
Arvi, with lowered eyes, was approaching them. As soon as Arpita Ji reached them, Subhash Ji, looking at Arvi, asked her, "Bhabhi, who is this child? I have never seen her before."
"We'll tell you in a moment. First, tell me, how do you like her?" Arpita Ji asked in return. He looked at Arvi intently, then smiled and said, "She is a very lovely child. It's as if Savitri from years ago has appeared before us. The same innocence, the same simplicity, and beautiful like her."
There was a unique glow on his face, and along with his lips, his eyes were also smiling with happiness. Arvi looked at them in confusion, and now Arpita Ji turned to her and said, "Arvi beta, touch your father-in-law's feet, meaning Dad's feet, and take his blessings."
Arvi silently obeyed her words and bowed down to touch his feet, but she did not stand up straight because Subhash Ji had not yet blessed her. He was looking at them, surprised and perplexed by Arpita Ji's words. Understanding the questions reflected in his eyes, Arpita Ji smiled and said,
"She is your Shan's wife, your daughter-in-law. The marriage happened under strange circumstances. Understand that this gem was about to belong to someone else, but fate made her our daughter-in-law. The wedding was last night; only we and Shan were there.
You know how hardened your son has made himself. He doesn't even accept this marriage yet, but we are fully confident that he will soon accept this relationship from his heart. She is a very lovely child who captivates everyone in an instant. We hope you have liked our daughter-in-law. You will see, when you get to know her, you will also fall in love with her. Now bless your daughter-in-law so that she can handle this house and your grumpy son."
"Yes, Daddu Mamma is very nice, she loves Anshu very much, but Daddy is angry with Mamma, so he is not talking to Mamma, but Mamma is very nice. Will you talk to Mamma?" As soon as he fell silent, Anshika recommended Arvi, and Arpita Ji smiled.
Subhash Ji first looked at Anshu, whose eyes were shining as she looked at him, then he looked at Arvi, who still had her feet touched. He slowly raised his hand and placed it on her head and smiled, saying,
"May you always be happy. We have full faith in Bhabhi; if she has chosen you for our Shan, then you will be the perfect life partner for him. Shan is not bad at heart; the bitterness within him is our fault, his past. We hope you will forever erase this bitterness from his heart.
May Mahadev always be with you. You are exactly like Savitri's shadow; she filled our life with happiness when she came into it, and when she left, she took all our happiness and reason for living with her. But promise us that you will never leave our son's side."
He extended his hand towards her. Arvi was listening to his words intently, trying to understand them. He asked her to promise, so Arvi looked at his palm, lost in thought.
Seeing her silent, Arpita Ji placed her hand on her shoulder. Arvi turned her head and looked at them, then at Subhash Ji, whose eyes reflected a strange emptiness and pain, and he was looking at her.
Arvi now placed her palm on his palm and said, "I promise you that I will never leave his side. From now on, this house and this family are my everything. I will fulfill every relationship with my heart until my last breath."
Hearing her words, Subhash Ji and Arpita Ji smiled. Arvi stood silently, thinking, then after a pause, she said, "Dad, can I ask you something?"
"Ask, beta. You have called us Dad. From today, you are our daughter along with our daughter-in-law, and you have every right to ask us anything; you don't need permission for it," Subhash Ji said with a smile, encouraging her to ask.
Arvi thought for a few moments, then asked, "Dad, why are you sitting in this room? I mean, why don't you come out, and why are there so many machines here? Are you sick?"
She asked, looking at the machines and medicines kept near their bed. Hearing her question, Subhash Ji's face saddened, and he said with a heavy voice, "We are sick, beta. We have a disease for which there is no cure. We want to die, but we are keeping ourselves alive for Shan and living somehow. This life has become a burden on us. Our desire to live left us long ago, but our souls refuse to free our bodies from this illusion of life."
"Why are you saying this, Dad? You are so good, you have such a good family that loves you very much, so why don't you want to live? You know, it takes many lifetimes to get a human birth, and it should not be wasted like this. No matter how big a problem comes, a person should never give up.
God keeps testing us, but does that mean we should stop living? I don't think you are sick at all. Surely, you keep yourself locked in this room and think such things, that's why you feel sick. Now that I have arrived, see how I will make you better. You will come out with me, feel the fresh air, and all these negative thoughts will leave your mind." Arvi explained, showing her concern. Hearing her, Subhash Ji smiled and said, "We cannot walk, beta."
Hearing his words, Arvi felt as if she had been shocked. She looked at him in surprise, then at Arpita Ji, and Arpita Ji said sadly, "Yes, beta, Brother cannot walk. The lower part of his body is paralyzed. Shan showed him to the best doctors; treatment has been going on for years, but there has been no improvement yet.
In a car accident, Brother lost his ability to walk. After that, he confined himself to this room. We tried a lot, but he never agreed to go out."
Arvi listened to her silently. When Arpita Ji fell silent, Arvi looked at Subhash Ji and asked seriously, "Dad, do you consider me your daughter?"
"What's there to consider, beta? You are your Shan's wife, our daughter-in-law. If we don't consider you our daughter, then what else will we consider you? We are very happy. Earlier, only Anshu used to talk to us, but now we have also found a lovely daughter," he said, touching her cheek with a smile.
Arvi now held both his palms and continued, "Dad, I don't know what happened before, why you don't want to live. I don't know anything, and until you tell me yourself, I won't ask you anything. But Dad, if you truly consider me your daughter, will you do one thing for me?"
"Say it, beta," he urged her. Arvi was silent for a moment, then began to say, "From now on, whatever I say, you will have to do it. You will not even bring the thought of dying into your heart. I have lost my father once. After so many years, I have got the chance to feel a father's love again, and I don't want to lose this love or you.
I know I have just met you, but I like you a lot. You are just like my father, only he wasn't so negative. But it's okay, now that I'm here, see, very soon you will be on your feet, and all these bad thoughts will leave your mind. Once these thoughts leave your mind, you will get completely fine very soon, and you will play running around with Anshika too. Tell me, will you listen to your daughter?"
She looked at him with hopeful eyes. A smile spread across Subhash Ji's lips. He lovingly placed his hand on her head and said, "When our daughter is asking us for something so lovingly, how can we break her delicate heart? We will do everything you say, beta. You are exactly like Savitri's shadow; we cannot make you sad even if we want to. Now, even we want to live, and we want to see our son living happily."
"That's what I'm talking about. You'll see, I will take such good care of you that you will get completely well very soon." Arvi's face lit up upon hearing his words. Arpita Ji looked at her with a proud smile and said, "With your behavior, you are making our belief stronger that we made the right decision by making you the daughter-in-law of this house and including you in Shan's life."
Hearing her words, Kanchan smiled slightly. Now the room door opened, and a nurse stepped inside. Arpita Ji looked at her and said, "You take care of them; we'll be back."
She took Arvi and Anshu with her. Arvi was then sent to the room to wear those bangles, and she herself went to arrange for food, accompanied by Anshika.
To be continued...
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Shan went downstairs with Anshu. Aarvi followed him. When the three reached the dining area, Arpita Ji was present along with Suyash Ji. Seeing them, Anshu, with a big smile, looked at them and said,
"Big Dada, you've arrived. Where were you? You know Daddy brought Mummy back. Now Mummy will never leave Anshu. Baby made Mummy promise, now Mummy will always stay with Baby."
Hearing his innocent words and seeing his joyous face, Suyash Ji smiled faintly, but his entire attention was on Shan's face, which appeared extremely angry at the moment. Noticing his anger, Suyash Ji smiled and said, looking at Anshu, "Did you like Mummy?"
"Yes, Big Dada, Mummy is very nice and very pretty too, just like the princess from Baby's story, and Mummy loves Anshu very much. Baby likes Mummy a lot, now Baby will always keep her near." Anshika's happiness knew no bounds today, and her joy was enough to convey how much she had missed her mother. Now Suyash Ji looked at Shan and said, "Good morning, son. How are you?"
"Good morning, Elder Papa. I am fine. Tell me, did the work you went for get done properly?" Shan had somehow managed to control his anger. Just as he fell silent, Aarvi stepped in. Arpita Ji saw her and then smiled and said,
"Enough, talk about work later. For now, we want to introduce you to our daughter-in-law." (Then she gestured for Aarvi to come closer and said) "Daughter, why are you standing there? Come here, come to us."
Aarvi was standing far behind. At their call, she came near them. Then she turned to Suyash Ji and said with a smile, "This is the girl I told you about. Aarvi, and from now on, she is the daughter-in-law of our house."
Hearing her words, Aarvi bowed and touched Suyash Ji's feet. Suyash Ji looked at Arpita Ji, and she smiled. Now Suyash Ji gently placed his hand on her head and said with a smile, "Always be happy. May Mahadev give you all the happiness in the world."
Aarvi stood up, a faint smile on her lips. Suyash Ji continued with a smile, "You are even more lovely and understanding than we heard. Now that you are the daughter-in-law of this house, live here comfortably. You have as much right to this house as Shan does. You can live here however you wish, do whatever you want. We will only say this much: handling this house and these relationships is now your responsibility, and we hope you will fulfill these responsibilities very well."
"Alright, the rest of the talk will happen later. First, sit down and eat with us."
Hearing him, Aarvi said softly, "I can't eat now. First, I will feed Dad and give him his medicine, and then I will eat. You all eat."
She said this very gently. Her words made Suyash Ji and Arpita Ji smile, while Shan looked at her in surprise. But before he could say anything, Arpita Ji affectionately patted his head and said, "Go, daughter. Feed Bhai Sahib and come back. We will wait for you."
"No, Elder Mother, you all eat. I will eat later. Why should you all be troubled because of me?" Aarvi tried to refuse them, but this time Suyash Ji looked at her and said with a smile, "What's there to be troubled about, daughter? You are a member of our family, and today is your first day here, so today the whole family will eat together."
"Elder Mother, I was thinking of bringing Dad here. It would be nice if everyone ate together." Aarvi said this with a slight hesitation. Her words surprised Suyash Ji, and Shan's eyes widened as he looked at her. Arpita Ji, smiling once again, said, "If you can do this, no one will be happier than us. We tried to explain a lot to him, but he just refused to come out of his room. If you can convince him, go and bring him."
Aarvi's lips curved into a smile. She said with longing, "I'll just go and get him now."
She smiled and left. Arpita Ji sat down next to Suyash Ji, and he said with a grave expression, "Why did you let her go? You know Subhash will never agree to come out of his room. He hasn't listened to us until now, even though he agrees to everything else, except for this. And how long has Aarvi been here? He won't agree to come, and that poor child's heart will break for no reason."
He appeared worried. Understanding his concern, Arpita Ji said with a gentle smile, "Don't worry, his heart won't break. That child has such charm that she wins everyone over in an instant. A little while ago, we introduced them to Bhai Sahib, and he liked her very much.
Bhai Sahib doesn't talk much with anyone, but he was talking to Aarvi very affectionately. He has considered Aarvi his daughter and promised her that he will obey her every word. If our faith in them is strong, then today our entire family will eat together after years, and that too, just because of her."
Hearing her words, a ray of hope dawned in Suyash Ji's mind, and he said with a smile, "May your faith prove true. If Subhash agrees to come out, no one will be happier than us. Once he steps out of those four walls, he will recover quickly, and we will get our brother back, the one we lost years ago."
Hearing both of them, Shan sat silently. A storm was raging in his mind. His irritation with Aarvi was increasing, and now he also wanted to see if his dad, who had never come out of his room at his request, would come here today because of this girl, who hadn't even been here for two hours.
To be continued...
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