I Became His Replaced Bride

Chapter 1

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Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Vaishnodevi temple, 8:30 am.

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A girl was seen praying to the goddess with her head down and face concentrated. She had long hair that reached her waist tied in a French braid. She was dressed in a dark blue salwar suit. And her skin was of a colour similar to dark chocolate. Some people looked at her with disapproval, judging her based on her outer appearance. The girl was unaware of the disgruntled glances. It was not new for her. Almost all her life, this is the most common thing which happens. She lives in a country where physical looks are the defining feature of a person. Though the country was of brown people, white-skinned people are considered beautiful. Anything less is intolerable. Sadly, the girl fell into the latter category. According to the harsh society, she was not beautiful. It didn't matter if she has a heart of gold.

The girl with a final bow towards the goddess, turned around to leave the temple. She was getting late. She had to buy shampoo for her sister. Descending the steps, her eyes fell on a lady who was distributing clothes to poor and underprivileged children. It brought a smile to her face. Smiling, she unconsciously went nearer. She watched the children bloom with happiness on getting clothes. It warmed her heart. She clutched the bag in her hand. It contained a beautiful frock for a ten-year-old girl. It was specifically her frock. Every Sunday, she brings some of her clothes to donate. Though she had an old dress, the lady was giving away newly bought clothes. It made her heart sadden slightly. She doesn't have money to buy new clothes. She earns enough to sustain herself. Nevertheless, she is happy that the kids are getting clothes.

Upon close inspection, the lady was old. Maybe around seventy. She was wearing a cream-coloured saree of an expensive material. Her wrists were adorned with heavy gold bangles. Similarly, her ears and neck were decorated with beautiful gold jewellery. The girl concluded the lady belonged to some rich family. The lady had a beautiful heart, much like her beautiful face. Even old age couldn't hide that. With grey hairs and a wrinkly face, her beauty remained.

The girl frowned when she watched the lady argue with a man who appeared to be her manager or something. It seemed the lady had no more clothes to give and there was one girl left. The little girl was looking at the lady expectantly. The lady was visibly worried and guilty. The scene pinched her heart. Sympathy washed over her. She couldn't bear the sadness emerging on the face of the little girl and troubled lady. Approaching them, she said,

" Excuse me, mam. I got late on the way. Here is the dress."

The old lady looked at the girl with confusion. The girl emphasised the packet of dress in her hand for the lady to take and then at the little girl. The old lady took the hint. Relief washed her face. The lady smiled in gratitude and took the packet. The girl watched the lady give the dress to the little girl. The girl smiled, and then her eyes fell on the watch on her wrist. It made her heart fall. She was getting too late! She needs to go. She raced down the stairs.

The old lady turned around to thank the girl who helped her. She frowned when she watched the girl running in a hurry. Not wanting the girl to leave without her saying her thanks, the lady called after the girl.

"Listen, dikra! Wait!"

The girl looked back at the lady apologetically and continued running down the pathway until she disappeared. The lady was disappointed. She wanted to know the sweet and kind girl. She wanted to thank the girl for helping her.

"Madam, do you want me to follow the girl and bring her to you?"

"No, she is gone. It is not needed."