I Became His Replaced Bride

Chapter 6

Modi Bhawan, 9: 00 am.

Aashna's heart pounded as she felt her palm sweat in discomfort and nervousness. Aarav was nice to her, but his cold demeanour with everyone else left her feeling uncertain and intrigued. She couldn't help but observe him closely, watching the contrasting sides of him as he warned his mother about something and engaged in a heated argument with Kalpit.

Confused and lost in her thoughts, Aashna found herself torn between her principles and her feelings for Aarav. She believed deeply in the importance of respecting elders, loving partners, and cherishing friends, but she didn't know Aarav as a person. She had married him as a total stranger, a replacement bride for him.

As they walked together towards the elegant dining room, Aashna wanted to pull her hand out of his intertwined one, her discomfort increasing. But she hesitated, not wanting to make a scene on her first day in this extravagant household.

The dining room was a sight to behold, humongous, with fifty seats and a tall ceiling adorned with an intricate chandelier. The mahogany table and chairs, the fine Italian cutlery, and the opulent surroundings made Aashna feel even more out of place and intimidated.

Finally, as they reached the table, Aarav let go of her hand, but not before a soft yet strong squeeze that sent shivers down her spine. Aashna quickly avoided eye contact, not wanting to reveal the overwhelming emotions swirling inside her.

She followed Aarav quietly as he took his seat, and soon the table was filled with the whole Modi family, adding to her sense of unease.

Devki smiled at Aashna, trying to make her feel at ease, and said, "Dikra, go on, serve everyone what you prepared." Aashna nodded timidly, her heart beating fast, and began to serve, starting with Devki and then carefully placing food on Aarav's plate.

However, before she could continue, Richa, Aarav's cousin, spoke up, halting Aashna in her tracks. "What about Komal Aunty and Raghav Uncle?"

Aashna froze, unsure of how to act in this delicate situation. She knew that Komal was upset because of her presence, and guilt gnawed at her heart. Should she go and call them? Should she apologize and ask them to come for breakfast?

But before she could do anything, Aarav spoke up, his tone firm and composed, "Mom and Dad will come if they find it necessary." His words were like a gust of wind, sending ripples of tension across the room.

Devki frowned, disapproving of Aarav's response, and said, "Aarav dikra, don't speak like that. They are your parents. And today's Aashna's pehli rasoi. Komal and Raghav must eat and bless Aashna."

Aarav remained stoic, his gaze steady, and Aashna saw the depth of his emotions beneath his outward facade.

Summoning her courage, Aashna couldn't hold back any longer. She felt a surge of emotions and found her voice, "They are your parents. I-I want them to e-eat." Her words trembled, but her determination was evident.

For a moment, everyone held their breath, expecting Aarav to scold Aashna for her audacity. But to their surprise, he gave a stiff yet complying nod. Aashna visibly relaxed at his affirmation, feeling a glimmer of hope in his response.

Aarav was about to stand up, ready to bring his parents to the table, when Raghav came bolting into the dining room, followed by an equally angry Komal. The atmosphere tensed even further as their eyes met Aashna's, filled with frustration and disappointment.

The room was tense as Raghav's piercing gaze fell upon Aarav, his eyes ablaze with anger and disappointment. "What is wrong with you, Aarav? You disrespected your mother for this Parekh girl!" Raghav's scowl directed at Aashna made her feel like she was the sole reason for all the trouble. Aarav, on the other hand, remained indifferent, his voice heavy and intimidating, as he replied, "She is Mrs. Modi now. Not a Parekh anymore."