Shanaya's pov
As I cautiously entered the magnificent mansion, which was twice the size of the villa I used to live in, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Ofcourse Mr. Deshmukh had made it onto the richest list this year. I was completely unaware of this until my sister, Shreya, excitedly revealed the news to me 2 weeks back. She couldn't contain her joy, exclaiming, "Yayyyy! My soon-to-be husband is on the list of the world's wealthiest individuals and was also voted the most handsome man last year. I have no doubt that he'll top the charts again this year. After all, he is Shreya's fiancé and soon-to-be husband."
I couldn't help but be perplexed by her actions. I had always thought that she was the only one who, a bit not excessively, showed some kindness towards me. But it seemed that I was mistaken. My thoughts were interrupted when I passed through the grand gate and saw my husband standing there, clearly displaying impatience as if he was being forced into doing so. Soon after,Mr Deshmukh's mother or maybe my mother-in-law approached me and apologized, expressing regret that he had left me alone in the car. She explained, "Oh, my dear! You've arrived. I apologize for his behavior. He's just exhausted. I'm sure you must be tired as well. Just a few more minutes, and once the remaining rituals are completed, you both can retire to your room." I nodded, not wanting to raise any suspicion by giving away my tearful state. In that moment, I felt a mix of emotions, making it difficult to hold back the tears. However, my mother-in-law, sensing my distress, kindly remarked, "Anyways, my daughter! I can imagine how challenging it must be to still be wearing the chunnari. You can remove it now that the wedding is concluded. We can then proceed with the rituals to formally welcome you both into the house."
My heart skipped a beat as I heard Mr Deshmukh's mother's words. I could feel sweat forming on my forehead and my hands trembling uncontrollably. Fear consumed me, and I closed my eyes tightly, tears streaming down my face once again. In my mind, I desperately thought, "Mumma,I don't wanna be in this world please save me mumma and take me with you."
Interrupting my thoughts, Mr Deshmukh's mother spoke with concern, "What happened, Shreya beta? Do you need help? Let me assist you." Suddenly, a sharp intake of breath escaped my lips, causing me to start hiccuping in shock. She continued, "Oh, my daughter! Are you alright? Why are you crying?" Swiftly, she removed my chunnari to wipe away my tears, and I tightly closed my eyes, overwhelmed by fear.
Everyone's eyes were on me, as the truth was revealed - I was not the intended bride, but a replacement. In a whisper, still in shock, my mother-in-law asked, "W-who are you?"
Once again, a stern female voice came from behind, maybe Mr Deshmukh's grand mother asking, "Isha, who is she?" Despite the heaviness in her voice, Mr Deshmukh's mother struggled to accept the fact that I wasn't the bride she had envisioned, but rather, an "ugly girl." She struggled to speak due to the shock but said mustering up the courage "I-I don't know M-Maa." I kept my gaze lowered, tears streaming down my face, unable to find the words to respond. Then, a rough male voice interjected, "Beta(daughter), who are you and what are you doing here in Shreya's place? Tell the truth, or else it won't end well for you." It seemed as though he was Mr. Deshmukh's father and may be my father-in-law. I opened my mouth, but fear gripped me, making me speechless. Just then, a striking handsome figure approached me, making it clear he is Mr Deshmukh my accidental husband, his voice filled with disgust and anger, as he exclaimed, "What can she possibly say now? After committing such a disgraceful act, she must have lost all sense of shame." His fiery gaze pierced through me, and I tightly pressed my lips together, refusing to make a sound or show any signs of crying upon hearing his hurtful words. He continued, raising his voice even louder, "BETRAYAL! I DETEST BETRAYAL. HOW DARE YOU? HOW FUCKING DARE YOU! BE PREPARED TO FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF MESSING WITH THE DESHMUKH FAMILY." His furious eyes locked onto mine, and I knew that my future would be filled with hardship and uncertainty. Yet, in that moment, I couldn't meet his gaze, silently crying, aware that he was right - our actions were wrong.
YOU ARE READING
𝕁𝕒𝕒𝕟 𝔹𝕒𝕟 𝔾𝕒𝕪𝕖 (𝓡𝓮𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓮)
RomanceThe Deshmukh family they're rolling in wealth, but don't let that fool you. They're sweet as candy to the good souls, but if you're bad news, they're your worst nightmare.They're worshipped and respected, holding tight to their values and traditions...